My family and I went to Barbados for the Quebec spring break. To say it was gorgeous and warm and everything Montreal isn't in late February would still be a massive understatement.

I can't recommend it enough. Amazing how such a small place, only 200K population and the island is about the size of the island of Montreal, can have such an impact. Historically too Barbados has played a huge role in shaping the modern world.

We were lucky that our return flight was delayed by strike action at the airport. That meant we got to watch the Gold Cup, the premiere horse race of the year and as it turned out, a five minute walk from our lodgings.

I could write forever about the beach and the water and the first time I went surfing and the snorkeling the family did together. The horse race was different and special though because it was unexpected and felt very local and less of a tourist experience. The local people were extremely gracious and described the event and we all watched the thrilling finish together. For my first time to a horse race it was pretty spectacular.

If you get a chance, if you're lucky enough, go to Barbados, go to Carlyle Bay and Bridgetown, it's a wonderful place.