Barbados: Turquoise Beaches, Slavery, Sugar Plantations, Rihanna & Where our Caribbean Cruise Began

On the road again for Barbados and to set sail on the Caribbean Sea!

This time, It’s Barbados for a Caribbean island cruise called the Caribbean Chorus on Oceania Cruises that begins in Barbados and includes six more Caribbean island countries: Grenada, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda and the Dominican Republic.

And I’m doing this cruise with my dear friend Elizabeth who is quite the cruiser. We met up in Miami to take the flight to Barbados. The cruise starts on Thursday which will give us time to checkout out this island country.

See you in Barbados.

Elizabeth and I met in Miami, Florida. We’re at the Miami International Airport getting a quick meal at Ku-Va Bar & Restaurant in the North Terminal. She flew in from Las Vegas and I flew in from Dallas so that we could fly together to Bridgetown, Barbados, where we’ll spend a couple of days getting to know Barbados before we start our “Caribbean Chorus” cruise on Oceania Cruises. (Dec. 9, 2024)

Our big and comfortable room at the Radisson Aquatica Resort in the parish of Christ Church in Barbados.(Dec. 9, 2024)

Beautiful late night views of from our hotel room balcony at the Radisson Aquatica Resort in the parish of Christ Church in Barbados. Barbados is situated with the Caribbean Sea on the west and the North Atlantic Ocean on the north and east side. (Dec. 9, 2024)

Barbados: Country #86 on my Countdown to 100 U.N. countries by the time I turn 70 in 2026.

After flight delays on American Airlines, Elizabeth and I finally made it to Bridgetown, Barbados, way past both of our bedtimes. But no matter, we checked into our hotel, did a little unpacking and literally zonked out with enough sleep to get us going for our full-day 360 degrees tour of Barbados.

And, what a wonderful overview on this perfect weather day to see the the easternmost island in the Lesser Antilles. It is 21 miles long or 34 kilometers and up to 14 miles or 23 kilometers wide with 11 parishes, each with its own unique features. They are: Christ Church, Saint Andrew, Saint Joseph, Saint Lucy, Saint Thomas, Saint George, Saint James, Saint John, Saint Michael, Saint Peter, and Saint Philip.

Barbados was actually inhabited by indigenous peoples – Arawaks and Caribs – prior to the European colonization of the Americas.

The earliest indigenous groups began arriving by canoe from South America (Venezuela’s Orinoco Valley) around 350 BCE. Among these were the Taino (Arawak) who set up several settlements on the island after 800 BCE. They were later joined by the Kalinago (Carib) migrants in the 13th century.

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to discover the island when Portuguese navigator Pedro A. Campos named it Os Barbados (meaning “bearded ones”).

The first British invasion reached Barbados in 1625 and claimed it for King James I and for their mostly Anglican religion bringing with them a small group of enslaved Africans. By the 1670s, the transatlantic slave trade, particularly through its agent, the Royal African Company, located in its capital city of Bridgetown, became the primary supplier of enslaved labor turning Barbados into a slave society while importing large numbers of Africans from the Gold Coast and Nigeria. Barbados, now 95 percent black, became a member of the United Nations on Dec. 9, 1966, shortly after gaining independence on Nov. 30, 1966 from the United Kingdom.

For this tour, we were in an air-conditioned van, with a wonderful driver and tour guide from SunTours Barbados named Ken. Well his government name is Philip Edward.

Let’s bop around the beautiful island country of Barbados.

Elizabeth and me at Fitts Village Beach in the Saint James Parish of Barbados with me holding the country’s flag. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Morning views from our hotel room balcony at the Radisson Aquatica Resort in the parish of Christ Church in Barbados. Barbados is situated with the Caribbean Sea on the west and the North Atlantic Ocean on the north and east side. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Heading down Rihanna Drive passed charming wooden houses near downtown Bridgetown in the parish of Saint Michael to get to the childhood home, now an Airbnb, of Robyn Rihanna Fenty. She is known as Rihanna, a Barbadian born singer, songwriter, model, actress and businesswoman. According to Forbes Magazine, Rihanna has a net worth of $1.4 billion USD. And, she’s only 36.
In 2017, the street, once called Westbury New Road, was renamed Rihanna Drive and as you can see from the photo above, attracts hordes of tourists who want to have their photos taken in front of the house. (Dec. 10, 2024)

A popular stop on Barbados itineraries is this childhood home of Barbadian born, singer, songwriter, actress and businesswoman, Robin Rihanna Fenty here on Rihanna Drive near downtown Bridgetown in the parish of Saint Michael. (Dec. 10, 2024)

This commemorative plaque at the end of Westbury New Road, renamed Rihanna Drive announces Robyn Rihanna Fenty, Barbadian born, as Cultural Ambassador for Barbados and features a message from Rihanna: “Welcome to Rihanna Drive… My home. My whole life was shaped on this very road. I was just a little island girl riding bikes, running around barefoot and flying kites in the cemetery, but I had BIG dreams. Dreams that were born and realized right here.” (Dec. 10, 2024)

One of the places where the wealthy and celebrities stay, along an area known as the Platinum Coast, is the private enclave of One Sandy Lane in the Saint James Parish overlooking the Caribbean Sea. (Dec. 10, 2024)

St. James Parish Church is located in Holetown in the parish of Saint James and is one of the oldest parcels of consecrated land, from about 1629, often known as “God’s acre”. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Mullins Beach along Highway 1 in the parish of Saint Peter is a family-friendly beach known for its calm and turquoise waters. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Heading along Queens Street in Speightstown, parish of Saint Peter. (Dec. 10, 2024)

The Speightstown Esplanade in the parish of Saint Peter with its colorful gazebo and entertainment dais by a Jetty, wooden pier walkway with views of the turquoise Atlantic Ocean. (Dec. 10, 2024)

A close-up of one of the paintings along the colorful gazebo exterior at the Speightstown Esplanade in the parish of Saint Peter in Barbados. (Dec. 10, 2024)

The picnic area with gorgeous views of the turquoise Atlantic Ocean at the Speightstown Esplanade in the parish of Saint Peter in Barbados. (Dec. 10, 2024)

The Speightstown Jetty walkway by the Esplanade in the parish of Saint Peter. (Dec. 10, 2024)

A photo of what Speightstown, in the parish of Saint Peter, once looked like in 1930. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Speightstown, in the parish of Saint Peter, along Queens Street. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Speightstown, in the parish of Saint Peter, along Queens Street in Barbados. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Me stuffing my face with the Barbados Turnover at the Speightstown Esplanade. The turnover, which was delicious, is made with Barbados flour, sugar cane and coconut. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Your not so average truck-pizza maker and delivery guy in Barbados. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Making sure his clients stay well hydrated, Ken, our wonderful SunTours guide pours some delicious rum punch for us at the Animal Flower Cave in Saint Lucy where we stopped to take a look around. And, I’m loving the Rum Punch. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Me at the Animal Flower Cave with spectacular views of the Barbados northern coast of Barbados where huge Atlantic Ocean waves crash against the cliffs. The cave gets its name from the sea anemones, what Barbadians call “animal flowers,” that live in the cave’s shallower pools. (Dec. 10, 2024)

The Animal Flower Cave with spectacular views of the Barbados northern coast of Saint Lucy where the huge Atlantic Ocean waves crash against the cliffs and caves. The cave gets its name from the sea anemones, what Barbadians call “animal flowers,” that live in the cave’s shallower pools. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Me with a statue of Saint Lucy at the Animal Flower Cave in the Parish of Saint Lucy while holding my Rum Punch and enjoying the spectacular views of the northern coast of Barbados. I’m also holding and still drinking my Rum Punch. (Dec. 10, 2024)

The directional signs at the Animal Flower Cave in the parish of Saint Lucy on the northern coast of Barbados. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Back on the road driving by the sugar cane fields in the Saint Lucy parish of Barbados. (Dec. 10, 2024)

An old sugar mill along the Charles Duncan O’Neil Highway in the parish of Saint Peter. Barbados has more than 500 sugar mills throughout the country. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Barbados is named after a tree similar to this. When the Portuguese first discovered the island in 1536 en route to Brazil, they referred to the island as Los Barbados or the Bearded Ones presumably after the fig trees found on the island which, as you can see, have a beard-like appearance. These trees can become incredibly large and are a natural habitat for birds, bats and monkeys. The trees are no where near as plentiful today as they were when the Portuguese discovered the island. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Views of the beautiful countryside and the Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill in the St. Andrew parish of Barbados is considered the biggest and only complete surviving sugar mill in the Caribbean. Erected in the 1700s, the mill stopped operating in 1947. (Dec. 10, 2024)

We stopped for lunch at the Sand Dunes Bar & Restaurant in the Saint Andrews Parish. (Dec. 10, 2024)

For lunch, I had the fried flying fish, macaroni pie, rice and peas, potato salad with corn and a romaine salad at the Sand Dunes Bar & Restaurant in the Saint Andrews Parish. (Dec. 10, 2024)

I asked for some hot sauce and was given the Barbadians hot sauce that they call Bajan pepper sauce. I was pretty liberal with putting it on my fish until my SunTours guide, Ken, cautioned me. So glad he did because this pepper sauce was delicious but potent. It didn’t burn, but I could feel the heat and my nose started while my eyes actually started watering. I’ve had plenty different kinds of hot sauce and spicy foods in my life but nothing made me tear up like this Bajan pepper sauce did. (Dec. 10, 2024)

This rugged hillside rock formation is called the Sleeping Giant along the Ermie Bourne Highway on the East Coast of Barbados. It is said to resemble a giant lying on its back. Doesn’t look like that to me, but since it was formed through millions of years by the forces of wind and water from the Caribbean Sea, it’s worthy of its giant status. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Driving along the fierce Atlantic Ocean along the Ermie Bourne Highway in the Saint Joseph Parish in Barbados. (Dec. 10, 2024)

In an effort to fight the vicious corrosion from the Atlantic Ocean’s salt and breeze, homes have to be continually maintained along the Ermie Bourne Highway in the Saint Joseph Parish. This house is actually made of marble to fight against the erosion. (Dec. 10, 2024)

This house, which was supposedly last maintained from the pounding salt and breeze of the Atlantic Ocean, is showing how quickly corrosion can take hold of the homes along the Ermie Bourne Highway in the parish of Saint Joseph in Barbados. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Another interesting home built to thwart the harsh salt and breeze of the Atlantic Ocean in the parish of Saint Joseph in Barbados, is this one made of plaster with tile and cement. (Dec. 10, 2024)

This is definitely living in beautiful Barbados. This is Bathsheba and I am at the Bathsheba Park with the Beach beach in the distance along Highway Z (the same highway as the Ermie Bourne Highway, but it gets a different name now) in the parish of St. Joseph. (Dec. 10, 2024)

The Bathsheba Beach in the parish of Saint Joseph in Barbados. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Views of the different beach areas of the parish of Saint Joseph in Barbados. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Passing the Andromeda Botanic Gardens in Bathsheba and the parish of Saint Joseph, it is 8 acres of a cultivated gardens with over 600 plant species in Barbados. It was created by Barbadian and horticulturalist Iris Bannochie. (Dec. 10, 2024)

We’re more inland, on the eastern side of the island, around Newcastle Hill along what is now Highway 3 in the parish of Saint John. These are plantains growing along the side of the highway. (Dec. 10, 2024)

There are some 500 former sugar mills throughout Barbados. They were used to process sugarcane, which was the island’s main crop until the mid-19th century and are now protected from being destroyed so this homeowner used the former sugar mill as the main entrance to their home along Newcastle Hill in the parish of Saint John. (Dec. 10, 2024)

The St. John Parish Church in Barbados is an Anglican church, which is the main religion on the island. The first church on this location was a simple wooden structure that was destroyed by a fire. The current Gothic-inspired church building was constructed in 1836 to replace the previous church which had been destroyed by a hurricane in 1831.
The first British Invasion reached Barbados in 1625 and claimed it for King James I and for their mostly Anglican religion. The English also turned Barbados into a slave society, importing large numbers of Africans from the Gold Coast and Nigeria. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Inside the Anglican St. John Parish Church in Barbados. (Dec. 10, 2024)

The carved pews inside the Anglican St. John Parish Church in Barbados. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Inside the Anglican St. John Parish Church with its elaborately crafted pulpit. (Dec. 10, 2024)

The Gothic-looking exterior of the St. John Parish Church in Barbados. (Dec. 10, 2024)

The cemetery of the St. John Parish Church in Barbados is situated on the side of the church on a cliff overlooking the Bathsheba Coast. (Dec. 10, 2024)

The graveyard of the St. John Parish Church in Barbados with its many frangipani tree without leaves. (Dec. 10, 2024)

The steps down into a grave at the graveyard of the St. John Parish Church in Barbados. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Me under the Frangipani trees at the St. John Parish Church cemetery. I find these leafless tress intriguing. They are known for their resilience and ability to bloom even after they have been uprooted, symbolizing resilience and renewal. This characteristic is a metaphor for life’s cyclical nature, reminding us that even in the face of challenges, new beginnings and growth are possible. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Overlooking the Bathsheba Coast in Barbados on our way to Bottom Bay. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Heading down these rocky steps to the remote and secluded Bottom Bay beach encircled by steep coral cliffs in the parish of Saint Philip. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Me at the beautiful and secluded turquoise beach of Bottom Bay located between two cliffs in the parish of Saint Philip. (Dec. 10, 2024)

A coral cave at the secluded Bottom Bay beach in the parish of Saint Philip in Barbados. (Dec. 10, 2024)

My selfie inside a coral cave at the secluded Bottom Bay beach in the parish of Saint Philip in Barbados. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Good night for now as the sun sets at the beach of our hotel, the Radisson Aquatica Resort, on the island country of Barbados. (Dec. 10, 2024)

Today, our last full day in Bridgetown, was exclusively about a walk through the capital and largest city of Barbados, and a little bit of its history.

Bridgetown is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During a stroll through the city, we saw and walked through the Independence Square and Arch; Chamberlain Bridge and the Wickham Lewis Boardwalk along the Constitution River close to a former slave market with a plaque to the Africans who were transported across the Atlantic Ocean and sold as slaves; the National Heroes Square, now the “Monument to the Barbadian Family,” the Parliament Buildings, the Nidhe Israel Synagogue, the St. Mary’s Anglican Church and more.

Come stroll with me through Bridgetown, Barbados.

Before starting our walking tour around Bridgetown, Elizabeth and I headed to Broad Street, considered the High Street of Bridgetown with its shops and restaurants, to have lunch. (Dec. 11, 2024)

Before starting our walking tour around Bridgetown, Elizabeth and I stopped at the Bridgetown Duty Free on Broad Street which is lined with shops and restaurants. Everyone recommended going to this Duty Free shopping mall to get something to eat. (Dec. 11, 2024)

Broad Street, consider the shopping and restaurant street, in Bridgetown. (Dec. 11, 2024)

My rather delicious meal at the Ideal Restaurant on the 2nd floor of the Bridgetown Duty Free shopping center on Broad Street in Bridgetown. I had the flying fish and a selection of other goodies like potato salad, fried plantains, macaroni pie, green peas & rice and steamed vegetables. (Dec. 11, 2024)

We began our walking tour at this bronze statue of the Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow, the first prime minister of Barbados, at Independence Square in Bridgetown. Barrow was born into a family of political and civic activists in the parish of Saint Lucy. He became a WWII aviator, combat veteran, lawyer, politician, gourmet cook and author. He is also often referred to as the “Father of Independence” in Barbados for leading the island into full independence in 1966. (Dec. 11, 2024)

Looking into Independence square which sits alongside the Careenage Marina, by the Independence Arch, in the heart of Bridgetown. The Careenage Marina is a safe harbour for many catamarans, fishing boats and other pleasure craft. (Dec. 11, 2024)

A fountain at Independence Square, by the Independence Arch in the heart of the capital city of Bridgetown in Barbados. (Dec. 11, 2024)

Independence Square in Bridgetown decorated for the city’s Christmas festivities. (Dec. 11, 2024)

The bronze statue of the Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow, the first prime minister of Barbados, at Independence Square in Bridgetown. Barrow was born into a family of political and civic activists in the parish of Saint Lucy. He became a WWII aviator, combat veteran, lawyer, politician, gourmet cook and author. He is also often referred to as the “Father of Independence” in Barbados for leading the island into full independence in 1966. (Dec. 11, 2024)

Independence Square which sits alongside the Careenage Marina in the heart of Bridgetown, was being decorated with Christmas trees representing various countries throughout the world. Local students provided the decorations for the trees. (Dec. 11, 2024)

The Independence Arch in Bridgetown as seen as we entered the arch into Independence Square. (Dec. 11, 2024)

The Independence Arch, by Independence Square, is at one end of the Chamberlain Bridge crossing the waterway of the Constitution River and the Careenage Marina in Bridgetown. The Independence Arch was build in 1987 to commemorate Barbados’ 21st anniversary of Independence. Until Independence was achieved on November 30th 1966, Barbados was a British colony.
The Independence Arch features the national emblems of Barbados’ heritage and culture. The pillars showcase two important national symbols of the flying fish (on the left) and the pelican (obstructed on the right) along with the Pride of Barbados flower. And, at the top of the pillars are the broken trident found on the national flag and in the center of the arch is the Coat of Arms with the national flower, the national motto ‘Pride and Industry’ along with the dolphin and the pelican. (Dec. 11, 2024)

The Independence Arch, by Independence Square, in Bridgetown depicts several aspects of Barbados’ heritage and culture. The pillars showcase two important national symbols like the flying fish (on the other pillar) and the pelican (on this pillar) along with the Pride of Barbados flower. Across the top of the arch is the Trident, found on the national flag, and the Coat of Arms bearing the national motto ‘Pride and Industry’. (Dec. 11, 2024)

Across the top of the Independence Arch is the island of Barbados’ Coat of Arms bearing the national motto ‘Pride and Industry’. (Dec. 11, 2024)

Walking along the Chamberlain Bridge from the Independence Arch in Bridgetown. The bridge separates the inner and outer waterfront or the Careenage Marina (right) from the Constitution River (left) towards the Wickham Lewis Boardwalk. The bridge was originally a swing bridge constructed between 1865 and 1872 and was named after Joseph Chamberlain, the British Secretary of State for the Colonies. He made significant financial contributions to Barbados which helped to repair and upgrade the bridge. In 2006, the old swing bridge, which was manually operated, was replaced with a modern lift bridge. (Dec. 11, 2024)

The waterway inlet of the Careenage Marina, to the right of the Chamberlain Bridge coming from the Independence Arch, runs from the Constitution River to the center of Bridgetown where medium-sized yachts or small craft boats dock. The marina is situated between the National Heroes Square and the Independence Square. (Dec. 11, 2024)

The wooden Wickham Lewis Boardwalk along the Constitution River, across the Chamberlain Bridge to the left from the Independence Arch and close to a former slave market and “Monument to the Barbadian Family” at the National Heroes Square in Bridgetown. (Dec. 11, 2024)

The plaque along the wooden Wickham Lewis Boardwalk across the Constitution River in Bridgetown, states that it is erected, at this hallowed site, in memory as a tribute to the strength and resilience of those African enslaved persons who were transported across the Atlantic Ocean, and were sold as slaves, at or near this site, to Barbadian slave masters. It is also a tribute in honor and recognize the efforts of those who fought in the cause of the abolition of the slave trade.” (Dec. 11, 2024)

A view of the The “Monument to The Barbadian Family,” at the National Heroes Square in Bridgetown just across the street from the Wickham Lewis Boardwalk and the memorial plaque to the enslaved Africans. (Dec. 11, 2024)

And, also just across from the Wickham Lewis Boardwalk and the memorial plaque to the enslaved Africans is where, in this area, slave auctions took place in Bridgetown where humans were bought and sold into slavery. This area is also where the entrance to the “Monument to the Barbadian Family” at the National Heroes Square. (Dec. 11, 2024)

The “Monument to The Barbadian Family,” at the National Heroes Square in Bridgetown. The entrance and exit of the monument symbolize the pulling apart of the shackles and chains of slavery and oppression. It’s the “shackles of oppression pulled apart by the Ancestral Families of the past, show the breaking of the bondage of slavery,” according to its designers Hugh Holder and Vincent Jones, as it represents their journey as a people from the past to present. (Dec. 11, 2024)

The “Monument to The Barbadian Family,” at the National Heroes Square in Bridgetown, according to its designers Hugh Holder and Vincent Jones, represents their journey as a people from the past to present. “The Shackles of oppression pulled apart by the Ancestral Families of the past, show the breaking of the bondage of slavery. The Hero Steles, populating the central area, speaks to the emergence of our own National Heroes. At the center, the statue of the Modern Family, shows that the family has been at the nucleus of our emergence as an independent nation and republic.” The monument stands where the former bronzed statute of British Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson once stood, up until November 16, 2021. (Dec. 11, 2024)

Robyn Rihanna Fenty, known worldwide simply as Rihanna, grew up on an unassuming, now quite touristy street, in the heart of Bridgetown. She is a global icon in the entertain, cosmetic and fashion industries. She is a multi-billion-dollar brand and she is one of the 11 National Heroes of Barbados featured on a Stele, of blended concrete and weathering steel, at the “Monument to the Barbadian Family in the National Heroes Square, formerly Trafalgar Square. Rihanna was recognized as a National Hero in 2021. (Dec. 11, 2024)

At the center of the “Monument to The Barbadian Family,” in Bridgetown is this statue representing the Modern Family that has been at the nucleus of an independent nation and republic. (Dec. 11, 2024)

Me at the “Monument to the Barbadian Family,” at the National Heroes Square in Bridgetown, Barbados. The Square (formerly Trafalgar Square) was where a bronze statue of British Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson stood in the heart of the square but it was removed to create this monument of Barbadian National Heroes instead. I’m standing by the central statue that represents the modern Barbadian family as an abstract collection of individuals emerging as one unit. (Dec. 11, 2024)

This fountain by the National Heroes Square commemorates the introduction of piped water in Bridgetown. It was built in 1865. (Dec. 11, 2024)

The Parliament Buildings as seen from the National Heroes Square in Bridgetown, Barbados. Constructed using local limestone, these buildings were designed and completed in 1874, in the style of Gothic architecture. This site is home to the House of Assembly and Senate, with the Barbados Parliament being the oldest such establishment in the Commonwealth. (Dec. 11, 2024)

The Parliament Buildings as seen from the National Heroes Square in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Dec. 11, 2024)

Walking along Palmetto Street just behind the Barbados Parliament Building in Bridgetown. (Dec. 11, 2024)

A view of the historic street of Swan Street in Bridgetown. These buildings were traditionally homes with business below. They are now all businesses that cater to the locals. (Dec. 11, 2024)

Heading towards the restored Artisans Workshops in Bridgetown. This building was constructed in 1869 and it housed various artisans including tailors and shoemakers. During the building’s restoration in 2017, Jewish gravestones dating from the 18th century were uncovered. (Dec. 11, 2024)

Along James Street and Synagogue Lane as we looked through the windows of the Artisans Workshops are the Jewish gravestones dating from the 18th century that were uncovered when the Artisans Workshops were being restored. (Dec. 11, 2024)

The Nidhe Israel Synagogue considered to be the oldest synagogue in the Americas. The restored synagogue was built in 1654 by the Sephardic Jews who arrived from Amsterdam via Recife, Brazil. (Dec. 11, 2024)

The Montefiore Fountain, a gift to Bridgetown from John Montefiore in memory of his father who died of cholera in 1854, is actually a drinking fountain that has not functioned in years. It is classified as a public monument and while its home was Beckwith place for over a hundred years, it has been in its present location of Coleridge Street since 1940. (Dec. 11, 2024)

Across from the Montefiore Fountain is the old National Library Service or Free Library in Bridgetown. This library is one of more than 2,500 libraries built through the philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie between 1883 and 1929. Located on Coleridge Street, the library was built between 1903 and 1906 and it served the people of Barbados for more than 100 years. The coral-stone structure, which is reminiscent of the English Renaissance, needs repair and is no longer in use. (Dec. 11, 2024)

Walking along James Street in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Dec. 11, 2024)

At the top of James Street is a three story Dutch style brick building, one of the oldest in Bridgetown dates to around 1650. (Dec. 11, 2024)

Walking along Suttle Street considered to be one of the oldest streets of Bridgetown, originally called Back Church Street. Once occupied by the middle classes, as a residential street with many of the buildings dating from the early 1700s has now become a pretty rundown trough and tumble commercial street. (Dec. 11, 2024)

Walking along Suttle Street considered to be one of the oldest streets of Bridgetown, originally called Back Church Street. (Dec. 11, 2024)

Walking along Suttle Street considered to be one of the oldest streets of Bridgetown, originally called Back Church Street.

St. Mary’s Anglican Church is at the western end of Lower Broad Street in Bridgetown. The site of Saint Mary’s is where the first church on the island was built back in 1641. That original wooden church was Saint Michael’s and a hurricane destroyed it in 1780. Even before the storm, however, the decision to move Saint Michael’s had been made. After Saint Michaels was moved, this site sat vacant for 45 years. Finally, in 1825, the legislature decided to build a new church here, and St. Mary’s was consecrated in 1827. Anglican, from the Church of England, was the first official religion in Barbados but slaves were not allowed to join. With the abolition of slavery in 1838 many former slaves joined the Anglican church. Bishop William Hart Coleridge, the first Anglican Bishop, did much to extend the church’s influence by building ten chapels in the rural areas. His work, which began in 1825 and lasted to 1842, also led to the development of 11 chapel schools and St. Mary’s. (Dec. 11, 2024)

St. Mary’s Anglican Church is at the western end of Lower Broad Street in Bridgetown. (Dec. 11, 2024)

De Famous Bird Bar and Rum Shop along Bay Street in Bridgetown. We were told this was a good place to stop, on our walk back to our hotel, the Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados, for a snack and rum. We were also told it was a very happening place but the only thing happening here was the constant traffic along Bay Street. (Dec. 11, 2024)

Inside the De Famous Bird Bar and Rum Shop along Bay Street in Bridgetown. Known to be a very happening place, Elizabeth and I obviously caught it on a less than happening night but the food and rum punch were delicious. (Dec. 11, 2024)

The De Famous Bird Bar and Rum Shop along Bay Street where we enjoyed some tasty pork edible and their in-house made Rum Punch that was delicious before walking back to our hotel, the Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados for the night. Good night to Barbados for now as tomorrow we say hello to the beginning of our Caribbean Chorus cruise onboard Oceania Cruises. (Dec. 11, 2024)

Getting on the cruise ship in Bridgetown, Barbados.

It’s all aboard for our 10-day Caribbean Chorus cruise at the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal in Barbados on our Oceania Cruise ship, the Insignia.

I’m by no means a cruiser, but I lucked up on this cruise as I was researching ways to get to these Caribbean island countries on my own. I’m not saying it would have been impossible to do it, but the amount of time and research needed to figure out how to get from island to island would have made the researching and the doing time consuming and cost prohibitive. This cruise took me to the island countries I wanted to go to and helped me with my Countdown to 100 Countries.

Here’s to getting started on my Caribbean island countries conquest as we leave Barbados for the island countries of Saint George’s, Grenada; Antigua, Dominica; Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Castries, St. Lucia; Roseau, Dominica; St. John’s Antigua and Barbuda and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Getting unpacked with more to come on my Caribbean voyage.