THE clay all over my body, including my face, reminded me of my childhood days at this same spot on the beach in my hometown. I was not aware of the benefits of clay on the skin back then, but now I am intentional about applying it. This natural spa was part of the Living with Intention Retreat in Bartica last weekend. I started that retreat with a select group of women a few years ago to relax, reflect and recharge. Over the last two years, we all have had our challenges, and need to rejuvenate our mind, body and soul, and the ladies I invited were excited.
Since my early teens, I have travelled to my hometown on the big boat, which takes hours, and it was awesome. We had a party to celebrate Sherica’s birthday with cake and wine, and we sang for her. Imagine, I sang, too! LoL!

I was sharing my fond memories of my travels to Bartica with my family, and stopping at Fort Island Stelling to buy roasted corn and dhal puri on the way. In those days, we had about three stops along the way for people to come on and get off. This has changed since then, and my friend, Phillipa, who lived in the US for 40 years, was intrigued by the way a small boat pulled up at the side of the big boat, and the people skillfully disembarked.
From all reports, the retreat exceeded these phenomenal women’s expectations, from the early morning meditation to breakfast on the boardwalk, fishing on the pier, swimming in the river, dancing the electric slide, miniature golf, zip-lining at the Backyard Resort, or allowing the water from the Falls to massage your body. We had the opportunity of interacting with some of the ladies from the Women in Action group, and we will be collaborating on some community empowering projects together. Next week’s column will give you more details, but I will share the ladies’ comments with you.

A FEW COMMENTS
“It’s said if you’re the smartest person in a room, then you need to change the room. It was such a heartwarming experience being a part of the Retreat to Bartica. It created a sisterhood amongst a very diverse group of women. I also learned so much just listening to the various conversations, and also formed a business alliance with one of the women.
Bartica is like an undiscovered gem; the people are amazing, and the town and its environs are also beautiful. The waterfalls are breathtaking. The fresh cold water felt so wonderful, rushing along the current: Made you just want to lie back and relax; forget about the outside world. All in all, the trip was rejuvenating, and very therapeutic. Can’t wait for my next visit.” –Ziningi Ngqondo

“It was a holiday weekend filled with excitement, relaxation, meeting new people, gaining new friends, visiting new places, and rediscovering Bartica in a way I never thought possible. The ambience of Bartica as a town is breathtaking. The boardwalk, the karaoke, the restaurants and bars, and the people of different races intermingling in a way I envisioned Guyana to be were remarkable. Special shout out to the owner of the Backyard Resort for his hospitality, creativity and innovation, and, most of all, the ring slide. Bartica, to me, is now the new destination for tourists, and also Guyanese.” — Jenifer Tomside

“This retreat with Ms. Sonia Noel and team was so awesome from the time we arrived in Bartica. The atmosphere was great. Meeting the ladies from the Women in Action group was a plus, and we had so much fun together. We dined, laughed, danced, and shared old-time stories. I felt so relaxed, and was excited for the adventure of the next day.” –Natasha David

“Meeting amazing women like myself was the first to begin with. A trip to Bartica with these wonderful women was altogether an unforgettable experience. Real connections were made, and friendships began. Meeting hospitable Barticians, a clean environment, peacefulness, beautiful scenery were just some of the experiences I enjoyed, and every second was worth it. This trip allowed me to escape the busy world we all live in, and I was able to take a breath and enjoy the smallest, simplest yet beautiful moments of life. Today I am and feel much more at peace, inspired, focused and ready to take on what life has to offer me as I continue my journey as a make-up artist.  I’m happy the way life has led me to someone who inspires me, Ms. Sonia and all the other sisters that I met along the way!” –Sherica Ambrose

“The trip to Bartica opened up Guyana and the warmth of the Guyanese people in a completely new way. Meeting both female and male leaders who were excited to discuss future ventures to tap the untapped potential of the region was truly inspiring.  I am very happy that I took the trip, and look forward to my return visit.” –Phillipa Morrish

“My trip to Bartica will always be a memorable one, due to the fact that I got to spend it with some wonderful ladies, some of whom I met for the first time, and felt as though I knew them for some time now. Sherica, for example. It was hard to capture all of the moments and breathtaking sites! But I would always remember the smiles and laughter we shared. Bartica is one of the places I must visit again, because it was hard to capture all the wonders in one trip! I am grateful that I had the opportunity to travel to this paradise in a tucked-away location.” –Latoya Barton

We all need time out from our regular routine, and it helps us to be more productive. We have one life, and I encourage us to be intentional about making it our best life, as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.