Fabian's Birthday

Fabian and Kerri are possibly the kindest most generous friends in the world.  They always go above and beyond and I am so eternally grateful for their friendship.  When they invited us over for Fabians birthday last night I just knew I had to do something special for him.  Now I recognise that most people would think that me cooking anything was not really special in fact it may be considered torture in some cultures.  However, I was determined to make a cake and a cake I did make.

 They have a fabulous new house, just gorgeous.  And what we thought was a small dinner turned out to be huge.  These people do nothing by halves.

 Yes, the cake does look like a child made it. But I think children's birthday cakes are the best.  I am not big on fancy dancy ones.

What a lovely couple, what a lovely night!

Lovely Sunday Stressful Monday!

Sunday was a lovely relaxing day, I had a nice long walk and then went to lunch with some of the family.   Blakey's is one of, well actually my favourite spot on the island so always great to go there.

 A stormy morning turned into a beautiful day

A really nice lunch, had a lovely salad as think my body was craving some proper veggies.

Monday morning has turned out slightly stressful as first had to go get my Barbados ID done (surprisingly very quick) but then battery died in car.  Natalie and girls had to save me, first having to go to shop to buy jumper cables.

 Jodi was only slightly embarrassed here..

 but safe to say horrified in this picture when it broke down at the intersection a second time and they had to push it a side.

 They weren't too bad really, and even in the boiling heat waiting for mechanic to confirm we were good to go still had some humour.

We didn't need any mechanic though, us ladies had it sorted.  Now on to a million of other chores today and then looking forward to big birthday celebrations tonight!

Harbour Lights

When I lived in Barbados I went to Harbour Lights every Wednesday and Friday without fail and sometimes Sunday or Monday.  I remember seeing, on occasion, the 'older' person in there and I loved to go over and say hi Uncle or Auntie so and so (just to embarrass them really).   I just can't believe I am now that older Auntie in Harbour Lights!  On arrival Luke (17) was behind us in the queue to get in, just shocking!

 I will tell you though, these young people have nothing on us, we out danced them, out drank them and I can tell you I did not see any of them this morning on the beach to do yoga on a paddle board.

I am not going to lie the struggle was real this morning but I did it.  Not only my first yoga class but on a board as well.  I was not very Zen though, chatting through the entire thing!

Hopewell Plantation

In my family we have many amazing creative artists, cooks and writers. I however have failed to acquire any of these skills.  My art lessons were horrific, I won't even start about my cooking and well you obviously read this blog...

Last night I was treated to another fantastic meal by another one of the great talents of the family, Vicki (cousin and suspected sister).  She just whipped together a ridiculously good salad, a chick pea dish that was too die for and some perfectly seasoned and grilled veg.  

It was a bit chilly up at Hopewell, but some good food, family, new friends and wine definitely warmed me up.

 Luke is apparently also a master chef, but as he made the chicken I will just have to take peoples word for it.

Finally met the Italians I hear so much about, loved them!

Hottie refers to me as the communist, so I went out and bought a red shirt for the occasion!  By the way I am a socialist not a communist :)

Andrew's Veggie Meal

At Craig's house on Saturday I was talking to Andrew (my little, not so little almost 24 year old cousin) about vegetarian food and he really surprised me by saying 'wait Aunty Amanda I also cook lots of vegetarian meals'.  To prove this to me he had us over last night for diner to try his black bean burgers.  They were fantastic and it was the best meal I have had so far on the island.  Him and his girlfriend did such a great job and we had a really nice night.

 Andrew and Emily

 Lola don't look!! Pinky was just keeping me company!

Las night I knew better and got my photos done early as Robert is known to sneak off to bed at 8pm the latest.  We had a lovely night and the meal was just delicious!

No Seaweed Day

I am very bad at only trying to put the most sunny best pictures on here and therefore have very few beach pictures this trip.  One because I have just not been there loads but two most of the South Coast is over run with seaweed.  Over the last few years it has suddenly started washing up here and there but I have never seen it so bad.  My usual beach is pretty covered and I have not spent much time there.  Today was the first time I went to the beach with the girls for an hour and I was happy to report it was beautiful and seaweed free!

 It was lovely to see the clear Barbados sea I am use to once again.

We then went to the pub to watch England actually win a World Cup match in penalties.  I could barely watch!  It was so exciting, but i felt so badly for Colombia, wish they could both win.

Craig's House

Craig has built a great house behind Once Acre (where I stay and got married), from the minute I saw it I knew it was a great house for entertaining.  And I love entertaining.  As he had yet to have a house warming I thought a family get together was the perfect opportunity.  I have also missed a few Christmas's, which is when the family usually get together, and am not sure when we will be able to get here for one so thought it would be a great way to see everyone. 

 Robert before he went off for a sleep

A few are missing due to be being in England, Wales, Ecuador or sleeping in the car due to eating (Robert).