So there I was, at the Sulphur Springs Mud Bath in St Lucia, being smeared with green mud all over my body. Two layers first to exfoliate. Then sprinkled with black mud, a guide creating designs in stripes and handprints as if my arms, face and chest were a canvas. I felt like I was in a pool full of zebras. Okay, zebras with black handprints all over dotting the mud masterpiece. Allegedly, the mineral waters in which we were submerged washed off 10 years along with the mud palette. I'm pretty sure my husband didn't notice any difference…

Almost everywhere you turn there is a carinderia (a small canteen). You find them in the mall in fast food chains like Jollibee, Inasal and Chow King that serve hamburgers, fried chicken and noodles. I didn't see much of McDonalds … I think the local competition is driving them out of town. You can also find food along the major and minor streets.

I was delighted when my husband and I received Betty’s invitation to join her for a picnic at the Sunset in the Palms Resort in Negril, Jamaica. The setting was lush, the food and wine enticing. Conversation, though, was a tad strained. But then her recent history was a bit dicey. Recently married, rumor has it was a shotgun wedding. Seems Betty …