On time flight with only 137 other passengers and on time arrival in Bridgetown.

Good pick up by Wayne our hunky Bajan driver, sadly the airport traffic system leaves a lot to be desired. When they plan these things is it not reasonable to assume that when people arrive, so will cars etc to pick them up, so narrow tight two lane approach roads just doesn't cut the mustard.

Traffic into Bridgetown on the Friday night is a spectacle - everyone is so laid back and calm. Listening to the road outside is like a throwback to the 1970's - if you ever wondered where those car air horns went, you know the ones that went. Da  da, da da, dah dah dah dah - I can tell you they are all in Barbados!

The hotel SoCo in Hastings Beach has a fabulous location, a lovely pool bar manned or ladied by Michelle who helped us try our first Bajan Rum Punch.

Not quite sure where the rest of the morning went but still compos mentis enough to listen to the Wolves TV audio commentary on another dismal defeat.

Food in Barbados seems to be very expensive. We are all inclusive but if you just bowl up and eat (pardon the pun), each course will cost you between $75-150. And don't think for one fleeting moment we are in some swanky 7 star 3 Michelin star establishment- definitely not. Food is to say the least limited choice and variable in quality. Forgive me for being picky again but doesn't a Caesar Salad normally have a dressing or an anchovy option? Not here it doesn't!!

It's only a three night precursor to the main event, as Amuse Bouche before the Horses' Douvers, your starter before the main..... you get the drift.

Lovely views nonetheless 

A room with a view......

We had a very quiet couple of days, partly due me struggling with the cold and lack of voice - it's really hard to engage in conversation when the other person can't hear you, funny that!

A couple of leisurely strolls along a very impressive man made boardwalk (yes I know, the song kept coming into my head too, good old Drifters). 

Monday 27th January

Awoke this morning to cloudy skies and rain. Just like home but without the wind and cold. The temperature still in the high 20's C.

Last breakfast at the SoCo Hotel , which to be fair has the the best meal of the day. They know how to do a great Eggs Benedict. Managed a bit of a conversation with a Brit couple who arrived the day before us and are at the hotel for 10 days! Even they said "glad we are not staying two weeks" They are sun worshippers, you know the type, up early, towels on the prime sun beds, then retire for a leisurely breakfast! Not much sun to be had when it's p**sing down! Don't be cruel Keith.....

All packed by 11.45, bags ready to go to reception. You know the feeling car booked, sitting waiting, will he, won't he? No worries, at 12 noon on the dot, half an hour early, in walks our man Wayne. A gentle smile, wave, he recognises us and off we go.

On the way as we set off, we are treated to some of the best local vocal interaction between Wayne, clearly the boss man and a couple of his other drivers. I can't do justice on here to the accent or the dialect but picture the scene. Viv and me in Wayne's car, that's 2 pax, target total pickup is 9 so 7 go.

Wayne rings his first driver.... "yo bro, how many you got" brief delay ... "yo boss eyes got 4". Wayne replies "whose you got bro" ..... "why" comes the reply. Wayne ups the ante " you should have the Wrights and Rockwoods, you got them bro?'" Silence ..... then Wayne says again "you got right folks" again silence followed by " eyes can't see who eyes got, eyes driving boss". Wayne by thus point is starting to boil.... "well ask them who they is?" A mumbled discussion takes place and all is well as you hear the Wrights and the Rockwoods shouting their names to the driver so all is well.

So we now have 7, looking good, 2 to go. Second call underway "yo Bro, how many youse got?" "Eyes got 1 boss" at which point Wayne looks up to the sky and says "youse needs two, where's the other one?" A rather trembling reply comes back " eyes don't know Boss, she wasn't there?" Absolute classic! Target 9, pick ups 8, 1 missing who, were are they, no idea!! But it helped the short journey to the terminal seem even shorter.

After a very detailed look through our passports and paperwork by a terminal official at the gate, we were allowed in. I was slightly nervous on two counts, one, we had no luggage tags and secondly a comparison of my passport photo and my right ear would show a difference which thus far had gone undetected!

Our luggage porter who popped up out of nowhere loaded our bags and I explained we had no tags. He waved me away like an irritated mossie and told me not to worry, he is in control. Wayne departed, I think we may see him again on our return and we were left in the very capable and soon to be very well rewarded, luggage porter. We were marched to a stand where thankfully we spied the issuing of luggage tags! As we approached the desk and were asked for our names, I croakily spluttered "Robinson". All of a sudden in a broad Northern Irish accent comes the response "Don't let them on!!" How amazing, to meet our travelling friends at the same time, same stand. Hugs all round contact made, the eagle has landed Houston!

Straightforward boarding and off to lunch in the poolside grill. It feels very familiar - it should really as we had spent a month on the Silver Moon less than twelve months ago.

As creatures of habit we ordered a grilled salmon wrap and a side of fries, based on last year's experience of it being too much. When it arrived, we realised times have moved on, portion control has been much more heavily controlled! We quickly ordered another to compensate, after all it is all inclusive. A gentle infusion of Sauvignon Blanc eased us into cruise life and a chance to chat about all sorts of things with Girvan and Liz - it all felt so relaxed and great company.

Rooms ready at 2pm - luggage safely delivered and unpacked by 3. All very easy, as indeed it should be. Every cabin on Silver Moon has a butler, ours is Deepak who quickly introduced himself and he is already getting top marks with a full litre bottle of Bombay Sapphire arriving by close of play, day one!

Safety video watched (though to be fair, we did cheat a bit, as it was playing the background whilst we unpacked). 

Viv had missed her hair appointment last Wednesday due to being at A&E. We ventured down to the spa, somewhat in fear of being overwhelmed by the countless offers of discounts, book now pay later, book 7 facials get one free, leg waxing while you wait .....and many more besides. As we arrived we were greeted by a bevy of manicured, perfectly made up ladies hoping that today was the day when our wallets would be thrust open and unlimited dollars would pour out. Not so, " can I book a hair cut please?" ...... "when would Madam like her appointment" Bloody cheek I thought, it may be for me, but then remembered I had been the subject of a serious No.1 clipper Job before we left home. "Tomorrow?" was offered by Viv? A tentative opening bid more akin to having a minimum number of points in contract bridge, a sort of one club bid really. " We can do you now" came the reply "I have a stylist over here, ready to pounce ( my words not hers!). 

Before you could even blink, the talons were in, there was no escape, surrounded by this bevy of sirens, Viv was ensnared. No discussion on price, she was a captive, lured into the labyrinth of scissors, conditioner, shampoo  and rollers.

An hour later the deed was done, a good outcome to be fair and once the exchange rate had been taken into account, Viv had convinced herself the result was on a par with her usual assailant, sorry stylist, in England.

A pre diinner drink in the Panorama Lounge where the four of us continued to debate the various dining bookings we had made. Cunning plans made months ago cover as many options as possible.

Dinner tonight was in the Main Restaurant, Atlantide, all very nice. Food good and primed with advance notice that we all like hot plates - all was ok.

Viv and I bailed out early still suffering the effects of our various ailments, to the point we have opted not to join the included tour tomorrow. A quiet relaxing recharging day is in order.

Tuesday 28th January 

A very quiet relaxing day, just what the doctor ordered. La Terrazza Restaurant a lovely restaurant that doubles up as a daytime buffet and an Italian restaurant at night was the venue for breakfast. Sitting outside in the warm Caribbean sunshine was a delight. Thoughts of home lingered long as we enjoyed our leisurely sun-kissed cereal and fruit ..... hah don't kid yourselves - the cold wet weather in the UK never crossed our minds! Sorry!

The tender boats ferried our fellow passengers to the place called Beguia, the only major town in the small island group known as St. Vincent and the Grenadines, home to a few thousand people and from what we could see, was a beautiful paradise island. Girvan and Liz had braved the morning excursion in an open top jeep, and took in the various vistas on offer. 

A very modest salad for lunch and unusually for us a wine free occasion - we must be poorly! A leisurely afternoon doing diddly squat was great and very welcome.

Our plan to ensure speciality restaurant coverage was about to be tested. Girvan and I had methodically planned booking for 4 people on the same night and two different restaurants. In the morning I had cancelled our booking for one, leaving the other, on this occasion, Girvan's booking for the Grill in place. Before we went to the restaurant, we agreed to meet in the main bar at 6pm for pre dinner drinks, all very straightforward you would think. As Viv and I arrived we were surprised by the number of people in the bar. We grabbed a table and waited for Girvan and Liz. Just as they arrived the penny dropped.... the Captain's welcome party! There we were rabbits in the headlights... trapped in a sea of people waiting to be addressed by the Captain and his fellow officers.

Quick as a flash we decided now was the time to make a quick and as we found out, not so discreet exit. We moved towards the door, against the tide of incoming guests seeking their free drinks and canapés. Suddenly we bumped into a man mountain, the Food and Beverage Manager, a huge Croatian officer who said "leaving so soon?" Without a moments hesitation, Girvan turned defense into attack. Last year on the same ship we had one complaint, the plates were never hot when the food was served. It was pure theatre, David and Goliath stuff, Girvan told this giant of a F&B man that he had, singled handily solved the problem of the cold plates and what a great job he had done - total deflection and we escaped with his blessing! It pays to have good people on your side!

Dinner was in The Grill outside on Deck 10. We reminisced that the last time we were there was in the middle of a tropical storm off the coast of Japan! Not so this time, very relaxed and enjoyable.

What a difference a year makes!

Wednesday 29th January

At sea today, making our way very sedately to the island of Curaçao, the largest of the ABC islands comprising of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. We arrive on Thursday morning at 8am.

Today has been dominated by two lectures by an excellent historian by the name of Marcus Sherwood. The first an explanation of the three islands, their importance in the overall scheme of things, and matters of geographical interest.

We were introduced to the wonders of the divi divi tree, a species found in these climes but bent through ninety degrees due to the strong prevailing winds. 

Our post lecture coffee outside the Panorama Lounge was interrupted by a Captain's announcement that sadly a medivac was necessary to airlift a patient by helicopter. We have seen these before and sadly due to the demographic nature of cruise clientele this sort of incident is not as rare as you may think. In the event nothing happened until about 7.30pm when the chopper arrived and carried out the necessary operation. In a way we were quite glad it happened, as the speculation was, that given the delay between the announcement and the event taking place, perhaps the poor soul no longer needed to be airlifted. Some good news at least.

Our historian, reappeared in the afternoon to deliver a very interesting insight into the Slave Trade. A difficult subject delivered with sensitivity and the right amount of humour. Whilst many would look at the trade as being inhumane, particularly when you look at modern human trafficking, there was a logic, a sense of order and an understanding of the master/slave roles in life.

Our evening meal in La Terrazza was most enjoyable, punctuated in part by the helicopter airlift which had restricted the restaurant to inside dining only - perfectly understandable. A wonderful bottle of red wine courtesy of our own master sommelier "guru" Girvan, which compensated for the disappointing main course. To be fair I think it was a bit of "end user" error in the sense I was expecting medallions of beef tenderloin whereas the menu said  "fillet of". Note to self ..... pay attention! That said the fillet was not the best cut of meat I've ever experienced.

The evening finished with a show in the theatre. Much improved on the previous night with an array of songs from Bond films and the Rat Pack. Two fabulous dancers using every inch of a small stage. Great voices, very soulful and captured the essence of the movies superbly.

Thursday 30th January

Arrived in Willemstad in Curaçao, a beautiful haven, the largest of the ABC Island just off the coast of South America. Having missed our first trip on St Vincent, today was our first opportunity to get ashore and what a treat it was. A short taxi ride to a Hyatt Beach Resort seemed an unlikely venue for our Sea World Explorer adventure. 

This is where the ship docked, a rather quaint understated port with little obvious infrastructure, yet enough to get us ashore.

Having arrived at the resort, a brisk walk through the outlying areas took us to a jetty, moored to which was a vessel which resembled something out of The African Queen. Rather than Humphrey Bogart at the hem was the weathered figure, not unlike Morgan Freeman, of the ship's Captain of 30 year's standing. Alongside side him was our guide, Ruell, a man of many talents as we were to find out.

After a few minutes, we were shown downstairs in the bowels of the boat.

From our position below the waves we could enjoy the many facets of the coral reef, the infinite species of fish and were introduced to the vagaries of the Parrot fish, who it is said is solely responsible for the production of the white sand making up the famous beaches of the Caribbean. Safe to say, if correct, the journey the sand takes from inception to creation leaves a rather queasy feeling!

Our guide, after this explanation went up top to do something and suddenly, fully adorned in scuba kit dropped in to sea beside the boat. Feeding the fish was his aim, rather like the Pied Piper of Hamelin - the masters of cupboard love followed his every move!

A lovely experience, rather more than expected. A great opportunity to see the wonders that lie literally feet below the surface of the Caribbean Sea.

The four intrepid explorers before the morning's expedition.

After an enjoyable light lunch, just a salad although I was seduced into a portion of bread pudding and vanilla sauce! A single glass of Pinot Grigio was required but only the one! Very good I thought!

We ventured into town in the afternoon for a gentle stroll. Interesting multi coloured buildings lead you to a pontoon bridge over the sea inlet to the old fort. You certainly get the impression that Willemstad is a lively venue after dark.

Here is Madam looking very model like on the pontoon bridge against a backdrop of said muti coloured houses!

As we slowly ambled back to our waiting ship, we bumped into a little friend, a native of these parts, clearly not camera shy and a shining example of nature's survival techniques. In the first picture you can easily make out the lizard, in the second there are two - it's time for Where's Wally! Can you find them?

Friday 31st January

The first week has simply flown by. Pleased to say we are both on the mend from our respective medical issues, although I am beginning to wonder if I actually had Covid given the level of tiredness I am still feeling in the afternoons.

Today we slipped in Aruba almost unnoticed under cover of darkness. The journey from Curacao started at 10pm last night and we covered the immense distance of 77 nautical miles arriving at 8am. By my calculations, I reckon we must have been going backwards at some stage?

We are moored next to the Majestic Princess, a beast of a ship compared to the Silver Moon. With a capacity of 3590 passengers compared to our modest 699. We have nicknamed our ship "the tug" after this picture.

After some deliberation over breakfast in our cabin, we decided not to go on the organised trip. There is an excellent website called www.whatsinport.com which details all you need to know about most of the ports in the world. Oranjestad in Aruba suggested a nice port area, and a short walk into town so we opted for a slow amble on foot into town.

What a great decision it turned out to be. A lovely warm yet cooling breeze greeted us as we walked down the gangplank. A stroll along the promenade led us to the port entrance but not before being entertained by a steel band and dancer.

A very clean town with very different genres of architecture, some of which were a homage to the island's Dutch colonial heritage.

Dutch history is never far away as depicted by two statues in the waterside park close to the Renaissance Resort. The first, a statue of Anne Frank the Dutch girl who hid from the Germans during WWII

The second to Queen Wilhelmina who died in 1948.

The waterside park offered a nice tranquil respite from the growing heat of the day. Plenty of quality boat in the marina suggests that the area is not short of money but how much of this translates to the locals is hard to judge.

We ended our stroll with a trip to one of the many jewellery shops along the Main Street. Seduced into this particular shop by the lure of a free gift and a 50% discount - this may sound very generous however, and you may call me cynical, but I have a strong suspicion that pricing in the Caribbean takes on a flexible pricing point all of its own.

In simple terms, I am sure there is a basic cruise ship in vs no cruise ship in price fluctuation. How much is hard to assess but let's assume at least a 30% uplift when a cruise ship is in. Then, I think you need to factor in several additional influences, for example, how many ships are in, how big are they, which cruise lines are they (Cunard clientele are likely to spend more than Tui, no disrespect to Tui passengers), and lastly how long are they in port for.

Adding all these into the mix and I reckon if you agree a no cruise ship base level of say $100, the maximum uplift could be as much as $300 which renders your 50% discount satisfying if not financially beneficial. 

Despite all the logic, we still bought some very nice earrings and a silver chain - emotion takes control again! They do look good so who cares!!

Enough conjecture...... time for lunch!

Another relaxing afternoon with Viv enjoying tea in the Arts Cafe.

The evening dawned ( if that's possible, can you dawn in the evening?) with a very pleasant drink in the main bar.

The decision as to where to eat sadly wasn't one of our best. Silversea have a S.A.LT kitchen restaurant which reflects the cuisine of the local area. As we're in the Caribbean we were looking forward to a spicy kick to our choices. Most of us chose the Herby Fishcakes as a starter, regrettably it was neither herby or fishy, more of a solid dense circular stone which would have threatened the world stone skimming record.

The main course was little better, my Aruban Meatloaf, a tasteless cold mass on the plate and the Spiced Lamb we were informed was not supposed to be "spicy" merely spiced. The subtle difference eluded us all. The stand out highlight was the wine, chosen by our own master wine officianado Girvan. Not only was the wine of excellent quality, it came with the most extraordinary decanter.

Reports of the disappointing food have been dispatched to the powers that be and we await a response with eager anticipation.

The theatre show was again well worth of 45 minutes with strong performances from both singers and dancers. 

Saturday 1st February

Bonaire greeted us this morning with an early tour planned. Breakfast in the cabin was mixed with my choice of something cooked, clearly a step too far. We have concluded that logistically there is no prospect of getting hot food from the galley to the room, it simply can't happen!

We waited on the pier to depart on our tour, lined up in strict order of arrival only for a gust of wind to blow the hat of an elderly passenger into the harbour waters. One of the shore excursion team, a handsome athletic young man looked at first as though he might dive in to rescue said hat, but no being much more sensible summoned a member of crew with a boat hook. Hat saved and all was well, albeit rather wet.

Our journey by the School Bus took us out of town to the mangrove swamps and on to a beautiful beach.

The air conditioning consisted of half opened windows and a look not dissimilar to a Palestinian tourist bus in the middle of Jerusalem. We were warned by the bubbly Dutch born guide that sitting in the back of the bus was likely to be more nauseating than the front. Even the concrete road near the port made the potholed filled roads of Surrey look positively well maintained. When we left the so called main road we ventured onto a dry dirt track and into the protected mangrove swamps where we did spot some flamingo.

Shortly we espied a group(flock/herd/school/rabble not sure what the correct name is for a collective group) of donkeys. Apparently they survive on not very much which is just as well given the barren nature of the terrain.

After the donkeys we moved slowly towards the picturesque area of Lac Bay, a lovely inlet of white sandy beach and turquoise sea. An area awash with conche shells, many piled high for historical reference.

An execellent afternoon, capped off by a vital Wolves win, afternoon tea again in the Arts Cafe, followed by pre dinner drinks in the main bar. This is a really tough life you know!

Girvan arrived with news of a reply to his "we are disappointed" email to the F&B manager following last night's meal in the SALT Kitchen. A meeting of the power that be and himself has been arranged for 5pm today (Sunday) and no less, the man mountain from Croatia may see us for drinks in the bar! No sooner had Girvan explained what was happening, a shadow loomed over our table and our man was here!

Pleasantries exchanged including a nod to Girvan following Ireland's rugby triumph over England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 countered immediately by me smiling broadly over Wolves win over Villa so all was well. 
We explained our disappointment and he listened intently- agreeing that things needed to change. As he had only recently joined Silversea he was well placed to suggest things could improve. You know, the "I've been brought in to raise the bar...." statement.

Dinner in the main restaurant started interestingly. We knew from Mr F&B that he had "put the word out"..... we were marked passengers..... staff were on the lookout for this fourball from England and Northern Ireland..... trouble with a capital T..... cross them at your peril. We checked in in the Maitre 'D, offered up our suite numbers in the customary fashion. As he searched for a table, his colleague's face reddened, he looked at a sheet of paper beneath his computer screen and jabbed his finger furiously at the two suite numbers highlighted in red. You could sense the "Oh my God it's them".... the terror.... they have arrived!

What you need to know is that entrance to the SALT Kitchen restaurant, the scene of the previous night's "disappointment" is very close to the entrance to the main restaurant. As we turned to enter the main restaurant I caught sight of the SALT Kitchen Maitre 'D, and I swear he cheered when he realised we were dining elsewhere! I'm sure I heard him shout "Get in there.... yeeeessssss"!

Needless to say we were charmed by all the hierarchy, officers we had never seen before swarmed around like bees round a honeypot. Even the F&B giant come over, albeit with some trepidation.... "is everything alright?" and to be fair, all was good.

Today's meeting with the chef will be one on which  I would love to be a fly on the wall - let's hope the chef leaves his knives in the kitchen!

Sunday 2nd February 

On our way to Trinidad and Tobago today, an at sea day to relax and take in another lecture from our resident classical historian. You see it's not all wining and dining - culture does pop up from time to time!

Enjoy your Sunday everyone!

Marcus Sherwood, our lecturer is a typical educated Brit with a lovely accented delivery and a wonderful sense of humour and timing. I just love the understated humour, the comment and the "pause" whilst the meaning dawns on the audience. It's always dangerous to try and recreate the moment but he was talking about various countries in and around the area discovered by Columbus and without a moment's hesitation referred to Newfoundland and added "not yet part of America as far as I am aware"! The Brits in the audience were much amused, perhaps some of the Americans, not so.......

A most enjoyable 45 mins.

As we made our way to Tobago, our intrepid "hot plate" negotiator held his meeting with the Croatian "Big Daddy" and the Executive Chef no less. The "disappointed" approach was accepted and discussion ensued, without any real conclusion but safe to say, we felt much better having brought our concerns to the table. The matter now put to rest, at least until the next cold plate arrives!

An evening of pizza and a rather non discernible red wine in the outside pizza restaurant. Definitely not haut cuisine but it made a change. 

Tomorrow we arrive in Tobago the much smaller neighbouring island of Trinidad. The tropical gardens await.....

Monday 3rd February 

Another early start, out of the room by 8.15am and down on the pier in time to catch the tour bus.

Greeted by two lovely ladies from Tobago!

I am sure the outfits have some additional fittings which accentuates certain features and I don't think their bums look big in their outfits.

A gentle tour around the island accompanied by Alvin the driver and Lesley Anne a wonderfully charming local lady full of charm and calypso magic.

Our first stop was an old tombstone belonging to a Betty Striven who passed away on the island in the 1780s and left a strange epitaph on her tombsstone.

No-one for over 230 years has been able to work out what the strange last paragraph is trying to say. All very strange.....

Down the road a few yards is the site of Fort James, overlooking the bay with the obligatory cannons pointing out to sea.

In front of the cannons, rather obscuring the view of any passing intruders, perhaps they weren't there when the fort was active, are beautiful specimens of almond trees, oddly shaped but all the same, very impressive.

The highlight of the morning was to come, nestled in the area known as Plymouth, was the lovely tropical gardens, an oasis of fauna and flora spread over many acres.

An old sugar plantation run by a man called Ian, initially transformed by his father, is now home to many beautiful examples of tropical trees and plants. These in turn provide the habitat for hundreds of species of birds, too numerous to mention but featuring humming birds, woodpeckers and many multicoloured birds of all shapes and sounds.

In addition to the many birds, the abundance of fabulous trees and bushes was incredible.

Our tropical garden journey was supplemented by the wonderful explanations offered by Suzanne accompanied by her six year old son Jasper, a self home schooled product of Tobago, well versed in his mother's infinite knowledge of the local matters of interest. He was certainly not slow in adding his own, at times, Attenborough-esque snippets of useful information.

During one of our stops I couldn't help but notice a minivan from one of the myriad of churches on the island ( apparently there are over 30 different denominations of religion in Tobago). Given what is happening in the world at the moment, trade wars, cease or no cease fires, withdrawal of foreign aid by the US, Ukraine, the list seems endless, I thought this slogan (in the back window) was such a strong message of hope...... who knows?

Such a beautiful flower.....

We arrived back in time for a well deserved lunch and another relaxing afternoon aboard the Silver Moon.

The beautiful view of the coast of Scarborough - the capital of Tobago, before you get confused thinking we are in Yorkshire!

Tuesday 4th February 

After a rather bumpy night, gustier winds than normal and a heavier sea swell, we sailed into St. George's, the capital of Grenada, known the world over as "The Spice Island". Responsible for over 40% of the world's nutmeg as well as other household spices such as cinnamon, its name is well deserved.

A beautiful town surrounding a half moon bay, St George's has a proud heritage.

Before it got too warm, we decided to venture into town on foot. Two ships were in dock today, ours and a big German jobbie by the name of Aida carrying over 4000 passengers.

Our is the little one on the right!

As soon as we reached the terminal building, we spotted a booth selling ticket for the town hopping train. A small old fashioned 3 carriaged train. We had the pleasure of a 21 year old Grenadian to guide us round whilst telling "snow" jokes. His rationale being all the passengers came from cold climes. Two examples..... "why is a snowman's dog called Frost?" The answer ...... "Because Frost bites" and his final offering..... "what is the difference between a snowman and a snowwoman?" .... wait for it..... "one has snowballs".  I think he needs to stick to being a guide rather than harbouring thoughts of a career as a comedian!

The ride took around 30 minutes and took in many of the sights and sounds of the town, including the House of Chocolate, the Art Gallery, the town's stadium and several churches.

The time shown on the church clock is the exact time that Hurricane Ivan struck the island in 2004 and over 90% of the island was devastated with the whole of the nutmeg crop wiped out. It took over 10 years to rebuild the island's nutmeg economy.

In the centre of the island is an extinct volcano which is now an evergreen forest with a hidden lake.

Back in town there are some quaint streets leading off the main road, and next door to the bus terminal is the town's fish market.

What you can't tell from the photo is the upset I caused by taking this photo. The lady with her back to me turned round and offered some very strong words of advice. I'm not sure if she was trying to protect the identity of the fish or whether she thought I was doing what the aborigines fear when having their photos taken and that is stealing part of their spirit. Either way, consider myself suitably chastised.

Another fantastic Caribbean island visited..... off to Martinique tomorrow.

Before leaving Grenada, I have to mention this evening's gastronomic extravaganza. Our friends with whom we have shared such great times on this trip very kindly invited us to dine with them in La Dame restaurant. Offering French cuisine we had not taken the opportunity of dining here in either of our cruises on the Silver Moon.

An elegant oasis, this restaurant has an impressive feel of top quality cuisine and fine dining. Nothing is hurried and the menu, whilst explaining the delights on offer, falls well short of the describing the excellence of the food when served. 

The experience gets underway with a glass of champagne followed by an amuse bouche, a delightful pumpkin soup served with parsley oil.

Viv chose the Smoked Tomato coulis soufflé whilst I had the Escargot served in filo pastry, a true delight.

A sorbet was served to cleanse the palette followed in my case by the most extraordinary Pan-Fried Dover Sole. Stunningly prepared and served off the bone at the table, it was enormous! Tasted out of this world but way too much to finish.

We all thought we had opted for a very modest salted caramel ice cream, however when the dessert arrived.... well.....

After careful examination, we realised the salted caramel was actually the dots on the plate!

A wonderful experience shared with two friends who have made this trip so enjoyable.

Martinique - here we come....

Wednesday 5th February 

The first bit of good news on waking this morning is that Martinique is part of France and any texts, call and data is included in our normal O2 allowance!! Fill your boots!!

A tour entitled "The best of St.Pierre awaited. The customary early 8.30am meet on the shoreline and we suddenly realised this was a large tour of some 50 odd people.

Setting off from the port of Fort des France

We headed for a church on the top of a hill in a town called Balatan. The church, built in 1925 is a replica of the Sacre Coeur in Monmartre, which sort of makes sense as Martinique is a "department" of France. Boasting a panoramic view of the port and the bay, a nice 10 minute stop on what was to turn into a rather lengthy and tedious morning.

Just realised I had captured Liz getting a head start on the group!

The next stop was a Rum (spelt Rhum) distillery, one of eight on the island. In order to achieve our objective, it was necessary to cross the tropical rain forest. A long and winding road through narrow bamboo covered avenues. It has to be said that once you have seen one rain forest tree you have seen them all. I'm sure that not the case but it does feel like it.

Whilst reflecting on a rather tedious journey through the forest how often does it happen that when the guide makes reference to something of interest, doesn't it always seem to be to the side of the coach opposite to the one you are sitting!

Arrival at the distillery was met with a shower of tropical rain, warm but still wet. Our guide took us around the grounds and this is where the size of the group really had an impact. Little was heard or understood unless you were standing next to him and we quickly lost the will to keep listening.

The obligatory rhum tasting was the final instalment of what was an interesting but could have been so much better, experience.

Leaving the distillery behind we headed to the town of St.Pierre, the scene of a catastrophic volcanic explosion which devastated the town within minutes and it is said, claimed the lives of nearly 30,000 inhabitants.

There is a small but very interesting museum dedicated to the event.

From the site of the museum there is an excellent view of the bay.

Bettered only by a wonderful panoramic view from a point between St.Pierre and the next town along the coast.

As I sit on our balcony, G&T in hand there is a storm sweeping down from the mountain which provides an interesting contrast to the beautiful sunset over the Caribbean Sea.

Our last stop tomorrow, the beautiful island of St. Lucia, pronounced "Lu-che-a" not "Lu-sea-a" after a third century sainted lady who sadly lost her eyes to a nasty Roman Emperor, Diocletian in the 3rd century, (source Marcus Sherwood 5/2/25).

Thursday 6th February 

Our last stop at St. Lucia and arrived at 8.00am to a wonderful view of the port and it's surrounds.

Castries appears to be quite a busy place with several places for cruise ships to dock. Despite being the much posher ship we were relegated to the docking area with further to walk into the town centre. Not a problem for us as we had decided, largely on the strength of Marcus Sherwood's recommendation that there was little to see in town, to go on the tour - St. Lucia sights and rhythms.... a strange title that made little sense before we left and in fact even less sense when we got back.

Settled in our modest 20 seater mini van we left the port area and drove past most of the sights that Marcus had mentioned the previous evening.

This was the single green space in the town, a spot dedicated to a Nobel Prize Winner of Literature in 1992 - a Sir Derek Alton Walcott KCSL OBE OM OCC no less, a St. Lucian poet and playwright of some stature.

His most famous poem, so I am reliably informed by much more learned readers than me, is a poem called "Love after Love".......

"The time will come when, with elation, you will greet yourself arriving at your own door, in your own mirror and each will smile at the other's welcome, and say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self. Give wine. Give bread, Give back your heart to itself, to the stranger who has loved you all your life, whom you ignored for another, who knows you by heart. Take down the love letters from the bookshelf, the photographs, the desperate notes, peel your own image from the mirror. Sit. Feast on your life."

I will leave you to assess the merits or otherwise of the great man's work.

His name, anyway is donated to this square of greenery in the middle of town.

St Lucia celebrates the 23rd January each year as the island's two Nobel Prize winners happened to be born on the same day but fifteen years apart..... Sir Arthur Lewis for Economics in 1915 and the aforementioned Sir Derek Walcott in 1930.

Leaving town we journeyed upward to Marks Place, a very pleasure house opened to the public some years ago. The downstairs houses many artifacts and antiques including a picture of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson.

The photograph was not dated but perhaps was taken when they visited or instead as is more likely, stayed at the house on perhaps one of his many air miles trips.

Fantastic views of the surrounding coastline from a vantage point of over 800ft above sea level. 

A short ride further up the hill took us to the lovely house known as Howelton Hall, built over 122 years ago and boasting 8 acres of lavish, well maintained gardens. It is here we were also treated to a display of how to make Batik clothing and accessories. Marvin was the man in charge, a chirpy chappie who seemed to know who to keep the crowd entertained.

Again, fantastic views from the beautifully kept garden. We even succumbed to buying a coconut shell housing a lemongrass scented candle. At least our dirty washing will smell nice when we get home!

Our last stop and without doubt the highlight of the morning was the trip to Stony Hill House, a wonderful colonial style property built in 1999 and now open to visitors. Set in three acres it boasts some of the island's best examples of flora and fauna as well as fabulous views over the northern part of the island including the famous pirate home known as Pigeon Island.

A great trip to end the organised part of what has been a fabulous holiday. We think we may have a trip around Barbados with the driver who is picking us up from the port but we shall find out.

Friday 7th February 

Here we are back in Barbados. Only seems like yesterday we were here last!

A busy day ahead with a 3 hour tour of the island before being dropped at the airport at lunchtime with a long wait till check in and our flight home due to take off at 19.35. 

Our 3 hour tour turned out to be an excellent addition to the final day. Our driver David took us through Bridgetown showing us many sights including a statue of Grantley Adams, the last Prime minister of Barbados before independence and he of the Grantley Adams International Airport fame.

Moving down to the south of the island we stopped in the lovely Carlisle Bay for a photo shoot. A beautiful spot, a haven for tourists and locals alike.

Our next stop was St. Lawrence Gap a lively 24/7 mix of bars, hotels and nightclubs, most of which open just at the time we retire for the night.

The Anglican Church of St. John was a wonderful stop on the Atlantic coast, with fabulous views over the coast some 1800 feet below. A chequered history destroyed by fire and then hurricane in the 1800's it was rebuilt in local stone and consecrated in 1836 where it proudly stands today.

A prominent politician was spent 25 years of his life serving the good people of St. John's, reached the heady heights of Barbados Prime Minister in 2008. Sadly David Thompson died in office two years later and somewhat surprisingly, given his service to the local community, was controversially buried in the St. John's churchyard.

This Viv being seduced by a local Bajan poet who with a quite remarkable memory was able to recite many poems, stories and jokes that he had committed to various books over the years. A rescue mission was successfully launched and Viv was retrieved before we moved on to the airport.

Arriving at the airport at 1.15pm when you know your flight is not departing till 19.35 is not ideal. A coffee and muffin from the local Italian coffee shop was most welcome unlike the 2.5 hour wait for the check in to open. We queued only to find the Barbadian computer when requested to open the line, well it said NO and the wait went on. Finally it relented and we made our way to the Virgin lounge were welcome refreshment awaited.

Our flight home beckons and another travel chapter draws to a close. Fantastic memories of a fabulous trip made all the more enjoyable by friends.

Until the next time........