Harrison’s Cave
I was again picked up about 8:30 a.m. in a van by Glory Tours. This tour took me to some of the places that I had already been to yesterday but it was the only tour on Saturday that was going to Harrison’s Cave, which I wanted to visit. It worked out well as the second trip to duplicate places offered some different views or surprises. I also checked out of my hotel this morning as I would be spending my first night on easyCruise I. Glory Tours would drop me off at the ship, with my luggage, after the tour. At the Hilton near Bridgetown, we picked up three other passengers (a very nice woman named Jennie from the UK––we hung around together, and a young married couple from Connecticut). The Barbados Hilton a beautiful resort hotel and I was told that it has the best beach in Barbados. You don’t have to be a guest of any hotel to go to any of the beaches––all beaches are open to the public. Our driver/tour guide was named Ricky. Our first stop was Harrison’s Cave. You can tell from the photo that it had been raining.
Harrison’s Cave
Harrison’s Cave
We traveled into the cave on a tram. What was most interesting about this cave was that it was in the middle of the island.
Harrison’s Cave
Harrison’s Cave
Inside the cave.
Harrison’s Cave
Harrison’s Cave
Inside the cave.
Harrison’s Cave
Harrison’s Cave
One of the rivers in the cave.
Harrison’s Cave
Harrison’s Cave
Flower stagalite.
Harrison’s Cave
Harrison’s Cave
The most dramatic part of the cave is called the Cathedral––it is a huge cavern with a very high ceiling, but you really have to be in it to get its full effect.
Harrison’s Cave
Harrison’s Cave
A waterfall in the cave.
Harrison’s Cave
Harrison’s Cave
Our tram. If you are in Barbados, Harrison’s Cave is definitely worth a view.
Harrison’s Cave
On the Road
On the road to our next scheduled attraction, which would be Orchid World. We drove by this house entirely made from bamboo. We told Ricky that it would make an interesting tour stop if its owner would let us view the inside of the house.
On the Road
On the Road
We stopped to view of the lush countryside overlooking the Atlantic.
On the Road
On the Road
Ricky called this souvenir stand a “tourist trap” and wasn’t going to stop, but he had told us that we could ask him to stop for photos whenever we wished. So I asked him to stop at the tourist trap so I could take this photo.
On the Road
On the Road
How to build a house on an incline.
On the Road
On the Road
I believe that we were told that this is the original Barbados chattel house. It is under the Barbados Trust and no alterations to it are allowed.
On the Road
On the Road
Another colorful Bajan house.
On the Road
On the Road
Roadside folk art. Ricky was just going to drive us by this very interesting artwork, but we all insisted that he stop so we could get out to take photos. We were quite fascinated by it.
On the Road
On the Road
This folk art is called Progression 2002––A Primal Revolution. Its artist is Christopher L. Chandler (assisted by Glenroy “Buzz” Downes and Robin “Coon” Quintyne). The work was sponsored by the Government and People of Barbados. The artist used the rocks as a canvas, though he did have to add some molding material to them.
On the Road
On the Road
The Progression from the left.
On the Road
On the Road
More to the right.
On the Road
On the Road
And more to the right.
On the Road
On the Road
Close–up of the animals.
On the Road
On the Road
Another close–up.
On the Road
On the Road
And another.
On the Road
On the Road
More of the Progression across the roadway.
On the Road
On the Road
A lion.
On the Road
On the Road
A mouse.
On the Road
On the Road
The Andrews Sugar Factory.
On the Road
Orchid World
Some of the 20,000 orchids at Orchid World. Not only were the orchids very beautiful, there also was a very peaceful feeling while walking among the flowers.
Orchid World
Orchid World
Orchids.
Orchid World
Orchid World
Scented orchid.
Orchid World
Orchid World
More orchids.
Orchid World
Orchid World
A common Caribbean tropical plant.
Orchid World
Orchid World
Colorful palm tree seeds.
Orchid World
On the Road Again
We passed this scene of an old windmill and cows.
On the Road Again
St. John’s Church
My tour yesterday also took me to this church, but this time our driver stopped so I could take a photo of the other cemetery across the street from the main church.
St. John’s Church
St. John’s Church
The souvenir vendors were here today as there were two large cruise ships docked in Barbados and, hence, many tourists.
St. John’s Church
St. John’s Church
Ricky, our tour driver, told of a very interesting burial in the cemetery plot behind the church. He said to look for PX on the tomb––it would be easy to find. So three of us went in search of the PX. It took some time to find, but we also saw some very interesting tombs.
St. John’s Church
St. John’s Church
And another one.
St. John’s Church
St. John’s Church
And some more.
St. John’s Church
St. John’s Church
We finally found the tombstone with the PX on it. It is the marker for Ferdinando Paleologus, who was a descendent of Emperor Constantine the Great. On his tombstone is written: “Here lyeth ye body of Ferdinando Paleologus, descended from ye imperial lyne of ye last Christian emperor of Greece. Church warden of this parish 1655–1656. Vestryman twenty years. Died October 3, 1678.” I don’t know how he ended up living here in Barbados.
St. John’s Church
St. John’s Church
Taramid tree in the parking lot––it’s the middle tree.
St. John’s Church
St. John’s Church
Sign on the taramid tree.
St. John’s Church
On the Road Again
Banana trees.
On the Road Again
On the Road Again
Coconut palm.
On the Road Again
Coming into Bathsheba
My tour yesterday also took me here, but this is a much better view of Bathsheba than I had yesterday. This is on the eastern side of the island and the water is the Atlantic Ocean.
Coming into Bathsheba
Bathsheba
One of the giant coral rocks here and souvenir cloths waving in the wind.
Bathsheba
Bathsheba
View of Bathsheba from the other side. Photo taken on top of a cliff.
Bathsheba
Bathsheba
In this photo, you can see the steps up to the building on the beach.
Bathsheba
Bathsheba
These swimmers are in a safe pool of water that escapes the strong, dangerous surf.
Bathsheba
Bathsheba
This rock is known as the Sleeping Giant.
Bathsheba
Bathsheba
We didn’t eat lunch at the same restaurant that my tour yesterday took me to. Instead, we traveled inland and ate at a rum house––however, if you wanted rum or a rum punch or even a beer, you had to pay for it yourself. Menu choices were either fish or chicken (I had chicken) which was served with the usual Caribbean side dishes––macaroni, brown rice, beans, etc. While were eating, a unbelievable torrent of water fell out of the sky, but for all its fury, it only lasted about 15 minutes. This photo is of the rum house bar.
Bathsheba
On the Road Again
I had asked our guide, Ricky, if there was more Bajan folk art to view. He drove us to Edgehenge. Interestingly, the same artist, Christopher L. Chandler, who did the animal Procession 2002 work, also created Edgehenge.
On the Road Again
On the Road Again
Edgehenge.
On the Road Again
On the Road Again
Bajan house.
On the Road Again
On the Road Again
The Morgan Lewis Windmill. This is the same windmill that I took a photo of yesterday, but I have better information about it. It is the only operating windmill left in Barbados out of about 600 of them built by the Dutch.
On the Road Again
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
We are at the last stop of our tour––the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. This photo is of Ricky, our driver/tour guide. I asked him to turn somewhat to the side so we could all see his dredlocks. He was a great guide and we all enjoyed having him take us around Barbados.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
We were greeted by one of the many turtles here.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
The turtles just ignore the tourists.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Deer, turtles, green monkeys, and some other animals are allowed to run loose on the reserve.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
On the map of the Wildlife Reserve, the snake exhibit was clearly marked, so Jennie and I went into a different exhibit we were shocked to be looking at a gigantic python in a glass cage. We quickly walked out, but one of the attendants told us to go back in, ignore the python, and walk to the back of the exhibit. Here were iguanas.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
More iguanas.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Orange flamingos.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Green parrots behind glass.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Cute parrots.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Meal time. We were told to watch out for the green monkeys as they will grab your handbag, etc. Luckily, we were here for meal time.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
The turtles make handy seats.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
A green monkey. We were just about finished with our visit to the Wildlife Reserve when it starting raining heavily again. The brick walkway became very slippery and I slipped, but somehow, and quite surprisingly, I was able to catch myself so that I survived another of the tours that I went on. We were offered free drinks at the Reserve bar––I stuck to Diet Coke. Umbrellas were provided to make our way to our van.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
easyCruise I
Ricky dropped off the other three members of our group at the Hilton. They were disappointed that they wouldn’t be allowed into the cruise terminal or aboard easyCruise I. They all wanted to see the Big Orange Ship. And here it is! All I had now to do was to figure out how to carry my two heavy suitcases up that gangplank. The ship’s literature said that there was no porter service (I know, a woman shouldn’t take with her more than she can carry herself, but I did). I was surprised that two of the crew came to take my luggage up the gangplank for me. I had to open my bags for a total wand inspection. Also, I was asked if I was carrying any liquor––if so, it has to be checked in at reception and you claim it when you disembark. I had no liquor with me.
easyCruise I
easyCruise I
Next, to the reception desk to check in and receive my photo ID cruise card. Everything bought on the ship would be charged to this card.
easyCruise I
easyCruise I
I was assigned a cabin on Deck 3, the same deck as the reception desk was on. For the special price of $20 a night for a cabin, I did not have a porthole.
easyCruise I
easyCruise I
The beds. Actually the beds were quite comfortable, although requiring the agility to get up from them. I could have put one mattress on top of the other, but I didn’t think to do that until after I had put a good deal of my stuff on the other bed.
easyCruise I
easyCruise I
There was a very handy rack over one of the beds plus hangers on the wall. At the end of the left bed, there was a full–length mirror. I didn’t take a photo of it as I didn’t discover it until much later. Also, two 110 volt sockets were located at the end of the left bed, about 6 inches from the floor. So, to dry my hair, I sat at the end of the bed. You need to bring your own hair dryer but you are warned not to let it overheat so not to cause a fire in the cabin. No ironing is allowed in the cabin.
easyCruise I
easyCruise I
The bathroom. I do have an easySuggestion about an addition to the bathroom: a couple of wire racks on the wall to place toiletries. I was hesitant about leaving them below the sink as I thought that they may roll off when the ship began to roll.
easyCruise I
easyCruise I
The shower. The shower head was first class (remember that this is a UK ship––bring your own washcloth). One problem, though, with the shower tub––if you took a shower while the boat was moving, the drainage was not very good. But you could ask at reception for a free mopping up if need be. Where to hang laundry? The shower head was too wide for a hanger, so I stretched a disposable sock into a noose and hung it over the shower head and then put the hanger hook into that. I could also tip over the soap rack and hang a hanger over that. I could dry other items on hanger tops with clothes pins on them on the bar underneath the sink. There were also two hooks on the side of the wall of the cabin that you could use to hang clothes or else clothes after they had partially dried. I got all this figured out and was set to enjoy my cabin and my cruise. I really found the cabin quite comfortable, although I felt like I was living in an Ikea catalog, maybe with a little Home Depot thrown in because of the orange color.
easyCruise I
easyCruise I
Time to explore the Big Orange Boat. Cafe Ritazza (part of a chain) on Deck 3––excellent European coffee, freshly made croissants and brownies, fruit plates, freshly squeezed orange juice, panini sandwiches, etc., etc. Open from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. I ate breakfast everyday here.
easyCruise I
easyCruise I
The Sports Bar––Deck 4. This was the dining room, open from 8:30 a.m. until late at night.
easyCruise I
easyCruise I
Al fresco dining outside the Sports Bar.
easyCruise I
easyCruise I
Cocktail Bar, Deck 5 (aft), open from 9:30 a.m. until late.
easyCruise I
easyCruise I
Jacuzzi across from the Cocktail Bar.
easyCruise I
easyCruise I
Sun Deck––Deck 6 (forward).
easyCruise I
easyCruise I
Stairway. There is an elevator if you don’t want to use the stairs, which makes the only two physical requirements needed to be on an easyCruise are to be able to walk up and down the gangplank and to be able to get into a standing position from your cabin bed.
easyCruise I
easyCruise I
Gym–Deck 2, open 24 hours.
easyCruise I
easyCruise I
Ship Store––Deck 3. In it, you can buy such things as a bright orange easyCruise.com towel, orange shirts, and an easyCruise.com hat. I ate dinner on the ship, eating al fresco at the Sports Bar.
