1. The feeling of relief when you've made it safely around a switchback, only to be quickly replaced by panic when you see the next one and hear what sounds like a big cement truck honking.
2. Having your car break down and not stressing about it; instead, using it as an excuse to stop and have a Red Stripe and lunch with friends who just happened to pull up.
3. Leaving all your valuable things (money, camera) on the beach as you snorkel for an hour and knowing that everything will still be exactly where you left it.
4. Getting so accustomed to the heat that you feel like you need a jacket when you step into an air-conditioned building.
5. New friends -- lots of 'em -- that you know you will see again!