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...the plane (in Barbados). The John & Heike rule of great vacation destinations states that it takes three airplanes to get to paradise. The last one must have a propeller. This LIAT (Leeward Island Air Transport) DeHaviland DH-7 meets that requirement. We were the only tourists on board and the pilot was surprised and happy to see us. |
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We stayed at the Umbrella Beach Hotel on Villa Beach. The Hotel dates from early in this century, and is open and airy. It is also very inexpensive, clean, and well run. A continental breakfast is also included. Highly recommended, if you don't require luxury. |
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This is Villa Beach. Ok, its not wide and impressive. But the sand stretches back into the trees at the corner of the bay providing a wonderful place to sit and relax. The water is calm and turquoise with a nice sandy bottom. There is some pretty good snorkeling starting a few yards along the point. |
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This is Villa Point. The farther along the point you go, the better the snorkeling gets. There aren't any large fish, just scads of colorful damsels, hamlets, butterfly fish, and juvenile angelfish. Be careful, depending on the tide, the current can take you around the point into Indian Bay, not too dangerous just a nice walk home. To give some perspective, the boat at the right in this picture is the same as the boat on the left in the above picture. |
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This is the view from the Umbrella
Beach Hotel across the cut to Young Island. There's a
water taxi at Dive St. Vincent that will take you over. It really looks like this... |
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The lady at the hotel told us about the "maxi taxis". Maxi taxis are Toyota, Nissan, and Suzuki minivans with: one aspiring Formula One driver, one 12 to 14 year old conductor who arranges seating and collects fares, and up to 14 passengers. Optionally, one kickass stereo playing some of the coolest West Indian Reggae/Rap. They can get you anywhere on the Island with frequent, inexpensive service. Just stand beside the road, and hail one down. I love 'em. Here 's a few of 'em in the Cane Hall roundabout. |
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We toured the botanical gardens in
Kingstown. Very interesting, We saw a breadfruit tree
grown from one of the shoots brought by Capt. Bleigh on
the H.M.S. Bounty (as in Mutiny on the), trees
covered with orchids, St. Vincent Parrots, and other neat
stuff. Heike and I strike the classic tourist pose. |
