Whether you're stationed in the Caribbean or in the middle of a lake, being on an island is one of life's greatest pleasures. From the beautiful sights to the charming people, you'll never have a bad day on the island. Being on an island teaches you many lessons that you don't normally pick up on immediately. I've only visited two islands- one in the Caribbean and one on a lake and both times I have learned so many lessons about myself and the world.
Living on an island teaches you to put your phone down. It teaches you to stop scrolling through twitter and instead, gaze up at the sky. Being on an island with terrible service is not a curse, it's a blessing. Instagram will always be there when you get home, the palm trees won't be. When you're on an island, you don't see anyone absorbed into their phones, you see people enjoying themselves with their phone back in their hotel rooms. The rest of the outside world doesn't matter when you're on an island.
Being on an island teaches you to work with what you've got. I've been to an island where the only place that sold goods was a small general store. Other than that store, you were stuck using what you brought. This teaches you to make do with the resources around you. If you're running low on food or water, savor every last drop until you can find more. In actuality, island life is very simple and you don't need as much as you may think you'll need.
Being on an island reminds you of the beauty that is the world we live in. We are surrounded by incredible sights that never cease to amaze me. The sights of the islands are ones I will never forget. From crystal clear oceans of the Caribbean, to warm sparkling lakes of Maine, each one was unique from the other. Every island has its own smell, as strange as that may sound. You notice the smell the second you step onto it's land. The Caribbean gives off an aroma of bitter salt and humid air while the lake smells like clean air and blooming flowers. Each scent welcoming and calming.
While on an island, you will meet unforgettable people. Some of the greatest people I have come in contact with were met on an island. The island locals will teach you so many great lessons- from what food to stay away from to secrets of being a successful tourist. The local of the islands have seen hundreds of people come and go, and they're full of stories.
Time does not exist while on an island. The term "island time" is strongly enforced on any island you visit. No one is in any rush to get anywhere. Things get done, when they get done. No one frantically looks at the clock in fear of things that need to get done. Time is merely a foreign idea on an island. Islanders start their days when the sun comes up and end them when the sun sets. You don't need a clock to tell you that. When you lose track of time, life becomes simpler- better.
Visiting an island is my favorite vacation destination. From the wonderful people to breathtaking views, the islands will welcome you time after time.
