Slowly getting back into things

Today, Mario and I began to relearn how to travel. Actually, it began last night, where a bizarre series of events, including a faulty circuit breaker, on again/off again air con system, spring-loaded mosquito net and a very loud cricket echoing throughout the house, may have delayed our sleep just a little bit. It felt like a scene out of a Mr. Bean travels to the Caribbean-style movie, and by the end of it all, we could nothing else but laugh at the absurdity of it. But I digress.

It began with relearning how to relax - but really relax. That meant no specific goals for the day, no alarms set, not appointments or reservations. We woke up when the sun shone brightly through the window, when the room got to warm for us sleep anymore. We lingered over a lazy breakfast of yogurt and granola(imported from home!), fresh fruit and coffee, while the birds flitted through the palms lining our patio (and through the kitchen window, searching for unattended food).

Somewhere around 11, we attempted to depart for a small hike along the coast, but a quick check of my email resulted in a few unexpected messages: cancellations that needed to be tended to. Once upon a time, we would make reservations and they would just happen. No questions asked. Now, being "connected" all the time, plans are in constant flux, as we experienced today with the cancellation of not one, but two ferry crossings, as well as one return flight back to Montreal. Luckily, all three were easily rescheduled at later times, but it just goes to show that, when travelling, you have to be ready for anything. A hour later, we finally headed out on that hike.

We learned that we have to listen more to our bodies, and to each other, and let that guide what we do with our time. Though the hike was short, we enjoyed every moment, stopping at Plage des Amandiers for a swim and a sandwich. As we sat on the sand, staring at the waves, we discussed the possibility of hiking further, and ultimately decided that maybe heading back was a better option, with the possibility of a cool shower and a rum tasting instead. Not a bad option, if you ask me!

We learned to take a chance on that "gut feeling", and try new and exciting things again. Yesterday, when doing the groceries, we noticed a little shack next to the parking lot, advertising roast chicken, creole blood pudding, codfish fritters, all hand scrawled on boards outside. Inviting, but otherwise looking rather boarded up and abandoned. We made a note of it, and vowed to return, because we've seen many a business in Guadeloupe that looks absolutely shut down on their days off. Sure enough, after some less-than-stellar rum tasting at Reimonenq, we headed back to the place, and the gate was open, the boards pulled off, and what I can only describe as a Guadeloupean Nonna was busying herself serving a table of Germans. She called to us from inside, beckoning us in, listing off her "plats du jour", or specials of the day. Today, she had 2 pots stewing in the back, Poulet Coco or Poulet Colombo, and told us to be patient while she carried the precious plates of food, one at a time, to the only table in the back, carefully wiping the edges clean of each one. She scooped rice and rich stew into containers, grabbed forks, and then insisted we taste the food before she packaged it up for us. She wanted to make sure we liked it, and of course it was more than delicious. I made sure to tell her that I had been waiting for this meal since we saw the sign yesterday, and her face lit up. With a final smile, and a heartfelt "Bon Appetit", she sent us on our
way. Dinner was extra delicious tonight.

So as I sit here, looking back over the day and remembering all of the little adventures we lived, I realize that maybe we didn't have to relearn all of these things - we know how to do them - we just had to remember that. And I think this trip is reminding us, a little more each day.

I am already looking forward to what tomorrow will bring. Hopefully it's not more very loud crickets!