Completed one full day on the island of Barbados. Getting here was a bit guelling. Got stopped at Pearson airport because my camera bag was too big for a personal item. Guess I panicked because I ended up checking the bag with my camera in it which also contained batteries (das ist forboten). So, I was relieved that the camera actually turned on when it came off the Barbados turnstile (good camera bag, I guess). then I had to sign my life away for a rented car and re-learn how to drive on the oeft side of the road again. With Shari as navigator we hit a zillion roundabouts and I was never sure I was in the right lane. But, made it to our hotel and after settling in, we bought some Rum and had a celebratory drink and went to supper early because we were both knackered. Shari ordered a Pina Colada and I had to order 5 or 6 drinks before the bartender could deliver something. Turned out it was Rum sour (the hotel restaurant is under new management and just opened June 1).
Today, June 27, we went in the car after breakfast, to the Flower Forest, which we managed to reach by traveling all over the island on detours. There were roads taken out by heavy rain. When we arrived, it started another huge downpour, but the trip proved to be worthwhile. Driving home was not the same ordeal and we went across the street to Starbucks to have a coffee where it again rained a lot. So, not a bad 24 hours but we will probably walk to supper tonight and forego the auto tripl
Now the bad news; When Toronto Pearson checked my bag, they must have found my camera which had batteries and helped themselves to one of 2. When we reached the Flower Forest, the humidity and heat caused the camera to malfunction and it died. I’m thinking now, back at the hotel, that it is working in an air-conditioned room but I’m stuck with just one battery and very large (oversized) camera bag for the next trip. Good news is that Shari is slated to go snorkeling on Thursday and I have a checkout dive Thursday morning to go diving.
Day 2 – Tuesday/Wednesday: Well on Tuesday, the good news is my 2nd camera showed up and after I charged it, both batteries were good to go. I have to admit however, that my Olympus camera really doesn’t like the high humidity here. The preview buttom will stick. So, on Wednesday (today) I woke up early and took some very early shots of the ocean and waves on the shore. But I didn’t trust being safe using a high-end camera so the only shots today were taken using my phone, We travelled by the weirdest form of bus you can imagine with hip-hop music blasting away and the driver trying his best to be a maniac. Different driver but same result on the return. Went to Tapas restaurant – surprised myself – after walking for many hours in Bridgetown, I wasn’t very hungry but the food was great.
Unfortunately not all went well today. We did a lot of walking and we also tried to look out for each other in the hot, humid streets. We saw lots of market streets full of fruit, clothing and everything in between. but we couldn’t find a restaurant where we could sit out of the heat. When we were finally successful, Shari must have taken off her glasses and tried to hang them on her blouse. They simply vanished. We had store security look for them and the whole process of checking cameras to make sure she had them in the store to giving addresses took about 2 hours. Upon returning to the hotel, we walked for considerable time to find suitable reading glasses. Then we enjoyed the ocean surf, jumping waves at the Hotel beach and swimming in one of their 2 pools. Good way to end the day.
Day 3: Yesterday I had few photographs but today I have none. Not good for a photographer. However, the outing today was all about scuba diving and snorkeling and it was great fun. I had to go early for a dive checkout which turned out to be well worth the extra instruction. BCS vests have changed a lot and there are now pockets for weights and pouches for extra mouth pieces. So, I listened intently to a gorgeous lady in the Hilton Hotel pool. She turned out to be our dive leader later on so 4 of us went diving among shipwrecks that were lying in the middle of the marine reserve near Bridgetown. Saw lots of beautiful fish normally seen around coral reefs, sea turtles and one puffer fish along with a few tiny squid. Lots of fun in less than 40 feet of water with Shari snorkeling above us. The owner of the dive shop was from Ottawa and has lived here for 8 years and has no desire to return to Ontario. She drove us back to the hotel, where we picked up our laundry from the laundromat and went for Ice cream.
A quick shower and we are ready to plan our packing for tomorrow’s flight, have supper and drink a few beers. Our flight leaves at 9:50 am and we have to return the car before that. I will resume the blog under the Martinique heading tomorrow night.