In the early 1980s, the late country music singer-songwriter John Denver wrote a love song called Shanghai Breezes. Denver wrote the song for his wife Annie during a month-long tour of China. The cute lyrics remind us of how we are all connected no matter where we are on the planet and the many differences that divide us. And the moon and the stars are the same as you see; it is the same sun as always in the sky; and your voice in my ear is like heaven to me; Like the breeze here in old Shanghai

With the Denver lyrics in mind, I am reflecting on the concept of connection when it comes to human life, the planet, and the vast expanse of the universe around us. We are connected through blood, friendship, geography, cultural ties, historical events, the moon and stars above, and the air we breathe. We are connected through our similarities and our differences. Yin and Yang, man and woman, good and bad, black and white; diversity is essential to life as we know it.

The study of Cybernetics in nature focuses on separate but related systems, such as organisms, ecologies, and even entire societies; These systems are interconnected through a complex feedback loop with multiple layers of interacting heterogeneous components. Each system has the potential to effect change in another. Even the most subtle act can result in a resounding transformation across multiple layers and systems. The teachings of Zen Buddhism hold that there is a universal path to enlightenment, a meditative state of mindfulness and presence, which connects all living things to each other.

Diversity connects us through rich traditions, distinct cultures, and fascinating stories to share. The collective social conscience tends to neglect the ties that unite us in favor of the differences that tear us apart. Cast pots help us stay connected, while gentrification can foster ignorance. The Lowcountry of South Carolina is no exception. Much of what we know and love about the Lowcountry, from the architecture to the plantations to the dialect to the cuisine, dates back to our Caribbean connection, but for those of us who live and work here, history is lost amidst shopping malls. , franchises. and cookie cutter communities.

In 1670, the first group of planters and slaves set sail from Speightstown in northern Barbados, landing at Albemarle Point on the Ashley River, where the British colony of Charles Towne was established. With its beautiful haunting coastline, gentle gentle breezes, streets lined with lush tropical foliage, classic individual homes depicting all the colors of the rainbow, and the Gullah dialect, a derivative of West Africa, it is impossible to deny that the heart and soul of it Caribbean still runs through Charleston’s veins.

Names like Gibbes, Yeamans, Drayton, and Middleton recall Charleston’s Caribbean roots, as Charleston was colonized in part by English-born Barbadian planters and enslaved Africans. They brought us the plantation system that became the lifeblood of Charleston’s economy until the end of the Civil War. Thomas Drayton and his wife Ann left Barbados for Charles Towne and established the Magnolia Plantation in 1679. The Drayton family owned the property for the next 300 years. At the beginning of the American Revolution in 1775, Magnolia was at the height of the rice planting season. Several sons of Drayton became involved in the war, with William Henry Drayton taking a leading role. In 1779, the plantation was sacked by the British General Augustine Prevost. John Drayton fled the plantation with his family, but was seized and killed while crossing the Cooper River.

When my husband and I visited Peaches and Quiet on the southern tip of Barbados several months ago, the connection between Carolina and Barbados was evident. On the day of our departure, we felt sorry for a Toronto family as they prepared to return to freezing temperatures, while the only freezing blast awaiting us was the one inside our own freezer. Perhaps it was the warm breezes wafting off the sea, the tropical flowers and emerald palm trees scattered like rainbow sparks, or the sense of tranquility that enveloped my body and soul that reminded me of Charleston. We owe much of this gift to the early Barbadian settlers and their descendants who fought so hard for our independence, braving the elements to weave a beautiful new tapestry from the original threads of their lush island home.

Peaches and Quiet is charming and simple. British owners Adrian and Margaret Loveridge have created a tropical sanctuary where simple elegance meets natural beauty and their story is one of passion and determination. After 42 years working in the tourism industry, Adrian was in dire need of a vacation. He surprised his wife Margaret with a three-week trip to Barbados, where the couple rented a car and explored the island. When they stepped onto the Peaches of Quiet grounds, a divine spark was lit. They both knew that despite the dilapidated state of the hotel, the place held a special kind of magic. Adrián explained how the incredible view and whitewashed Moorish architecture spoke to him, forcing him to return the next day. “I think buildings have a soul,” Adrian said. After spending several days inside his tropical oasis where the gentle breezes never cease and the turquoise sea crashes against the rugged edges of the coral and sandstone cliffs that rise directly from the sea, I understood exactly what he meant.

Four days after stepping on the premises for the first time, the couple decided to buy the hotel. Margaret arranged the sale of her home in England while a British bank promised to finance 90% of the purchase, but subsequently withdrew from the deal. Lots of people would have left it around here. Instead, a couple who didn’t even consider buying a hotel were so drawn to the place that they couldn’t imagine going back. Adrian reached out to 27 different banks for help before finding relief in the most unlikely place: a former business rival turned friend who offered to float his money. Now, twenty years later, they continue to face a multitude of challenges and obstacles, from a shortage of materials and supplies on the island (Adrian admits he would do anything for a Home Depot) to cultural differences in work ethics.

Peaches and Quiet was built in 1973, when a wealthy Canadian hired English architect Ian Morrison to build the hotel of his dreams. When the original owner became seriously indebted, a former boat captain acquired the place at auction. Legend has it that the hotel housed the first gambling hall, where the Prime Minister of Barbados, Tom Adams, enjoyed the camaraderie of gentlemen and a constant supply of beautiful women. When Adrian and Margaret acquired the hotel in 1988, the hotel’s 17 buildings spread over 4.5 acres were in terrible disrepair. All the roofs had to be replaced, the pool required a facelift, and according to Margaret, the place was “overgrown and unloved.” Despite the challenges, the couple shared a common vision and dedicated their lives to turning their vision into reality.

Margaret and Adrian’s service philosophy is reflected in their honesty bar, where guests serve themselves unlimited rum punch, beer, water and soft drinks throughout the day while checking their own bill. This is by far the best value on the island as Adrian and Margaret live by the philosophy of under promise and over delivery. The 22 guest suites are simple, clean, and comfortable. The buffet-style breakfast is simple and satisfying if you don’t mind sharing with the beautiful birds and friendly resident cats that roam the premises. Dinners are low-key, quiet, and romantic. We dined under the soft glow of the candles with a blanket of twinkling stars above. Margaret promotes a healthy wine list that will satisfy even the most selective connoisseurs. The dinner menu changes daily with a selection of meat or seafood. Most of the ingredients are locally grown, the sauces are tasty and light, and the freshly baked breads are well worth the extra carbs.

Sitting with Margaret while listening to her story, I wished we could extend our visit a little longer. “We put everything we have into this property and despite the challenges, I still believe in the beauty of this place.” Margaret stared into the distance, as if reflecting on the last twenty years of her life, which in many ways were as jagged and unforgiving as the stone cliffs that surrounded the edge of the sea before us. With acres of lemon, lemon and grapefruit trees, a multitude of tropical flowers and the sounds of crashing waves, I was able to begin to see this place through Margaret’s eyes and connect with her vision. “We are not here to make a lot of money,” said Margaret. “As long as we have a roof over our head, good food in our stomach and a glass of wine in our hands, we will be happy and believe the same is true for our guests.”

I thought of my own home in Charleston and the shared history of the South Carolina Lowcountry and this lush Caribbean island. I guess that’s all we really need, I thought: delicious food, a sea breeze, and lots of good wine. We are all connected in more ways than we realize, and we have many stories to share. I soaked up the beauty of my surroundings for one last moment and prepared myself for a long journey back across the sea.

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