A rep and a bookseller have a Barbados honeymoon

So this is just photo blog of my honeymoon in Barbados. I did a similar one when I went up the Nile four years ago (actually the very same week four years ago). It's not about books, bookselling or publishing but what the hell, it's nice to change things up a bit once in awhile.

First view of gorgeous Caribbean skies as we fly down to the most easterly of the islands.

 Yep, that's where we were.

This year Barbados celebrates 50 years of independence. There were banners and flags everywhere.

 On our first day we got up early to see the Remembrance Day ceremony in the main square in downtown Bridgetown. Many soldiers from Barbados were lost in WWI and WWII. Since Barbados was once ruled by Great Britain and is still in the Commonwealth, their government and armed forces were trained by the Brits. The British legacy is very obvious in the soldiers' impressive manner.

 Prime Minister Freundel Stuart was there to inspect the guard.

I love the up-close faces of these Island Defense Soldiers.

 This was written on the side of a building on our walk back to the hotel.

 "Zed R" vans scream up and down the main highway picking up anyone who sticks out their hand and will pay the 2$ fee. You hear them coming and going because of their very distinctive (and very loud) horns.

 We found out that George Washington visited Barbados when he was 19. His older brother Lawrence was suffering from tuberculosis and they hoped the climate would help him. Linda-Marie sits reading with George in the house where the brothers stayed in 1751.

We visited  St. Michael's Cathedral, 

which was built in 1786.

Here are a couple of headstones.

 Not far from the church is this incredible Baobab tree (Baobab being one of my all time favorite trees).

 I just loved the idea of a combination funeral home and garage.

 On Wednesday I decided to be brave and rent a car so we could see the eastern part of the island.

Along with driving on the left and having to deal with all the roundabouts, the roads are very poorly marked and we got lost a good number of times. The island is so small, though, that it really didn't matter.

 The East Point Lighthouse was our first destination (there's our little rental car).

 This gentleman appeared out of nowhere and started to give us a detailed history of the lighthouse. He was a tad bossy and I knew that he would ask for a small payment for his services, which was fine. Linda-Marie was a bit nervous  and not thrilled when he wanted me to take a photo of the two of them.

 Taken at the abandoned lighthouse keeper's home.

 Next on the list was Hunte's Gardens. The owner and creator of this extraordinary garden is Anthony Hunte. We met him in his wondrous art-filled home, converted from an old stable. He welcomed us with fascinating, colorful stories and a glass of his own premium rum (of which we, of course, bought a bottle).

Here's Anthony, a truly unique and
exceptional gentleman.

Even in the midst of wildness, a proper table is set.

 Then off to "The Flower Forest" where we met these residents. This was the first time I've seen monkeys in the wild and I was quite thrilled! It wasn't until I downloaded this photo that I saw the baby in its mother's arms.

 The interior of the island, as opposed to the coasts, is still very tropical.

 These trees seemed very magical, their roots amazing.

 The last two days were the "let's just relax and enjoy the beach" days. This bright turquoise lagoon was right across the street from our hotel and we made full use of it.

 The trees were perfect natural beach umbrellas.

The author showing off his sexy legs.

 The end of our last full day.

 Taking off we saw the east coast again. Bye bye Barbados, we had a grand time!