11-12 February 2019 - Barbados and St. Lucia

11 February 2019 - Monday

Bridgetown, Barbados --10:00am to 8:00pm

In 1627 Barbados became an English Colony made wealthy by exporting sugar and molasses -- and subsequently a center for the African slave trade until it was outlawed in the mid 19th century.   In 1966 Barbados became an independent state of the British Monarchy with Elizabeth I as head of state.   Dockage is in Bridgetown, the capital and largest city with a population of 110,000.

Phil and I take the mini bus into town ---  $5 for both of us.  It is a bustling place with people going about their business and tourists wandering around aimlessly.   Last year our Oceania ship stopped here but I was not allowed to get off since I was on antibiotics. 

Pat in front of Woolworth - Bridgetown Barbados

Phil is somewhat familiar and takes me right to "Woolworth" -- the same type of store that used to be at Washington and Franklin Streets in Boston.  This may be the only true "Woolworth" left in the world.  I purchase an Anniversary Card for Sharon and John -- then wander around feeling like I've stepped back in time.  This is a treat.

Phil tasting rum at Cave Shepherd Co., Ltd. - Barbados

Back on the street we stop into "Cave, Shepherd & Co. Ltd." -- a true British department store with clerks wearing fashionable blue uniforms.  Phil comes across rum tasting in the duty free department -- he samples but does not buy.  

Filleting Fish at the Market in Bridgetown, Barbados

Moving on -- we walk back to the ship about a mile and a half -- stopping at the Fish Market.   For some reason we are attracted to Fish Markets -- perhaps because they are so much a part of people's lives all over the world -- especially where we travel by water.  I don't even eat a lot of fish but there is something about a fish market that appeals.

Phil on harbor boardwalk in Bridgetown, Barbados

We continue on our way and after a quick stroll through the shops at the terminal, we are back on board for lunch in the Terrace Cafe.  I have a message from Sharon that John is under the weather -- apparently he has the same cold that Phil did not have.

Interesting sign in Bridgetown, Barbados

After a leisurely afternoon --- I meet Phil for happy hour and we have a nice dinner -- window table for two -- in the main Dining Room.

As I am shopping after dinner -- I bump into Sharon who is always very helpful -- we shop very well together.

12 February 2019 - Tuesday

Castries, St. Lucia - 7:00am to 5:00pm

St. Lucia is a sovereign island country in the Lesser Antilles and has a population of about 170,000 -- independence came in 1979.  However, since 1660 control of St. Lucia passed a number of times between the French and the English -- this has created a mixed legal system based on both English common law and the Quebec Civil Code of 1866.

We dock at La Place Carenage -- right downtown.  I decide to stay on board since I've been here many times and can't think of any reason to get off the ship and it looks like rain.   Phil goes for a long walk but gets caught in the rain -- no harm done.

I have my Acupuncture appointment at 11:00 am -- so I arrive ten minutes early but the Spa is like a ghost town -- a few passengers are using the exercise equipment -- no staff anywhere.   There is a crew safety drill going on but it started at 10:00 am. 

The staff returns about 11:30 am.  I offer to change my appointment since everything is backed up but they feel everything will be fine.   I am having the acupuncture for "general well-being" -- whatever that means.

I do not feel some of the needles Dr. Durga puts in on my scalp, arms, legs, stomach and feet but I do feel a few.   In response to my question, I'm told I have about twenty needles inserted.   I lay still for about 30 minutes with eye mask on and it is relaxing.    I feel pretty calm afterwards but I'm pretty calm anyway.   When I meet Phil, he looks at me as if he expects to see a difference but doesn't.    It was not a bad experience but if I did not have the spa credits -- I never would have spent $170 for the treatment.

At 5:30 today -- Phil and I attend the party for previous cruisers at which we receive out gold pins.  Then we meet Sharon and John for another nice meal -- tonight in the Polo Grill Steakhouse.

Phil and Pat receiving Gold Pins -- Captain is on left.

After dinner -- John and I go to the show to see Michael Minor, a ventriloquist, impressionist and singer with a great voice. He is suprisingly good and has a wonderful personality.   We both enjoyed the show.

Thanks for Reading.

Pat