These past two days in Barbados have been full of adventure and activities I’ve never done before. I hate the feeling, but I find that as I’ve gotten older, I’ve become a little more frightened when it comes to things I haven’t done before. Maybe it’s the fact that I seem to be very accident prone and the possible consequences are always running through my head, whereas when I was younger, I was more carefree. However, I try not to let the fears get the best of me, and if there is an adventurous activity, especially one that involves the water, I always sign up for that option. 

This morning I took a surf lesson with Melanie Pitcher, who has been surfing for fourteen years and teaches adults and kids of all ages. While I used to lifeguard and be an avid swimmer, I can’t say I’ve ever been on a surfboard, except to paddle out into the bay during one of my lifeguard certification tests, and that was sixteen years ago. I was a bit nervous that the surfboard was going to end up cracking me over the head, but she was a terrific instructor, and I had the option of choosing a softer board, so even when I got pumbled by a gigantic wave, flipping a few times under water, and getting hit in the mouth with the board, it didn’t do any damage. She took us to Freights Bay, Atlantic Shores where there were smaller waves (except for a few)…a perfect spot to learn. While I never managed to totally stand on the board for an extended period of time, and surf, but I got myself standing once for about two seconds. Would I have liked to have been able to do more? Of course. But I was very happy getting a great workout paddling the board over the waves and diving forward (not by choice) off the board more times than I can remember.

For lunch, we went to a great rum bar, the Fishermans Pub in Speightstown, and had real down home Barbados cooking, including flying fish, fish cakes, a deliciously prepared chicken dish, plantains, sweet potato mash, and cou cou, a popular corn meal and okra dish. Speightstown is a fun little shopping area as well.  

Yesterday, we had a polo lesson with Jeff Evelyn. Barbados is well known for it’s polo, as it’s was introduced in the nineteeth century by the British calgary. Again, I was a bit nervous, as I can’t remember the last time I was on a horse, let alone with a stick in my hand, trying to hit a ball at the same time. Jeff was a great instructor and taught us real methodically. We each had someone guide the horse as we practiced reaching down and hitting the balls. I thought we were going to play a full on game and was wondering if my horse would go crazy and toss me off, but Jeff asurred me it was his daughter’s horse and he would never do that. We actually just spent the time practicing on our own with the guide by our side, which was a great introduction to the game.

The food has been really phenominal everywhere we’ve eaten, and yesterday, we enjoyed lunch at Whispers, a beautiful restaurant in Bridgetown with huge windows which allows every table to look out in the ocean. Bridgetown is where the cruise ships usually dock and is a great spot for souvenir shopping.
For dinner, we ate at Lonestar, also right on the water. The lobster and prawn salad and the Mahi Mahi with spinach and mash were delicious.

Yesterday afternoon, we went to see the George Washington House, the house he stayed in with his older half brother when he was trying to cure him of tuberculosis, as the island was well known for the treatment of respiratory ailments. It is said that this is the only place George Washington resided outside of the United States. We also visited the Bridgetown Syngagogue and the Nidhe Israel Museum. While restored, the original syngagogue was built in 164 and is recognized as the earliest constructed temple in the western hemisphere. The present Jewish community of Barbados continues to maintain and use the cemetary which surrounds the historic synagogue and the synagogue is open for worship most months out of the year.

Afternoon tea was at the spectacular Crane Resort. We were supposed to stay there, but from what we heard there   was a major last minute booking, and while I don’t have complete confirmation, we suspect it may have been the “Big O,” as we saw many airforce planes at the airport upon arrival. The beach at the Crane has been named one of the top ten in the world by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. The sand is actually pink and is the softest on the island. 

If you’re looking for a fun local hangout, check out a fish fry. The big one is at the fishmarket, Oistins, but we went to a local one, half moon fort, which was a lot of fun. For drinks, they’ll give you a bottle of alcohol (usually rum), a soft drink for mixing, and a bucket of ice. Across the street it was kareoke night at St. Elmos, and the talent was quite impressive!

Tomorrow we’re going to experience the submarine Atlantis, and see all of the wonderful underwater life, which should be a lot of fun! We’re off to dinner now…I’m going to come back five pounds heavier, but it’s all worth it!