Farsighted Fly Girl

2018 was really some kind of year! It was filled with unexpected situations as well as familiar scenes and there was a clear pattern to the year's travel. I embarked on new, unforgettable journeys to countries that start with "G": Greece, Guadeloupe and Ghana.  And I returned to beloved, familiar destinations; St. Lucia, St. John, Tobago and Montreal, for a whole new perspective. "The Year of Return" is also the theme for Ghana's year-long commemoration of 400 years since the first enslaved African arrived in the U.S.. A celebration of the resilience of the African spirit, the 2019 Year of Return welcomes all the Diaspora to return home and re-connect. That's exactly what I did during my life-changing trip to Ghana. From the time I stepped onto the streets of Accra, I was welcomed like a daughter returned from a long trip. I cried during most of my time at Cape Coast Castle , shown above, the site where thousands were imprisoned and then shipped...

Many people consider Tobago  as an example of the"true Caribbean." That means that this 120 square mile island isn't filled with resorts or tourist attractions and the traditional family-focused culture is still in tact. It was enlightening to view this small island from a local perspective as we traveled from the capital of Scarborough  on the Southern coast, to the Northeastern tip of Charlotteville  with my daughter's gregarious cousin Glen. Each town has its own feel and personality but the constant was the unspoiled, natural beauty and friendly people. We hiked up to Argyle Waterfall  and gained an eyeful of Tobago's beautiful landscape. The waterfall cascades down from 175 feet and after the sweaty hike, we were tempted to take a swim but the freezing water changed our minds. Instead we, dipped our feet in the stream and rested on the nearby rocks. It was a soothing experience listening to the waterfall and watching fish swim by our feet. We ...

This week, I'm returning to the lovely island of Tobago and it's a homecoming of sorts. I'm taking my daughter to see her grandmother, they haven't seen each other since she was three-years-old. As a revered teacher on the tiny island, Hermia Yeates holds quite an influence so besides reconnecting, we will be meeting calypsonians, dignitaries and possibly even the prime minister.  Gobbling up doubles, chicken pilau and shark and bake will be major highlights of our trip as well as taking in the natural landscape. The last time I was on Tobago, I was there to see Wendy Fitzwilliam be crowned  as Trinidad & Tobago's second Miss Universe. I remember being swept up in the pride and euphoria and I also recall a certain narcissistic "billionaire" who owned the pageant and went on to open hotels on the island. It will be interesting to see the changes on Tobago as well as experience the island through my daughter's eyes. Stay tuned.