If it is Monday, then today's port will be Bridgetown, Barbados (every two weeks). This island is a single mound of coral and limestone , but suitable for growing sugarcane. Lots of it. About 280,000 people live here, and are fondly called Bajan, short for Barbadian. For the most part, they are friendly and welcoming people who work mainly in the tourist industry, government, and still in the sugar business.
Besides our ship, there were three cruise ships docked already when we arrived. The Azamara Quest was first, then the Costa Deliziosa was behind her. In the middle was the Ponant ship, Le Dumont D'Urville, but it left at 9:30am.
It had been announced that no one should wear camoflauge clothing or have articles with the same pattern. How very odd is that, although we do remember that being a restriction several years ago. Masks were required also.
So, until we called the front desk, we did not know whether or not we would be allowed to leave the port on our own without a tour or a taxi. We were told that as of 10am, we would be free to walk out of the gates. This was never announced shipwide. Of course, by then, shore excursions would have sold many tours, and lots of folks would hire taxi or van drivers. Is there a method to their madness? We have been told that the restrictions are made by the local authorities, but threatening that, it puts pressure on folks to buy something, or stay on the ship. So far, the only denial of walking freely, is on the island of Grenada. Wonder if that will change?
We left the ship by 10:30am, walked through the terminal, and made one stop at Diamonds International for the free charm. It was a flying fish today. Did you know that the flying fish is a national symbol for Barbados? Stopping at the fish market, we saw the ladies cleaning these smaller fish. Hundreds of them. One of the nice ladies held up the fish and spread the wing-like fins. Yep, that is exactly what we have been seeing the boobies eating. These little dudes are served in a hundred different ways, and are actually pretty tasty. If they are fileted correctly, there are no bones.
Continuing up the road, we arrived at the Boardwalk at Careenage Marina. Many boats of all sizes and types were in this small marina. Benches were available along the Boardwalk, so we sat for a bit watching the marina activity. We walked over the pedestrian bridge and over to Independence Square. This looks like a place for a small concert at night. We noticed many locals lined up outside either a supermarket, or an ATM. By the way, most all of the locals are still masked. And so were we.
We strolled over the Chamberlain Bridge, past the bus terminal, and a mall across the street. For a Monday, this area was really busy. On the other side of the inner basin, we came across the Fountain and War Memorial at National Heroes Square. Heading into the crowd, we went back to the first fabric shop we had found a few weeks ago. Buying one more length of fabric, we went back a different way. That's when we passed by Sewing World, which was the store we had searched for originally. Bought another piece of crepe-like fabric, which I will curse when sewing. Very tricky unless you have the correct needles and thread. Then across the street, we saw Abed's, which one of us thought was a home fabric store (curtains, drapes, etc). Turned out to be the biggest store in town for clothing fabrics. Good thing it was too busy with customers in there, or we might have bought more. Have to admit, the prices were really reasonable compared to where we shop at home.
Did we mention it had become really warm and muggy? Early on, there was a wonderful breeze, which eventually stopped. At least, it did not rain like yesterday. Passing some local cafes, we noticed some of their Bajan dishes. A local specialty is called buljol, a cold salad with pickled codfish, tomatoes, onions, and sweet peppers. Conkies are a cornmeal mixed with coconut, pumpkin, raisins, sweet potatoes, and spices. It is wrapped in a banana leaf, steamed, and served hot.
We slowly made our way back, strolling through Pelican Centre, which had few shops opened. At the port gate, we had to sanitize our hands, have our temperatures taken, and put our stuff through xray. As long as we did not have weapons, we were free to enter the port.
Perfect time to go to the Dutch Café for ham and cheese sandwiches, a shared plate of fries, and three ice cold beers. And also one éclair. We heard the funniest story about the beer glasses that Affligem is served in. Andre and Julia mentioned that they were getting short on the glasses. Assuming that some had broken, we were wrong. We learned that people were taking the glasses….like stealing them. Hard to believe, but the staff had to order more glasses last time we were in Florida. These glasses are large and heavy. How in the world do you hide something like that?
From our steaming hot veranda, we watched the ship leave around 5pm. Eventually we got a breeze, and the sailing was nice. We are now headed towards Grenada…hoping we will be set free there tomorrow. Rather doubt it.
Dinner was a table for two, since our buddies had gone to the Tamarind. If it wasn't for meatballs and spaghetti and prime rib, we would have gone as well. These are two entrees we love, and they cooked both of them perfectly tonight.
There is one thing we do not like at dinnertime in the dining room, and that is the interruption of the ship's photographers. Tolerable on gala evenings, we do not need this on regular nights. Since they are set up everywhere on decks two and three, it is far better for those who seek the photos, to go to them. Suggesting that to the photographers only produces laughs from them. Yes, we understand that this is a business here, but it becomes an imposition for many of us.
Bill & Mary Ann
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Report #73 Bridgetown, Barbados Monday-February 28, 2022 Mostly Cloudy With Sun And Hot 82 Degrees
