The uniqueness of our lifestyle, the Bajan way, is a fascination for many who visit our shores and observe us. Yet we take many things we do for granted as we go on our mad or merry way.
In this month when we celebrate the 49th anniversary of Independence, the Sunday Sun will share some of these things to reinforce our values and our validity as an exceptional people.
Today we visit what is popularly known as the Hot Pot.
THE SUN’S RAYS painted the sky an enticing orange. Coincidentally it was a golden evening for many choice Barbadians who sauntered onto Brighton Beach, lured into an evening of relaxation and friendly camaraderie. And above all, warmth. A special warmth of the ocean’s water.
Several people were submerged, indulging the splendour of a natural pool, our Hot Pot.
Rawle Mason, one of the many who had been going there for years to enjoy the soothing and therapeutic properties of the salt water, explained that he and his pals came to the pool every weekday and it had turned into quite the community party.
“I really don’t have any arthritis as such; I’m retired now, so every evening I come here and do my thing. There is a whole crowd of us. Regularly we come down here and roast breadfruits, we bring fishcakes and bakes. Everybody brings something,” said the smiling 80-year-old.
On this occasion the party comprised mainly retirees, teachers and even police officers. Some to relax, some to de-stress.
“A lot of people who suffer from arthritis say that this water is good for their ailment. People are lifted from out of wheelchairs and brought in to soak in the water and they say it ‘agrees’ with them.”
Fernando Hood was another of the regulars with seven years’ experience. The waters helped to heal his swollen ankle. He was surprised that the Hot Pot was not more popular, although he likes it that way.
“If you have a stressful time at work and you come and do your exercise and then you relax, when you leave you feel like a different person,” he said.
Louis Lynch, who said that he had been going to the area for over five years, called it a “great hidden gem”.
“I actually bring some of my friends from overseas down here because it is so unique and not many visitors would know about it.”
On the far side of the crisscrossing waves, a group of younger people took advantage of the warm waters and soft, soothing sand as they laughed with each other and watched children splash in the pool.
While they may not be as “die-hard” as the regulars, they too explained that they understood the significance of this special Barbadian feature.
Keesha Jordan, a 19-year-old, found it to be a “nice place to chill”, saying the water not only helped the body relax, but it also eased back pain.
The Hot Pot has its evening crowd and its morning crowd. They differ on the time of day to swim, but agree that there is nothing like the therapy that the salt and the warmth of the sea afford. (ACG)