I promise that I will stop reminiscing about my recent trip. Not sure when that will happen, but I’m sure it will ; )
As much as I fell head over heels in love with the visually stunning island of St. Lucia—the other highlight of my vacation took place in Barbados.
When my mom and I were deciding on what sites to see in Barbados, I pointed out to my mom that it was imperative that I see the slave huts. They are replicas of the living quarters for slaves that lived in Barbados.
I had to see it. Being a black woman, I owed it to myself to see it.
And there it was. It was on the last scheduled stop of our off-shore excursion. There were a few replica slave huts and rows of chattel houses. I felt like tears were ready to start streaming down my face.
Slave Hut
Chattel Home
The tour guide led us into one of the chattel houses and really let us explore it. I practically rushed the crowd. I really wanted to see with my own eyes how my ancestors were forced to live. I took a million pics. I needed to take a piece of my history back home with me.
After snapping the pictures, we hopped on our bus and we were on our way to the cruise ship. Not sure if seeing the slave quarters affected anyone else as it did me. I’m just grateful that I got to see it.
I’m starting to really understand how people go away on vacation and have a torrid, whirlwind fling. No, I didn’t have a fling on my last vacation (or any vacay for that matter), but I kinda wished I did!
Yes, I’m still thinking of Chad (he’s the only brotha I know with the name Chad!). Why did he have to be soo damn cute? Seriously, I was entranced by his dark chocolatey skin! So beautiful.
Why did he have to be so funny and so easy to talk to? Why does he live in St. Lucia and not in Toronto? Why didn’t I exchange e-mail addresses with him when I had the chance? Why am I such a punk?
I love vacationing. I know you’re probably thinking...... um, like who doesn’t?!
I got the travelling bug after my life changing trip to France in June 2008. I’ve always wanted to visit France and dreamed of going, but never thought it would happen. When I mentally set out to make it happen, I was beside myself. I decided on my birthday to book a tour and see northern France. When I landed, I couldn’t imagine myself happier. I had a smile plastered on my face for 9 straight days (psst...I’m told my face still lights up when I speak of France). I had such an extraordinary time that I knew travelling and seeing the world would definitely be a huge part of my life.
The next place on my list to visit was Italy. I wanted to visit Italy in July, but I had to put my plans on the back burner due to changing jobs in April. I couldn’t up and leave after only working at my new job for 3 months. Also, all my co-workers had the summer off, so I basically had no choice but to stay put in Toronto.
Instead, I decided to take my mom on a cruise for her birthday. If I couldn’t take a vacation in the summer, I was definitely taking one later on in the year! So I told my mom to get ready for another cruise! My sister and I went with my mom last year, but I wanted to have a vacay with my mom-just me and my mom. Cue the sappy music!
Cruises are a lot of fun because you get to see a bunch of different places in a short space of time. You’re basically getting a taste of what the islands have to offer.
I looove Europe but I looove the Caribbean as well. They are so different, but both places make me equally happy. I like the warmth, friendliness and the liveliness of the islands. Honestly, who could possibly have a bad day when the skies are blue and the sun is perpetually shining?
Our voyage took us to St. Thomas, Tortola, Antigua, Barbados and St. Lucia. Every day got better and better. At first I thought Antigua was the gem of the West Indies, and then I fell in love with Barbados...then St. Lucia. BTW, St. Lucia is tha ish fo’real! I am truly in love with that place (Not sure if it’s the island or the super sexy (and funny) tour guide, Chad! Chad I miss your jokes!)
As frivolous as this may sound, I am actually thinking of taking another trip. I do want to visit more of Europe, but I am feelin’ the islands right now. I can definitely go for another dose of island sun.
