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Published: January 14th 2017
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Published in Curaçao
Barbados 12th January It was never going to be easy to decide what to do here in Bridgetown, Barbados. We arrived earlier than planned because of a medical emergency which gave some crew and passengers time to go into town in the late evening. I suspect though it was really wifi they were after!!!With its beautiful beaches, blue sea and welcoming people this sun drenched island has a colonial feel. Its independence in 1966 from being a British colony has a blend of British and West Indian cultures which weaves a holiday makers dream, tropical with a sea breeze, the temperature hardly varies from 24-30 C with humidity pleasantly low. Barbados is known throughout the Caribbean as 'Little England', the Parliament Square, Georgian houses, cricket ground and signposts to Hastings and Worthing all contribute to the impression. We set out with all good intentions to walk to Queens Park through the town. The park was laid out with a lake, terrace and parterres and has a 1000 year old Baobab tree.After running the gauntlet to get through the terminal and out on the street from all the locals trying to sell tours, mainly by taxi we managed
to find a pleasant walk into town. At this point can I say that when we woke up in the morning there were three, yes three other cruise ships berthed around us!!! Jewel of the Seas and Nieuw Amsterdam were the resort ships and a 'boutique' ship, the Silver Cloud II. The boutique one only took 94 passengers so in the scheme of things didn't contribute too much to the crowds, anyway they were probably whisked away in private taxis etc. On the way in, we took in the local fish market, freshest fish I've seen for a while. Arriving at the Wharf and the Careenage, an inlet which cuts into the heart of the town. Crossing the Independence Arch you can visit the screwdock. A mechanism to lift smaller boats literally into dry dock. There were a few nice yachts here, but the larger ones anchor to the south in Carlisle Bay. Crossing the road back into town you come to the civic heart of the town at Heroes Square. It's focal point is the statue of Horatio Nelson reacted in 1813, he spent time here during his command of the naval station at English Harbour, Antigua. The square
houses the Renaissance style public buildings, built of coral rock and some of the islands administrative offices. The windows in the building are stain glassed portraits of all the monarchs of Great Britain from James I. In the neighbouring streets Georgian houses are now used mainly as shops or offices. So much to see and so little time. Watching the world go by at a small street cafe and then the hustle and bustle of the town centre.We didn't get to see the inner island or some of the other beaches. It would be nice to return to take in a cricket match at the Kensington Oval or part of one anyway. The pace of life truly idyllic.
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