Bridgetown, Barbados...

Happy New Year to everyone…looking forward to what 2023 has to offer! There was a lot of partying on this ship last evening even though I was in my room before midnight, the sound of thumping bass and banging doors kept me awake most of the night. The ship was a bit late docking due to congestion in the port with five ships coming in and only two pilot boats….the Captain did extend our departure to accommodate the late arrival. Cathy and I went ashore as soon as we were cleared by the authorities.  We walked to town along the waterfront and then the Bridgetown Boardwalk coming to the Charles Duncan O'Neal Bridge, from here you can and enjoy a fantastic view of the Careenage and the old bond houses, Independence and Heroes Square and the Parliament Buildings. Bridgetown has some very nice buildings built in British Georgian style. The shops and most of the restaurants were closed due to the holiday. At Independence Square, we met a really nice and friendly taxi driver by the name of Mr. Smith…the people in the Barbados’s were much friendlier compared to the reception we received yesterday in St. Lucia. We continued our walk to the Boatyard and Lobster Live beach resorts on the outskirts of downtown…the damage from Hurricane Julie in October 2022 was still evident in some of the buildings we encountered. We returned to Independence Square, Mr. Smith was still there trying to get some business, so we decided to use his taxi service and we returned to the ship. It was a real pleasure meeting him and having a nice chat… Took a quick pic of him as we said goodbye.  We spent the rest of the day in the Retreat between rainstorms. It will be an early night for me, hopefully….