Back on Caribbean Time

People Dec 13, 2008

More than almost any other trip, this trip turned out to be about the people I met. What a great lot. From all over and people I'd like to have in my life on a regular basis.

My first port of call was Samana, Dominican Republic. I avoided the tours, headed to town on my own and found an old church that had been shipped in pieces to Samana back at the beginning of the nineteenth century. An elderly woman was just opening up. We struck up a conversation. She told me the history of the church as well as her own. Maria Elena was the chruch's 'missionary', which I took to mean pastor. I could only catch every third word of so of her patois. As she talks she sings snatches of hymns in a clearn confident voice that reminds me of Mom's. We sat on the blackened pews, holding hands as she gave me her blessing. Maybe sixty years ago she was a voodoo priestess, but I enjoyed the time we spent talking together and I clearly need all the blessing I can get. Maybe the blessing was all the great people I was to meet.

Sophie and Patrick were our hosts at El Momo cottages on Saba. When we arrived they sat with us for over an hour and we got to know a lot about them. They had spent 2 1/2 years bicycling from their home in the Netherlands to Tibet. Yep. Tibet. It turns out that Patrick is an extraordinary cook and Sophie is just a delightful person. They made our stay at El Momo a real highlight. I miss you guys so much!In addition there was the motley crew of other guests - Elizabeth, Heather, and Nina who shared the experience - great breakfasts, hiking, diving, movies outdoors on Friday night, the Saba Idol competition at Scout's Place, to the infused rum tastings each evening. El Momo was a joy! Uh - except maybe for the climb up the mountain.

Fred, Kelley, and Troy - Scuba Diving for the first time at 64 is a bit intimidating. Fortunately, the staff at Sea Saba is as professional as it is personable. Fred, his wife Kelley, and Troy made sure the Geezer had everything he needed to survive and prosper. Fred reminded me a lot of my old friend Jim Nance.

Ma Basse - Just one of the friendly women who run small B&Bs in their homes. Ma Basse could talk a blue streak and certainly made sure her guests were welcome.

Drew and Katrina Brown - I met this pair of expatriots (From TN and NY to St Thomas) while diving in Dominica. Turns out that Drew's father was Bundini Brown, Muhammed Ali's trainer and the source of "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee!" Drew is a former Navy Jet pilot and now a motivational speaker. His son is an orthopedic surgeon. Katrina is from Memphis and a Tennessee State alumna. Like everyone on this list, they are people who inspire me - to live move, to keep striving, not to rest.

Back at Castle Comfort, a pleasant Inn on the edge of Dominica, we got to know a lovely young family from the Canadian Arctic. Eric, Catherine and the lovely Miss Coralei who is doing her best to learn to walk and is already adept at controlling her admirers. After ten months in the far North, two months warming up in the Caribbean sounds like an excellent idea. I think I'd reverse the rotation though. They run a lodge. Might be a good winter adventure at some point.

Noel Radix - The owner of the Harbor View Apartments in Falmouth Antigua took the time to sit down with his guests and talk for about an hour. He left the islands as a young man to attend school in England, then had a long career in banking in the U.S. before returning to the islands to play golf. His office was full of trophies and he was full of stories. His best advice - if you want to learn something about the islands, hang out at one of the rum shacks and listen to the geezers. Only problem with that is understanding us.

Desmond and Becca - Met em in Nelson's Harbor while grabbing a pineapple turnover at the Bakery. They're on board their own small sailboat, traipsing around the Caribbean for a year or two. Beth claims she was kidnapped. Check out her sail blog at sailblogs.com/member/altair/

John and Brenda - Met this couple from Mississippi while grabbing a flying fish sandwich at the Jolly Roger Inn in Tortola. John's wife died a few years back and he swore not to let the moment pass. Life is too precious not to live it to the hilt. I buy that.

Seth and Ann - Just wandering around the trails of St John, I stumbled into this couple from New Hampshire who were on the island celebrating their honeymoon. We talked as we walked, then ended up sitting for an hour or so at Skinny Legs Bar & Grill getting to know each other. Kindred spirits.

I could spend my life with people like these. I miss em all! They are a blessing.