Last year I decided that I will miss Advent in Prague. and I'll go out into the heat. No frosts, no stress, just disappear for three whole weeks and not come back until Christmas Eve. I combined business with pleasure and set off for a language course in Barbados. How did I spend these three weeks?
From Prague to Paradise (and the first slap in the face from the sun)
It all started on Sunday, November 30. I'm already sitting on the plane at 6:55 and my long-planned trip begins. Then, at exactly 8:20, I land at Heathrow in London. It's a classic - change of terminal, second breakfast in the lounge and in a moment I'm sitting on the next plane to Bridgetown. I'm waiting nine hours of flight, however, with the feeling that awaits me at the end, it goes by pretty quickly.
After almost nine hours, I'm finally here. Right in the heart of the Caribbean. As soon as I get outside, I get the first slap from the sun and the heat. It's unreal a leap from that winter, which I left in Prague. In short, it is already clear to me that it was best decision. I am here alone, on an island I have never been to. Although I have everything figured out, yet It's always a completely different world on the spot.
He's breathing down my neck right at the airport. the right atmosphere. On the way from the plane to the checkpoint, a local band plays exactly those Caribbean rhythms, which you know from the movies. I go through security, collect my suitcase, and then I look outside for the driver who is supposed to pick me up and take me to my accommodation. He is a little late, but after a while I see a sign with my name on it.
I go to the driver, and even though I try, I don't really understand him.. Their accent is really different. Despite that, in a moment we will be sitting in the car and driving to my new home in Oistins. Right on the Caribbean coast. I know Fridays are legendary here because there's a huge party at the local fish market. I definitely won't miss that.
Welcome to the family
I'm staying with a local family. Since I'm on the course, I'd better speak properly, right? Kaya welcomes me. Normally, her mother takes care of the students, but she had a serious car accident, so now helps whoever can. But basically the whole family will take care of me and they are really great. I quickly check in, take a shower, and then run outside to catch the last remnants of sunshine.
First date with the Caribbean
My first steps are of course aimed to the beach. Miami Beach is my home away from home less than 10 minutes walk. The sun had already set, so it wasn't a great time for swimming. I still had to get my feet wet. The local water is incredibly warm. This is exactly what I imagined. What more could you want?
I took a short walk into town, checked out the local market, supermarket and some food, and after an hour I'm back. Kaya and I arranged breakfast and dinner, which I have as part of the accommodation, and then it's up to me.
I'm so tired that I fall into bed and immediately turn it off. I don't even mind the heat, or that some of the local monsters start screaming outside after dark. I don't care at all. I am in paradise. and it all starts tomorrow.
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