LIFESTYLE 76 lime January - March 2009 14 Go cruising on a catamaran and swim with the turtles or snorkel. You'll experience and appreciate a colourful new world by simply entering the water. 15 Try deep- sea fishing or, if you're a little tentative, try it from a jetty. There's nothing like your line being tugged! 16 Buy a piece of art that reflects the beauty of your surroundings, however small, and have it framed and mounted in your home or office. 17 Speaking of framing, frame one of your certificates – your degree, your key employee award; your daughter's report card! 18 Make a gift. Instead of store- bought gifts, why not hand- make or tailor a gift for someone's birthday or anniversary. Shells, sand, and other textiles can augment your creations. 19 Since this region is becoming one large melting pot, why not befriend someone, in your country, whose nationality is different to yours? You'd be amazed at what you both could learn and share. 20 Do an island tour. Bundle a few friends and a picnic basket into your vehicle and take to the road. Don't forget your map and cell phone! 21 Start taking early morning hikes. Stroll ( or take a brisk walk) through the undergrowth to stimulate your lung capacity, heart and senses! 22 Learn a new language, at least the basics, since French, Spanish, Dutch are spoken widely throughout our region. 23 Bake banana bread or coconut drops, nicely package them, and surprise your neighbours, or volunteer to mow their lawn. 24 One day a week or so leave your vehicle at home and take the bus. It's kinder to our fragile environment and frees you to look around, without fear of plunging into a ditch, at the natural beauty all around you. 25 Learn tiling. With building costs rising it makes sense to do some of the work yourself. Imagine the sense of accomplishment you'll feel as you glide across your floors. 11 Go out for a drink with that old dear friend you hardly saw in 2008 ( Facebook doesn't count) because you got married, were buried behind the files on your desk, or addicted to the Internet. 12 Go horse- back riding along the beach or through a nature trail. Once you get used to the horse's rhythm you'll feel majestic. 13 Change your appearance. No extreme makeover needed. Simply colour your hair; cut your beard; change your glass frames; experiment with your make- up and SMILE! 26 Read a book by a Caribbean author you've never read before. Then pass it on to someone you think will appreciate it. Brooke Slezak/ GETTY images Jason Todd/ GETTY images

January - March 2009 lime 77 31 Paint a room, just one room in your home… yourself. OK, refer to HGTV if you must! In a colour that reflects the life and vibrancy of the Caribbean. 28 Learn to swim. For many of us whose skills don't extend beyond the doggy paddle it's time to take lessons. 29 Host a movie night and select from the increasing number of Caribbean feature films. Chat about the movies after. 30 Learn cricket – whether you're male or female. The West Indies team needs you! 27 Start eating more fruit – especially those indigenous to the region. Who knew eating healthily could be so much fun? 32 Don't merely enjoy the beach as you drive to and from work. Head into her beautiful waters. Simon Bremner/ GETTY images