Blogs from Barbados, Central America Caribbean
April 22nd 2012
SATURDAY 21.4.2012 Well we did make it back to San Juan in one piece after our flight over Puerto Rico, it was absolutely spectacular, lots of canyons and lakes around the island, we wondered what sort of pilot we were going to get but had a lovely Californian guy Justin who has moved to live in San Juan for a while with his wife who has her intern as an optometrist there. Boarded our ship at around 3.30p.m., which was hassle free and because we had booked suites on the ship we were given priority boarding, all went very smoothly. Our Suite is a great size with a lounge area and balcony, The Summit has just been refurbished so it is decorated very tastefully. Being in a suite both Blake and Suzi and John and I ... read more
Racing at the Garrison
Published: December 28th 2011Central America Caribbean » Barbados » Bridgetown
December 28th 2011
I like horse racing. I’m not much of a gambler; I just like to watch the horses run. I can have a good time whether I bet or not, whether I win or not. (But it is more fun when I win.) I’ve seen some fine horses with some outstanding jockeys, but some of my favorite races have been at the Garrison in Barbados. As its name implies, the Garrison is the former home of the British Garrison in Barbados. The Brits are gone – though the Barbados Defence Force maintains its barracks across the street – and now the old parade grounds are given over to horse racing and rugby. And cannon – the Garrison boasts an impressive outdoor museum with the largest collection of 17th century cannon in the world. I’ve written about Boxing ... read more
'Twas the Week Before Christmas.....Barbados Style
Published: December 21st 2011Central America Caribbean » Barbados » Christ Church
December 21st 2011
‘Twas the week before Christmas and all through the land, Not a tourist was stirring, child, woman, nor man. The beaches were sunny, the water was warm, “But where are the visitors?” locals cried with alarm. “It’s the economy,” they whispered, “and no one has money. Can’t pay the mortgage, can’t go where it’s sunny.” OK, I’m not going to be named Poet Laureate anytime soon, but you get the idea. Barbados is my favorite winter vacation spot, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen it this empty. The global economic meltdown has, sadly, spread to Barbados as well. A number of decent, mid-range hotels have closed. Some are closed under the mantel of “refurbishment” (In the middle of high season? With no visible workers?), some are actively being demolished, and some are just shuttered and ... read more
October 31st 2011
Barbados Ship docked at Bridgeport and today's tour headed for a mohagany carving gallery, a rum distillery and a plantation house. We met Reggie Medford, the owner of the carving gallery who is a natinal institution here in Barbados. He uses the reclaimeed trunks of mohagany trees that are being removed from construction sites. We then moved on to the Four Square rum distillery. Highest rated spice rumbeating out Captain Morgan. The tasting was the best part... of course... Purchased a 12 year old rum... tastings to follow at home... Also bought a rum liquer. Off for lunch and tour at a 300 year old sugar plantation mansion. The Sandbury plantation. Lunch was good but we had to ask for hot sauce. I guess the locals figured us North Americans couldn't handle the Bajan hot sauce... ... read more
September 1st 2011
27th August 2011 - After breakfast we went to Harrisons Cave - which has been completely renovated since we were last here. A very good undergound tour - including about 1 mile of an electric train. We then went to the Flower Forest - which was lovely but incredibly hot. Back to Almond Beach Village and in the pool - followed by Sunset watch as it was a very nice day we got some good pictures of the sunset. Also as Saturday night was fine and warm - the Bajan buffet was in the courtyard. Food was again excellent - Catherine said that the lemon cake was a good as hers which is a bit of a compliment! Then back to the room for guess what - yep a couple of games of Rumikub - picked ... read more
August 27th 2011
25th August - breakfast at Horizons today and then pick-up the car. Not surprisingly its a Toyota Corlla - about a 10 year old one with very little suspension but for about £30 a day I can't complain. Catherine had booked a packed lunch which we picked-up - its a great idea as we can go out for the whole day and then come back for the evening meal. Today we went to the Animal Flower Cave in St. Lucy - went swimming in the cave and then travelled over to Farley Park for lunch which has stunning views of the East coast. One of my favourite places on the island as you get a lovely breeze - and the Wildlife reserve is on the other side of the road (14:00 is the best time for ... read more
August 24th 2011
Woke up on the 21st to bright blue skies - lovely and hot. Popped down to the lobby and updated the Travelblog. Then into Enids for breakfast - thought I'd have an omlette which was a good idea but hand-made to Caribean time. Starting to adjust to both the pace and time. Didnt wake up until about 7 am. which was great. This morning we played golf - which was supposed to be a 3 par course (maybe for professionals) - we managed one 3 between us - boy was it hot! Saw some monkeys at one point. We also played with Cayman balls - first shot straight in the lake! But we finished the day with 7 more than we started so plenty for next time! The best bit was when Catherine brought out cold ... read more
Barbados here we come oh we've arrived
Published: August 21st 2011Central America Caribbean » Barbados » Saint Peter
August 21st 2011
Within 50 minutes of leaving the Travelodge we were in the North Terminal lounge - No 1 - very new/very posh and a great way to start the holiday. Managed to play a bit of Travian to stop my warehouses from filling-up :). Our plane was called and we went to the gate - boarding was quick and easy. Dinner was very good on the plane a chicken curry and then it was down to watching 2 or 3 films - Thor/Fast and Furious and Sucker Punch (though they managed to turn the entertainment system off 5 minutes before the end of this.... we'll have to find out what happened). Arrived in Barbabdos at the time expected and apart from leaving my hat on the plane we got through customs/immigration and picked up our bags and ... read more
June 15th 2011
Ground floor studio apartment at Worthing Beach very good; 1metre to an Elvis guitar shaped swimming pool and another 10 metres to steps leading to beach or into the ocean at high tide. Barbados appears a little more developed than Antigua but the people no less friendly; there are a zillion roads, most unmarked, we got lost several times. Most tourists we have met have been Canadian, probably a consequence of the GFC; the only ones that can afford to travel. Activities: Went to a cutural music/dance show (Bajan Roots & Rythm). Lesia has photos; great night and the RUM punches flowed freely. Visited Mount Gay for a Rum factory tour and needless to say the Rum flowed freely. Oistins on a Friday night is a must do; they have a massive fish fry; I had ... read more
Barbados - Everything under the sun.
Published: May 21st 2011Central America Caribbean » Barbados » Christ Church
May 19th 2011
Barbados is simply everything under the sun. The most beautiful island imaginable. A wedding, a beach, a moment. Could there be more to life?... read more
