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Island Wise

Set Your Clock to Island Time

By Sharon McDonnell

Ever wonder why islands are so special -- a different rhythm, way of looking at life, distinctive traditions -- and why their spell  invites you to linger, instead of rushing back to "real life"?

Travel writer Janis Frawley explains why in Island Wise (Broadway Books, 2003, $12.95), a marvelous combination of travel essay and self-help book that distills the essential wisdom of 25 different island cultures world-wide, from Key West, the British Virgin Islands, Portugal's Azores, Mexico to Sark in the Channel Islands.

Islands "whisper lessons to us -- to slow down, to rest, to rediscover ourselves," says Island Wise. Accustomed for centuries to being isolated, devising their own traditions and living in harmony with the omnipresent sea, islands often have a simpler, more unencumbered lifestyle, a strong sense of community, and a pace that awakens the senses. This allows us to take the time to savor the scent of nutmeg in the Caribbean or frangipani in the South Seas, the sight of brilliantly-colored sunsets, flowers or butterflies,  or the pagan beat of a metal drum.

How about an island with no cars, buses or trains? That's Sark, one of the quirky Channel Islands located 15 miles off the coast of France but loyal to the British crown, whose towering cliffs offer dramatic sea views and whose meadows are filled with wildflowers. The absence of cars on this pastoral island near Jersey and Guernsey is far more profound than the absence of noise and traffic jams. It's a great leveler, as status and wealth are much less obvious, and a horse-drawn carriage, bike or walking is a superior way to get around, the Sarkese believe. Sark's lesson is the joy of independence, challenging conventional wisdom and setting limits.

In the Azores, nine islands owned by Portugal in the Atlantic but 800 miles west of Iberia, festivity is very important, like the Holy Spirit festival -- celebrated with outdoor feasting on meat, breads, wine and Holy Ghost soup, dancing, music played on a distinctive 15-string guitar, folkloric costumes and a procession where ornate silver crowns are carried to the church. A lesson from the Azores:  plan weekly food festivities with favorite foods you can look forward to, and wear clothing and accessories that you enjoy and make you feel playful.

Your clothing "can spark up your self-image, can invite you to feel brighter, jauntier and more joyful," Frawley-Holler writes.

In Micronesia's Marshall Islands, people live without TV, telephones, electricity, stores and even furniture on Likiep Atoll. Modest homes feature only hand-woven mats for sleeping -- life is lived outdoors, ham radios are used for communication, a twice-weekly plane brings supplies, and fishermen catch only what their families need for food. Children are unusually gentle, generous and well-behaved. The lesson here: simplify your lifestyle, don't overschedule, and ditch the digital judiciously.

"There are always simpler ways of doing things, so save your day, your health and your time by patronizing only those businesses, from banks and repairmen to doctors and insurance companies that make it easy and efficient to get appointments or problems resolved," notes Frawley-Holler

"Set your clock to island time," she advises. But you needn't ditch all, move to a distant tropical island and wave good-bye to family and friends. The good news: is that you can transfer the essence of island time to your daily routine. Realize what is truly important in life, enjoy the moment, eat slowly to savor tastes, and remember that time is not your enemy.

Now all I need is to transpose this to Manhattan island.

Buy it now from Amazon.com

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