Sightseeing.....

More sightseeing around the Island: (from Jan. 13th)

St. Lawrence Gap is 'the social center of the southeast' lined with hotels, bars, restaurants and clubs.

We timed our visit without thought, once again and arrived just after the lunch hour during what we assume is the quietest time of day there. A local catering van must have sensed our hunger and gave us some 'macaroni pie' - the last of their food before they closed for the day.

On to our final destination of the evening - 

The Friday night Fish Fry in Oistins!!!

You all know that I don't eat fish, but it was necessary given the cultural experience. We arrived before the masses and chatted with some of the vendors. I mentioned to one of the women at a grill that I don't eat fish, but that I was ready to try some - she broke off a piece of Blue Marlin, which was absolutely delicious! The fish was all brought into the market that day, as fresh as can be - dressed with magical spices that made my fish eating a simple pleasure. We returned to the vendor after the sunset and had our feast of fish, macaroni pie, plantains, salad and other customary sides.

 

Day Trip Destination : 

Farley Hill National Park &  Barbados Wildlife Reserve

(with a scenic bus tripto Bathsheba)

 

Once the most impressive mansion in Barbados, Farley Hill was turned into a national park in 1966 (year of independence!) after being destroyed by fire.

Just across the road, the Barbados Wildlife Reserve and  Grenade Hall Forest and Signal Station occupy a big chunk of land with a lot to learn about the plants and animals of Barbados.

 The monkeys and other animals are fed by the staff, so they are pretty comfortable being in close contact with people. 

 

The monkeys are incredible, and amazing to watch. Their fingers are so human-like, allowing them to pick apart all kinds of food and things with precision.

 

Inside the wildlife reserve, there are so many different animals, you have to watch your step! Tortoises are literally every where, and they live in unity with the other animals as a big happy family!

The nice lady at Farley Hill recommended we catch the bus to Bathsheba, and just ride it round trip. This was a great recommendation! The drastic landscape driving through the Scotland District is very different from anything we had seen so far, and very rural. The East Coast of the island is rough, and known as a surfing hot spot. The bus trip was quite the adventure too, winding around very tight hairpin turns, through narrow roads, and cruising on the edge of cliffs. We also hit school time, and had the bus packed with school children, giving us a bit of the 'day in the life' experience.