sunday sail

There was a sailing regatta in Barbados this past weekend and I pulled out all the stops trying to find a boat for my Dad and I to race on. I talked to every sailor I knew, emailed the yacht club, and even had my information forwarded to the entire yacht club roster ... but to no avail. Unfortunately, sailing season in Barbados is coming to an end and most of the yachts have been taken out of the water or have sailed on to different ports. As disappointed as we were, we still had plans to spend Sunday on the water.

We booked a catamaran cruise on Cool Runnings. Unfortunately I was a bit lazy with my camera but I snagged a few pics from my dads. It was just nice to relax, lay on the trampoline, and enjoy the sun. Surprisingly enough, I haven't had much time to just lay outside and tan, so I definitely enjoyed soaking up some rays.

This trip was similar to the Jolly Roger cruise, with a bit more relaxation involved. We stopped to swim with the turtles. There were actually quite a few more turtles at the place we stopped this time then with the Jolly Roger. They looked quite a bit younger as well. We then headed to another spot to snorkel at a ship wreck. I sat this one out and just relaxed while everyone admired the little fishies.

We then anchored in a little bay where we had a great buffet lunch: chicken, king fish, macaronie pie (obviously), salad, potato salad, rice, and bread. The baked chicken was delicious! After digesting for a little while Dad and I swam to shore to check out the beach. I beat him to the beach (he might not have known we were racing...)

 And then I decided I wanted to climb the big coral rock. Dad stood by with the camera telling me I was going to regret it the whole time, joking that he would have to get the first aid kit when we got back to the boat. He was only partially right. It did hurt like hell, coral is sharp. But no major injuries to speak of!

 Ouch. I think I'm noticing that I cut my knee at this point. And then laughing about it? Who knows.

 On top of the world.

 "Okay Dad, you can stop taking pictures now."

We swam back to the boat and I treaded water for another half hour or so talking to some people that were visiting Barbados from Greece. From one paradise to another, now that's the life.

After sailing back to shore, Dad napped for the afternoon and I read a book by the pool. I love Barbados weekends!

"and on wednesdays we wear pink"

I had just planned to have lunch with Rob on Wednesday but my supervisor convinced me to take the afternoon off!! So in true Mean Girls fashion (Rob's favourite movie, shhh) I pulled out my hot pink bikini top and decided to play hookie from work. After we ate and napped, we lathered up in sunscreen and hit the beach.

I managed to try four more drinks off the Tiki Bar menu. Hmmm I think that leaves me with about 40 more drinks to try. I was trying to go down the list alphabetically but it didn't quite work out that way. One of my favourites had a few kinds of rum, peach schnapps, peach juice and mint. Interesting combo!

Once the sun sunk behind the trees we decided to head back home to shower. At this point our lunch was in our toes so we headed to Bert's Bar (the Ottawa Senators' owners have a sports bar down here!) to grab some food and catch the game. I love going to Bert's because I know I can get a good caesar (even though they don't put any "snacks" in them). And lastly, here's a snapchat from Bert's, the only picture I took!

boozin' at the boatyard

Rob flew in Saturday afternoon and I was able to surprise him at the airport. He was already at the taxi stand when I spotted him and I was practically one foot in front of him before he noticed I was there! Even though I knew he could have just taken a cab to my apartment I really wanted to meet him. I'm glad I did! 

Once we got to the apartment and Rob unpacked, we spent the afternoon by the pool. We then went out for dinner at Tapas and had a few drinks at the Tiki Bar before heading back home to pass out! Sunday morning we woke up early for breakfast. After a quick stop at the beach, we did some grocery shopping for the week. I didn't realize how little food I actually had in the house until Rob came. But we stocked up on snacks and plenty of rum and beer! 

In the afternoon we headed to the Boatyard. This place is pretty cool! You pay $40 barbados to get in, but you get that $40 back to buy food and drinks at the restaurant. There's a rope swing, a water trampoline, cabanas and beach chairs so it's a pretty sweet deal! We decided to rent a jet ski which was fun, but rather salty. My eyes still hurt.

After jet ski-ing we enjoyed multiple beverages and some food. Rob tried a flying fish sandwich for the first time and I had coconut chicken strips. It was all really good and definitely worth it. Needless to say we spent quite a bit more than our "tab" which is a common occurence at the boatyard I'm sure. All in all, we had a great "first" day, even though it was a bit overcast!

barbados, beaches and banks (beer that is)

I am in Barbados. I am in Barbados. No matter how many times I tell myself I still can't believe it.

The flight was uneventful. My dad brought me to the airport Thursday night. The trip to the airport was probably more eventful than the flight itself. There were a bunch of road closures and if anyone has driven with my dad they know that he does not deal well with detours. Long story short I thought I might die before actually getting to Barbados. BUT we made it to the hotel in one piece and passed out for a few hours before our 5:45am wakeup call.

I watched the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants during the flight. I forgot how cheesy it was and that it makes me cry every time. After that I started reading the Fault in Our Stars. And cried again. The person next to me on the plane probably thought I was psycho.

After a quick nap we were flying over Barbados. I was able to snap a quick picture with my iPhone of the coastline as we decended. Gorgeous.

Once I got to the apartment and changed, Juliana and James (my landlords), took me into town to get a Barbados cell phone. They also showed me the way to the beach, grocery store, restaurants etc. We stopped to get rotis on the way into town. I tried curried chicken and potato and loved it! After unpacking, a quick swim and a shower, I called it an early night.

I woke up early with the sun and had coffee (it was instant and gross) and eggs on my porch. I headed to the beach and walked along the boardwalk to the Hastings market where I bought some fresh melon and bananas. The market had a few produce vendors, arts and crafts, and a smooothie/juice bar. I had a fresh fruit smoothie with mangos and bananas, mmmm. I walked back only the beach and even though it was overcast, it was beautiful. I cannot believe I am actually in Barbados.

Can you see the little crabs?

After another quick stop at the grocery store, I finally headed home. Just in time too because it started to pour as I was getting home. Now I'm going to relax with my ice cold Banks Beer and hope that the sun comes out so I can go relax on the beach.