Jacks Birthday - Cheltenham, England

So on Saturday I snuck into Cheltenham with the help of a few friends, with the intent on dodging Jack so I could surprise him for his birthday. Stayed at Jeremy's flat that first night. Next day we went to Greg's (Jack's roommate) parents to watch a football (soccer) game. While JAck was cooking his breakfast in the kitchen, I snuck up and surprised him!!! HE had no idea I was even in England, so could imagine his shock!

We hung out in the day, and that evening a nice group of us went out to celebrate!
Pic 1 -> Jack!
Pic 2 --> Jeremy and I
Pic 3 --> At the pub

First Few Days - London, England

Spent my first few days in England with Jeanette and Godswill in London. To give you an idea where (since London is a bit big) its in a neighbourhood called Tottenham (near Seven Sisters station on the tube map). This is where I stayed last year as well when I travelled to England.

My friend Jack's birthday was coming up the following weekend, so Jeanette and I, after a fun shopping day, decided to make him some cupcakes for the occasion! Dinosaur themed, these cupcakes were bound to be a success!!!

Bye Bye Barbados

The last couple days in Barbados were spent eating Fish Cutters (Flying fish sandwiches), and surfing. I had such an incredible time and can't wait to go back again!
These are pictures of Sandra (Shanes mom & i) my last day. I was told that I had to explain that she doesn't normally wear curlers in her hair...and that she is not crazy. (But i have my doubt about that sometimes! haha She is a seriously cool woman, lots of fun and im so glad I got to spend time with her.

The next picture is Shane & I at the airport when im leaving....booooooo!

So Now I spend only a few days in Toronto...and so begin my journey to England.

Shane's Performance & Surfing - Barbados

Shane played a short set last night after our adventure to Harrison Cave and North Point. It was at a club called Bump and Whine in town. It was just 3 songs, in between other bands playing that night (He will be performing a full set there on Friday, but sadly, I will have left that afternoon). for those of you who have seen him perform already, you know it was great! Lots of energy, great band, and Shane's natural presence on stage!

Today I surfed!!! I have always wanted to try, but never had the chance! According to Shane I did a really good job! I was able to stand up for full waves and get back on my board to paddle back into the water to hit the next wave! We will be doing it again for sure, because its amazing! Being one with the water, reading the waves...it just makes you feel incredible! We also brought Renea along with us, a family friend who is also staying with us at Shanes moms. Her first time surfing too!

Harrison Cave & North Point - Barbados

Harrison Cave was pretty disappointing. Although the caves are interesting, the tour itself isn't quite what we had expected. I must say the caves we visited in Lebanon were more interactive, but at Harrison Cave they at least let you take your camera in with you. Here are some photos from the cave.

Then we trekked to St. Lucy, the most northern parish in Barbados. We visited North Point, where we walked to the edge of the cliff to watch the crazy huge waves lap up onto it! Such a stunning view and so surreal.

Sunsets & Beach Evenings - Barbados

Just some beautiful moments. Like the title suggests, sunsets here are just stunning and the beach in the evening just carries this amazing vibe of relaxation and a cool breeze! Water is warm and you can just feel mother nature filling your soul with deliciousness!

An aside: This week has been great! Shane has a show coming up this Saturday that we have been preparing for (getting CD's printed & T-shirts as well). Otherwise, going to the beach, going into town and eating lots of Flying Fish & Chefette. Oh, and you are bound to notice that we both got our hair did!

My morning - Barbados

I woke up this morning to an empty house. Got out of the shower to receive a beautiful gift from Shane! Plums and Cherries picked from trees nearby and a flower from my favourite tree!

Surfers Bay - Barbados

There are 2 restaurant/bars in Barbados - Surfers Bay and Surfers Cafe. Both have incredible views of the ocean! Its truly to beautiful to enjoy a meal or drink with the waves of the ocean lapping up onto the shore right next to you.
Unfortunately, I didnt have my camera with me for Surfers Cafe, but here are a few shots from Surfers Bay.

Photo: Dave (Shane's Cousin), K.B., Shane, Me

Mmmangos!!! - Barbados

Julie Mangos...sooo delicious!
Old woman walking on the beach balancing a basket of them on her head, selling them for $2(Barbados) each (for the big ones!)

2 days - Barbados

Beach everyday is just amazing! I went Jet Skiing yesterday...and I drove it!!! So much fun, and suuuuuper fast! Apparently I did a good job, and Shane and I survived, so I think I want to do it again!

As for today, just chilling at the beach again, this time we actually took some photos.

My View - Barbados

Just a photo of the view from the side of the balcony at Shane's mom's apartment! So beautiful!

Chattle House - Barbados

Chattle Houses have a long history in Barbados. They were originally built by slaves on the island. Slaves weren't allowed to own any property, so they built easily moveable houses on their masters property. If the slaves family grew, they would just add on sections to the house; Chattle houses generally only have one main room (bathroom would be outdoors). These houses are built in sections so that they can be torn down almost as simply as they were built.

If a slaves master said they had to move, slaves would just take apart their house piece by piece and rebuild it elsewhere. The mobility of the house allowed slaves shelter without actually owning a house or property.

These chattle houses are still lived in all over the island, but are often in bad shape. In their decrepit states, I find they have such a beautiful, raw aesthetic to them. I will definitely be posting more photos of chattle houses along the way!