Articles

How in three moths St. Barths change my whole life:

https://www.yanastbarth.com/st-barth-changed-my-life/

It was February the first when I found out we were leaving to the Caribbeans, I did not know for how long or why, I was just asked to pack. I always liked St. Barths and found it a touristy-party place. Little did I know that in those three months my life would change forever. 

This year due to the pandemic I had all my uni classes online which ended up being a great idea as I could sunbathe and be present at the lectures, sipping cocktails and enjoying my view. Seems like a fairytale, doesn’t it? I was able to surf everyday, do those breathtaking hikes, and become a pro at yoga and meditation. It felt like I finally got my life together. It is interesting how the universe has your destiny previewed for you. 

In the beginning of March I hit my leg in the most stupid way possible, closing the window curtains. I went to see the doctor and all I was praying for is not to have a broken toe. The doctor entered the room smiling and singing and I was certain it was just a bruise and I would go hiking that same evening to take some more cute photos for my Instagram as I already bought a matching outfit that will show off my tan. My worst fear happened, my toe was broken and all sports and even walking was forbidden for three weeks. I was frustrated as I knew that my life will drastically change which terrified me… I was stuck in paradise, but couldn’t enjoy the beauty of that tropical island. No more hikes, runs, surf, walks along the beach…

Now all day long I would stay at the beach by myself, getting red like an overripe tomato. My days became boring. The first three days lasted an eternity. However, in only 72 hours my opinions completely changed. I saw that torture like a gift. I think that time was needed for me to appreciate and see life differently. It was a call to slow down my crazy busy head. I started seeing beauty in different things. That experience taught me patience and confidence. It made me shameless and always speak my mind and be straightforward. What surprised me the most is breaking a bone and wasting so much time actually brought me to my wisdom. St Barths taught me a lesson to live here and right now, see joy in everything and appreciate ups and downs. St Barths is a place where I went through pain which made me realize that it wasn’t just a tropical island anymore, but became my home far from home. 

When I broke my toe I was ashamed of walking in a funny boot, using unstylish crutches but every person was so kind and caring. People at St Barths have the warmest and most open hearts who enjoy their life and want to share their positivity with others, teach you to live life here and now.

Summer in Saint Barths:

https://www.yanastbarth.com/summer-plan-2021/

Summer in St. Barths is a completely different story from winter in St. Barths. Summer is a quieter season which will allow you to authentically explore the depths of the island. However, you need to be aware that some places decide to take a long break so it is very important to know what’s open and what’s buzzing. For example, a new place that opened in January La petite plage is currently closed for renovation. Good thing there are a hundred other places worth a visit on that little but fascinating island. Wednesday is a signature night at la guérite, where you get to experience the coolest beats while enjoying the finest greek food. The most delicious japanese restaurant Kinugawa is famous for its Thursdays with its fantastic signature cocktails. Spend your Friday night dancing till you drop at Bagatelle and to gain your energy back get some local food at lunch on Saturday at Little Rock. To finish up your week in a crazy but memorable way, spend your afternoon in Nikki beach and end that day with some cocktails at Gyp Sea where you will get a chance to see the most beautiful sunset sky. After a busy weekend, treat yourself with a boat day around the island to explore unique hidden places, see some whales, dolphins and try caribbean exotic fruits. To feel sporty and adventurous add le Barthlemy to your list on Tuesday. Do some kayaking, hikes and turtle watching at the bay while sipping the healthiest strawberry mocktail. To stay authentic, watch the sunset at Gouverneur with a picnic in a western style. To get the fullest experience of that Caribbean island, go fishing and aim for catching a fish, nothing less but a 28 kg Mahi-Mahi.

Dog is a human’s best friend or is it a parasite?:

Published in the local newspaper of International School of Monaco for students and their families.

Along many years dogs are the ones that are always by people side. They rescue, protect, heal and supervise. They are there for you on your worst and best days. Every child growing up on some point dreamt about having a dog. A friend that will love unoccasionally. To take him on walks, to hide under the blankets when its storming and to cry once they experience their first heartbreak. They tell their parents they will do anything just to get that furry little friend. And once that friend is home, the child faces a LOT of arguments with his parents. However that child growing up will never feel lonely, lost or forgotten. And once he grows up, he will most certainly do the same for his kids.

The match-making with a dog is a sacred process. U might meet hundreds of puppies and not feel that “spark”. I mean it, that celestial connection is real. U will simply know that it is your dog and she is the one who are meant to be with. Sounds cheesy af, but happens to be true.

Some philosophers tend to say that dogs don’t have souls, they have animal spirit that is simple the collection of instincts and reflects. They use us to survive, they stay loyal to the one who gives them food. They say they don’t have capability to think as their causionesness is pretty much nonexistent. They got no feelings, they don’t know what love and care is. Our friendship is literally their dependence and need on u giving them food.

The skeptics will say it is just an animal that is worthless to love. Treat it like an animal and don’t be delusional. Don’t get attached to something that lasts a couple years. It is a toy that u buy when ur bored and nothing more.

Obviously, following these opinions, it constructs the idea that it is pointless to love an animal so much and build illusions that it loves u. But what is love? Love is the warm feeling in ur heart, it is something that is greater than words, it is more than the money can buy. So judging by that words and thoughts are not the representative of love.

What is a true love and should it be confessed?:

Published in the local newspaper of International School of Monaco for students and their families.

Commitment , loyalty , confession…

People live with the stereotype in their heads , thinking real love doesn’t exist without these three words. If there is no commitment , we think the person doesn’t feel love as much as we do . With no loyalty , we lose the trust in the other person . Without any confession , we start doubting their feelings .

We keep saying that real love doesn’t exist and we lose our hope and belief in ever finding one…But does real love really need words and proof to exist ? Love hits you with no warnings , u can never be ready for it . Love requires no words , no explanation , love can be uncomprehended .  

You can’t promise this other person or yourself not to think , care or desire anyone else . You can’t control your feelings and when you know that no matter what you don’t need or lust anyone else . Even when you tell yourself to move and keep on going , but your heart needs only that one person in the whole world…That’s when you know you lost . You fell for it . You lost to the strongest and most painful thing in the world…Love.