6.25.09 Travel Log - Barbados Island - Wandering Social Worker

We jumped into the car to once again explore the island. The coolest part of Earthworks Pottery was the tile mosaic bathroom where mosaic shards haphazardly placed along the wall reminded one not to get too close to its walls. Oh, the other coolest part was the ocean breeze filtering our every step and calming the ever-present humidity. We left but not before seeing “Gina” signed paintings in a nearby gallery. No, I did not buy one!

The Sunbury Plantation brought old days on the plantation; a wide house with shutters asking for the wind. The 18 seat mahogany table beckoned for a cool party and rum drinking. However, the “punishment chair” beckoned for good behavior or…its assistance. Three gazebos in the courtyard may have signified their different wedding prices. The one nearest to the trees cheapest while the more room means higher prices. We guessed while chuckling at the differences.

The Foursquare Rum Factory was a Stephen King novel made real. We drove up to what seemed a deserted area filled with amusement type of areas. No children to use the rides. Only us…the only tourists. One or two staff walked on the campus. Surreal to say the least. Yet we knew we hit the right place when stepping into the distillery and seeing the barrels stacked up seven high of rum. Jars showed the different rum types and their fumes almost wafted us away with the strength. Talk about an intense rum making process. Pipes. Containers. The yellow footsteps led us along the way to the distillery’s “important” work. The fountain outside airing out the dirty water reminded us were could smell…yuk.

Lunch took us to Oistin’s and local life galore. We walked amongst shacks mostly closed until we hit the big bar at the end. People had whole bottles of rum on their tables to celebrate in happiness or drown in sorrow. Whitney Houston’s voice sang out in “Bodyguard” while the fishermen lounged about with their work finished but not wanting to go home yet. We leaned up to the bar and asked if they had food. Yes. Flying fish again. Customers looked at us and we them to sit down outside with the wind to help with the heat. Plop came out our dishes. A small, yummy breaded fillet combined with a heaping portion of beans and rice cooked just right. Hungry, silence filled the air until we could fill our tummies. All the while, the smashing of dominoes onto the table behind us reminded us how popular it is on the island. Talk about intense feelings and emotions. They literally will the dominos with their hands and eyes. No way would someone be able to interfere even with people as polite as Barbadians.

We later decided to see the sunset on the beach. The west coast, with its calm waters, varied vastly than the east side and fast, high waves. Yes, I prefer the east side with its constant change up. Sitting on the west side this time, though, to admire the sun meant rest and patience. Suddenly, an engine started running and we wondered at its source only to see a large plume of white smoke. What was it? The harsh smell hit us hard. Mosquito repellent for the night in the resort repelled us away as well. We settled for returning to the house, rum tastings, and a little bit of dancing into the night. One of the best ways to end an evening

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6.25.09 Travel Log - Barbados Island

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