I love the idea of traveling “like a local”. Avoiding tourist hubs and blending in to seek out the everyday beauty of a location. It’s hard to accomplish and I always end up taking enough photos I’m sure the “true” locals cringe. But, the best way, I’ve found, is to acquire “honorary” local status by blending in with someone who truly knows the lay of the land. Luckily for me, I spent my recent trip to Bequia with my boyfriend, Max, doing just that. Max grew up spending a portion of the year taking in sun while the rest of the Northeast bundled up, wishing winter would disappear. This year marked his 28th trip down to Bequia and my 2nd.
We tried our best to wake with the sun and make the short walk down the hill for a morning swim in the clear blue ocean water. A breakfast of homemade yogurt, our neighbor’s honey, and the tastiest fresh fruit you can imagine didn’t hurt either. Daily adventures usually started by navigating the rickety old Jeep around the winding narrow roads and steep hills of the island; hoping we wouldn’t get ourselves into a situation that our lackluster stick-shift skills couldn’t get us out of. If we were lucky we’d take a trip to visit Max’s childhood French tutor, Claude Victorine, to play Dominos, drink strong rum (with spoonfuls of sugar), and tell stories late into the evening.
Max’s mum tells a story of three eccentric bathers who frequented our favorite beach: Mrs. Pough, Mrs. Yeorg, and Mr. Bubblington. It wasn’t their gossip or chatter that set them apart while they floated along in the warm sea. But rather, their brightly colored floral swim caps and the way their toes always poked straight out of the ocean while they floated on their backs, without a care in the world, certainly did stand out.
My Little Belleville’s soon-to-be-launched S/S’15 line can give us all the chance to let out our inner “Mrs. Pough.” The whimsical patterns, lively colors, and dainty details are all aspects I know Mrs. Pough would dote, all while her toes afloat.
Check back in this Wednesday, April 1st, for the launch of the new line! Eee!
Cheers!
Emily
The Swimsuit and Skirt pattern designed by Michelle Christensen, manufactured by Print All Over Me.
S/S'15 Photographer: Kami Weddick // Make-Up Artist: Helen McDonald // Model: Alexandra Smith