What with the weather changing back to the cooler temperatures again, it had me reflecting on last late summers trip to Barbados and Martinque. A few more snaps from the trip. It's great how pictures can bring the memories back so quick like it was yesterday. Now we are in the midst of finalizing the next location.... but in the meantime,..
St Nicholas Abbey is located in Saint Peter, Barbados and today is a plantation house, museum and rum distillery...very good rum too I might add. Colonel Benjamin Berringer built the house in 1658, and this house is one of only three genuine Jacobean mansions left in the Western Hemisphere. St Nicholas Abbey has no church connection and has always been a sugarcane and rum plantation house. Love the style of the place .
The Hotel Ville in Bridgetown.
A window grate in Bridgetown
The St Louis Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral in Martinique. It was built in the late 19th century in the Romanesque Revival style and serves as the cathedral of the Roman catholic Archdiocese of Fort -de-France. The construction of the original cathedral began in the mid-17th century, and it opened in 1657. Due to several fires, and earthquakes and or natural disasters, that have hit Fort-de-France over the years, the current structure dates only to 1895.
When Warbucks and I were in Barbados, I think my favorite day was, besides any beach day, the day we went to Hunte's Garden, a little-known gem on this luscious island. It's embedded in the hills of Saint-Joseph parish on the rugged east coast, the 3 acre oasis is home to hundreds of tropical plants and flowers, a most colorful spectacle packed to the brim designed to delight the gardener and a wonderous mind. Anthony Hunte is the fabulous man behind the gardens, now in his 80's, a devout horticulturist since the age of 27. Born on the island and always admired the beauty of the countryside he dreamed of building a public garden. Unlike most Caribbean islands formed by volcanic eruptions, Barbados consists of limestone built up by coral debris that occasionally erodes into giant sinkholes. Fascinated by this geological wonder, he and a team of four laid out his garden in a crater about 150 feet deep and 500 feet across. At first sight, that's what made this place stand out. Vegetation clings to the slopes and creates a cascade of color tumbling out along the flagstone paths. Given the singular terrace like structure, guest can linger on different rest areas located on each level, with different gardens, filled with bits of surprises like statues, fountains or full patios for a rest.
A visit also wouldn't be complete without a stop to Hunte's house itself. nestled among the towering royal palms, he lives in a wooden veranda where he hosts guest after the tour, where he regales everyone with cakes, a secret rum punch and local tales. This was where we discovered the garden was also at a time a former sugar plantation where Hunte grew up. And his home is nothing short of sublime chaos, yet charming. We had a table set up for our tour in the refreshment room.
Everyone is greeted and welcomed by Hunte at the end and given opportunity to chat about the garden. We learned that it was his grandmother who helped him develop his love of flowers, orchids and plants suited to Barbadian climate. He said he still enjoys working in the garden personally, but at his ripe age, he is seeking to ensure a sound future for it. May this garden long live.
How funny then that a gin guzzling gay boy, finds himself at a place called Mount Gay drinking rums! Please don't tell the good folk at Hendricks. I felt as though I was cheating!
I will admit going into this trip, gin would take a backseat. If you get to Barbados and get the chance, I highly recommend this tour. It was very much like Auntie Mame and Vera Charles, when the bar tend asked if I could be persuaded to stay and enjoy a drink, to which I replied, "Well, maybe just a... tiny tripple."
Three hours later and we were still there! The place is historic, and the good folk of the distillery take you through the fully operational rum making headquarters. Steeped in over 300 years of heritage and expertise, the experience are tales to be told forever in this rum lover's paradise. I was very impressed. The place got its name from the Mount Gilboa plantation that was managed by Sir John Gay Alleyne, a prominent Barbadian politician. After his passing the place was renamed in his honor Mount Gay, which has gone on to the oldest produced rum across the world where it started in 1703. First off, we were even offered to be picked up at out hotel, which with Warbucks and myself was probably a good thing. Once arrived, your met by the most stunning bar and library area, where you meet the rummal tour guide, and an absolute tasty rum punch. The tour then starts at the water spring that goes into the rum, all the way through the creation and storing process. The guide also told us of the amazing social and environmental work the company does on the island. After a very in-depth tour of the plantation, factory and museum, and a great film, the tour ends up in the gorgeous bar area, where your able to take part in classes, tasting flights, or full-on ordering of drinks. Wanting to immerse ourselves, we took part in all three, of course! It was interesting to see the different colors of the rum as it ages. We also went through the tasting notes of two of their rums. A little shopping and more drinking and it was a lovely, if not blurry afternoon.
Contrary to belief, this is NOT the gin my my basement!!!!
Tina, our guide!
Hands down, one of the best moments of the trip. Tina asked if we wanted jobs there, but we said no thanks. We were worried me might drink the profits.
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