Posts Tagged With: Barbados

Kelly’s Kloset

Posted on May 10, 2016 by erikamae82

Kelly’s Kloset is a personal shopping experience that allows you to browse international clothing and jewelry lines without the hassle of crowded fitting rooms or cluttered racks. I love this concept! To expose her newest line from Bali, she held a fashion show in which I was honored to be the hairstylist. The venue was located in St.James Barbados at The Cliff, an open air lounge with multi-level seating that over looks stunning turquoise waters. The ambiance is inviting with a colorful decor and unique design that leaves you with somewhat of an international feel. 
And for the view? Well, take a look!

What you can’t see from your table is all of us preparing for the show. Vibrant girls, beautiful women and my hands in an abundance of hair. Here’s a glimpse of behind the scenes. 

Once the show began, the crowd was properly entertained by a local DJ as they sipped their rosé and enjoyed the fresh west coast breeze.


 

This was such a success that she followed it up with another presentation a few weeks later. I was invited back for another round of curls and hairspray except this time, I was asked to be in the show as well. Say what!? Well, why not…. Right? A new experience outside my comfort zone to add to the list of “Never thought I’d be doing that!”. Bring it on.






Ladies, if you’re interested in any of the designs seen, please check out her page here and take a look around! There’s also good ol’ Instagram @ kellyskloset246.  Local girls, she has multiple locations on the island in which require a scheduled visit… It’s as easy as a phone call! 246-234-9039


 Kelly, thanks for the opportunity and experience working with you and your passion. It’s clear to me that you live a life full of light, color and joy… Looking forward to the next round! 

Categories: Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A flippin good time

Posted on April 18, 2016 by erikamae82

On my first return to Barbados back in 2012 my friend Ryan introduced me to Shane De Freitas and the local adult gymnastics class. For the full flash back of those days see the post called Calories… Love to consume them, love to burn em!

Google Shanes name and what will most likely pop up is his participation in the 1996 Olympics back in Atlanta Georgia as the only gymnasts representing Barbados. Along side that, you’ll read of his success with Bimflip Gymnastics and his link with Power Monkey Fitness amongst other accomplishments. 

World, meet Shane De Freitas.

 
Putting all that boring stuff aside (said with sarcasm) this post is about his phenomenal students and our current Tues/Thurs class that more than likely keeps him grounded… or slightly insane.  Either way, the photos taken by the incredible Mark Harris will hopefully give you a broad idea of our quirky class! 

First task as always, warm up!  Some of you may or may not understand the concept of stretching and its necessity to the body, especially with age. Your hamstrings will thank you tomorrow.

   

Ryan clearly enjoys this stretch. Maybe it’s a hurt so good kind of thing?For the majority of the hour and a half we do random drills according to the events that are desired by the students. Considering we have a huge range of level, it’s always fun to see the variety of skill ability. Since this post isn’t geared towards the sport itself rather just to show how we like to spend our evening, I’ll let the photos do the most the talking. 

  

 

   

  More often than not, you’ll find us upside down… my happy place.  

  

       

Yes, we even brave the bars as most adults would be like, “You want me up where? Doing what?!”  Shy away from the beam?  Nah. Or in Dani’s case, beams. She jumps all three in a row! Out. Of. Her. Mind!Bars, beams and rings… Oh my! Remove the floor, bars, beam, ropes, mats and you’re left with… Air!  Our class loves to take flight.  I seem to have a mental block that suggests I have weights tied to my feet. Notice I handstand around the world… There’s no elevating involved.         Take notice this is a double rotation to a foot landing! I can barely sort out where I am when I roll out of bed.   I wonder what caught her so funny mid flight.  Gotta love a happy gymnast! I’ll end it with a few photos of us having a miserable experience in this self induced torture of a time.   

      
 
If you have any excuses for not doing gymnastics, please see the following who have proven otherwise:

“I’m too tall” –  Andrew, Martin and Max… All over 6ft 🙂

“You know I just surf, right?” – says Jessica while in her full splits!

“I have a bad knee.” – determination and dedication shown by Abby in a brace.

“I was just a child last time I did it.” – welcome back Ysabelle, Heather, Andy and Melissa!

“I can barely even touch my toes” – …but I can flip, jump, swing and twist like a champ, proves Ryan.

“I’ve never done it before” – most improved with a smile goes to Dani.

“I just had a baby” – watch a press to handstand by new mom Michelle!

“…but I’m a ballerina.” – clearly it helps sweet Lara!

“I only taught the sport, doesn’t mean I can actually do the skills” – till I (me) actually tried!

“Sure I’m the only Bajan Olympic Gymnast, 4 time world championship competitor, 2 time ranking All American and I have a skill named after me… But that was like, 15/20 years ago” – says Shane as he pulls a double front out of nowhere! 

         Whether you think that you can, or that you can’t, you are usually right. 

                                                                                                                                                Henry Ford

Categories: Fitness, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , | 5 Comments

Behind the wheel in Barbados

Posted on April 6, 2016 by erikamae82

Getting around in any new country is a learning experience from the get-go. Amongst different traffic laws, there’s common courtesy expectations and a bundle of local unspoken rules that you can only figure out on your own. Let’s talk about Barbados. If you’d prefer avoiding the drivers sets, there’s many options to choose from. You can check those out at Totally Barbados on the Getting around article. However if you want two hands on the wheel and an elevated heart rate, please keep reading!

  First off, they drive on the left side of the road. For some this is normal, for the rest of us it’s a bizarre feeling that guides you directly into oncoming traffic wondering why the truck facing at you won’t get in his own lane! I tell you for the first five years visiting here, I would naturally walk to the right side of a friends car thinking to be the passenger until I’d see the steering wheel and awkwardly circle the vehicle again. Now, I’m driving here and have more than once (with keys in hand) opened the passenger side door expecting to hop in the drivers seat. For what it’s worth I either giggle to myself and walk around or actually reach in as if “I totally meant to open this door”. 

Once behind the wheel, I was slightly impressed with my natural ability to stay on the correct side of the road. What I was not expecting was the reversed locations of the signals. For the first week, every time I went to turn left or right, I’d switch the windshield wipers on. This of course meaning the first tropical rain that hit my view was quickly taken care of by clicking my indicators (blinkers).

Honking in Barbados is a sound of courtesy. Well, I suppose that depends on the amount of consecutive horns and the length it’s held. If a horn is blaring at you followed by some curse words, I wouldn’t necessarily blow them a kiss back. A quick tap is generally giving a fellow driver the “go ahead”. For example, if they’re waiting to turn into heavy traffic and you slow down to let them in, you can either flash your lights or give a quick honk. How do they thank you? You guessed it, a quick double honk back at ya. This is all along the side of the vans that have their own specific horn acknowledging pedestrians when offering a lift. My favorite is one that reminds me of the taco trucks on US construction sites. For those of you that don’t know, it resembles the tune “la cucarocha”. So now you can imagine a two-lane stretch of road around here sounds like a song of vehicle tunes. 

For all the North Americans who grew up with bruised shoulders from playing Slug-bug, let me introduce you to the Bajan game… Cheezy wheels. Rather than a quick strike to your neighbor for every Volkswagen Beetle, instead you hit for a yellow car. Nothing special, just a yellow vehicle that’s not public transportation. Try being the clueless one in that game the first round! Thank you Kevin and Dani.

There are more potholes in this country than sidewalks, center divides, crosswalks and curbs combined. When you’re following a vehicle that looks to be driven by a drunk 14 year old (it very well could be) you also have to take into consideration the amount of small craters that must be dodged while taking to the beat up roads. I am indeed guilty for the last minute swerve in order to protect my tires from the near cliff drop of the average pothole. 

Pedestrians have the right away. In other words the chances of hitting a human is just as likely as popping a tire on a pothole.

If you’re behind a van or bus, expect to stop every 8-20 seconds. Not only will these public transporters slow down for every bus stop, they’ll also take a park mid-street if there’s a friend in a different bus coming at them. I have actually heard conversation for the weekend plans as two drivers just randomly paused mid route causing a traffic back up.

What else causes a stand still traffic scenario? A fallen tree branch, school kids, Ninja Man, wild chickens, stray dogs, construction, broken down car, a taxi driver who thinks temporarily parking on a highway is acceptable and the occasional overflow of a Rum Shop.

Things you can find for sale on the side of the road: Raw fish, fresh vegetables, coconut water straight from the nut, burnt corn, dunks, peanuts, achee’s, newspapers, eggs, homemade juice and the popular pre-made lunches out the back of a locals car including but limited to mac pie, chicken, rice, fish, plantains and sweet potato pie.

So to give you an idea of my first exciting day behind the wheel please visualize a peanut shell covered lap with windshield wipers blaring through the sun as I attempted to signal barely dodging a pothole before coming to a screeching halt so the pedestrian could cross without looking both ways. I laughed the whole way like a highschool kid in their first car.

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How many trips to fill the sea with sand?

Posted on March 9, 2016 by erikamae82

I’ve arrived back to Barbados after having survived the traffic filled, color stained, loud streets of Carnival in Trinidad. (Click here to get a glimpse at the controlled chaos of the greatest show on earth). A small recovery was necessary since I returned with what has been labeled as the “Post-Carnival cold”. I thought I’d take a day of decompressing in the white sand of my island home away from home and share what I observed during my meditative moments of being sun kissed under the Bajan Sky.

At first I sit with my knees bent up to my chest with only the tops of my feet being exposed as I’ve buried my toes into the warm sand. My view is the wide open sea slightly populated with a few paddle borders, small fishing boats and a large ship in the far distance. To my right are 2 twin boys and a middle aged man that by assumption is their father. The kids have the energy of puppies and appear to be around the hyper age of 5, maybe 6. Just beyond them is a woman in a large straw hat with a focused face as she’s clearly being swallowed into whatever book she’s reading. Just at her feet is a small toddler girl with a thick layer of sunscreen on her tiny nose and a pink cap decorated with Dora the explorer on it. 

To my left is another child with a knee board and rope who seems to think the ocean needs more sand. He proceeds to load up a pile on his board then run into the water making sure every grain is transported back to the sea. The 2ft short boy stands 6 feet tall as he wipes it off with pride before sprinting back to land for the next load. Makes me wonder what one would think if they saw a grown man doing such a thing.

Directly next to me is a couple of love birds not a day under 70. The gentlemen in freckle covered skin is matching to his silver haired lady and her hard earned wrinkles. They lay side by side as if to be inseparable. I’m close enough to hear the giggles as they discuss something that seems to be light hearted and entertaining.

As I look back to the 5 year old monkeys, they’re extremely excited as dad has now committed (with an exhausted if I must look on his face) to covering them in sand for the typical day-at-the beach event. With smiles and no movement, they hold perfectly still for the beginning of this process.

Book absorbed mom is now completely oblivious to her Dora exploring the sand that’s stuck on her fingers.  Tempted to get up and prevent this child from digesting small rocks, I realize that’s she probably not the first to do so and like most humans, will survive.

The elderly newlyweds have now given me even more hope for sincere love beyond a crush.  I don’t know if they met yesterday or are here to celebrate their 50th anniversary, but either way… It’s precious. 

I was not surprised at all when I gazed back to find the boy still trying to empty the shore back into the ocean. He’s probably plowed through a weeks worth of animal crackers and chocolate milk during his marathon of piling, pulling, dumping, sprinting and repeating. Maybe I should develop a fitness class on the beach. “Ok adults, bring a knee board and a rope… lets burn off some calories!”

My favorite observation came when I repositioned my eyes to the boys being buried in sand. Roles had reversed. Dad now has a very devious smile and the boys, well just the heads of the boys, are stretching out with sober faces and looks of helplessness. Revenge is smeared all over fathers grin as the two energizer bunnies are bound to sand-locked beds.

I’ve given up on Dora and her exploring as she is now laying lifeless in the shade with her hat cocked to the side just barely exposing her white nose and rosy cheeks. Did the sand consumption finally get her?! Nope, mom confirms that for me as she finally breaks from the book to wake up little one as its time to go home. 

The only clock I had at this moment was the worn out surfers coming back in, the paddle boarders loading up their gear and the sun turning to shades of a child’s coloring book. I’ve been here for awhile.

The sweethearts next to me have now taken their flirting elsewhere leaving me with a happy heart (and desire for a possible first date this year). 

I wasn’t able to witness the boy and his final delivery. Considering there was still an entire beach of sand excluding the tiny ditch he created had me wondering what finally left him satisfied with his day of labor intensive activities. 

The father and sons clearly found a compromise as the twins are now free from the jail-o-mud and have relieved dad to enjoy a cold beer as they entertain themselves. 

I looked down at the area around me and realized that I had been in motion as well. With small piles in random places, a few doodles here and there and my feet now completely covered, it’s clear the beach has many titles. Babysitter, therapist, gym, romantic platter, playground, rehab, canvas… Just name it, the shore will provide.

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Yes please, but why not both?

Posted on February 2, 2016 by erikamae82

Ok, I know I’ve been slacking on the posts lately but let me explain why and catch you up. I’ve temporarily moved into an extended living situation on my favorite island of Barbados. My sweetheart of a friend chose to broaden her experiences away from the island and give Help-exchange a try! If you’re not familiar with Helpx, it’s a key part of how I’ve been able to travel for so long on a “backpackers” budget. I explain it in more detail in the post How do you afford all that traveling. Anyway, Maria asked for my assistance in planning her journey and thus she’s now volunteering on a farm in Hawaii! Me? I’m house sitting for her and taking care of her two paw babies. Quick tour of my (her) house starts with the outside.  I live in the upstairs with that sweet balcony!

 The top photo is looking left back towards the driveway and main the road. The bottom pic is looking in the direction of the south coast.

 A quick peek around shows you a few of her amazing decoration choices, items that I’d have in my place too! 

   

 Then there’s my temporary kitty kids totaling in with 8 legs, many whiskers and 2 sassy attitudes.  Meet Regina and Anastasia. Please feel free to pet them (if they’re in the mood) and don’t dare ignore them (if they want attention) and definitely don’t expect to type at the table or do a floor workout without them doing everything in their power to distract you. 

 
Time to welcome my first guest. Remember Carina?  The precious German girl I met back at Oktoberfest in 2011 and have traveled with ever since. Our adventures range from Germany to North America with a little pit stop in Amsterdam and many memories made in Costa Rica. Now we add Barbados! 

 

The past two weeks looked like this…

Food! Of course I got her to taste all of the local delights from fish cakes and rotis to doubles and Mac pie. She didn’t shy away from the rum punch nor did she decline the opportunity to try pudding and souce (thank you Ryan!) She saw the fresh farmers market and tried a bite from the drive thru at the popular Cheffette (thank you Alex!). What holiday would be complete without a liquid beverage of choice, I offerred a fruit smoothly or Bloody Mary.  Typical Carina response, “Yes please, but why not both”? 

    
   
A fish cutter from Cuz and pit stop at good ol’ Mr. Delicious before saying hi to Coconut Chris. 

    
 
I snuck her in to what I’d like to claim as my own personal hidden gem (that in actuality is a popular shop for the locals) to enjoy a piece of heaven form the ever changing menu. Another trip to Cafe Moya is a success!

 

We treated ourselves to a day at Accra Beach hotel and brought along some German games. Wouldn’t you?! 

 
Did she make it to the beach? I can honestly say I lost track of how many times this girl found herself with red shoulders, sandy toes and a huge smile. 

    
 

There’s no way I’d let her leave without experiencing Cool Runnings (thank you Annika and Robert!) and of course my favorite Tuesday night plans of gymnastic (thank you Shane!) Live music at Mullins Beach bar (thank you Dwayne!) and the Surfers Cafe (thanks Bodie!). We also watched a BVB futbol game (thanks Marvin!) and had some girls night out (thank you Annika, Irene, Monica and many more)!

   
How did we get around the island (if our amazing friends weren’t able for a lift)? Only another experience that one must encounter while visiting.  The local transportation! She expressed that it was like being on a carnival ride with the lights, music, people and incredible (ha ha) driving skills.

 

You’ve seen this familiar palm tree in many previous post.  This time the landscape makes an appearance with a duo handstand! 

 
Lastly, she was one of the bright smiles in the last post, Ms. Barbados, Queen of the sea in which we experienced the annual race around the island!  (Thank you Stewart, Jason and ALex!)

 
Palm trees, sunsets and sandy smiles pretty much sums up our unforgettable time on this magical island.

    

 
Last stop is the airport in which we were both departing on the same day.  Her heading back to the one degree temperatures of of Bochum Germany and me… Well, you’ll see! 
 
Carina, you hold an undeniable light that is constantly illuminating the world around you. Your sincerity, passion for life, and genuine nature has been (and still is) a magnetic quality that I miss when you’re gone. Thank you so much for the years of tummy twisting laughter, hours of silly games, moments of connection and the depth of friendship that I truly hope others get to experience. You are one of a kind and I’m so grateful to call you my friend (or sister if you ask anyone else)! Cheers to us till next time… And who knows where or what we’ll be toasting!? XO

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Boxing Day… no gloves needed!

Posted on December 31, 2015 by erikamae82

Ok, so the 25th has passed and all is quiet on the island… 

                                                                          Yeh, if you’re the only one that lives in a cave!

Boxing Day is a holiday that generally takes place on the 26th of December being that it’s the day after Christmas. It’s been said that this bank holiday was developed because servants were required to work on Christmas, but were allowed to take the following day off. As the workers prepared to leave, their employers would give them a gift box, hence “Boxing Day”. Another theory is that there were boxes put in churches in which the wealthy deposited coins for the poor. These were then opened on the 26th and distributed. No matter where or how it began, it has developed into a break from the daily grind with good reason to keep the celebrations going.  

So how did we go about the festivities this year? The only gifting that came from a box was the abundunce of coolers filled with adult beverages. I suppose the major exchange involved the giddy locals sharing laughter and positive energy. With white sand, a big sky and hundreds of friends ready for some down time we gathered at a surprise location for what’s unofficially called “The raft up”. The photos speak for themselves!      

If you didn’t come in by water, not to worry as there’s a grand chance that you know someone who did. With the Barbados heat hugging your skin, a nice swim to a friends boat seemed to be the perfect way to cool off. Here’s a shot looking back at the island.   

Now since you get the visual of this massive social event, imagine the background tunes ranging from the top 40 hits combined with dance beats and a solid Soca mix. This only 2nd to the laughter and chitty-chat from the vibrant people all around you. Music to my ears!
The idea captured below had to of been the most impressive creative moment of the day. The sand is a bit tricky to brace a table, so instead they dug holes to create an elevated stage. When you want something bad enough… You make it happen. Brilliant!   
Can’t you just feel the love? 

   

    

    

   

    …and to think this was only a small percentage of the photos taken! 

If several of these smiles look familiar, it’s more than likely due to the years down de road in all of the Kadooment posts.  Happy friends, good tunes and the Caribbean sunshine. My cup is overflowing (and I’m not talking about the Bajan Rum Punch)!

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White Christmas… snow or sand?

Posted on December 29, 2015 by erikamae82

Who do you spend your holidays with? 

Relative: a person connected by blood or marriage.

Friend: a person who you like and enjoy being with; one who is attached to another through affection.

Family: a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation (in my opinion it’s a combo of the above).

If I were to get a little emotional in my writing, I’d tear up as I tell you how lucky I am to have gotten to spend several holidays with some of the most amazing people I know. You’ve seen my dearest family in Oklahoma in which this time of year calls for freezing rain storms and an abundunce of sweet treats. Then there’s my incredible mother who so eagerly makes every occasion so special with our time in Florida. My childhood friends in California never fall short to extend a welcoming invite to spend the winter days with them as seen in the holiday 5k run and Dream-catcher with the hawk. I’ve even been fortunate enough to have celebrated abroad like St.Patricks day in Argentina, Thanksgiving in Japan and the unforgettable Easter in Panama.

This year I wasn’t in Florida with my mum for the actual holiday but it wouldn’t seem complete if I didn’t mention our Christmas festivities (which is summed up by the photos below). I love you mom!  

 

Christmas in the Caribbean is surprisingly more similar to what I knew as a child back in the states.  There’s jolly carols playing in most of the shopping areas with random decorations lining the malls and public buildings. Store attendants have Santa hats on and St.Nicholas may appear randomly throughout the weeks leading up to the 25th.  If I had to outline the differences from what I can remember in the cold USA to the island life now, it’s obviously the weather and possibly the stockings.  Aside from candy, we got gloves and mittens, flannel pajamas and little trinkets.  Here they get Catch bars, sunglasses, flip flops and surfboard wax. Instead of snow angels, it’s sand angels and the pine trees that are brightly decorated in the front windows have been imported from overseas, instead of hand cut down on a visit to the mountains. 
Here’s a tiny snip of some of the scenes around here on the magical island of Barbados.

   

In regards to dinner, the typical meat served around here includes fish, ham, turkey or good ol’ fried chicken. The sides range from macaroni pie, sweet potatoes, plantains, greens, boiled vegetables and other random family recipes. If you’re lucky there will be some fried okra, homemade cassava rolls and breadfruit! Like a bit of spice? I wouldn’t pass on the local pepper sauce! Is your mouth watering? Check out all of the posts listed here for a much clearer canvas of the Bajan food that I have fallen in love with.  

 This Christmas I was welcomed into a variety of meals, toasts and family affairs that left me overflowing with love!  

In respect of all lovely people I encountered and homes I visited, I’ll keep this portion private and simple. (I also fear that if I begin to mention all the names of the hugs that I got to embrace that I’d leave out someone and we don’t want that). So for what it’s worth, here’s a just a small bundle of an entire day of joy! 

 I’ll close with some fun by taking a look at past and present winter photos. Wonderful to think that while some are strapping in snowboards, others are on surf boards and when a bunch of you decide which scarf to wrap up in, others are debating on which swimsuit to wear. Warm veggie soup verses a freezing fruit smoothie, snow boots or sandy toes… The list could go on and on!

  

    
 

  Ok, so the 25th has passed and all is quiet on the island… 

                                                       Yeh, if you’re the only one that lives in a cave! 

Next post will expose what is now one of my favorite events that takes place on December 26th, look out for Boxing Day!

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Last bundle of Barbados… for now.

Posted on September 6, 2015 by erikamae82

Confession time. I’ve been so consumed with an abundance of events, exciting adventures and new friends that any spare time I’ve had, was taken by eating, pretending to sleep or getting ready for the next excursion. I’ve also learned that a blog can wait when the elderly man next to you on the plane decides to tell you a story or you get a spontanious invite during your prime writing time. With that said, here’s what I’m going to do for my own sanity and the benefit of future posts. Since so much has been happening, I’m simply going to compact the rest of Barbados into this one last post so I can catch you up to my current playground… country to be announced soon!

Here’s the rest from my island home away from home!

As you already know, my mom made a quick trip out to stay with me that allowed for us to share some of my favorite spots! A jaunt to Holders Market provided us with fruits, veggies, coconut chips and plenty of hugs from our earth loving friends!  

    
   
World, meet my dear Kenneth. His undeniable passion for this planet and the creations that abide here shouldn’t go unnoticed. His consistent smile and energy towards a healthy mind, body and spirit reaches beyond his wellness products. If you desire any of his goods or you’re on the island and what a one on one tour, please feel free to email him lutakenkwam60@gmail.com

Lovely Azizah fills our world using her creative new concepts for handbags and jewelry. I was actually sent on this day to pick up a purse for an international friend! If you’re interested in her designs please email her at aonifa@gmail.com or call (246) 267-1100.    

This happy fella created his product by hosting small dinner parties for friends and family, then expanded his ideas beyond the kitchen. He now serves up cocktails with local fruit, hand picked herbs and creativity. He’s still developing the business, so contact info is coming soon. 

On the way out of the market we stopped by for a familiar greeting from this Barbados born and raised author. Edison not only rememebred my name after our first meeting, but continued our conversations every week. Click here if you desire a deeper look into purchasing this entertaining book of short stories from the Caribbean!  

 Next up is a day at the pool where we first put our toes in the water during our first vacation here. If you can recall the post Not just a dolphin tour Barbados is the location I surprised her with for her 50th birthday in which we celebrated just months after her final chemotherapy treatment. The first collage is us at the same spot back in 2011.

  

We returned to Accra beach for a walk down memory lane and a day of relaxing. I blogged away while mom took a swim with my new friend from afar Fanie (you’ll meet him later). Happy thoughts and sunny smiles!

I’m sure you were wondering “will she get to see Cafe Moya?” Of course! Making her third appearance is the kind spirited Marguerite and her creations at one of my favorite eateries.  

An evening out started with a surprise reunion with the group that first invited us to return to this magnificent place! Back in 2011, the segway polo team traveled to my hometown of Folsom for the Woz Cup of Segway polo (a team sport similar to horse polo, except instead of playing on horseback, each player rides a Segway on the field). See Just the beginning of Barbados for more details.

Here’s a collage of our first meeting back in California.  

On this night we got the privilege of attending their gathering as they celebrated the trophy of this years Woz Cup. They are the 2015 World Champions!    
After a round of hugs and a few speeches, mom and I headed out with a few of the boys for an entertaining evening on a popular strip known as 2nd st. Thank you Ryan for bringing the sombrero… a brilliant accessory to a night out on the town!      

I’d like to close this post by showing a few random shots that were taken during the past weeks. No rhyme or reason, just more to admire from my favorite island.  
  

          

   
    

To my incredible friend that I get to call Mom. With full gratitude, I thank you for sharing your time, laughter and love with me. You are my biggest fan and I want you to know that I still feel your unconditional support even when we’re thousands of miles apart. I love you!
  
 
  

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Bridgetown Vs Bridgetown Market

Posted on September 4, 2015 by erikamae82

Located on the southwest coast, Bridgetown is the capital city (and only city) in Barbados.  Like most cities in the world, you’ll find an array of contrasts within the busy streets. New cars and old bikes, historical sights next to booming businesses. There are street vendors selling colorful fruit, fresh veggies, snacks and random trinkets right outside of clothing shops, hair boutiques and popular mall stores. Casual cafes to nice restaurants sit along the dock offering local plates and if you’re looking for fast food (served with a side of greasy guilt) you can opt for one of the not so fast food joints on the island… Chefette, Burger King or KFC. 

FUN FACT: Barbados is the only country in the world in which McDonalds opened and closed due to lack of customers. The popular chain barely survived 6 months!

    

    
Have a sweet tooth? You can always find a bakery or local sugar shack but in this heat, the popular choice is anything cold, preferably frozen!   

If walking doesn’t suit your day, there’s never a lack of taxi’s eager to give you a lift. This cheerful cab driver was fine with us declining a ride, however was very dissatisfied that my head wrap didn’t have a bow in the back. He took it upon himself to make sure “dis angel sista gah-de-bow she deserve”. Thank you for brightening my day kind sir! 

 
We had two random priorities that consumed some of our time during our stroll through the city. First, my dear friend Shanda wasn’t going to put her poor feet through another step of blisters. Lucky for her, there’s several shoe stores conveniently located within the city. Success! 

 
Secondly, a handstand. In the years I’ve been enjoying this wonderful country, I have yet to snag an upside down smile in the Capital. Completed!

    

  
Thank you Shanda for sharing your creative photo abilities. Check out this cool shot! 

 

Moving on to the Bridgetown Market. Not to be confused with the capital city, this annual event happens in the final weekend of Cropover. With 3 days of jam packed entertainment, local cuisine and a variety of shopping, it’s known as one of the largest street fairs in the Caribbean. 

 Along the famous Spring Garden highway you’ll find a wide range of authentic Caribbean dishes like jerk chicken, macaroni pie, fish and chips, fried plantain as well as smaller vendors with local fruit drinks and baked goods.  

 This was our view in either direction where we sat to eat. You can imagine the contrast between this angle and the vibrant street behind us.  I suppose that’s just one more thing I love about this place. 

Once you’ve had your fill of edibles, there are plenty of items to wander through as you get lost in the colorful stalls lining the highway. If shopping is your intention, just look for the brightly colored stalls inviting you in for a stroll through unique products. Jewelry, bags, clothes and like items to plants, herbs, fruit and veggies.
   
   
 

If you walk down the paved road, you’ll be tempted to chip away to the soca music or at least stop and watch the ones dancing in front of the speakers. No joke, this fella was gettin’ down for the entire time we were there! 

 If you’re keen for more traditional tunes, just follow your ears to the small stage located behind the rainbow stalls.
 

So when you’re on the island during the entertaining week of Cropover, I’d suggest making time for a walk thorugh both the capital city as well as the annual Bridgetown Market.  I’ll leave you with a shot from our walk home. Hard not to smile, right?

 

Categories: Art, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , | Leave a comment

We aren’t guaranteed “someday”.

Posted on August 30, 2015 by erikamae82

So there I was skyping with my mom, making the usual wishful comments of what we would do if she was here in Barbados with me. “I would show you this place… have you try that food… take you there…” and so on. Although she’s traveled here before, it’s been years and since her last trip and I have explored the island a bit beyond her experience. Soon after several skyping sessions, I could feel her leaning farther into the reality of actually returning to this magical place someday. As most people will confirm (especially after surving a traumatic life experience) that we aren’t guaranteed someday so yes friends, you guessed it… she made it!  

 I’ll just jump right into the surprise I had been keeping from her since the moment I found out she was coming.  “Ok, I love you and just trust me (what every mom dreads hearing, right?) put your suit on, pack for the pool and hop in!”
Here’s a photo of us on the way to her (soon to find out) day of spoiling!

 
Welcome to Cool Runnings!

There are a few catamaran cruises here in Barbados, but only one (in my opinion) has the right to boast of their phenominal customer care. In years past, I’ve been able to experience Cool Runnings Barbados and since then shared the adventure with others. You can read those specific posts from my 2012 trip or last years Teaching a frog how to dive. 
Cool Runnings has now launched their new luxury cruise which is on a more intimate scale due to a smaller group and a range of high quality products. For me, there was a feeling of familiarity as the crew greeted us with a sincere smile and welcoming warmth (it wasn’t just the Barbados weather). “May I get you a beverage as you settle in?” Who wouldn’t want to hear that at the beginning of what is set to be a day of sailing, snorkeling, dining and optional dancing?

Before we left the dock, I took a quick loop to give you a photo tour of this stunning catamaran. 

  

    
    
   
Within moments of stepping on board you’re offered a beverage ranging from coffee and tea to juice and soda as well as a large selection of adult beverages. A serving (or 3) of homemade banana bread is passed around and then it’s time to depart! 

 
The crew for our day consisted of three outstanding men who seem to have mastered the ability of balancing a fun social energy with the upmost sense of professionalism. We were even lucky enough to have Robert aboard. He’s the king (more properly “the captain”) of this floating castle and made sure we all were having a brilliant time.   

 
The other two gentlemen were equally as accommodating making sure there wasn’t an empty glass in hand and that all needs were met. They were so on point with the passengers, you would of never guessed that Douglas and Kevin were also in control of the entire boat! 

 
Their capabilities went even further than that. Try stearing the boat while gripping a girl who’s randomly upside down next to you. Well done Douglas, thanks for being a trooper!  

 
While the gentlemen were hard at work, the guests were hard at… well, relaxing. Our only responsibility was to have a good time and judging from observation, we succeeded!    

     
      

   
     

The two stops we made allowed for some swimming with the turtles, an exploration of sea life and a piece of sunken wreckage. They give you the option of snorkleing gear and flotation devices depending on your preference. Ever witness a group of adults giddy like children? It’s silly to take yourself seriously with flippers on!
    
    

After the water play (that was so graciously guided by Kevin) everyone swam back to our home for the day. Before you had a moment to even consider hunger, they were offering appetizers. House made bruschetta and/or curried chicken on a crisp won ton. Another beverage? Of course. 

  
  The lunch menu served up mouth watering options for everyone. The plates were stacked and ready for all who desired the assortment of lamb, king fish, shrimp skewers, scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, fresh salad and sauces to top. I’m confident that everyone went back for seconds and if they didn’t, they stole a bite from their partner that did get another round.

  

After lunch, our empty plates magically disappeared into the world of “I don’t have to do dishes today” and we were encouraged to enjoy the catamaran as we headed back to the starting point. 
     

 

Robert, Annika, Douglas and Kevin…  you really have something special here and I’m so grateful to of been a part of this day. I was treated like royalty, met new friends (that I’m still in touch with) and got to watch my mum absorb the experience to the fullest. This is one happy girl, thank you!
  

For more information or to book your day of luxury, please visit www.coolrunningsbarbados.com or call them directly at 246-436-0911. I invite you to tell them that Erika sent you from herhappytrails!

  

Categories: Edibles!, Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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