Aging in Turks and Caicos
Generally speaking I don’t have issues with big numbers. 30 in a hoops game? If that’s what it takes to win. 100+ on a beginner’s golf course? If it involves a few hours blowin stogies with the boys. Chipotle bowls 3 days straight? No shame…that’s what I call livin. These numbers I can deal with.
But turning 40 hits a little different. I am officially old, and there’s no fighting it now. Bring on the dentures, AARP card, and assisted living…I’ve reached the point of no return. So, in an attempt to stall for a bit, I decided to escape to a Caribbean island that might distract from my geriatric transition.
As any old man would do, I analyzed flights for days in search of the best option. Circumstantially the criteria of best price with least amount of travel time happened to be the Turks and Caicos islands. But don’t be fooled about this being an overall cheap travel destination, it certainly is not.
Over the years these islands have exploded in popularity. As its name suggests the archipelago is divided into two main island groups, with Providenciales and the Grand Turk islands being the most frequented of all. This British territory’s sparse population of less than 50,000 people and its climate of very little rainfall compared to other Caribbean countries do well to attract visitors.
Providenciales
The Turks and Caicos islands are low elevation, but their world renowned beaches and crystal clear waters will engage you plenty. Many visitors admire its tropical attributes while zipping around on a jet ski or more calmly floating along on a kayak. The islands also maintain some of the best barrier reef in the Atlantic Ocean for divers and snorkelers.
With plans to only stay a handful of days, my time was spent on the main island of Providenciales. I stayed all five nights in the Grace Bay area, which is far more of an investment than I’d usually prefer. But it just seemed obligatory for this occasion to enjoy myself. I booked a rental car as well. The price was reasonable but by the end of the week it was clear a car isn’t needed.
Grace Bay Beach
Upon arrival at Grace Bay Beach I threw myself in the ocean immediately. It was my lucky day, with just the right temperature, the absence of excess vegetation washed up from the tide, and a glowing sun above. I can see why so many visitors rave about it.
For dinner that night I walked up Allegro Road to the Turks Kebab restaurant. No complaints on the food, and the mix of reggae and afro beats music was just what I needed to switch onto island mode. After a generous few tasters, I left with all the swag in my step and a bottle of locally made rum to share with friends back home…which I admit with great sadness was later taken from me at the airport.
Sapodilla Bay
The second day was probably the best of the week. After a somewhat underwhelming road trip to the Chalk Sound, I stumbled into a little gem of a beach at Sapodilla Bay. It didn’t take long to settle in here, as I was welcomed by a comfortable amount of people and water as clear as it gets. The good vibes of reggae sounds touched every part of my aging soul, and that was the moment I knew I made the right choice to start year 40 here.
Within minutes I was chopping it up with a pair of Haitian brothers who moved away from the sad state of their home to chase a new life. And seize the opportunity they did. Together they’ve grown a little entertainment business offering water sport adventures and a beach bar serving the best rum punch in the Caribbean. They smile with a purity so rare. What an incredible story.
The good vibrations carried on while putting my Spanish skills to the test with more new friends from the Dominican Republic. The surprise on their face as we exchanged first words was unforgettable. It was a great reminder to me why I study the language on a weekly basis. And it definitely felt good.
Some of the Dominicanas had been living in Turks and Caicos for a few years, and others were visiting from Santo Domingo to decide whether a potential move would be beneficial. The opportunities for work are limited, and despite having children in the DR they need to be open minded about a solution. So of course the growing tourism scene on Providenciales had to be considered.
Caribbean Nightlife
We had such a good time that the party couldn’t stop at the beach. After determining where to reconvene I escaped the downpour to clean up at my hotel. The storm continued as I drove around searching for what they casually described as “the bar behind the stadium”. When I finally made it, there was a charming welcome for the only gringo in the club. These are the experiences I live for!
The reggaeton was on point and the hookah could’ve very easily been the best I’ve had. Despite having just had knee surgery three weeks earlier, I danced like the first time I heard the Macarena. But better of course! The vibe was high and the laughs came easy. I didn’t want the attention from sharing it was my 40th, but somehow everything came together perfectly and I wasn’t gonna short myself on the fun.
Big Blue Collective
Over the last few days I made some small road trips around the island, pushed the Haitians’ jet ski to the absolute max, and linked up with the Big Blue Collective on a snorkeling excursion. If you decide to hire a fishing charter or explore the world beneath the sea I’d recommend these guys. Gustavo and TJ were class hosts with enough personality to calm the unpredictable behavior of both humans and climate.
For the half day tour, the BBC’s beautifully maintained boat raced our group far out in the North Atlantic Ocean to the uninhabited parts of the Turks and Caicos, where we snorkeled around a few colorful reefs and ate lunch in the sand with the iguanas.
On the return to Providenciales I connected with TJ on our mutual appreciation for traveling on a budget. I shared a few stories and reflections on past trips, and he provided plenty of good recommendations about which islands to visit in his home country, the Bahamas. And of course we laughed about my reformation into senior citizenship. Connecting with people truly is so much of the enjoyment of international adventures.
