"You're not going to need that much clothing", my smarter half kept telling me while I was deciding what to pack for my fact-finding mission to Barbados. "You keep forgetting, the villas in Barbados have a full-time staff, and they do your laundry everyday. You don't need three bathing suits, honey. One will do. Remember, this is a working trip." I was hearing her, but I wasn't listening to her. I did bring only one bathing suit, but I still brought too much clothing.
I was looking forward to this trip to Barbados for several reasons. First, any excuse to get out of the office is always welcome with me, especially during an unusually cold November in Newport. Second, this was my first trip to Barbados and I love discovery. Last, Barbados is a direct flight from New York. While my flight originated in Providence, I would rather change planes in New York than in St. Martin or San Juan. JFK to Barbados was a mere 4 hours. I would be sipping a rum punch and swimming in that delightful
82 degree water a good hour or two before sunset.
On the flight, my colleagues Glenn and Bethany quickly succumbed to a peaceful slumber. I wish I were so lucky; my insomnia dictated that I read a little bit about Barbados. I like to have
as much knowledge of a destination as I possibly can before I arrive. I find that it helps me to get into the local groove sooner rather than later.
Upon arrival in the airport, the walk to Immigration seems like an eternity and the queue does as well, but the local personnel are professional and polite, which always allows me to forgive most transgressions. What would you expect when two jumbo jets arrive simultaneously? Archie, our driver, whisked us off to our soon to be home on the beach. In order to avoid Bridgetown traffic Archie was smart enough to take us on the longer more scenic route through the cane fields. Sugar cane grows everywhere, and Archie informed us that they are also experimenting with growing onions and nuts, with mixed results. Also, hidden in the cane fields are oil derricks. I read that Barbados produces nearly 50% of it's own petroleum
requirements.
A mere 30-minutes later and we were at
"Villa Old
Trees", located directly on the beach just south of the Sandy Lane hotel.
Rum punch please, and make it snappy, Glenn. Be sure to put an umbrella
in it too.
Matt, Bethany, Glennie and some of our Bajan friends
