Barbados: 50th Birthday; Our Pix's, Experiences Feb./2015!

From the Daily Mail travel section in London two days ago, they have this headline: "Happy Birthday, Barbados! The island is set to celebrate her 50th anniversary of independence".

Here are some of their story highlights: "Next year marks Barbados’ 50th anniversary of her independence from the British Crown. Following the establishment of the first English settlement at Holetown in 1627, Barbados remained a British colony for more than 300 years. Its independence on November 30, 1966 was marked by the raising of the Barbados national flag. Ever since, November 30 has been a national holiday."

Interesting history and background!! We super enjoyed visiting Barbados for two full days in connection with our Amazon River-Caribbean "adventure" earlier this year as detailed and connected on the live/blog noted below.

In this story, they also note: "Next year’s celebrations will be running throughout November, and will include sports competitions, fairs, community events and religious services. On Independence Day itself a grand parade is held, usually at the Garrison Savannah, site of the original independence ceremony in 1966. One of the highlights will be the decorative lighting of Parliament Buildings, Independence Square, the Independence Arch and businesses throughout the capital Bridgetown, using blue and gold, the national colours." Sounds like lots of fun and excitement.

We really enjoyed our time in Barbados, experiencing its people, the history, character, its natural settings, etc. Below are some of my visual highlights and details. More to come and be shared here.

Full story at:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-3246379/Happy-Birthday-Barbados-island-set-celebrate-50th-anniversary-independence-join-in.html

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 28,972 views for these postings.

When we arrived Saturday in Barbados, this was the scenic beach and sunset view near our hotel. Look good? Liked being the Caribbean for the first time!!:

Before boarding the ship, we did a three-hour private tour with a Barbados cab driver. He took us all over this historic and scenic island, including to the top where the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea come together. Is this dramatic and scenic? Does my wife’s smile say it all?:

For our Sunday departure, Barbados was busy with five ships in port, including three very large ships. Below shows the rainbow, the Celebrity 2,850 passenger docked next our much smaller ship, etc. It's fun doing these sail-away to start new adventures!:

During our Sunday tour of Barbados, here are two examples of the shopping options available. Nothing hit my eye or wallet that really needed to be purchased. Got to save money for more shore excursions!!:

Below is a picture from our stop at Barbados' oldest church, St. James. They were have a service this Sunday morning and their organ music/signing was magic and very moving from being outside and walking these historic grounds. St. James Parish Church, is located in Holetown, St. James, Barbados. It stands on one of the oldest parcels of consecrated land on the island, often called in Barbados as "God's acre". The first settlers landed on the island on February 17, 1627 at Holetown not far from the site where the church was eventually built. In 1628, the settlers constructed a wooden building on this site. After nearly 200 years the walls of the original stone building began to decay and were partly demolished and replaced by a larger, more substantial structure in 1874. Except for the sanctuary and north porch, added in 1900s, this is substantially the building still in use today.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 120,799 views for this posting.

Here are a few more visuals samples from our three-hour private tour around Barbados. This includes their Parliament building in main downtown, my wife loving this stop at one of their top beaches, visiting their historic St. James church, going through one of their older towns along the coast, and driving around Sandy Lane with their seal and main gate shown. Sandy Lane is the top local hotel (priced accordingly out of our financial league). Saw their golf course, fancy clubhouse dining with its spectacular views, etc. Sandy Hill is where Tiger Woods got married, plus is home to many top, high-end visitors. It is now owned by five Irish businessmen. Looked lovely!! Lots of nice homes in this and many other areas of Barbados.:

After our 17-day Amazon River cruise, we returned to Barbados. Most got off of our ship and many more got on board to added Caribbean islands. This gave us part of another day to explore in and around this historic island. Here are more fun Barbados visuals to share. More to come. Hope they are of interest to preview for those who have not been there and/or to bring back nice memories for previous visitors there.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 186,284 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

Here are some more of the shopping items we found at our stop at the top of Barbados. Really gives that "island flavor"!:

Here are several views as we were walking from the port to the main part of town in Barbados. This includes an artist having his crafts ready for sale to visitors. Then, there was a stop at the local island fish market where this merchant showed us a look at one of his large fish.:

Here is sample of party boats in the main harbor serving some of the ship visitors from the Royal Princess and Carnival that in port during this day:

Here is a view of their main legislative building with the flag waiving at the top of its tower.:

Here are more views from our Feb. 11 stop in Barbados as our first cruises ended and the second trip commenced. We were headed toward the Dutch ABC Islands, then more smaller islands and finished our adventure in San Juan.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 204,337 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

Here is a sunrise view in Barbados as the Silver Cloud docked on Feb. 11 and two of the staff members were on the back deck looking towards the main part of Bridgetown.:

Here is an excursion boat out in the blue waters with a freight ship seen in the background.:

Here are a variety of different building views in and around Barbados. Interesting variety here in Barbados of different architecture styles, character, etc.:

Finally, a freight ship lighted and resting off the shore of Barbados.:

There were a large number of additional, interesting visuals that I captured from our time during the two different visits to Barbados earlier this year. Below starts a wider sharing of those added pictures, details and experiences that I did not have time to post on my live/blog during our 26-days of Amazon River and Caribbean cruising.

Please share more here from your experiences and time while visiting and enjoying Barbados. Or, ask any questions, etc.

From Wikipedia and other sources, here is some added background on this nation/island. Barbados is in the Lesser Antilles, 21 miles in length and up to 14 miles wide, covering an area of 167 square miles. It is in the western area of the North Atlantic and 62 miles east of the Windward Islands and the Caribbean Sea. Barbados is outside of the principal Atlantic hurricane belt. Barbados was visited by Spanish navigators in the late 15th century and claimed for the Spanish Crown. It first appears on a Spanish map from 1511. The Portuguese visited the island in 1536, but they left it unclaimed. An English ship, the Olive Blossom, arrived in Barbados in 1625. Its men took possession in the name of King James I. In 1627, the first permanent settlers arrived from England and it became a British colony.

In 1966, Barbados became an independent state and Commonwealth realm with the British Monarch. It has a population of 277,821 people, mostly of African descent. It is flat in comparison to its island neighbors to the west, the Windward Islands. The island rises gently to the central highland region, with the high point of the nation being Mount Hillaby at 1,120 feet above sea level. In the parish of Saint Michael lies Barbados' capital and main city, Bridgetown. Other major towns scattered across the island include Holetown, in the parish of Saint James; Oistins, in the parish of Christ Church; and Speightstown, in the parish of Saint Peter.

The country generally experiences two seasons, including one with higher rainfall. Known as the "wet season", this period runs from June to November. By contrast, the "dry season" runs from December to May. Annual precipitation ranges between 40 and 90 inches. From December to May the average temperatures range from 70 to 88 °F, while between June and November, temperatures range from 73 to 88 °F.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 28,972 views for these postings.

Here are some more Barbados visuals, including from the northern point in the island where the Atlantic and Caribbean meet. There is a old fortress there with real cannons, a scenic coast setting, some new housing builds, etc. There are also others views around the island, off its coast, at the busy port areas where cruise ships dock and other operations happen to keep this island supplied. Plus, a sign from a place where we had a nice, casual meal and the indication for their favorite local beer.:

Here is the next set of visuals that I captured from our time during the two different visits to Barbados earlier this year.

From Wikipedia and other sources, here what they noted for the Barbados economy. It is the 53rd richest country in the world in terms of GDP per capita. It has a fairly well-developed mixed economy and a moderately high standard of living. Historically, the economy of Barbados had been dependent on sugarcane cultivation and related activities, but since the late 1970s and early 1980s, there was a need to be diversified into the manufacturing and tourism sectors. Offshore finance and information services have become important foreign exchange earners, and there is a healthy light manufacturing sector. Since the 1990s the Barbados Government has been seen as business-friendly and economically sound. The island saw a construction boom, with the development and redevelopment of hotels, office complexes, and homes. This slowed during the 2008 economic crisis. The economy contracted in 2001 and 2002 due to slowdowns in tourism, consumer spending and the impact of the September 2001 attacks, but rebounded in 2003 and has shown growth since 2004. Our taxi driver and others indicated that the economy had tighten due to high government spending and promises made for free education and medical care that could not be afforded by their level of incoming revenue.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

If Venice is one of your future desires or past favorites, look at this earlier posting for many options and visual samples this city that is so great for "walking around", personally seeing its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 54,341 views.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

Here is the exterior Barbados Museum and Historical Society. One of the big "prizes" was seeing these wild monkeys scampering around on the grounds. My fast camera with a longer lens captured them in action, including this mother with the baby clinging closely. Next is one of their most historic buildings with a closer view for the details on the seal above its entrance. It is called the "Garrison". It is a part of a 30-acre parade ground called the Garrison Savannah. This tower was built in 1803. During both the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries the Garrison was the base and headquarters for members of the British West India Regiment in Barbados. In 1751, leader of the American Revolution and first president of the United States, George Washington, stayed at the district's Bush Hill section for six weeks with his sick brother. On November 30, 1966, the Garrison Historic Area was the location where the ceremony was held for the lowering of the Union Flag and the raising of the Barbados flag. This ushered in full independence for the country of Barbados from the United Kingdom.:

Here is an example of the many colorful flowers seen on this scenic island. Second is the view towards their racetrack with some cannons in the foreground. By the middle of the eighteenth century, wealthy prominent Barbadians and regiment troops started the sporting tradition of horse racing at this Garrison racetrack.:

More pictures below. Here is added background from Wikipedia: English is the official language of Barbados, and is used for communications, administration and public services all over the island. A regional variant of English, referred to locally as Bajan, is spoken by most Barbadians in everyday life, especially in informal settings. Most Barbadians of African and European descent are Christians (95%), the largest denomination being Anglican (40%). The Church of England was the official state religion until its legal disenfranchisement by the Parliament of Barbados following independence.

Bridgetown is the capital and largest city of the nation of Barbados. Its metropolitan population was 110,000 in 2014. Formerly, the Town of Saint Michael, the Greater Bridgetown area is located within the parish of Saint Michael. The Bridgetown port, found along Carlisle Bay lies on the southwestern coast of the island.

For pop culture, yes, our guide did drive us past the coastal building location where the luxury condo is located for international star Rihanna. She is a native of Barbados. We were told she does visit her home area somewhat frequently.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Super loved Dubrovnik!!! See more details and lots of great visual samples/examples at this link. Have had over 30,060 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and dropped by.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

Here is an added view of the historic St. James Church, a famed arch and Chamberlain Bridge spanning the Careenage in the main part of Bridgeport.:

Here is a statute outside of their Kensington Oval stadium that were rebuilt to host the 2007 Cricket World Cup. :

In and around the main part of Bridgetown, there are many shopping "opportunities". Here are two examples, including for many places with a wide variety of hat options.:

Here is an example of a plant growing near the fort at the top of Barbados.:

Barbados functions as a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy modelled on the British Westminster system. The British and Barbadian monarch —presently Queen Elizabeth II— is head of state and is represented locally by the Governor-General of Barbados. The Prime Minister of Barbados is head of government. There are 30 representatives within the House of Assembly.

Below is my last main group of pictures from our visit to lovely and interesting Barbados. Feel free to share more from your visuals and experiences there.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Wonderful Kotor and nearby Montenegro? Check these postings. Have had over 24,978 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and commented.:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

Around their capital area, here is another view of their harbor area with many boats docked and that famed arch, bridge, etc. Here is a view for one of their downtown's most historic and interesting buildings, the Barbados Mutual Life Assurance Society building that is near Broad Street.:

Here is a typical beach view that was along the coastal areas north of Bridgetown.:

Nearby to where the ships dock, there is a large shopping area, including this location for "liquid refreshment". It was busy!! Both for drinking and shopping.:

In their busy harbor area, we had four large ships there at one time. It's big area and capable of handling many ships. Here is a nice view for one cruise ship in this Barbados harbor while we were there that won my prize for being the most colorful.:

From my files as we were preparing to visit Barbados, below are a number of those highlights that I had pulled together from a wide variety of cruise lines and travel sources. Hope these give people more ideas about the many options and potentials on Barbados. As noted, we really enjoyed about two and a half days there. It would be a nice place to re-visit and dig in deeper there on this charming and historic island.

From Seabourn website:

With a unique mixture of English traditions and Caribbean style, Barbados is often called “Little England.” And if it weren’t for the sunny skies, swaying palm trees, and wide expanse of ocean, you might be convinced you were in some London neighborhood. Rich in history and culture, Barbados offers plenty of historical attractions to keep visitors coming back. Barbados has retained many of the trappings of its British colonial heritage. Judges and barristers wear proper robes and wigs, police don helmets styled after London bobbies and cricket remains a national passion. Barbados also has all the sporting appeal of the rest of the Caribbean, with pristine beaches, powerful surf and crystal clear waters. Brightly colored homes and hibiscus flowers mingle with mahogany trees and English churches dating back to the 17th century

From Crystal website:

Barbados offers sun-drenched beaches, clear blue-green waters and cool trade winds. Inland are lovingly preserved plantation houses, lush sugar cane fields and fragrant gardens. This charming former British colony is one of the most stable independent Caribbean nations. Reminders of British rule abound, from cricket fields to Lord Nelson's statue and the original Trafalgar Square. Don't miss Bridgetown's bustling Careenage and the shops on Broad Street, which offer exceptional deals on luxury imports from Britain.

From TripAdvisor:

Top ratings: Bathsheba Beach

The Gold Coast (Barbados): Some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean lie along the so-called Gold Coast of Barbados (now often called the Platinum Coast), site of some of the swankiest deluxe hotels in the Northern Hemisphere. Our favorites include Paynes Bay, Brandon's Beach, Paradise Beach, and Brighton Beach -- all open to the public.

Travel+Leisure Magazine: Barbados

Flying fish sandwiches have evolved up the island food chain from roadside rum shacks to the finest restaurants. Bajans love their national dish marinated in lime, doused with hot sauce, battered in egg, and served straight off the grill. An influx of British expats has inspired events like the annual Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival in November, which attracts a lineup of celebrity chefs from around the globe.

Local Favorite: The Cliff in Derricks.

Lonely Planet Barbados

British accents are common on this tidy, medium-sized island right on the edge of the Atlantic. Various beaches ideal for surfers, wind-surfers, budget sunbathers and traditional types who dress for dinner ring a truly welcoming island. Best for: Any budget, activities, people who pack linen suits

Frommers: Barbados

Originally founded on a plantation economy that made its aristocracy rich on the backs of slave laborers, this Atlantic outpost was a staunchly loyal member of the British Commonwealth for generations. Barbados is the Caribbean's easternmost island, a great coral reef floating in the mid-Atlantic and ringed with glorious beige-sand beaches. Cosmopolitan Barbados has the densest population of any island in the Caribbean, with few racial tensions despite its history of slavery. A loyal group of return visitors appreciates its stylish, medium-size hotels (many of which carry a hefty price tag). Usually, service is extremely good, a byproduct of the British mores that have flourished here for a century. Topography varies from rolling hills and savage waves on the eastern (Atlantic) coast to densely populated flatlands, rows of hotels and apartments, and sheltered beaches in the southwest. If you're looking for a Las Vegas-type atmosphere and fine beaches, go to Aruba. If you want history (there are lots of great houses and old churches to explore); a quiet, conservative atmosphere; and fine beaches, come here.

FROM CRUISE CRITICS:

Barbados: If ATV-ing and golfing aren't really your pace, a popular alternative in Barbados is a tour of the Mount Gay Rum distillery. Mount Gay claims its rum -- produced since 1703 -- is the oldest brand in existence. On a tour of the facility, you'll learn how the rum is made and enjoy a tasting. You can also sample local "Bajan" cuisine, an Africa-Caribbean-West-Indian-European mash up, at the on-site restaurant.

From: http://www.hillmanwonders.com, one of his TOP Favorite Caribbean Locations

Barbados: It has held onto its British heritage to the point that it is nicknamed "Little England".

Barbados's heritages: Two. British is the main one - and traditions like afternoon tea and cricket matches are firmly entrenched. The African heritage is also evident in many forms, including food and festivals.

Hurricanes: Few. Because Barbados sits in the far southern Caribbean, few hurricanes strike it.

Barbados's coasts: Three. The island is triangular, creating three coasts. Each has its own character.

West Coast: Many quality beachfront resorts reside here because it has gorgeous white-sand beaches and it is located on the leeward (non-windy) side of the island. Bridgetown, Barbados' main city, is at the southern end of the West Coast.

East Coast: The cliffy and rocky seascape is stunning, but it can be quite windy. It lacks great swimming beaches but has many first-rate diving and snorkeling sites.

South Coast: This well-populated Barbados region has resorts and beaches, but not as classy as found on the West Coast. Nightlife is lively.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 29,023 views for these postings.

Thanks, Terry! Your pictures are always first rate and loved the info! I have seen other reviews from you. What would you rate as your top 3 Celebrity cruises?

Excellent Photos and quite accurate info. Great Job!!!

Excellent Photos and quite accurate info. Great Job!!!

micruiser12: Thanks' date=' Terry! Your pictures are always first rate and loved the info! I have seen other reviews from you. What would you rate as [b']your top 3 Celebrity cruises[/b]?

Appreciate these two very nice comments and follow-ups. Glad to hear such positive feed-back. This is especially true for the noting by Bajan Keith about "quite accurate info". Since this was our first visit to that island and the Caribbean in general, it's wonderful to get the "OK" approval from a resident there. As I noted earlier, we super loved everything about Barbados. It has real and significant history, wonderful beaches and coastal sights and settings, warm/friendly people, interesting architecture, etc.

Regarding micruiser12, it is easy to answer the question about our "top 3 Celebrity cruises". We have only done two cruises with Celebrity. Both were in the top three, right??!! One was in 2011 from Barcelona in the Med, including many stops in Italy, Kotor, Dubrovnik, etc. Super loved our sail-in and sail-out for Venice, plus other key locations. Second was Australia to New Zealand. What's not great about being "down under" in both of those spectacular areas?? See the live/blogs on both of those trips connected below. Which was best? That's hard to say and rank. Kind of like asking "which child do you like best?", right?

All of our seven cruises have been in wonderful and varied areas. We are focused first and foremost on the ports and locations as our top motivation/priority. We have not, yet, just "floated on a boat" as our main need/purpose. Am finalizing right now the late January 2016 start of our first visit to Africa. This includes a ten-day South Africa to Mozambique cruise, plus safari time and visits to Botswana and Victoria Falls. More interesting pictures will be coming early next year. Think that will another "top favorite" trip? BUT, it will not be with Celebrity cruise lines as they do not, yet, do adventures in that specific part of the world.

Keep up the good comments, questions and sharing!!! For others experienced in Barbados, please share any and all ideas, tips, suggestions, pictures, etc.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 122,417 views for this posting.

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 205,097 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

Terry, thank you so much for these wonderful pics. You are a marvel! When we were planning a cruise to Norway you were so helpful with pics and info., now we have a Caribbean cruise booked for Christmas this year and you have posted all these beautiful images to whet our appetites. Am now even more excited, if that is possible! Thanks again.

Terry, thank you so much for these wonderful pics. You are a marvel! When we were planning a cruise to Norway you were so helpful with pics and info., now we have a Caribbean cruise booked for Christmas this year and you have posted all these beautiful images to whet our appetites. Am now even more excited, if that is possible! Thanks again.

Appreciate your super nice and kind comments. Glad that I was so helpful for your Norway travels. Good luck on your Caribbean "adventure"!! Let me know if you have any added questions for wonderful and charming Barbados.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

If Venice is one of your future desires or past favorites, look at this earlier posting for many options and visual samples this city that is so great for "walking around", personally seeing its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 54,957 views.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

From the USA Today newspaper Friday, they have this headline: "Readers' Choice: Best of the Caribbean" with these highlights: "The Caribbean is a diverse region filled with adventure, bold flavors, shopping opportunities and plenty of places to party. We asked readers to name the best for adventure, food, golf, shopping and nightlife. For the past four weeks, readers have been voting daily and the results are in!"

Barbados did very well. In all five categories, this charming, historic island was ranked in their list's Top Ten. Congratulations!! This includes Barbados being ranked sixth in all of the Caribbean for food and golf. As noted earlier, we very much liked our roughly two days in Barbados with its nice range/offerings of variety, size, people, architecture and character.

Full story at:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2015/11/13/10best-readers-choice-caribbean-winners/75722646/

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 189,002 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

Thanks for the great information and fantastic pictures.

Thanks for the great information and fantastic pictures.

Appreciate your kind comments and follow-up. As a bonus/reward, below are a few more visuals from wonderful Barbados that I have not posted previously. Always nice to re-live and focus on the history, sights, fun, etc., from Barbados. Happy to answer any questions, share more info, etc.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Super loved Dubrovnik!!! See more details and lots of great visual samples/examples at this link. Have had over 30,337 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and dropped by.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

Here are a few more visuals that I have not posted previously on Barbados. Loved its sights and experiences. This includes at the north part of the island where the Atlanta and Caribbean come together, main downtown sights, a busy harbor with many cruise ships, their local beer there, coastal views, etc.:

You have some kind of camera, friend. Very nice photos.

You have some kind of camera, friend. Very nice photos.

Appreciate your nice comments on my pictures! On my camera, I upgraded to a Nikon D7100 with an 18-140mm VR lens for our early 2014 Australia-NZ adventure and used it on this Amazon-Caribbean trip. It is a good camera, but not at the top-pro, high-cost levels. But, just like with an artist or cook, it is not always the quality of the paint brushes or pots and pans that make the difference. It's also the skill, attention to detail and interest of the camera user.

Lenses are also important. Mostly I shoot with the Nikon 18-140mm mid-range zoom lens that came with this Nikon D7100 camera. It gives a good, quick range of wide to closer views!! Also have a Nikon 55-300mm VR lenses for longer shots and a 10-20mm Sigma wide angle that is great for church and building interiors, etc. Last year, I got a Nikkor 35mm f1.8 for lower light and other such needs/specialities, including food and evening shows. In most cases, I shoot in the program or auto setting, letting the camera do the work on settings and focus so that I can be more concerned on framing, subject and creative options. These cameras can be “complicated”, but I try to avoid those challenges and distractions. Here are a few of my basic, key photography secrets:

1. Shooting lots of pictures. That's easier with digital to do, learning as you are taking pictures. When done and sharing, only show people the "good ones!" and do not bother them with the average, duplicate and/or poor ones. The more you shoot, that improves your "odds" to get more better pictures, varied framings, magic moments, etc.

2. Move closer! Zoom in, fill up the frame, try different, more interesting angles.

3. Involve people and light. Make it interesting. Get that human element/connection when possible. Do NOT be boring!! Get something better than just the normal "post-card" picture that everyone has previously seen.

4. Hold things steady. Gently squeeze. Use door frames, walls to give more "stability" and lessen the blurs in lower-light situations. Night pictures can have a real drama.

5. Editing: Fine-tune your pictures on your lap-top, brighten when needed, level it out, improve the cropping, etc. Narrow down to only your "best of the best" pictures before sharing. I have done that on my MacBook Pro computer using their iPhoto and now Aperture software tools. Fairly quick and easy!! That thoughtful editing really can make a major difference to increase quality and interest.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 32,734 views for these postings.

From the London/UK Telegraph newspaper yesterday, they have this headline: "boutique hotels with added style". This story includes highlights about one location for staying in Barbados and mentioned for how certain celebrities are heading to these scenic spots such as this one location cited in their story.

Here are some story details/mentions: "Barbados has long been the winter break destination of choice for the world’s most discerning travellers and celebrities. But while the likes of Simon Cowell and Philip Green have traditionally installed themselves at the exclusive Sandy Lane resort, it’s The House which now boasts the 'X' factor. Champagne breakfasts overlooking the island’s picturesque west coast are standard offerings. With just 34 rooms, The House is decidedly less formal than the sprawling Sandy Lane, significantly more affordable and cultivates a more intimate atmosphere."

From our visit to Barbados, we got to see (from the exterior) lots of these very classy and varied resorts and locations along their western coastal area. Seems wonderful!! Many such results are above our price range, but it is very nice to dream and hope. Over the upcoming holiday period, we will see some pictures of Simon Cowell and other celebrities enjoying these scenic Barbados beaches, locations, etc. Brings back nice memories!

Full story at:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/travel/holiday-inspiration/12046188/five-stylish-boutique-hotels.html

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 207,539 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

Thank you for the great pics of Barbados. We'll be there a week from today.

Thank you for the great pics of Barbados. We'll be there a week from today.

Appreciate your follow-up and kind comments on my pictures. Hope when you are in Barbados in a week that the weather and things work well. When you return, report back and post some of your highlights, what you enjoyed most there, etc.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 131,261 views for this posting.

Terry you are such a wealth of firsthand knowledge! We are trying to decide to RENT A CAR or HIRE A TAXI...We are 4 adults would like to see the island. Mainly go to Harrison's Cave and do the 1 hr tram tour and up to St. Nicholas Abbey and do their 1 1/2 hr-2 hr tour. Possibly tour George Washington's House. If we rent a taxi he will sit for a long time:) My husband is a retired fire fighter and I have faith in him to drive on the left side of the road...but would like your opinion:) I think the costs may be the same either way...

Terry you are such a wealth of firsthand knowledge! We are trying to decide to RENT A CAR or HIRE A TAXI...We are 4 adults would like to see the island. Mainly go to Harrison's Cave and do the 1 hr tram tour and up to St. Nicholas Abbey and do their 1 1/2 hr-2 hr tour. Possibly tour George Washington's House. If we rent a taxi he will sit for a long time:) My husband is a retired fire fighter and I have faith in him to drive on the left side of the road...but would like your opinion:) I think the costs may be the same either way...

Appreciate your kind comments and excellent follow-up question. If the costs for renting a car versus having a cab/driver are about the same, than it becomes a somewhat easy and simple choice. While, like your husband, I can do well driving on the left side, the bigger challenge is navigating and knowing where you going. In totally new locations than can be a bigger question!! AND, with a good taxi driver, hopefully, you will get some added local background and insights for what you are seeing and/or passing by. Plus, being able to ask lots of questions, etc. For me, having a "conversation" with a "local" is vital in learning more about their economy, issues, happenings, etc., in a location being visited.

BUT, here is the key challenge!! Not all taxi drivers are created equally with their personality, communications skills, local knowledge, etc. Talk in advance with a potential driver, get a sense of their abilities and style.

THANKS! Enjoy Barbados! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 34,895 views for these postings.

you are so wise. I like the way you think! What is your opinion on the price of a taxi for like 9-3? I heard they run about $75 for three hours...but that would just not be enough time. Also, do you think they do not mind waiting in the car for so long while we are doing a tour or eating lunch etc??? Do you know the price of tipping a taxi in this situation? I heard restaurants include a service charge on your bill which includes the tip also.