Today at 7 in the morning we docked in Bridgetown,the capital of Barbados.

Barbados was a British colony until 1966.Walking around Bridgetown,if it was not for the scorching temperatures of 30 plus, you would think you are in a humpty-dumpty of a town in England.I was here four or was it five years ago on the Queen Elizabeth,walked to town from the terminal,came across the most wonderful little shop full of hand painted blouses.I was rather apprehensive then that washing the blouse would be a palava, and even though I liked a few,bought just one.It washed like dream and I knew that when in Barbados again, my first stop would be to this little boutique.Today was the day. The strange thing happened to me as I left the terminal and set out on the mile or so long walk.A taxi driver looked at me and said - you will not be getting a taxi.Puzzled I asked - why do you think so, do I look so poor, that I cannot afford one? No, you look too fit to take a taxi! In no time I found myself at the shop.It was a boutique no more.Empty,door chained, advertised to rent. Not expecting this,I did not check out "hand painted blouses" on the internet,there was nothing else I wanted except retinol face cream,but the pharmacy had it on prescription only,so I bought aloe vera lotion for my sun-burnt shoulders and went in search of a latte.I found one in a department store, I wish I never bothered,it was awful,but the locals were pleasant,friendly,asked questions with interest.And the WC was spotless and free to use.I never object paying, getting water in these countries must be very expensive and operating the sewage system,too.At the terminal they have a Post Office,oh,what a joy.I found the most delightful postcards,2 monkeys in love.The children will love them. There was a small stall with various sweet things,all made on the island.I never buy sweets,but these looked so inviting and ginger toffees in particular.But they cost two Barbadian Dollars and all I had left was one.Do you have something for a dollar,please? That is all I have left.You were looking at the ginger ones. Do you like ginger? Yes, love it. So you can have them for a dollar. How utterly kind.What a wonderful end to a disappointing start of this 1st December 2017.