NOTE: Today, instead of continuing with the story, I’ve revised this photo essay of the place that inspired the story Once You Go Back. That story is fictional, but many parts of it are based on real experiences. Here’s a link to the summary and chapter outline.
There are moments in our youth when our minds are exceptionally malleable, like soft clay waiting to be shaped. Psychologists call these "critical periods" - windows of time when our experiences profoundly influence who we become. As we grow older, these transformative moments become rarer, but they remain possible.
Years ago, I unknowingly embarked on such a journey of self-redefinition. It began with an unexpected friendship in wild land, isolated as we used to be able to do, from the world far removed from modern conveniences. Through my first interracial love and meeting a super-rich celebrity client, I sought to rectify the inequities I saw and my place in the world.
The Heart of Hispaniola
The rugged mountains of Hispaniola is a landscape early Europeans described as "sharp and craggy as a crumpled piece of paper." When I first visited over 20 years ago, this wild frontier lacked road signs, online maps, or even a mention in the Lonely Planet Guide.
An Unlikely Guide
I found myself sharing a tiny car with a stranger - a local country boy and coffee farmer who, despite growing up in the shadow of these mountains, had never ventured into their depths. We were an odd pair: a foreigner and a local, thrown together by chance for an eight-hour drive through unfamiliar terrain.
As the hours ticked by, our initial awkwardness gave way to a shared sense of curiosity and adventure.
Cloud Forest Revelations
One of our days began in a cool cloud forest, where we climbed towering trees, walked massive limbs, and stepped gingerly over delicate orchids and bromeliads. It was here, amidst the mist and greenery, that our bond began to form.
A Glimpse of Paradise
An unexpected clearing revealed a breathtaking view of the crystal-clear Caribbean below, a world away from our lofty perch.
The Language of Music
My new friend spoke Créole and Spanish; I only English. He bridged this gap with song, his strong tenor voice filling the air with Bob Marley lyrics as we rode in the back of a pickup truck. It wasn’t perfect, though, as Marley sang in English and his Jamaican Patio.
Descending Through Diversity
Our journey took us backward through changing landscapes. The air grew drier, the sun more intense. Long sleeves gave way to bare skin as we navigated rocky canyons and arid plains.
The Bay of Eagles
Our final destination was a stark contrast to where we began. Cacti stood sentinel behind us while glaring white sand stretched out on either side. As we peered over the truck's cab, the Bay of Eagles revealed itself - a hidden paradise.
This was beyond words "beautiful" to read and see! The first paragraph ("There are moments in our youth when our minds are exceptionally malleable, like soft clay waiting to be shaped. Psychologists call these "critical periods" - windows of time when our experiences profoundly influence who we become. As we grow older, these transformative moments become rarer, but they remain possible.") is some of the most profound and exquisite prose I've come across in recent years! Thank you!