Having lived in the Bahamas for several years now, this former Manila-based communications practitioner has become WFH-proficient even before the global lockdown began. Instead of writing, a passion she’s cultivated at a young age, she’s found new obsessions while sheltering-in-place: painting and learning to play the ukulele. Even her weekly grocery runs with the hubby have become occasions she looks forward to, a “legitimate” reason to leave home and soak up priceless island views.
By DONNA DIAZ-GOFF
A flash of lightning streaked outside my window and roused me from sleep. It was so bright it felt like someone pointed a flashlight at my face. As expected, a rolling thunder soon followed. The loud rumbling sounded as though the thunderbolt was right above me. I slowly peeled my eyes open. The digital time projected on the ceiling read 3:40 a.m. Still groggy, I walked towards the bedroom window to open the blinds.
I was certain my husband, now also awake, would love to watch the electric show. Having lived on this island for a few years now, he’s developed a fascination for the floodlights that fill the sky during a thunderstorm. Rain came down hard. It seemed it would never let up, but we both knew that by daylight, the storm would have passed.
Island thunderstorms are fleeting. This is only one of the many things I’ve learned from living on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. I’ve been here for more than three years now, joining my husband as an expatriate from Las Vegas. I traded my hotel/casino marketing position for a life in flip-flops.
Proficient in WFH
My passion for writing came in handy. It didn’t take long for me to find a freelance job that allowed me to work remotely. By the time the pandemic lockdown started, I was already proficient in WFH (working from home), communicating with clients via Zoom and juggling home responsibilities while meeting deadlines. The best part of WFH is that my balcony offers a panoramic view of Nassau Harbour, lockdown or not.
Up until now, sheltering-in-place around these parts only happened during a hurricane when windows are either boarded up or shielded by hurricane shutters. Hurricane season spans half the year, and the locals have demonstrated how they have to come to terms with it.
Island living has also trained both my husband and I to pivot, improvise and be extra patient when coming across obstacles— like when it comes to groceries or household items. Most everything is imported and it would be foolish to expect products to be consistently available. There are days when we’d have to bounce around three different stores to find what we’re looking for. Depending on the shipments, we may not even get what we need until two months later.
But COVID-19 threw huge wrenches and we still have to make big adjustments. In the early stages of the pandemic, trips to the grocery store felt like heading to battle. (Luckily, the store shelves here were never out of toilet paper.) Soon, the hubby and I devised a strategy. He’d drop me off at one grocery store while he went to another. We’d text each other so one could pick up what the other couldn’t find.
Along with the lockdown came the liquor ban that hit just as I was very low on wine inventory. I’m not a big drinker, but I like a glass of wine with my dinner every now and then. I was so happy when I remembered that I had stashed away a bottle of premium sake in the fridge. Such little victories were sweet.
In touch with neighbors
We used to have restaurant dates with our neighbors for TGIF dinners. Though we are still able to relish time together via FaceTime or hangout poolside while social distancing, we have resorted to sharing home-cooked meals and treats left at each other’s doorsteps.
Perhaps one of the biggest freedoms taken away from me is the ability to enjoy the ocean to the fullest. Beaches are still closed. I miss our Sundays-at-the-Beach rituals. I can’t even walk along the shore, feel the soft sand at my feet and let the waves greet me like a playful puppy.
Before the shutdown, I’d sometimes meet up with my friend to go snorkeling or beachcombing. That was the highlight of my day. Other times, we’d be invited to go fishing in a nearby cay and return with a load of mahi-mahi. But here’s the thing: I take comfort in knowing that I went out and did all that versus lamenting that I never did.
With all of this time in my hands, you’d think that I’d be writing more. Strangely, I have zero motivation to do so. Maybe it’s because I associate it with work. Instead, I’ve found new obsessions. Over the past three months, I’ve taught myself to paint using acrylics. I’ve also picked up the ukulele and learned to play a few songs. I found YouTube videos and free online tutorials quite helpful.
Both playing the ukulele and painting have given me an overwhelming sense of freedom. When I paint or play the uke, I engage in self-expression for as long as I want. There are no time limits or deadlines. Everything I do is under my own terms. Now that’s enjoyable and liberating.
Biggest fan, helpful critic
It helps that I am with someone who completely supports me in my new endeavors. Hubs has been my biggest fan and helpful critic. I welcome his encouraging feedback and guidance. I know I am only getting better and better. And while I’m strumming away or making broad brushstrokes, he’s content watching reruns of The Rockford Files.
What do we do together? We spend time cooking and baking (because who doesn’t love to eat?), watching our favorite shows (or catching up on old ones), or competing with our Top Chef Fantasy teams (which we drafted in the absence of sports). We continue our morning walks not letting rain stop us (as long as it’s not accompanied with lightning). Surprisingly, we look forward to our weekly grocery run, a legitimate reason to leave the house. It has become an escape and a way to seize the day. Sometimes we’d venture to the farther location just so we could drive by the ocean and get a scenic view.
There is no knowing for sure how else our lives will change in the coming months. During this time of uncertainty, I cling to the words of Westworld’s Dolores Abernathy: “Some people choose to see the ugliness in this world. The disarray. I choose to see the beauty. To believe there is an order to our days, a purpose.”
Ever since I moved here, I have never taken for granted that I live in a bucket-list destination. I marvel at everything my eyes touch. Now with a painter’s eye, I look at things with an even greater intensity, taking note of all the details. Yes, I choose to see the beauty.
For now, I’ll continue to bask in my seemingly endless vacation. I’ll keep embracing everything around me, including the inconveniences and frustrations. I’ll face any challenge head on. I’ll pay attention to what is truly essential to my heart. With an unwavering spirit, I’ll hold on to the promise of better days ahead. Like an island thunderstorm, this crisis shall also pass. I’ll keep trudging along because paradise living, as I’ve come to realize, has always been my normal.
Donna Diaz-Goff is a self-proclaimed curious adventurer. Writing is her true passion and nothing motivates her more than sharing discoveries and fun experiences through her storytelling skills. When her husband was hired as a casino executive for a Bahamas resort, they relocated to Paradise Island. They were previously living in Las Vegas where they both worked for gaming/hospitality companies. Donna also worked in the Philippines as a communications/PR practitioner for luxury hotel properties. Donna’s articles have been featured in publications such as View Travel & Lifestyle Magazine and theFilAm.net. She has also contributed to womenwholiveonrocks.com and maintains her blog curiousdonna.com.
