The resort has one of the finest and expansive pink sand beaches. The property is framed with lots of lush greenery, flora such as the ever-popular bougainvillea and towering palms. In the evenings, you will find yourself listening to the melody of the whistling frogs that can be found around most all resorts. They average approximately 1 inch in size and they like to rest high up on walls.
As I walked about the resort, I still couldn't believe that I was back. I was able to see my friends, Marva and Winston who I had the privilege of meeting on my first visit. Winston was an exceptional bartender at the resort's restaurant and Marva was a member of their fine wait staff. Some 23 years later and Marva and I remain very good friends, staying in regular contact to this day. There is just something very genuine about many of the Bajans that you just cannot forget. Their good-natured spirit is evident wherever you go on the island.
Barbados offers as much as or as little as you need or want in a vacation destination. For those seeking a more relaxing and quiet vacation, there are many beautiful hotels, particularly along the west coast of the island which would cater to that recipe. On the other hand, for those seeking a more active, adventurous and fun-filled vacation, there is much to do and see. I was able to experience the ever-popular Jolly Roger pirate ship cruise for a 4-hour early day cruise. A definitely fun time, we couldn't ask for a more beautiful day; calm waters crystal clear, bright blue skies with not a cloud in the sky and that hot Caribbean sun tanning our bodies! Oh yes, I cannot forget to mention all the "beverages" you can handle. A popular amongst the tourists is partaking of their ever-famous rum punch! Whew! That's all I can say. As part of the cruise, you experience swimming and feeding the sea turtles and you can test your courage and either walk off the pirate's plank or swing off a rope into the sea. As I held the extra large knot in between my legs, I was trying to muster up my courage as I anxiously contemplated the swing. I was this close to being pushed off when I finally swung off and screamed all the way down! I have to admit, it was pretty exhilarating. I remember how warm the waters felt when I finally made it in.
Another fun yet relaxing spot to visit is the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. There it allows you to stroll freely in the natural habitat of various animals and observe them at close range. I loved watching the many Barbados Green Monkeys frolick in their own habitat, swinging from tree to tree, chasing one another or just simply sitting under some shade, posing for onlookers as we took their pictures. Depending on the day, I also saw an armadillo, deer and tortoise. I really enjoyed seeing the various species of birds that are maintained in a caged area, including peacocks and parrots. I remember laughing so hard when I heard the peacocks repeatedly yelp because it actually sounded like they were saying "help"! It was so funny.
The Island Safari Tour is also great fun and an interesting way to see a good part of the interior of the island. Riding on the back of a Land Rover, you get to experience some of the island's less traveled roads and a stop at a sugar cane field where you get to taste fresh sugar cane and its fresh sweet nectar first hand.
Let's not forget a trip into Bridgetown is a must. A great financial district, it offers a variety of shops from large department stores to smaller boutiques, offering anywhere from toiletries to electronics and everything in between.
I had some great Italian food at Luigi's Ristorante located in the St. Lawrence Gap. Another favorite located in "The Gap" is the St. Lawrence Pizza Hut for some great, inexpensive pizza. Perfect for one of those lighter meals. For a more intimate dinner, I loved visiting The Steak House for some mouth-watering steak and lobster. Excellent!
Before I close for today, I would like to give a special mention to a lovely couple who I also had the privilege of meeting on my first visit to Barbados in 1988 and that is Alison and Roger of England. In my newly founded excitement of blogging, it was definitely a valuable detail that I overlooked and worth mentioning. Alison and Roger were newly married and since that time, have had two beautiful daughters who are now all grown up! Alison and I have also remained in touch over all these years and I am thrilled to say that I was able to see both Alison and Roger again in 2006 in Florida after 18 years during which visit I was able to meet their lovely daughters.
Barbados attracts a great number of tourists from Europe in addition to Canadians, for whom it's a favorite as well as Americans. What a great way to meet new people from all over the world and develop life-long friendships!
Ciao for now. Stay tuned for more ...
