Confession to make. And an admission. It’s been about two weeks since my arrival to Barbados and in this time of wide-eyed observance of my new world, many aspects of the old seem to have fallen away entirely, fairly unnoticed. The news, for instance. Pretty sure I already knew this, but it turns out it really is entirely unnecessary to “keep up” by watching an endless stream of debilitatingly depressing and overly regurgitated bits about every negative occurrence in my backyard, this town, that state, over here, way over there and way beyond to the outposts of the galaxies. Somehow the important pieces have a way of insinuating themselves into your awareness without having an endless stream feed itself into you. (Sheesh, does no one watch Doctor Who?) As for the admission, it must be said that despite feeling it was a great opportunity and a grand adventure, I still sported trepidations about moving to the tropics. Those of you who know me might well recall how much I enjoyed my foray into this weather realm the last go ‘round, and on the drive from the airport to my new home while watching the scenery pass by I was not overwhelmed by tropical beauty as one might expect when arriving to a Caribbean island or in contrast to say, one’s arrival to the Hawaiian islands. The first few days of exploration (by foot, pre-car rental) had me hot and rash-y, a familiar foe from tropical experience #1. Uh oh. But since then with the dissipation of anxiety that surrounded the move (having to ship my kits to London – argh!) and enjoying the further explorations afforded by having a vehicle, am finding those first impressions and misgivings replaced by the idea that Barbados may be something like a geode, craggy and slightly homely at first glance, but within resides a world of fantastic color and light. Its a given that the beaches are stunning, but the people are the real treasure. The kindest and most open people I have encountered in many moons, if in fact, ever.

True luxury found today at the Beach Club pool we have access to by virtue of living in this neighborhood. The pool is maybe 20 yards long with a view to the ocean, sparkly clean and completely empty! A lap swimmer’s absolute dream come true! With high season approaching I’m sure this will change but for now I will get over there at opening every day and take full advantage. It really is the simplest things in life…