There’s a saying in the Caribbean that’s September is a time to remember. It refers to the hurricane season and the destruction that strong winds can bring to bear on these tropical islands. And if one catches you during your caribbean vacation travel, it can ruin your entire holiday.
But this year September, for me, means reflecting on the time I spent in Trinidad this summer. I met many friends and family who I have never seen, or haven’t seen in many years. Each day was perfect. You didn’t have to struggle to find something to entertain you, or challenge your physical and mental abilities. This does not mean that all the days included doing something exciting. But ole’ talk and camaraderie added something of value to each day.
And of course, playing with the children (nieces, nephews, and so on) was a delight. It was even more frolic when we visited the beach and had some friendly competition while in the water. The young kids loved every minute of riding the older children and adults’ back before diving into the salty water of the Caribbean Sea. Most of them could swim but it didn’t matter because wrestling and other horseplay made many young men and women swim without formal lessons.
On the islands you learn the hard way. Sometimes a lack of money forces you to become creative and you survive by your smarts. Many of the casual events we had while on vacation were instructional for the kids. Even when we had to punish them for something they did wrong, we tried to frame it as a lesson in hard knocks.
Most parents plan vacations itinerary around their kids, and rightly so. Kids need adventure to let off some steam. Sitting around in front of a computer playing video games is not what growing up is about. Kids also need to play in an encouraging atmosphere so they can grow healthy and naturally. And you know kids get it when you hear them talking about their experience while the adults go about their business.
If a kid enjoyed himself, you would hear about it. If they enjoyed what they do on vacation, they would be happy to report it to their classmates when they go back to school after the long summer break. Some of the children in our vacation party reported that their teacher expected a written report when they returned from their holiday.
This is great when you consider the children on vacation with their parents came from England, Canada, and the United States. They bonded well with their cousins and other relatives living in Trinidad.
Until the next vacation, we can use September to remember the one we just had. See you next year, kid!
