(After divorce finalizing just six months before, then driving across America and back with the Rogue, he and I were ready to head back to the U.K. after almost a year and a half during the pandemic. Only way back was through a “green” country – well twist my Second Chapter Nomad arm. Turks and Caicos here we come!) From the journals:
July 11, 2021 Turks and Caicos
Haven’t written in forever. So much has happened. Finished fun Euro Cup final at Danny Buoys pub with the Rogue, Italy won in PKs over England. What a match. This was the “2020” Euro Cup postponed until 2021. Went to pool afterwards in the sultry night. Then Skull restaurant for Mexican food.
https://www.expedia.com/shop/second-chapter-nomad/caribbean – small commission received
Hellos and Goodbyes
In LA, before take off to Turks and Caicos, I had a painful goodbye with Daughter. Already said goodbye to my parents. Between empty nest and nomad life, I can’t see everyone or be around everyone all the time. Constant choices. Constant hole in my heart. Haven’t seen my Son in eight months who is back in Ireland.
Let’s back up. July 8, 2021, 1:00 am fight to Houston then straight to Turks and Caicos. So exhausted upon arrival. I was cold to the bone in bed. In the tropics. Feeling in limbo between my two lives – Daughter and family in California, Son in Ireland, Rogue’s home in Scotland. I am neither here nor there.
First Night in Turks and Caicos
First night, Rogue and I ate at Seven Stars on their deck sharing a pizza, salmon, a Pina colada, and a much needed beach walk.
Staying in a charming place just off the beach. Got groceries, explored the beach, possibly the most beautiful sand and water I’ve ever seen. Ate at Bugaloos restaurant, first of many times. Had a Bugawuga rum drink. Watched Conor McGregor fight later.
Trying to be present and enjoy these moments. Such uncertainty. In the world. In my life.
Days become a blur.
Skull lunch, Danny buoys karaoke. Skull breakfast. Beach. Pina Colada at Seven Stars, the Grill dinner with mai tais. Casablanca casino just to check it out. Volunteered at a dog shelter. Pool. Beach. Repeat.
Long beach walk to Ocean Club. Soup, salmon cakes, Caicos Mamas. Thunder storm. Buzzed.
Yola, a New local Friend
At Danny buoys met single mom Yola and her three kids, a great distraction. We would become fast friends on this trip. Rogue and I tried a nightclub. No fun, back to our pad.
Sunday back to Bugaloos for drinks after Shay breakfast. Pool. Yola invited us to Rickeys at the beach and pool with her kids. They were on the Rogue for four hours. LOL. Slept well that night.
More New Friends
Monday, Ocean Club lunch. Beach walk back and met Andrea from Brazil and Dave from Scottsdale. Ended up in the water for hours with mango margs they kept supplying. Then met a couple from El Salvador with their six kids and a Scottish old couple at the bar. This is international travel at its best! After lockdowns, everyone ready to talk and connect. Late Danny Buoys and bed.
Tuesday – Time to to pack already. Checked out. Lunch and drinks at Seven Stars.
Great talk with my Son. Right move going while I can to UK/Ireland. Must see him while it’s open.
Nomad Life in a Global Pandemic
A note mid-flight on the struggles vs. pleasures of nomad life in a global pandemic. It’s been a wild ride. Pink flamingos make everything better. 🏝 A hard earned glass of champagne on departure flight. We chose Turks and Caicos, a “green” country for ten days to avoid quarantine in London. Today was hours of Covid tests, locator forms, VeriFLY app, online check in, prepaid excess baggage (hello nomad struggle), hoops galore. Then at airport wouldn’t accept any of it. Switched scales to force bags less than 1 kg over to be overweight (they tried to extort $189 each). Took out vitamin bag. Ok now, let’s try again. Each bag was a battle. Get to gate. Nope. You don’t have printed boarding pass. Put in naughty corner. Nearly missed flight.
This was the first British Airway flight from here post Covid to London. Empty planes and airports. Flight attendant sympathetic and offered the champagne. Oh, the patience and perseverance to travel these days. Can’t wait to make it and see my friends and fam!! 🥂☘️🏴✈️ But first a 24 layover in Antigua and Barbuda!
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
After tough travel day, we meandered Antigua & Barbuda in a dark taxi, with misunderstanding of where the hotel was. Tensions high. Finally arrived to Lord Nelson hotel. No food available due to the hour. Ended at “Oops” supermarket for drinks and snacks. Salvaged the night.
Wednesday July 21 – Antigua and Barbuda – Drank a weight loss tea and made myself ill! Not good move before flight. Went to Italian restaurant down the seaweed infested beach (apparently a real problem here). What a lovely 24 hour layover.
Easy airport experience.
On flight to London!!
So excited to see Alexander and all my friends! It has been so long.
March 24, 2020 I had to leave Scotland abruptly at their lockdown. Got last flight out via Dublin. Surreal. Empty airplanes, desolate airports. No mask recommendation. Never dreamed I wouldn’t return until July 2021. Now I’m on the first flight from Antigua and Barbuda to London Heathrow. The anticipation and excitement of seeing everyone again is overwhelming and emotional!
Some previous posts:
Zanzibar Dreams – Part 1 – Flight for One(Opens in a new browser tab)
Reflections of a Nomad (currently in London)(Opens in a new browser tab)
Cancun Hard Rock – Hurricane Delta – My Birthday 2020!(Opens in a new browser tab)
About Me(Opens in a new browser tab)
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