VISITING MY MOTHERLAND

After five years, Trini and I are again visiting the Philippines. The last time we were here was when the COVID-19 pandemic started to turn the world upside down. At that time we had to cut our vacation short to get to the airport and return to the U.S. Like hundreds (maybe thousands) of balikbayan (Filipinos going back to the Philippines for a visit) who re-booked their flights and paid enormous amounts of airlines penalty in order to safely return home. But that’s all in the past now and hoping it will never occur again.

Our direct flight from Los Angeles to Manila was the longest we’ve ever experienced – over 14 hours as a result of the headwinds! We arrived early afternoon on January 15th and was picked up at the airport by my nephew who took us to our hotel – Richmonde Hotel Ortigas in Pasig. The typical afternoon traffic mess added more than an hour to a relatively short-distance drive. The following morning, after we visited our favorite facial salon – The Dermatrium in Makati, we went to the malls (and there are plenty of them in Metro-Manila) to walk around and browse the local merchandise and native products before going back to the hotel via Grab (similar to Uber) for a nap. That night, our niece Ting sent her driver to pick us up to have dinner in their five-story house in Quezon City. Yes, you read it correctly, it’s a huge multi-floor residence with an ELEVATOR! The interior was meticulously decorated by a professional interior decorator.

**Dinner with my sister Dr. Linda Valdepeñas with our hostess, Dr. Ting Patriarca and her brother Albert and his daughter Angel**

The next day we flew to Tuguegarao City, Cagayan to visit my nieces and nephews and Trini’s relatives in Alcala (42 km from Tuguegarao). We only stayed for three days but it was well worth it – seeing relatives, catching up after 5 years and eating fresh vegetables, fish and meat!

**My sister-in-law, nieces and nephews in Tuguegarao City**

It has always been a religious tradition to visit the shrine of the miraculous Our Lady of Piat.

Trini and I flew back to Manila sated with the great gastronomical experience and glad to see our relatives after five years. At the airport, our friend Voltaire Cuello picked us up to take to his newly-built American standard home located along the beach just outside the municipality of Sariaya in Quezon province about 72 miles southeast of Manila. It took us about four hours due to the bottleneck traffic when we passed by towns. Unlike in the United States where the freeways allow you to bypass towns and cities, here you practically come to a crawl when you go through towns due to narrow streets and volume of vehicles, especially, tricycles. The traffic mess gets messier due to the undisciplined drivers who ignore traffic laws and common sense. But as they say, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do“. Fortunately, Voltaire is an excellent albeit lead-foot driver.

**In front of Voltaire and Mellie Cuello’s house**

The Cuello’s 3,000 square-foot home has four bedrooms and four and a half baths with central air conditioning, a luxury in the Philippines due to the exorbitant utility cost. All the countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms are made of kamagong (now a rare and expensive type of hardwood). Behind the huge backyard is a black sand beach which to my dismay seems to be neglected as shown by the widespread detritus! Trash of all kinds are strewn all over – plastic containers, old shoes, drift woods, etc.

This was our first time to visit Voltaire and Mellie Cuello’s place and we had such a wonderful time considering we only stayed there for three days. Trini and I made new friends – Tess, Myrna, and Helen – also from the U.S. Tess and Myrna are retired registered nurses and Helen a retired dietician. The Cuello’s help were both great cooks which added an inch or two around my waist! Our group sat around the dining table after dinner discussing different topics under the sun while imbibing fine red wines from Napa, South Africa, Argentina and Italy. I love folks who drink dry wine and not the sweet wine that I hate. We stayed up until the late hours of 9:00 pm (for seniors like us, that is late!). Trini and I bonded with Tess, Myrna and Helen and by the time we all said our farewells, we felt like we’ve known each other for a long time!

During our short stay we all went to see some of Tess’ “bucket list” like Mount Banahaw where we saw firsthand the hydroponic gardens growing various lettuce varieties. I tried a cup of their coffee which was okay. By the way, every morning Voltaire (our self-appointed barista) served us his own farm-grown Cafe de Voltaire. We also visited Kamay ni Jesus (The Hand of Jesus); however, the shrine was located on a steep hill only Tess, Myrna and Julian (Helen’s driver) dared to go all the way to the top. Julian, was called endearing names like Yong-Yong but Trini would innocently change or rename him Bujungjung or something not even close that we would be laughing. But Julian/Yongyong didn’t mind and would only smile at us! A real trooper!

**The steep steps going to the shrine of the Hands of Jesus**

For lunch, we stopped by Palaisdaan Restaurant – a quaint nipa-hut eatery “floating” on a man-made pond with large kois. We tried their delicious pancit Lucban, grilled eggplant in shrimp paste, grilled fish, sautéed vegetables, and a few other “healthy” dishes. No meats!

**The nipa-hut restaurant surrounded by water**

It so happened that is was the birthday of one of the help, Lina, so Mellie bought seven cupcakes and had Lina blow the seven tiny candles. Of course, we all sang the obligatory “Happy Birthday”!

Walking to the fish market was really an “experience“. You had to dodge the vendors on tricycles, dogs, cats, and other obstacles to get to the end of the pier where the market is located! As it was already mid-morning most of the fish were already sold although I saw a large lapulapu (a fish that belonged to the grouper family) priced at 500 pesos (less than 10USD). There was also a giant eel that looked like a deadly snake lying on an almost empty table. There were fearsome barracudas with their sharp teeth pointing at you.

**Buying *dalandan* a local citrus fruit similar to navel oranges**

Our last night in Casa de Cuello was spent strolling along the beach until the sun disappeared from the sky. Slowly we maneuvered our way in between the trashy sand avoiding hazardous obstacles. Along the way, I would be asking myself why the residents of such a beautiful place are so apathetic to the filthy condition of their beach. I surmised that other than apathy, the community and local leaders should bear the brunt of the blame!

**Part of the mangrove surrounding the island**

Before parting ways with the Cuellos and our new friends, we visited the Cuello Farm in San Pablo, Laguna. In this five hectares, Voltaire planted more than 7,000 coffee trees and the same number of rubber trees. He also planted kalamansi (similar to lime or lemon in taste). The farm is also dotted with mature coconut trees and other fruit trees.

**Voltaire showing Trini his rubber and coffee plants**

It was really a very memorable and relaxing visit in the province where the air is fresh and clean not to mention the culinary experience we shared with our new friends – Tess, Myrna and Helen! MAY OUR PATHS CROSS AGAIN IN THE NEAR FUTURE!

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

Five centuries ago, San Juan was an impenetrable fortified city. Today, it is the capital of Puerto Rico and one of the top destination in the Caribbean welcoming visitors from all over the world! The captivating natural beauty of PR, its vibrant culture and old-world elegance is what attracts tourists from all walks of life.

We ended our Caribbean cruise finally and even though we were tired and wanted badly to go back home we still had to stay in San Juan since we purchased an extra 2-day post-cruise (non-refundable). However, we felt re-energized upon seeing our hotel and where it was located! We were booked at Hilton Caribe (4 Star hotel). It is situated right along the turquoise bay with amazing amenities. A very spacious room with an awesome vista of the Atlantic. It included a buffet breakfast with great coffee (very important to me).

**The view from our room** **before the sun-worshippers woke up**

As soon as we checked in, we called a cab and went to Old Town San Juan to explore it one more time. I asked the driver if it was going to rain and he said, “No, but it will tomorrow and the next day”. I asked him where we can try their local delicacy, the mofongo. This was recommended to us by a customs inspector who was very chatty with us. He engaged us in a lengthy conversation as soon as he found out we were Filipinos (he knew a few Tagalog words). The more he became friendly when I told him I was a retired senior chief in the navy. He said he also served in the navy!

The cab driver dropped us off in the center of San Juan Viejo (Spanish for old). We saw a cathedral and the three went inside while I stayed outside and listened to the guide of a walking tour explaining the history of the cathedral. I noticed a strong resemblance of the historic buildings all over with those in Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. Balconied two-story edifices with rustic looks.

Ruben, our cab driver recommended a restaurant – Barrachina – where we can taste the mofongo.Mofongo is a dish with mashed plantain as its main ingredient and can be ordered with any meats, shrimps, fish or a combination. We ordered the combination. We also ordered refreshing piña coladas. The bartender used Don Q rum which was better than the popular Bacardi. We had a great meal and I noticed Oya getting a little tipsy from the rum so she handed her unfinished cocktail to Tommy. After lunch, we went walking and were barely in the historical site when it started to rain!

We took shelter under the trees but had to move to the buildings as the eaves protected us better. We were wet and cold so I called Uber but the app showed the first driver cancelled then the second driver seemed to take forever to arrive. First, it showed 8 minutes, then 10 minutes, then 13 minutes – counting up not down! So I cancelled the ride. Luckily, Ruben (our taxi driver) gave Oya his number so I called him and he picked us up after almost half hour. In the meantime, we were all shivering like wet kittens under the building.

As soon as I got inside the cab, I told Ruben, “I thought you said it was not going to rain”. He replied, “It stopped now, right”. Grrrrr!

**Taking shelter from the rain while waiting for our taxi**

Cold and wet, we went back to the warmth of our hotel rooms but the A/C didn’t help so I turned it off. We took a nap and decided that we will go explore and look for a grocery store where we can buy bottled waters. At this time, it wasn’t raining and the sky was clear. We saw winter visitors all over the place enjoying the warmer weather (compared to those in the US). Bikini-clad shapely women basking in the sun. A much better view from the pool deck of the Viking where more than 95 percent of the cruisers were senior citizens (no offense). =)

**Our hotel – last building on the right**

Slowly we walked back to our hotel while admiring the coastal view and observing the tourists that seemed not to have a care in the world, fully enjoying their vacation. Younger folks boldly speeding with their rented Segways and others nonchalantly pedaling through the sidewalks. A bare-chested man in dreadlocks pulling his wares in a cart while latin music is blaring from his boom box. A family of four with cute toddlers holding the city map pretending to navigate to their unknown destinations. What more can one ask in life?

**The restaurant where we had the mofongo and piña coladas**

ST. THOMAS, US VIRGIN ISLANDS

Viking saved the best for last! We pulled in at 7:00 AM in Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the island of St. Thomas. It was carbon copy of yesterday’s beautiful weather – sunny and low-80’s temperature! St. Thomas was purchased by the United States from Denmark in 1917 (I’m glad they did).

St. Thomas is the gateway isle of the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. It’s known for its beaches and snorkeling spots. Territorial capital Charlotte Amalie, founded by the Danish in the 1600s, is a busy cruise-ship port. Historic buildings include a 1679 watchtower called Blackbeard’s Castle, in reference to the area’s pirate history. On the harbor, 17th-century Fort Christian is now a local-history museum. ― Google

This island is really a paradise and this was so far the best island we visited among all the ten. The roads are well-paved and properly painted median lines. Pastel-hued buildings well kept including the government housing row! I have not seen a single graffiti and virtually no trash along the streets.

What I don’t understand is why do they still drive on the left side if it is a US territory? =)

Our female driver/tour guide Nisla, took us through a scenic drive along one of the most breathtaking routes on St. Thomas. Much of the island’s beauty lies in its endless undulating hills spilling down to stunning bays shining in a hundred shades of blue affording us fantastic views of the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean!

**It takes lots of strength to get into the tour truck!**

**A souvenir vendor playing reggae music**

The last stop we did was the world-famous Mountain Top, 2,100 feet above sea level where we admired the spectacular views of Magens Bay and the British Virgin Islands. If we were this close to Tortola why did it take us overnight to reach St. Thomas? =)

**Notice the azure waters of the Caribbean compared to the turquoise water of the bay**

We reached the Mountain Top along with a dozen other tourist safari trucks and small roundabout in front of the Shopping Center/View Point was a little chaotic. However, the drivers enforced their own traffic rules and made the trucks move this way and that way in order for other trucks to maneuver about! No shouting, just signals and beep-beep communications!

**Tortola (British Virgin Island) is in the upper right hand corner of above photo**

After feasting our eyes with the panoramic vista, I lined up for the much-touted banana daiquiri they claim to be the world’s best! After a couple of sips I wanted to tell the bartender what I thought about their cocktail but decided to keep my mouth shut!

**A Filipino couple from New York –** **Pro** **and Nanette**

We’ve finally reached the end of our cruise although we purchased a two-day post cruise to stay in San Juan, PR. We tried to cancel but were told we will not be reimbursed for the paid 2 days.

While we were greatly disappointed with the itinerary changes – the main reason most cruisers booked was the Amazon River portion – we’re glad we continued on with this cruise. Not the best cruise we’ve experienced but in some ways it was an enriching one. I just had to open my mind and my heart.

TORTOLA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS (BVI)

The British Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, along with more than 50 other smaller islands and cays. About 16 of the islands are inhabited. The capital, Road Town, is on Tortola, the largest island, which is about 20 km (12 mi) long and 5 km (3 mi) wide. (Wikipedia)

Spread across miles of gleaming azure waters, the British Virgin Islands cap the summits and peaks of a chain of dormant underwater volcanoes. The famed pirates Blackbeard and Captain Kidd took up residence here.

As our ship was being guided by the tugboats my eyes caught the glimmering colorful houses perched on the verdant hillside overlooking the horseshoe-shaped harbor where white yachts mingled with simple fishing boats. It was a stunning view to behold and I knew then that our tour would be better than yesterday’s.

Last night, after dinner Oya, Trini and I went to the pool deck to listen to the Viking Band comprised of Filipino musicians. The female vocalist, Jenny is also a pretty young Filipina. Some of the staff of the cruise director were there urging folks to get up and “shake their booty” which we did! This morning, I woke up sore!

After a hearty breakfast, our group proceeded to the pier and was directed by the ship’s tours coordinators to our vehicles – an open-sided safari “trucks”!

Our driver, Mr. Green (that’s what he wants us to call him) drove us along Tortola’s steep (and I really mean STEEP) roads that lead to secluded beaches, hidden coves and breathtaking vistas!

Mr. Green obviously is a skilled driver – maneuvering the huge monstrous safari truck along the narrow serpentine roads avoiding oncoming vehicles at a every turn. Finally, our guide/driver pointed at a strip of white beach – our destination.

As we got off the truck, our guide handed us a voucher to claim our obligatory drinks inside the restaurant. We were instructed to find any empty tables (free) or rent a chair along the beach. We found an empty table right away!

The water was not as warm as I wanted it to be but I waded waist-deep anyway and urged Trini, Oya and Tommy who only went ankle-deep.

Right on the beach premises are where the souvenir stalls are always located so we browsed and bought the mandatory magnets.

Weather-wise today was the best ever – sunny and pleasant temperature! I hope our last port prior to disembarkation will be as nice or better – St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands!

ST. KITTS & NEVIS

The Viking Sea pulled in at Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts. This island is lush with unspoiled vistas and old sugarcane fields. Together, St. Kitts and its neighboring island of Nevis comprise the smallest independent country in the Americas. Home to vervet monkeys, banana trees and coconut palms, St. Kitts coastal road leads to white-sand beaches and calm bays. Basseterre is one of the oldest towns in the Eastern Caribbean, dotted with Victorian and Georgian architecture.

It was drizzling when we started our tour at 9:30 AM and everyone felt cold after getting wet from the shower, the freezing temperature inside the old van did not help!

The drive around town was boring, or so it seemed to me anyway, since the houses and buildings are similar throughout the Caribbean. It was a Sunday so the streets were almost deserted including the Catholic and Anglican churches we passed. Tyler, our driver/tour guide was difficult to understand due to his thick island accent but there really was nothing interesting for him to tell us anyway. He pointed to the KFC and other points of minor interests just so he can keep on talking. Tyler explained that sugarcane was a major crop in the past; however, it became unprofitable so subsequently the government sold the lands to foreign investors who developed them into hotels, resort, shopping centers, etc. We saw new buildings along the coast as we headed to our destination.

Compared to the other Caribbean islands, St. Kitts and Nevis has the most fertile lands enabling them to grow many agricultural crops that other islands, that are volcanic, import. By the way, gasoline here is a whopping $13 per gallon.

**WE PASSED BY THIS TREE WITH A FLOCK OF EGRETS**

The only existing French plantation house on St. Kitts, the Fairview Great House was built circa 1701 and originally housed French military officers. Today, guests can tour the beautifully restored property, taking in the period furnishings, kitchen, apiary, chapel, and bathhouse before exploring the two-and-a-half acres of botanical gardens, filled with tropical flowers, fruit trees, and monkeys.

Slave trade was common during these era and St. Kitts and Nevis were not an exception. The estate’s cellar had huge posters that chronologically narrated the history of slavery in the islands.

After an hour of touring the huge estate we finally went back to the ship. Of course, the only way to get back there is through a myriad of souvenir shops. We couldn’t resist the low prices in this one shop and Trini was allowed to haggle. There were three cruise ships in town including us – Viking, Norwegian Cruise and another one that I’ve never seen before. So the harbor was really crowded. Business was brisk – lots of knock off watches and designer bags on display. Of course, we bought the mandatory magnet; a ball cap and faux straw hat for me (made in China); tote bags for pasalubong. Oya bought a Christmas tree globe decoration which she buys a different one from every island.

After shopping, we made our way back to the ship passing crowds of cruiser in bars and benches enjoying Carib, the regional beer. Each one carrying a shopping bag to take back wherever they’re from!

Another day in paradise….

CASTRIES, ST. LUCIA

St. Lucia boasts some of the Caribbean’s most idyllic beaches, many near its capital of Castries. The British and French fought over it for 150 years. The British finally triumphed in 1814. Today St. Lucia is a sovereign nation but is still part of the British Commonwealth.

We took a stroll outside the ship’s terminal since our tour did not start until 11:30 AM. Immediately, a stench caught my nostrils – the smell of a “wet market“. It reminded me of Manila! The street was jammed with vehicles and pedestrians crossing at their own risks! Since it just rained the potholes were filled with water and navigating the almost non-existent sidewalk was tricky. We walked a couple of blocks and went back after browsing the ubiquitous souvenir shops along the crowded avenue. There were groups of cruisers from the ship docked across from us (looked like an Italian cruise ship).

On our way back to the terminal, it started to shower, and that’s how it was the entire time we were outside – a peek-a-boo game with the sun! It would shower briefly and gets dark, then after about 10 minutes it would stop and become sunny again! We were given a cheap flimsy poncho as we departed the ship. An umbrella is also available in our stateroom for our use but too cumbersome to tote along while doing the excursion. So we packed our own light waterproof jackets.

We were herded to our small van to take us to the rainforest up in the mountain. Again, being a former British colony they drive on the left side of the road. Our driver, David was really a cautious and safe driver compared to the other hair-raising daredevils that seemed to forget that there other vehicles on the road! We drove narrow serpentine roads ascending to our destination. As I mentioned, the place reminded me of Manila but I should add that it was also similar to the small towns in the provinces in the Philippines where houses are built very close to the highway making the roads narrower.

The photos above show a couple of locals butchering an animal that I could not identify. The guy on the left was either joking with the driver or was trying to sell the mystery meat.

Most of the plants and trees we passed along the way are pretty common in the islands – bananas, coconuts, mangos, papayas, avocados, etc. And all these plants too are found in the Philippines.

A **GROUP OF TOURISTS HEADING TO THE ZIPLINE PLATFORMS**

Finally, after those numerous near-misses along hair pin turns, we arrived in our destination to do the Aerial Tram ride.

The tram (or gondola as the guide call it) crept up through the rainforest – again, shower, stop, shower, stop which made it a little chilly. We were able to get close to many varieties of tropical plants many I’ve never seen before. Vines and orchid-like flora clinging to the trunk of towering trees. Giant fronds of tropical ferns reaching out to us. Gurgling brooks cascading from a small waterfall – the sound violating the serenity in the damp surroundings. We passed several zip line platforms watching the apprehensive daredevils being harnessed to the cables getting ready for take off! Off they go some shouting “cowabunga” – never heard this for a long time!

While the tram was in the opening of the forest, the guide pointed out where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet, it was cloudy (again) so it was difficult to see anything. Then suddenly the showers started again and the wind’s direction was coming right at us! Oya, Tommy already had their jackets on and I donned mine but Trini did not bring hers so she used the cheap poncho.

The aerial tram ride lasted more than an hour as it was a slow movement and would stop occasionally for us to admire the dense forest. We spotted a couple of colorful hummingbirds hovering near us but we were disappointed not to see any parrots.

When we looped back to where we started we went to a short nature hike where we learned interesting facts about some of the plants. It was a treacherous walk since the ground was wet and slippery and the overgrown roots cutting through our paths. But we made it back unscathed.

ROSEAU, DOMINICA

No, not the Dominican Republic as some folks think! Dominica is located in the Caribbean just like Dominican Republic. It was first claimed by France in the 17th century although no physical colonization occurred. Then the British established a small colony in the island in 1805 and used it as part of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The Kalinago or Carib inhabited the island before it was discovered by Columbus.

**A view from Morne Bruce Garrison** **overlooking the bay and our ship**

The island is 90 percent volcanic and 10 percent lime stone which makes it difficult for agriculture to thrive. However, Dominica is called the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean” and is celebrated for its mountainous rainforests and rare flora and fauna. We visited their Botanical Garden and saw several of these interesting plants. Cami explained the plants’ unique characteristics and really educated us on many of the local flora.

Our tour van took us through the tiny capital city of Roseau where we saw vegetable and fruit vendors selling in the streets and from the back of their vehicles. I saw the usual pastel-colored houses and a few run-down buildings that seemed neglected. Cami, our tour guide who is also a Kalinago (the indigenous inhabitants of the island) told us that the island was 95 percent devastated by Hurricane Maria in September 2017. The powerful destructive hurricane lingered on land for more than 4 hours causing havoc to the island. Until now, a large part of the infrastructure that was damaged had been left unrepaired!

**A giant African Baobab tree that was downed during the hurricane crushing a vehicle**

Cami, the tour guide related a very interesting fact about the island. She said that there are many centenarians (100 years old and older) who lived in Dominica – one even lived to be 128 years old (Google it if you doubt it)! In fact Cami’s own grandmother lived to be 106 years old! So many old people who lived in the island that it was considered a “blue zone“. Blue Zones are places around the world (and they’re not that many) that are dedicated to creating healthy communities. The first in the US just recently recognized is in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Our tour took us to a place where some of the handicrafts were made by blind people! They used rattan for the baskets. Trini bought a colorful kaftan which she proudly showed me, when I looked at the tag it says “Made in India“!

The last stop took us to a higher elevation that allowed us to admire the bluish colored water where the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea converge, and the multi-hued buildings below. The view point is called Morne Bruce Garrison a former British fortification that was built to protect the island from the French.

While at the Morne Garrison I spotted a man selling cold drinks and he was sporting a colorful knitted head gear (I surmised to hold his long dreadlocks). I bought a bottle of Caribe beer and asked him if I can take his picture, he gave me his permission so I snapped a couple of head shots (see below).

ANTIGUA (ST. JOHN’S) & BARBUDA

Antigua and Barbuda is a sovereign island country in the Caribbean. It lies where the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meet.

The country consists of two major islands, Antigua and Barbuda, which are approximately 40 km (25 mi) apart, and several smaller islands, including Great Bird, Green, Guiana, Long, Maiden, Prickly Pear, York, and Redonda. The permanent population is approximately 97,120 (2019 estimates), with 97% residing in Antigua.^[12] St. John’s, Antigua, is the country’s capital, major city, and largest port. Codrington is Barbuda’s largest town. (Wikipedia)

Tourists come here for its powder-sand beach and to party!

Our ship docked in St. John’s, Antigua at 12:00 noon. Our tour started at 1:15 PM which took us across the island. Same views with the other previously visited islands: verdant vegetations, pastel-colored homes, poor villages along the way, small chapels, etc.

The road is what you expected from a third world nation – not a very comfortable ride! Although poverty is noticeable outside the city, our tour guide informed us that education is free to include books and uniforms (same as Barbados) from first grade to secondary school.

The 15-seater van took us to about 450 feet elevation where the ruins of an old English fort is located. There we admired the sweeping panoramic view of the azure waters of both the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea as this is where they meet!

Next we stopped by Shirley Heights Lookout with similar fantastic views of English and Falmouth Harbors! It was a very clear day so the visibility extended miles and miles beyond.

With every stop are souvenir shops of course! We’ve been traveling for a long time and Trini and I learned that most souvenirs we buy end up in the garage or worse, the trash bin. So the only souvenir we buy are ball caps for me, magnets for a “special place in the garage”, local delicacies for friends, and maybe alcoholic drinks (in this case rum).

Our last stop was in Nelson’s Dockyard which is a cultural heritage site and marina in English Harbor. It’s after Admiral Horatio Nelson (best known for his victory at the Battle of Trafalgar) who lived in the Royal Navy Dockyard from 1784 to 1787. While here we tasted the local rum punch. Not the best time to drink when you’re hungry.

**A boat on the slip named OYA (our friend’s name)**

One thing I noticed is that every port we’ve visited here in the Caribbean there are always high-end stores selling expensive watches and bags and always, always several DIAMOND STORES! And of course, the DUTY FREE SHOPS! It’s nice to browse around these stores but I can’t afford to buy any of the items on display.

In St. John’s, the duty free shops are located next to where our ship was berthed. Classic rock songs from Credence Clearwater Revival, Journey, Foreigner and other popular songs are blaring from one of the establishments! The younger cruisers (from Princess) docked next to us seem to enjoy these music whereas my fellow passengers from the Viking looked irritated (just my personal observation). But I danced with the music anyway!

We arrived back from the tour around 4:15 PM and I was hungry since I skipped lunch. The only place to grab something to eat before dinner was at Wintergarden. We ate scones and tiny sandwiches downed with your choice of tea or coffee (I opted for my favorite black cafe) while we were entertained by the resident pianist, Lidia.

BARBADOS – Rihannaland

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….

ST. MAARTEN/ ST. MARTIN (The Netherlands and France)

St. Maarten (Dutch) or St. Martin (French) is a fascinating mix of Holland and France, lush with Caribbean beauty all its own. The island has been shared by the two nations since 1648.

Tragedy struck the tiny island in September 2017 when the Category 5 Hurricane Irma raged over the island for a full eight hours. This was one of the worst-hit islands, and it’s estimated that more than 90 percent of the buildings were damaged; one-third were completely destroyed. Many of the destroyed buildings and infrastructure have not been restored or repaired.

Our ship, Viking Sea docked at 8:00 am, the rain just stopped and the sun was out so it was a nice day for our tour to explore the island! When we got off the gangway a strong gust of wind blew my hat and without thinking, I ran after it. In my younger days I probably would have retrieved the hat without much effort but I must admit that aging has taken its toll on my joints. I gave up after I saw it go over the pier and turned back to join my group; however, a voice called out and when I turned around a guy was holding my hat! It was stuck onto something before it was blown away to the Caribbean Sea never to be seen again! I profusely thanked the man and folded my hat and only wore it when the wind was not strong enough to repeat the funny event that day!

Our ship sandwiched between a Princess and MSC cruise liners.

We docked in the Dutch side of the island by its capital, Phillipsburg. It was dotted with colorful resorts and casinos. Below is the Rotary Lookout Point with stunning views of the vast

Some of the evidence of the hurricane’s devastations.

You could tell we crossed over to the French side of the island by the signs in the business establishments.

A fruit vendor we passed along the way.

A gated community for the more privileged residents of the island.

An invasive type of flowering vine is found almost everywhere the island (we call this plant cadena de amor in the Philippines).

You could always tell tourists from the clothes they wear!

Our tour bus took us to the French side whose capital is Marigot. Shopping was mostly done here since many of the stores in the Dutch side were still closed when we started the tour.

Tommy and Oya looking for bargains in the vendors’ square. Haggling is acceptable.

Trini with a pretty island girl.

Our tour guide, Felix was a very funny guy and used humor to educate us and at the same time entertaining us. We asked him if he spoke Dutch and French and he said NO and that he was never really interested to learn these languages.

The ship’s itinerary for the next several days.

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