SPRING TRIP 2025: LASTLY, BARBADOS

Our last stop of this trip was Barbados.  The island was chosen as our final destination for at 3-night stay because we hadn’t previously been and the route back to LAX was very favorable.  It was the lowest of low-key stops, and that is always a good thing when heading home.  Time to rest up and reflect before hitting the ground once back in L.A.

Below, wildlife at the resort

The majority of guests at the Fairmont Pavilion Resort were Brits — after all, Barbados is part of the Commonwealth.  Many visitors come for extended stays of a few weeks or more.  That would have been too much time for us, but the guests seemed quite content enjoying the oceanfront location.  Even with a good bit of rain, everyone seemed to take the weather in stride.

Below, the hotel is on the left.  Every room is ocean facing. 

About all that rain … below at the airport!

As often happens, Mother’s Day is celebrated during our trip.  We decided to stay at the hotel for their Italian menu that evening.  Of course there was one last chance encounter as we were waiting for our table, with a bit of friendly banter with another couple.  We were ultimately seated at adjacent tables, and the hubby spent far more time at theirs than at ours.  Why? In the course of conversation, the husband shared that he was in the insurance business and worked closely with a rather well-known business icon by the name of Warren Buffett.  And by “closely,” that meant he was head of the reinsurance division — Berkshire Hathaway’s largest. Mr. Buffett had just announced he was finally stepping down from running the company.

It was fascinating getting first-hand details about his experience.  Nothing salacious, mind you — but it was interesting to learn that Buffett’s chosen successor is very much in his image.  Meaning that notwithstanding his circumstances (i.e., earnings), he has lived in the same modest house for years (a la Buffett).  That is a refreshing take compared with many other hugely successful people who have earned immense wealth.

Below, outstanding dinner at The Tides restaurant:  Strawberry & Basil Martini; Tuna Tartare on Gazpacho; view from our table; deconstructed Ice Cream Sundae

You might recall the massive calamity that was our non-Brazil travel at the beginning of this trip.  So we ended with one more (fortunately) near calamity.  We flew from Barbados to Miami for an overnight followed by a very early departure home.  We made plans to have a quick dinner with a Miami client.  The plane was late leaving Barbados and late getting into Miami.  We had to deplane quickly, get our bags, clear customs, re-check the bags, and then head to the restaurant.

While standing at baggage claim, something felt off.  Hmm, where is my purse??? I know. It’s still tucked between my armrest and the window on the plane.  Right where I put it for easy access.  And then a bit of panic set in because my passport is in there.  I’ll cut to the chase and share that after a series of phone calls from the help desk to the plane, it was located and returned by a supervisor.  But that took about 45 minutes by which point I told the hubby to go on and I went to the “hotel.”  I’ll use that term loosely as frankly it was a dump.  Was it sufficient for a short night of sleep to get to a 7am flight?  Sure.  We’ll leave it at that.

So what is the takeaway after 25 days of travel, 12 flights with stays in 6 countries?  We are blessed to be able to travel and see the world.  Can’t wait for the next adventure!

Tan, rested, and ready to head home