Lessons That Barbados Taught this Twenty-something...

The following was written by my friend Skye. (@skyelarcade)

1. When immigration tells you the address you provided for your stay doesn't exist, don't be nervous. It means the Airbnb you chose will be down a little alley that leads right to the beach. 👌🏻

2. When you see the handsom Bajan man with the tiny old boat that reads "turtles & wrecks" don't approach him slowly. RUN to him. He'll show you things you question really exist. 

3. Do not forget your camera battery, in your wall charger at home.  You'll be pissed.  Then MOST importantly do not take your iPhone (only alternate source of your photos) snorkeling.  Your LifeProof box will fail.  But hey, at least you swam with sea turtles uninterrupted.  🐢

4. When your bus driver rolls a blunt right in front of you, do not panic. Just giggle. As soon as you get off the bus you'll watch the bus get pulled over... and you'll walk away fast pretending you didn't see a thing, just so you do not end up on the next episode of "Locked Up Abroad."

5. Trust the locals when they tell you the lady who sells food out of the back of the van is good. Because it's the best food you'll eat while you're there.

6. Drink as many beers on the beach as you can, because the sandy bottomed beers always taste better. Always.

7. Never forget to lock all three doors behind you when you get back to your guesthouse, because when you forget the owner will tell you about being robbed at gunpoint and you'll wish you listened to her instructions the first time so you didn't have that mental image the rest of your stay.

8. And last, when you have the chance to dance in moonlight in the ocean, take it. This moment was meant just for you.

Photographs by Tasia Jensen