Posts Tagged ‘interview’

Steve

3 Tips for First-Time Scuba Divers Visiting Tobago

Photo Credit: Ty Sawyer

Have you noticed that we don’t do too many scuba diving stories here on Uncommon Caribbean? It’s not that we’re against diving, or think that it’s not uncommon enough. It’s just that… well… we don’t dive.
*Gasp!*
This is a hard truth for many of my stateside friends (and probably more than a few of you) to swallow. How could someone who grew up among the most jaw-dropping undersea environs in the world possibly escape the siren song of scuba? Truthfully, I have no real answer.
I’ve always loved to snorkel, but just never took the time to get certified.

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Steve

On-Site Barbados: Crossing Paths with MMA Fighter Brolik in Bathsheba

Crystal "Brolik" Stokes/SBPR

I take you down, then ground and pound.

This wasn’t the first thing Crystal “Brolik” Stokes said to me when we met a couple months ago, but I’m sure you can imagine from the photo above why it’s the one line of our conversation that has stuck with me the most. Simply put, Brolik is the most incredibly fit and intimidating woman I have ever laid eyes on. So of course, in true Uncommon Caribbean style, you just know I couldn’t resist talking to her…
We met in Barbados back in February. Patrick and I had just stopped in at the very special Seaside Bar rumshop in Bathsheba after taking in the action at the Barbados Surfing Association Junior Championship Series.

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Steve

Caelum Blandford Reveals Barbados’ Choice Surf Spots

Caelum Blandford

As Patrick discovered on his first trip for Uncommon Caribbean last year, Barbados is home to some of the best surfing this side of Laguna Beach. When you consider the island’s geographic location, a far reach further east into the Atlantic than the rest of its sister Caribbean islands, then it’s easy to understand why. The eastern shore may get the bulk of the larger waves kicked up by the ever-churning Atlantic, but excellent wave conditions are possible just about anywhere on Barbados.
For proof, check with locals like Caelum Blandford. Just 15, Caelum runs with a tight-knit group of groms that represent some of the best up and coming surfing talent that the Caribbean has to offer.

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Steve

Tuesday 2 Cents: Christel Coïta Discusses Martinique’s Chanté-Noël Christmas Traditions

Mon ami, Christel Coita/SBPR

Christmas in the Caribbean may be another in a long line of really bad Jimmy Buffett songs (sorry Parrotheads), but that shouldn’t stop uncommon travelers from seeking out authentic West Indian Holiday Season celebrations if you ever happen to be in the islands during December. Christianity is the region’s dominant religion, so Christmas is a big deal. In a few islands, Carnival Season is the only thing bigger, except back home in St.Croix where the two blessed celebrations are combined!
We’ll get into our Crucian traditions later. Today, we’re taking a look at Christmas in Martinique.
With its vibrant French-Creole heritage, Martinique offers a unique cultural experience at any time of year.

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Dave

On-Site Montserrat: Olympic Marathoner to Challenge Keener in Volcano Half-Marathon

run

Looks like team Uncommon Caribbean is going to get a run for its money in the 2nd Annual Montserrat Volcano Half Marathon.  Today, Pamenos Ballantyne of St. Vincent, veteran of the Sydney and Atlanta Olympics, landed in Montserrat. He was immediately whisked off to the radio station ZJB, where he announced his intention to win the race and beat the current record of one hour, thirty-six minutes. Later, he sat with our own Patrick Bennett on the veranda of Olveston House for a video interview, in which he not only repeated his bold prediction, but supported it with a mind-boggling list of marathon victories and record times throughout the West Indies.

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Steve

Saturday Video: Memories of Bob Marley & the Beach

Marley

It’s a sunny Saturday here in Fort Lauderdale and that means one thing in my house: we’re headed to the beach!
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always yearned to rush to the beach pretty much any time I see the sun shining in the sky. This even applies to my years living in New York when cooler days made a sweater more handy than a swim suit. For me, there’s no better therapy than a few hours spent amidst sand, sun and surf.
The soundtrack on many of my beach trips is a well-worn mixed-tape I made back in high school featuring my favorite Bob Marley songs.

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Patrick

On Site St. Maarten: Make Out And More at Cupecoy Beach

Cupecoy Clothing Optional Beach

Spending some nude time on all the clothing optional beaches of St. Maarten/St. Martin was a “tough” job, but my wife and I were determined to find our favorites and bring them to all you good readers. So, after Orient Bay, that brought us to Cupecoy Beach.
Cupecoy is found in the southwest, just across the Dutch border. And as is the trend on St. Maarten, the area has exploded in development projects over the past three years. Massive construction sites are nearing completion all around this diminutive beach, so our recommendation is if you want to check it out, or have fond memories of a quiet time at Cupecoy, go there now!

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