Barbados

Barbados,

We are back in Barbados today and it is a very busy port to be sure. We are not alone. The Noorsdam, a P&o, The Seaborn Spirit and 2 large sailing Cruise ships are also here. So you can imagine how busy the port was. On the way to the cruise ship terminal we had to pass transports loading supplies and many other passengers heading out. Fortunately we had a pre arranged tour and we did not plan to try to get a taxi to a beach as we did on our last stop here.

We were doing the Coast to Coast Drive and Vistas, a 3.5 hour drive to see some of the highlights of the island. Our driver was Frank and our guide was Maria. Maria was a walking encyclopedia. She answered all of our questions and kept us enthralled with stories of the history and the culture.

We boarded air conditioned transport and travelled through Bridgetown which was founded in 1628. We saw many important places including the Parliament buildings and Heros Square. They have several round abouts and all are named for people who have made significant contributions to this country. We enjoyed a complimentary drink at our first stop which was at Highland Adventure Center. This stop afforded us amazing views of the island.

Next we headed inland and left the calm Caribbean Sea and headed for the wild Atlantic Ocean. The homes in this part of the island are noticeably poorer, and it is a rural area with small homes in various states of repair. Many had small backyard gardens and some goats and chickens. We came to an area called Bathsheba Beach. Here the wild Atlantic has sculpted gigantic mushroom shaped rock formations. We had a photo stop here.

There were some local crafters and one had some very nice fresh water pearl necklaces. Again I resisted temptation.

Our last stop was at St John’s Church. It is an amazing Classic Gothic structure, perched on a high cliff overlooking the picturesque East coast.

 The interior was wonderful with hand carved native mahogany pews, stained glass windows, a wonderful pipe organ and a beautiful circular staircase leading to the balcony.

Surrounding it was a graveyard with many historic tombs. Maria regaled us with stories of those buried here. There was one interesting grave. One sailor had asked to be buried standing up and facing the sea. His wish was granted.

We returned to the west side of the island, during the journey we passed many notable sites including Historic Gun Hill Station, Holetown with its monument commemorating the first settlement in 1625, and a sculpture commemorating the end of slavery.

Maria pointed out the royal palm, a tree which the locals call the Politician palm because it grows more than 100 feet tall, changes direction with every wind and produces nothing.

She also pointed out beautiful flowers and plants and explained their uses both past and present.

Barbados has free public education and boasts a 99% literacy rate, There is a lunch program and families pay 1 Barbadian dollar (50 cents US) a week to supply a noon meal to all children. They also have free universal Health Care and Pharmacare.

Sail away was after dark and so it was beautiful to see. The sailing cruise ships were all lit up as was the P&O ship which was still in port as we sailed away. We spent time on the balcony enjoying the cool evening breezes and the fading lights of this very special island nation.

Tomorrow we visit a drive in Volcano at St.Lucia.