2020 – Living Life With Obosa

And just like that 2020 has come to an end. It’s about that time where you think back to what valuable lessons you learned in the past year and decide on the necessary changes or resolutions for the new year. While reflecting on the year that went by, I wrote down just a few of the main life lessons I learned throughout the year and made a concise list.

1) Life is short and unexpected, Enjoy it.

With an unforeseen pandemic throwing a wrench in everyone’s plans and also causing the untimely death of so many people and loved ones around the world, it made us value our life and time on this earth even more this year.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone and we should embrace life and enjoy it while we’re still here to do so. Show your loved ones you care about them and don’t take for granted that you will always have time on your side.

2) Be grateful for what you have

With so many people having lost their jobs, their livelihood, their lives or their loved ones, it has taught us to be appreciative of what we do have and not take anything for granted. Be grateful for the things and the people you have in your life and count your blessings one by one.

3) Set your goals and chase your dreams

Don’t just dream of a better future. Learn to set your goals, outline your plans and work towards making your dream a reality. Take the plunge and make those first steps. Without a plan and without any action, a dream will forever remain just that…. a dream.

4) Fall 7 times, get back up 8

It’s impossible to go through life without experiencing failure. However, fear of failure should not paralyze you and hold you back from achieving your goals and achieving greatness. No matter how many times you fall, you need to get up, dust yourself off and get back on the horse.

5) Make self-care a priority

Self-care is not a privilege, it is a necessity. You can’t pour from an empty cup so take care of your own wellbeing first and foremost. Make sure you schedule time to do activities that reduce your stress and enhance your physical, mental and emotional health.

6) Take care of your mental health

Never neglect your mental health and suffer in silence. Take charge of your mental health and get the necessary help you may need. It is important to practice appropriate coping methods and take control of your anxiety or depression before it takes control of you. And remember, you are not alone in this.

7) Change is inevitable, embrace it

The only constant thing in life is change. Life does not remain stagnant and that’s the fun in it. Learn to be flexible and adapt to the many twists and turns life may bring.

8) Stay away from negative people

If you surround yourself with bitter people, then you too will become bitter yourself. Stay clear of people who see the worst in everything and make life appear more dreary than it needs to be. Instead, fill your life and inner circle with people with a positive outlook and energy who acknowledge the bright side in life and every situation. Stay positive!

What other lessons did you learn this year? Take a few minutes, reflect on this past year and write them down. As the new year begins, make a promise to yourself to learn from and remember these lessons in the new year.

Happy New Year everyone!

With Covid safety measures of course.

The new normal.

Unfortunately, the covid pandemic has caused a lot of cancelations of trips, and ruined vacation plans for the year 2020. With the travel restrictions in place and covid still spreading throughout the world, it has made travel vacations impossible for the next few months.

What’s the solution to that? Staycations. However, I must stress that if you really must go on a staycation to Tobago, or even Trinidad, please please please take the necessary precautions. DO NOT BE IRRESPONSIBLE and further risk the spread of covid.

A few months ago, my husband and I were able to have a quick staycation in Tobago just before the second wave of Covid hit our country. We chose Blue Waters Inn as the location for our little anniversary staycation because of its secluded location in remote Speyside, Tobago. So calm, so peaceful, so quiet.

For our 15 minute flight to Tobago, we were super prepared and vigilant. With masks and face shields on at all times, a small spray bottle of alcohol and a hand sanitizer on our persons, we sanitised our hands after touching any surfaces, leaving nothing to chance. I even sprayed our seats and arm rests before sitting and took great care in avoiding unnecessary contact.

I was impressed with how well the social distance protocols were adhered to in both airports and on the plane. Temperature checks were done, security re-enforced social distancing and signs were everywhere with the necessary precautions.

When collecting the rental car at the airport in Tobago, I meticulously disinfected the inside of the car before we felt comfortable driving to our destination. The drive to Blue Waters Inn was a long one but the scenic views along the way were so breathtaking. Especially the view of the ocean from the top of the hill leading down towards Blue Waters Inn. Gorgeous was an understatement.

Upon arrival at the little hotel in Speyside, we were greeted by very friendly and helpful staff who wore their masks and informed us of the Covid protocols before escorting us to our rooms. The room was tidy, clean and appeared quite cozy. The bathroom was immaculately clean with great lighting for makeup application for the ladies that know that great lighting is important.

The room had a great sized balcony overlooking the sparkling blue Tobago waters that appeared perfect for a cool afternoon swim. No sounds could be heard on the balcony besides the singing of the birds in the nearby trees and the sound of the waves on the beach below.

First order of business was to thoroughly disinfectant the room even though I knew it would have been done before by staff. Armed with my can of lysol and my clorox wipes, I disinfected every inch of the room. I placed the ‘Do not disturb’ sign on the outside of the door for the duration of our stay to avoid having cleaning staff coming into the room.

After settling ourselves, we took the time to explore the hotel. The infinity pool was absolutely beautiful as it overlooked the beach below with its magnificently blue waves. The beach was quiet and secluded. Most times we were the only couple present on the entire stretch of beach and I wouldn’t prefer it any other way.

The restaurant at Blue Waters Inn served delicious meals at mealtime and the waiters were amazing at their job. Always in a good mood and pleasant, they even shared tips on what to do at the hotel, including night time walks on the dock to watch the Barracuda fish zip by the underwater lights. The seating at the restaurant adhered to the Covid protocols and we were nowhere near any other guests for any of our meals. Just the way I like it.

For entertainment at the hotel, we went for afternoon swims in the cool blue water of the sea or took a dip in the pool as we watched the sun disappear over the hills. The quietness and secludedness added to the romance of the atmosphere, perfect for an anniversary staycation.

One of our days there, we took the glass bottom boat from the Blue Waters Inn Jetty to Little Tobago, a small little island off the coast, for a hike and historic tour of the uninhabited island. Unfortunately we passed on the snorkeling option on the way back to the hotel. If only I had my own personal snorkeling gear, I would have gladly snorkeled in the calm ocean waters.

On another day we took a drive to Charlottesville where we hopped a ride on a small boat to the absolutely gorgeous and very secluded Lover’s Bay. With its beautiful pink sand and clear blue water, it looked so unreal. We had the bay all to ourselves. Nothing but pink sand, blue water and glowing sun. We sat in the shallow and calm waters and talked as we took in the calm and serene view for half an hour. Lover’s Bay has officially become my favorite place in Tobago hands down.

For some of our lunchtime meals, we ordered food from Jemma’s Treehouse restaurant in Speyside, Suckhole restaurant and Sharon and Phebs restaurant in Charlottesville. Delicious is an understatement. The portion sizes at each restaurant were well worth the affordable prices. Most times we had left overs to eat later on the balcony of our hotel room in the quiet evening.

Due to the Covid pandemic, we obviously could not go out as much as we would have liked to and spent a lot of time indoors or on the balcony playing board games and card games as well as watching Netflix. Despite being a bit confined and limited in outing options, we thoroughly enjoyed our very secluded and peaceful staycation. It was great just taking a pause in life and just enjoying nature.

There is no doubt that I must return to Blue Waters Inn and Speyside when this Covid Pandemic is over. I had a great deal of fun and even though it was not how I expected to spend my 5th year anniversary, with a pandemic shutting down all overseas travel, it was such a memorable and unforgettable experience.