Perfect way to spend a birthday...

I was very lucky to be able to spend my birthday this year in Barbados.

It was a big one for me - 50 - which I have to admit I was not looking forward to.

I know it's just a number but when you realise that you are past the half way mark and the fact of your own mortality hits you like a sledgehammer, it's quite a blow!

 

Anyhow, I digress! I wanted to share a truly memorable experience!

 

 

We had spent a fabulous day in the sun around the pool and by the beautiful sea just chilling with a few cocktails. Our evening meal was booked at the fish restaurant, the Dover, and I had the most succulent steak and lobster meal. They had decorated the table with a golden runner and some table confetti and presented me with a bottle of bubbly. How fab was that, could it get any better?

 

 

We had been watching the crabs scurrying around on the sand when Robert said "Oh my god, there's a baby turtle!" At our welcome meeting we had been told they are an endangered species and that if we saw any hatchlings to tell the staff as there is a conservation project who will come and help. So, I stood up to find the restaurant manager but my timing was rubbish as the staff appeared at our table with my dessert sporting a lit candle, singing "Happy Birthday" to me!

 

 

Beautifully decorated plate :)

 

Once they had finished I was able to tell Sophia (the manager) and asked if I could take him (her) to the sea - which I did.

 

 

Of course Robert said he had arranged it - LOL!

 

Evidently when they hatch they head towards the light and as there was no moon that night they came towards the hotel. I saved another just after too as it was about to be attacked by a crab.

We looked along the beach with the staff but couldn't find the nest at that time but it was found later and we watched as the conservation team counted 170+ babies and guided them into the sea.

Its quite sad though that only 1 in 1000 survive, I hope my first hatchling makes it.

 

More to follow..........

 

xxx