Thursday, October 05, 2006

Faded

Now that my tan has faded (of course I'm still darker than everyone else I know), Christine has returned to England and I'm finally back on my normal schedule, I now have time to sit down and post all about our holiday in Barbados. First let me say it was wonderful, fabulous, relaxing and extremely well timed.

The resort where we stayed had an absolutely gorgeous beach with beautiful fine pink sand with virtually no rocks or coral. About 150 yards off the beach was a reef where the waves broke and then they came to shore as nice swells. It was easy getting in and out of the water as it was nice and smooth with no drop-off or coral encrusted hills to deal with, as my Aruba friends all know about. The water was warm but refreshing and so clear that you could see right to the bottom.

Eammon and I would have happily spent our days relaxing on the beach, bobbing in the ocean and enjoying the abundance of excess that all-inclusive resorts provide, but we did actually do some touring and I did just a little shopping. It was amazing because 95% of the guests were Brits, we still somehow managed to hook up with three other American couples. Two are from the Atlanta area and one is from North Carolina. It was really fun spending time with these other couples, they were good fun and we shared lots of drinks and laughs. Speaking of drinks, I introduced everyone to banana daiquiris with Poncha Kuba and WOW, did we go through a lot of those!! I don't even remember the last time I had alcohol so the daiquiris hit me hard. Eammon thought I was drinking all of mine and wondering why he was feeling no pain and I was still OK. Then he realized that I was pouring my drinks off into his glass. It was all-inclusive so I really tried but after about 1 1/2 drinks per day I just couldn't keep up and by day six I had switched to virgin coladas. I know, I'm a wimp!

Other than the breakfasts which got monotonous the food was really good and I had some wonderful Bajan curries that I just loved. Lunches were buffet style and there was always plenty of selection. At dinner they did a different theme each night, Italian, Mexican, Caribbean, I forget the others but it was all good. In the afternoon they served tea with a nice variety of sweets and of course there was always the snack bar which served sandwiches and salads from 10 am till 10 PM. Needless to say, we were never hungry or in need of a drink.

My big shopping excursion was to the Earthworks Studio where I purchased beautiful handmade place settings for us. Three years ago when I was at the studio, I only bought a couple of pieces which I love and use whenever possible. I've been wanting new dishes so when we planned this trip, I knew where I'd be going and what I'd be buying. We'll have to keep these out of Baby S's hands for many years as I love this pottery and would hate to see it broken...hmmm, that would mean we'd have to go back again though, beaches and pottery, yeah!!! In the picture to the right, I've picked out my plates and bowls and they're boxing everything up for me.

I decided to have each place setting be different, so here you can see the eight patterns that I picked out. Now that I'm thinking of it, maybe I should have purchased 12 place settings and I know that they have at least four more designs...Maybe a return trip is in the works!!

Located right next to the pottery studio is the Treehouse Cafe where you can sit, have a wonderful little meal whilst enjoying beautiful views of the island.

One day Eammon and I joined with two of the other couples and we visited Crane Beach which according to Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous was rated one of the top 10 beaches in the world. It was beautiful with its pink sand and it was lots of fun as the waves were quite large and we all had fun getting knocked about by the waves.

We then headed off to the Ragged Point Lighthouse which which is located on the eastern point of the island. The lighthouse is an 85-foot tall coral stone structure which was erected in1875. Both the lighthouse and the residence are in a sad state but it would be an incredible site if it were ever to be restored. The views of the eastern side of the island from the 60-foot cliff which the lighthouse stands on, are absolutely beautiful.

The picture at the top of this post was taken up at the lighthouse, so you can see some of the spectacular view. The picture to the left is of us at the lighthouse, showing how much work needs to be done to restore this beautiful structure.
Eammon thinks this picture is funny because he says all he can see are my teeth and t-shirt...He's just jealous!

Our last stop of the day was Codrington College which is the oldest Anglican Theological College in the Western Hemisphere. It was established by the will of General Christopher Codrington who died in 1710 and was opened in 1745. The coral-stone buildings and grounds are on a cliff overlooking Consett Bay.

On our penultimate day we went on a catamaran trip and because two other couples were going along, Eammon decided to join us too. I usually go alone as he tends to get quite sea sick so it was a huge leap of faith on his part to embark on a five-hour cruise. I'm very proud of him though because he chewed on crystallized ginger, drank ginger ale and didn't feel or get sick at all. We all had a blast because we got to swim with sea turtles, we snorkeled around two different wrecks and we got to float around and relax near a calm beach. The lunch on board was filling and delicious and though the alcohol was free flowing, I had already had my fill for the year and Eammon didn't want to risk the possibility of getting sick.

We had an easy flight home, even with all the restrictions on what you can bring on board the plane. By the time we got home it was close to 1:30am and Christine arrived before noon so as I said in a previous post, it's really only now that things are settling down and are back to normal.

How long normal will last now that we're next for referral? I'm ready, bring it on!!!

26 comments:

  1. I didn't believe you could be any more tan than you were this summer when you came to UT...I was wrong! Look at you!!! I'm jealous. Glad you had such a nice trip..the last before baby?!?!?

    Tiffany

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  2. That pottery is gorgeous. I love that all the place settings are different. You've got great taste!

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  3. Anonymous7:18 PM

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the pottery and especially that you got different patterns. That is so cool. But you are cool, so what did I expect. Glad you had a great time. You deserve it!

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  4. Thank you for that great post. I feel like I was on that trip with you and that was a much needed little mental break right now :0)

    If I were standing next to you..well, we'd look like an oreo. I can't even imagine a tan like that. Hah! I can't even imagine a tan ;0)

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  5. Sounds like a fabulous trip! The pottery is simply beautiful. I noticed they have online ordering. Hmmmmmm...I might have to put some of it on my Christmas list!

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  6. Those dishes are gorgeous! Barbados looks so beautiful. I would love to go there someday.

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  7. What a great trip! Love the pottery and so jealous you got to swim with sea turtles!

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  8. Oh wow, sounds like a wonderful trip!
    Loving the pottern, especially the mixed patterns.

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  9. What a great place to visit!!! I will add it to my list of places to travel to.... Love the dishes!!!

    Lisa

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  10. I am SOOOO jealous! What a fantastic trip! Swimming with sea turtles, great shopping and those beaches look amazing!

    :) Glad you got a jolly good rest, coz I think after this month, the pace will pick up a little?!!!

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  11. I have just added Barbados to my list of must-see places. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself so much. The pottery.......DEVINE!

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  12. Did you forget about me...you are NOT the most tan in all the land.
    Your post was great,LOVE the pottery, and you got it all home in one piece - wow!!!

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  14. Ahhh... to bob in the ocean. I'm jealous. The closest I'll get to that is going down to the pool with Rachel in tow wearing her arm floaties and screeching. Hmmm... not quite so relaxing. And that TAN! And that pottery! Okay, I'm officially jealous. :)
    And huge congrats on being NEXT for referral! What a LONG wait it has been for you. I just can't wait to see Baby Shanahan!
    Anne

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  15. Sounds like you had a fantastic trip! And the pottery is beautiful.

    Oh I wish I was on the beach right now...

    Lisa

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  16. Anonymous10:31 PM

    I am a pottery freak and I LOVE those dishes!!! They are just beautiful!!! What an awesome trip!

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  17. Looks like a fab vacation. Love the Earthware. Your tan is so great! Glad you enjoyed your vacations together because very soon you will be enjoying vacations with a certain little someone. Hope it happens soon!!!

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  18. LOVE LOVE LOVE the pottery......any chance they sell it online?....holy cow it is so pretty.
    Meg

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  19. Thanks everyone I'm glad that you all like the pottery. Meg, if you click on the link in my post, it will take you to Earthwork's site where you can purchase their pottery online.

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  20. Wow, what a wonderful vacation you had! I absolutely LOVE the dishes and think the different place-settings are a terrific idea!

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  21. I'm loving your vacation blog and pics. I'm imagining myself bobbing along with you as we endure this Nor'easter! Yes, now let's bring on those babies!

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  22. Sounds like a great trip. You guys go to the best places. I like living vicariously through your blog. :)

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  23. What an awesome trip! I am in such need of a vacation. I love the islands! I'm really jealous right now. Glad you had a great time.

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  24. Faded tan? Don't think so chickee, you've got yourself a year round tan!

    Great pics! Love the pottery, it's so fun!

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  25. Adore the pottery. That's totally up my alley!
    Thanks for sharing your wonderful vacation.

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  26. Gorgeous pottery. What an incredible trip!

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