Back in Action, Anguilla Style

Here I am, just a few days shy of my two-month mark living in Anguilla. Sitting in my favorite spot on Rendezvous Bay, I stare out at turquoise water, sailboats and yachts, passerby tourists who attempt to freeze this paradise in still frame before returning to retrospective winters, villas of the rich and the plastic, and the glorious mountains of St. Maarten. Moments like this make me question reality.

Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla

Actually, most of the moments I spend on this 17-mile-long, 3-mile-wide island nestled between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, cause me to question my reality. Living in Anguilla is like living in an alternate universe. In short, this place is something special. 

I often boast about my balls of steel, but that's not to say they didn't shrivel up when presented with the opportunity to move to an island I had never heard of. Being stable for so long, studying, slinging drinks, and schmoozing with the family and friends who know me inside and out, the good, the bad and the ugly of KTS, perpetuated the fear of starting over, the fear of establishing a new life on a new land in a new culture, the fear of the unknown. Yet with one-month's notice, I sealed up my schooling, waved bon voyage to Brooklyn, and packaged up my life into bags and boxes to begin again. A big part of me is thankful it all happened so quickly, leaving little room for second guessing and over-thinking. 

And now I live in a bizarre paradise. Anguilla presents an interesting culture, especially as a freckle-faced, red-headed, white girl with boobs, a butt, and curves of all kinds. In short, I don't blend in. Oh no. When it comes to Anguilla, there is no blending in. And it's not just a matter of being noticed, you are known. You are not simply seen, you are watched, observed and evaluated, whether or not you want to be. 

Try to hide, but becoming known is inevitable. No sense in resisting bars and social outings because your car is recognized, license plate number and all. And trust me, if someone has your digits, they will be sure to dial you up just to inform you that they saw you pass by the supermarket taking a sip of your Aloha water bottle while listening to Beyonce's XO and flipping the hair out of your eyes. And just in case these details do not suffice, it was 10:23 and you had on a green shirt. Yes, I am serious. 

Going for a quick drink to unwind? Well you will probably end up in Sandy Ground and will run into anyone and everyone that you do not want to see. You must accept this or grab you drink to go. 

Sandy Ground Overlook

Plan your gas, grocery, and bank transactions accordingly, especially if attempting an "in and out" trip. And no matter what, there is no such thing as a having a day where you do not feel like interacting with others. Even if lucky enough to avoid encounters with known individuals, everyone says good morning, good afternoon, good evening, and good night- and these are just the greetings, not goodbyes. Can't be rude and not respond or you'll look like a nose-in-the-air tourist. Don't be that person.

Most importantly, be careful of the information you divulge and who you choose to share it with. After all, talk is cheap, especially in Anguilla. Everyone is related. Everyone. You don't want to talk smack and be smacked back with a "He is my cousin." It will not be overlooked nor forgotten. Know who is a Banks, Webster, Hodge, Harrigan, and surely enough, Smith. With an estimated population of 14,500 everyone and everything is connected. Pay mind to choices made as they will influence perception, reputation and daily chatter. 

Welcome to Anguilla ladies and gents. Almost two months later, I still continue to buckle and brace myself for I am officially KNOWN.