Barbados is the most Eastern of the Caribbean Islands which was formerly a British Colony (again, they drive on the wrong side of the road)! This island changed hands several times – first the Spanish explorers, then the Portuguese, and finally under the British in 1625. It is often called “Little England” for its lasting British influence. The capital is Bridgetown. Like most of the Caribbean islands, their economy is (or was) dependent on rum, sugar, and molasses exports. Population is about 303,000 (2023).
Our tour guide, Kejia, was not also the driver today. Bensen was. So it looks like the tour owner can afford to pay two people unlike the other three islands we’ve already visited. Compared to the mediocre tour guide yesterday , Kejia was a fresh breath of air! Not only did she know what she was talking about, she also answered lots of questions from us. She was articulate, although she talked a little too fast for me.
Barbados is just like the other Caribbean islands – lush vegetations, rocky, hilly, hot and humid with friendly folks! Many of the local flora are also found in my country of birth: colorful plumeria, the invasive cadena de amor, banana trees, different hues of bougainvilleas, towering mango trees, coconuts, and many more. But what caught my eye are the strange-looking trees (fig variety) with their roots growing from the branches (see photo below)!
The small tour van took us through Georgetown and we drove around the island admiring the contrasting modern hotels and pastel-colored homes. You could tell that Barbados is “richer” than most of its island neighbors! Its economy is built of tourism and offshore banking.
Above was the modest house the R&B superstar- RIHANNA – grew up in! Below, the street is also named after her.
This island hopping is starting to bore me. I wish I still enjoyed snorkeling and scuba diving so I can at least do something other than touring the islands. Maybe I should suggest that the Caribbean Islands cruise should be limited to four islands but stay a couple of days (or three) in every one of them so the cruisers can explore them more and enjoy their culture.
Tomorrow we visit ST JOHN’S, ANTIGUA. Ho-hum….
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