Tobago
I decided to do a workaway the summer after graduating college. I worked at a small bar on the beach in the village of Castara, Tobago. Little did I know the amount of charm this village held. Not only the village, the whole island — which was so small, I was able to travel it all in one day. Regardless of the size, the island had a large, powerful presence with Caribbean music or African drums playing from all different directions, at all times of the day.
I got to know the villagers and was blessed to have them show me what the village offered. A breathtaking scenery everywhere you look was a plus, yes, but the carefree spirit and genuine love shown by the locals was a priceless lesson I strive to live by everyday. The day of week most looked forward to by the locals was an event on Sundays referred to as ‘Harvest’. This was such a powerful occasion to experience because the whole island would come together and host a time to give. I consider this powerful because I notice how little money the locals have. Even so, they make the time and find the money to host for others in numerous houses open to the public.
I remember first arriving to my workaway asking the woman I worked for “what time should I arrive at the bar to work?”, “How late do you want me to work?”, “is there anything you need me to do right now?” — My manager looked at me and laughed hysterically. She responded “honey, you’re on Island time.” I quickly figured out exactly what island time meant. Take things as they come. You work when you wake up. You wake up whenever you wake up. Time isn’t something to plan for or fight against here. It’s simply non-existent. But most importantly “don’t worry, mon.” — the phrase I heard consistently throughout the trip. I come from such a fast pace world. It was so foreign to come to a place where there is truly nothing to worry about. No media, just people coming together as they feel. I asked my new Tobagonian friends what time his soccer game started. He also chuckled and said “whenever the village starts coming to the field.”
I went on this trip to relieve stress and find peace. I was aware I was leaping into the unknown, therefore I tried to stay as open minded as possible. However, I did go there predicting that the beauty and nature of the island would do the clearing of my mind. It wasn’t. Don’t get me wrong, the beauty this island withholds is breath taking. The bluest oceans with the most surreal beaches. But the lessons engraved in my head by the Tobagonian locals were the life changing, pivotal moments of my life. I learned how to selflessly love, take life as it comes, and remove the idea of time. When I refer to “time” I’m not referring to the necessary scheduled time we unfortunately have to live by in regular society. Time often means either the past or the future. If we see time as Tobagonian see it, as the present, then we allow all life circumstances to flow as it should, without stress or worry, mon.