Sunday, October 27, 2019, Bridgetown, Barbados
BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS
Barbados is an island country in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies, in the Caribbean region of North America. It is 21 miles in length and up to 14 mile in width, covering an area of 167 sq miles. It is situated in the western area of the North Atlantic and 62 miles east of the Windward Islands and the Caribbean Sea; therein, Barbados is east of the Windwards, part of the Lesser Antilles, roughly at 13°N of the equator. Barbados is outside the principal Atlantic hurricane belt. Its capital and largest city is Bridgetown.
Inhabited by Kalinago people since the 13th century, and prior to that by other Amerindians, Barbados was visited by Spanish navigators in the late 15th century and claimed for the Spanish Crown. It first appeared in a Spanish map in 1511. The Portuguese Empire claimed the island between 1532 and 1536, but later abandoned it in 1620; with their only remnants being an introduction of wild boars for a good supply of meat whenever the island was visited, and to replenish their water supply. An English ship, the Olive Blossom, arrived in Barbados on May 14, 1625; its men took possession of it in the name of King James I. In 1627, the first permanent settlers arrived from England, and it became an English and later British colony. As a wealthy sugar colony, it became an English center of the African slave trade until that trade was outlawed in 1807, with final emancipation of slaves in Barbados occurring over a period of years from 1833.
On November 30, 1966, Barbados became an independent state and Commonwealth realm with Elizabeth II as its queen. It has a population of 287,010 people, predominantly of African descent. Despite being classified as an Atlantic island, Barbados is considered to be a part of the Caribbean, where it is ranked as a leading tourist destination. Of the tourists, 40% come from the UK, with the US and Canada making up the next large groups of visitors to the island.
Barbados is an island country in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies, in the Caribbean region of North America. It is 21 miles in length and up to 14 mile in width, covering an area of 167 sq miles. It is situated in the western area of the North Atlantic and 62 miles east of the Windward Islands and the Caribbean Sea; therein, Barbados is east of the Windwards, part of the Lesser Antilles, roughly at 13°N of the equator. Barbados is outside the principal Atlantic hurricane belt. Its capital and largest city is Bridgetown.
Inhabited by Kalinago people since the 13th century, and prior to that by other Amerindians, Barbados was visited by Spanish navigators in the late 15th century and claimed for the Spanish Crown. It first appeared in a Spanish map in 1511. The Portuguese Empire claimed the island between 1532 and 1536, but later abandoned it in 1620; with their only remnants being an introduction of wild boars for a good supply of meat whenever the island was visited, and to replenish their water supply. An English ship, the Olive Blossom, arrived in Barbados on May 14, 1625; its men took possession of it in the name of King James I. In 1627, the first permanent settlers arrived from England, and it became an English and later British colony. As a wealthy sugar colony, it became an English center of the African slave trade until that trade was outlawed in 1807, with final emancipation of slaves in Barbados occurring over a period of years from 1833.
On November 30, 1966, Barbados became an independent state and Commonwealth realm with Elizabeth II as its queen. It has a population of 287,010 people, predominantly of African descent. Despite being classified as an Atlantic island, Barbados is considered to be a part of the Caribbean, where it is ranked as a leading tourist destination. Of the tourists, 40% come from the UK, with the US and Canada making up the next large groups of visitors to the island.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbados
The easternmost of the Caribbean islands, Barbados is rich in British history and spectacular sandy beaches. Home to the Commonwealth’s third-oldest parliament, Barbados is often called “Little England” for its lasting British influence. Bajans, as islanders are known, exude a hearty love of their small island country and delight in sharing its unique culture. Cricket matches and afternoon tea are as common here as surfing and sunning on the beach with family and friends. And a bottle of the island’s native Mount Gay Rum, and perhaps a delicious conkie, a pumpkin-coconut cake steamed in banana leaves, are never far out of reach. The island’s capital, Bridgetown, boasts a wealth of historic buildings and sites.
Two Viking cruise ships.
Hotels on the beach.
Atlantis Submarine Expedition
We rode down into the crystalline waters of the Caribbean in a submarine and marveled at an endless array of sea life. We transferred to the Atlantis pier, then enjoyed a scenic ride on board the ferry to our dive site. After a safety briefing, we climbed on board Atlantis III, a real submarine outfitted with large viewing portholes. As we descended to the white sandy bottom, curious exotic fish peeked in at us and sea fans swayed in the water’s current. We dove down to depths of 150 feet in air-conditioned comfort, passing a shipwreck—an adventure typically reserved for highly experienced scuba divers. During our narrated 40-minute expedition, our guide identified the marine life right outside our window. We discovered colorful coral formations and a rainbow of tropical fish. After resurfacing, we head back to shore via the ferry and returned to our ship.
A shuttle boat took us from shore to the waiting submarine.
Boarding through the forward hatch.
Boarding through the aft hatch.
Captain's forward port hole. Notice his laptop used for navigation and functioning of the submarine.
Sunken boat hull.
Black coral.
More black coral.
Back on the surface, ready to exit back to shuttle boat.
Half on shuttle boat exiting submarine, half ready to board.
Submarine ready to dive.
Sites from shuttle boat heading to dock.
A round of rum punch for new submariners!
Sunset as we prepare to leave Barbados.
Leaving about 6 PM, heading toward French Guiana on Mainland South America.
Comments
Post a Comment