It had been a few years since I’d been home. Life got busy (as it does), travel became complicated and before I knew it, months turned into years.

But with my immigration issues sorted (for now) I made a trip back home at the end of 2025. There was no big plan – I didn’t come looking for adventure. I just wanted my people: My siblings, my mom and my doggos.

“Working Vacation”

What I expected to be slow and quiet turned out to be anything but. My days (when not working my day job) were filled with hard work and plenty of stress – I now feel silly for thinking I’d be relaxing for a few weeks!

Instead, I worked on a project that left me sunburnt, scratched up, and properly tired (though I was happy to help). I also managed to cut down a few problem trees in the yard with my brother (and totally underestimated the amount of clean up that would be required. Oh, I also got to spend real time with Mom. 🙂

Most nights ended on my sister’s veranda, playing cards like we used to.

Man, so many accusations of cheating, loads of laughter, and too many hours wasted in the best possible ways.

Birding

This was also the first time being back since falling in love with birding and wildlife. So my favourite pastime became sitting on the veranda in the morning and evening, watching blue-grey tanagers, orioles, egrets, hawks, and herons. Man, so many cool birds!

I even took a birding trip up the Mahaica River with Mom and the crew. We had some badass duck curry (thanks Arsheena), saw loads of beautiful creatures, laughed a bunch and even swam in the river. Man, a perfect day.

I’m writing this from the airport, tired, a little sad to be leaving, but full. I had a great time home, and I can’t wait to be back.

Aite, thats it from me. Stay well 🙂

Damion

Ps. I still have thousands of images to sort through!