Island of Barbados

Fourteen years ago, my husband and I visited the island of Barbados on a cruise ship. Barbados is the farthest island of the Caribbean chain, and once we stepped off the ship, our love affair with the island started.

Being a travel consultant, I had read up on the island, and the images of "flying fish" and "green monkeys" stirred my imagination. When our ship docked, we opted to take an island cruise via taxi. Four hours later, we had covered the island's coastline from the calm waters of the west coast on the Caribbean Sea, to the raging Atlantic coast on the east, and the lively south coast. You just have to love an island that offers a completely different experience on all coasts. Upon returning home, we started planning a land based trip to the island. Being a beach lover, we made reservations for the next year on west coast of the island. I remembered the water being glassy calm, and longed to spend lazy days at the beach. The west coast attracts the rich and famous, and is home to fabulous homes, hotels and villas. This coastline is located on the Caribbean Sea, and the water is perfect for snorkeling and swimming. I found this unusual, since most Caribbean vacationers opt to experience new islands. What was even more surprising, many of the English and Canadian visitors spend the entire winter season on the island every year. As we walked the mile long Gap area, I knew this would be our future spot on the island each year. The west coast is rather sedate, and spread out compared to the lively south coast. The love affair with Barbados was in full swing.

Are the monkeys really green? I feel safe there, and unfortunately gain weight each year eating great food from one side of the island to the other. I love all of the Caribbean islands, but I'm in love with Barbados.