Jan 30 – kicked it old school. One of our favourite ways to explore is approaching a local at the port taxi stand, haggle and enjoy an awesome private tour. Janet and I are rocking like a 95% success rate, had one poor experience using this method in Panama City.
A lot of benefits to this method. By doing this you’re usually supporting a family man directly (with cash), have the ability to influence the tour, get private transport and get to stay away from the tourist traps 🪤
Few tricks to keep in mind:
-English speaking driver/guide is ideal (but not always available)
-Make sure you are haggling with the actual driver, or at least get to meet them. Some sheisters will smooth talk only to hand you off to someone you didn’t expect, not a nice feeling.
-YOU are responsible if shit hits the fan, be smart, trust your gut, that Captain won’t wait if your tour van or car breaks down – You didn’t book the excursion through them. Give yourself time, say you need to be back an hour before “all aboard”
-Bring ID (leave passport in safe), cash (not loads but enough to tip and bribe), somewhat of a plan and a backpack 🎒
-Have a little faith! These drivers/tour guides are proud of their home. Go with the flow #puravida
Morning was awesome:
RAZZLE DAZZLE BREAKFAST ✅
RICHARDS ROOFTOP BLENDED SANGRIA AND SUN ✅
EARLY LUNCH AT GALLY WITH MACAROONS FOR DESSERT ✅
Showered up and walked the gangplank to find the taxi stand. In my experiences Barbadians are really friendly, and our guide “Val” proved it again. Made a deal at $100 for 4ish hours and $20 tip at the end… jumped in a tired tour van, let’s go!!!!
We wanted to see the Atlantic Side of the island, ventured to Bathsheba Beach, known for the surfing. Did some beach combing, smuggled back some beach treasures (pumice) and kept hunting for Cherry Tree Hill.
Val was the coolest: he’s vegan, heartbroken, hates Rastas 🇯🇲 and REALLY wanted to show us “Cherry Tree Hill”. The North East side of Barbados is pretty, looks like Hawaii. Cherry Tree Hill is picturesque, at altitude a cool temperature, was a great place to stretch our legs. Enjoyed our time stopping at local stands and shooting the 💩 with Val. Best part was the guy called me “Alan” all day, and I just let him – I mean every sentence ended in “Alan”.
Did you know Rhianna is Barbadian “Alan”
We have to find cherry tree Hill “Alan”
Barbados stands for bearded trees “Alan“
Drove back along the coast during sunset. No rush to get back, our Lady Ship wasn’t sailing until 9pm. Awesome day on Barbados, tipped Val $40 and went up to our Sweet Aft Suite. Dinner was with 10 of us at “Pink Agave” the Mexican restaurant. The cold and warm appetizers were amazing – great guacamole, enchiladas, shrimps and chorizo with potatoes. I had a stuffed poblano pepper for my entrée, didn’t leave hungry 🤤
Tomorrow is St. Lucia!!!!!! An island that looks like Jurassic Park 🏔️ 🦖
Seas the day 