Discover Utrecht: Must-See Attractions and Shopping Spots

Our first visit to Utrecht was two years ago as part of a three month adventure in Western Europe and it was always somewhere we wanted to revisit.
We have friends who live just south of the airport and so we recently combined a trip to see them with a few days based in Utrecht, both revisiting this fascinating city and also using it as a base to catch the train to a couple of other destinations.

History:
Utrecht, itself, probably had it’s first inhabitants a millennia ago during the Stone Age and there were definite signs of inhabitation during the Bronze Age but it was the Romans who are mainly credited with building what was then a town.
They built a fort or castellum in about 50 AD at a crossing point on the River Rhine, at the northernmost point of their kingdom at the time, and called it Trajectum. This then changed into the Dutch word for a crossing – “Trecht”. The “U” was attached to the front, highlighting it was downriver and thus distinguished it from Mass-trecht. The central square in Utrecht -Dom Square is the original centre of the Roman settlement and you can tour the underneath of the square as part of the DOMunder Museum.

The Romans left in the third century and little development occurred then until 650 when missionaries arrived and utilised it as a base to spread Christianity in the region.The Domkerk or Cathedral of St. Martin stands as a reminder of these days. With its Gothic facade it is the tallest religious building in the country. Across the square you can climb the 465 steps to the top of the Dom Tower for a panoramic view of the city.

The city continued to grow and as you walk the Old Canal you can see how shipping and trade helped to build the city you see today. This wonderful canal with its unique cafes, restaurants etc below street level runs the entire length of the town from north to south. As the Rhine began to silt up and a dam was built in 1122 which limited navigation into the town, a series of canals were built to keep the city connected both to the Rhine and the North Sea and beyond for trading purposes. Water levels in the canal are kept at a constant level and thus the buildings we see today below the street level were originally quays and storage cellars before finally becoming wharves for the wealthy owners of the beautiful houses you see above street level. The canal is crossed by sixteen bridges which all have only one or two arches but are beautiful to behold.

Our first one day visit to the city in 2023 was centred around a self guided walking tour of the city. We found the walk on the GPsMyCity app and it gave us a chance to both view and appreciate all the history still present today.

Hoog Catharijne-Shopping Centre:
On this, our second visit we stayed right next to the railway station which connects you to every major city in The Netherlands. Our primary excursion on our first day was to explore both the new shopping centre and the old, independent shops which still survive despite the development of the former.
Here in the UK there are very few examples where this complete opposite style of shopping exists side by side. The introduction of a new shopping centre usually results in the older, smaller shops going out of business.

Hoog Catharijne, built in 1973, is one of the largest shopping malls in the country, at over 350,000 sq ft with over 110 stores to select from and 35 million visitors per year. The shops open every day:
Monday: 12 noon until 8.00 p.m.
Tuesday to Saturday: 10.00 a.m. until 8.00 p.m.
Sunday: 12 noon until 6.00 p.m.

Another anomaly for us was that even when the shops close the centre itself remains open. In the UK this rarely occurs as the shopping centre at night would become a haven for the inebriated and/or homeless. It’s interesting if you research into this phenomenon because the manner in which the Dutch Government manage homelessness is far more proactive than I’ve probably seen in most other first world countries and this is not, therefore, an issue here in Utrecht.

There is a great choice of shops, our three favourites were:
C&A: Whilst this department store still trades in 18 European countries and other countries worldwide, it closed down in the UK in 2001 so this for us was a pleasant reminder of the past. Packed with clothing for men, women and children the clothing is bright, modern and reasonably priced. We both left with a few bits for the summer.
Sissy-Boy: -A completely new company to us with a great mixture of clothes and homeware in vibrant, bright colours. A little exclusive in terms of its pricing but it has a very modern, spacious and inviting layout. I found a few pieces of homeware that would have looked great in our home had I had room in my suitcase!
Leonidas: -This chocolate shop is outstanding, known for its traditional preparation of chocolates with fresh ingredients of the highest quality. 100% pure cocoa butter for the coating of the chocolates with fresh butter and fresh cream for the filling. They also have delicacies, such as hazelnuts from Turkey, almonds from Italy and ‘Morello’ cherries and walnuts from France. These Belgian chocolates make for the perfect gift. I really miss these type of specialist shops which sadly are often lacking back in the UK these days.

Finally please don’t miss the canal that runs through the centre. The canal, known as the Catharijnesingel, runs underneath the mall, and transparent glass panels in the “City Square” area allow visitors to see boats moving below. There are a few restaurants and coffee shops surrounding this area if you want to take a break alongside this indoor canal.

Independent Shopping:
If you come out of the front of the shopping centre, with your back to the entrance and the railway station on your left and then turn right you can walk along the old cobbled streets into the centre of traditional Utrecht. There are so many hidden alleys, small shops and beautiful houses you cannot fail to stop and just gaze in wonder.

Utrecht is blessed with specialist shops such as Kazerij Stalenhoef-a wonderful cheese shop at Twijnstraat 67. Alternatively just down the road you will find “It All Starts with a Postcard” which has a vast array of cards, journals and wall art. I do love a journal!
If you are looking for something more modern there is a large TK Maxx full of clothing for women, men and children, beauty products, shoes, accessories and homeware. All kinds of big brands and always up to 60% cheaper than the recommended price. It’s not a store I ever venture into in the UK but for some reason here in Utrecht it just seems more inviting, maybe its the location overlooking the canal?

Alternatively if you want somewhere to have lunch or dinner later in the day you cannot go far wrong by visiting Winkel van Sinkel. Our friends brought us here for lunch last year and we happily did a return visit.
This is a truly unique place with it’s impressive neoclassical building where you can start by admiring the caryatids, the female statues, on the exterior facade. Back in the 19th century, this was originally Holland’s first department store built between 1837-39
Nowadays, the iconic building houses a grand café that is open from early in the morning till late at night. During the daytime, you can have coffee or a meal, and after sunset the tables are moved to the side and you will find yourself in the Nachtwinkel (‘Night Shop’): a great space for dancing into the small hours.
The internal space has that old Cuban coffee house feel with heavy wooden furniture and the most ornate central glass ceiling.

Finally if you happen to be here during the Christmas Season this cafe/restaurant has an amazing external light display.

Utrecht is truly a highlight of any trip to The Netherlands or even Western Europe as a whole. If you have any feedback or questions please comment and/or “like” my post.
This post forms part of a series based upon a recent trip we took to The Netherlands. Please feel free to continue reading this series and contact me should you want any more information.

Top 3 Affordable Restaurants in Grenada: A Foodie’s Guide

One of the biggest differences between going on holiday and travelling is the amount of money spent on food and eating out. Way back in 2016 when I surprised hubby with a week away to Santorini for his birthday we were definitively holidaymakers.
A lovely fresh Greek breakfast was included in the accommodation cost and then with a small kitchenette attached to our room we popped out at lunchtime to buy freshly baked bread, meat, cheese etc or we paid to eat around the pool with the owners supplying beautiful Greek salads and a selection of meats at a reasonable cost. Then every evening we got showered and dressed up to hit the local restaurants devouring a two or even three course meal every night.

When you travel you cannot afford this type of expense and secondly it is true that as you get older you actually don’t need as much food anyway.
When we went away for six months, two years ago, we found all sorts of ways to feed ourselves without expending a fortune. Don’t get me wrong we had the occasional lovely meal out as we would at home.

We travelled to Grenada as part of a three week adventure to the Caribbean and whilst this trip was quite a short trip for us it still wasn’t a holiday. There is quite a variety of restaurants available on Grenada, we even stopped one day on the way back from the East coast and visiting Grenville at a roadside pizza takeaway with benches on the grass overlooking the Caribbean Sea. However these are my three key recommendations, sat each end of the price spectrum:

Sails:
This is currently the number one place to eat on the island and when we visited St George’s for the day -see previous post:
https://amidlifeadventure.org/2025/04/11/top-attractions-in-saint-georges-grenada/
we opted to have lunch here. We only eat one main meal a day when travelling so apart from a small packet of biscuits later we wouldn’t have eaten again that day.
The restaurant overlooks the Carenage and the beautiful aquamarine sea. When we stopped off in the morning as it was opening at 11 a.m. we booked for lunch at 1 p.m. The member of staff was very friendly and happy to assign us an outside table so we could actually feel the sea breeze, appreciate the view and feel the sun on our skin as we ate. There aren’t many restaurants that can boast such a lovely setting.
The menu was varied and is available on their Facebook page if you wish to view it in advance. We chose to forego starters and order just mains as we knew we would want to sample a dessert. I had the cajun fish wrap with a side order of fries and hubby had the double stack burger and sweet potato fries. We followed this up with carrot cake and a house speciality ( the name escapes me!) and they also managed to make me a non alcoholic strawberry daiquiri which I was rather pleased about.
This was our most expensive meal on the island.

The Bay House:
We ate here a couple of times as this was where we stayed but it is also open to non residents. Perched high on the hill overlooking Grand Anse Beach it benefits from fantastic views and certainly watching the sun set whilst you eat is a worthy experience and a definite reason to venture up the hill to eat.
The chef is so underrated with amazing presentation as well as tasty food. On this particular night I chose to have the fish ( available grilled or fried, I chose the former) with a side order of fries and garlic bread and hubby once again chose a burger.

We didn’t have dessert as we were too full. The waitress, Britney, was super friendly, chatty and helpful in answering some of our questions about the island itself. We were full after just one course but they do offer starters and desserts.
This is mid-range in terms of cost.

Patrick’s Local Homestyle Cooking Restaurant:
We always eat where the locals eat and Patricks which currently features in the top ten places to eat on Tripadvisor, on the island, is exactly that!
Chat to your waiter, which may well be the owner’s son Milton and you will discover the history of this basic but very tasty restaurant. The owner Patrick, had been friends with his Mum-Caron for many years and when she hit hard times in New York he gave them somewhere to live and a means for her to provide for herself and her son by helping in the restaurant. Milton will admit that had he not left New York he probably would have been dead himself or in prison.
Patrick ran the restaurant, frequented by locals particularly at lunchtime for nigh on 30 years. Unfortunately he died back during the Covid era and left the restaurant to Caron who continues to provide delicious authentic Caribbean food.

On our first visit on a Friday night the normal tapas menu wasn’t available but there was a selection of other main meals to choose from: I took the curry goat and hubby chose the ginger pork.

Both meals were really tasty and good enough to encourage us to return for the tapas on our final night.
If you choose the tapas you get served with a series of plates with samples of everything on their menu from callaloo soup to at least five entrees. It’s a great way to get to taste typical Grenadian food all in one meal. We honestly left completely stuffed.
Both meals that we ate at Patricks were the lower end of our budget but they both delivered the best food we ate on the island.

This ends my four part series on Grenada. Please press “like” if you enjoyed my literal journey of our Caribbean trip and by all means comment or ask questions if you wish to know more.

Top Attractions in Saint George’s, Grenada

Whilst we spent time driving around the island of Grenada in our hire car my final post centres around its capital -Saint George’s. Located on a horse-shoe shaped harbour, frequented by all sizes of cruise ship and surrounded by the hillside of an old volcanic crater Saint George’s sits in the south west of the island.

Our self guided walking tour of the city began at:
The Carenage -for over 300 years this area of the capital has provided a safe haven for sailors and their vessels, serving as a vital lifeline for trade and commerce. We managed to find a free parking space directly on the main road and disembarking we were not only struck by the feel of the warm sun on our skin but also the amount of boats of all shapes and sizes bobbing around on the clear waters whilst on the opposite side of the road charming colonial-era buildings reminded us of history past.

It’s worth mentioning here that we hired our car from Avis but unlike other Avis offices we have frequented which are normally sited at the airport, this office is in a petrol station! We had to take a taxi from the airport to pick it up which all seemed a bit strange to us at first particularly when we were introduced to the man in charge, who to be honest looked like a cross between an old sunbaked pirate and a travelling gypsy adorned with much jewellery including many Captain Sparrow style earrings!
The car was not brand new but was a little battered and worn which we later learnt was a blessing when you are navigating the roads around the island trying to avoid the oncoming cars and concrete drainage ditches ever present on your lefthand side. Eric, as we christened him, met every challenge we faced him with including the extremely steep hillsides we regularly had to negotiate in order to get in and out of our hotel. So steep that at times you felt as if you were going to topple backwards!

Walking alongside the sea, stopping now and again to watch the local fishermen at work we walked to the:

Grenada National Museum -open Monday to Friday from 9-4.30 p.m. this is not a large museum but what it lacks in size it certainly makes up for in both the welcome and knowledge of the staff and in the information available.
It acts as a beacon of cultural preservation outlining the history of the islands’s rich and diverse heritage from the earliest Arawak Indians, to the colonial era, slavery and the plantation economy. The history of the island continues with it’s journey to independence, the rise of the far left and it’s association with Cuban dictator Fidel Castro leading to the invasion by USA troops and the assassination of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop. Today the island has a fairly young Prime Minister in Dickon Mitchell who as leader of the National Democratic Congress led his party to victory in June 2022 and will serve a five year term.

They also have changing exhibits and when we visited I was enamoured by the “Say My Name” display. Having studied the slavery era I was amazed at this latest exhibit where the names of hundreds of captive Africans and their descendants enslaved on six sugar estates in Grenada are detailed.Unnamed slaves were represented by blank tags.

House of Chocolate -Leaving the museum behind and heading left and just slightly up the hill we then came across this museum which celebrates Grenada’s vibrant cocoa production and chocolate-making culture. You can gain a real insight into every stage of the chocolate making process from cultivation to the actual delivery of delicious chocolate treats.
Needless to say there are a variety of sweet treats for you to savour and buy to take home. We bought a couple of delicious cakes each to take back to our hotel and enjoy with a cup of good old English tea. I have to admit they were really scrummy!

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church – Heading on up the hill and off to the left we then stopped at this church founded in 1830 which is an enduring legacy of Scottish immigrants who settled on the island in the early 19th century. The church suffered significant damage during Hurricane Ivan which has left the building in a state of disrepair. You can still, however, admire the iconic clock tower and standing on top of the hill you get magnificent views of the harbour and the cruise terminal below.
From here you can normally then venture up to Fort George which was constructed between 1706 and 1710 and not only admire the fantastic panoramic views but also learn more about Grenada’s history but it was closed for renovations when we were there.

York House – From the church we made our way across to York House which was originally built in the 1770’s and was the seat of the Grenadian Parliament until Ivan struck in 2004. It holds many memories including a visit by the Duke of York in the 18th century after which the building was named. The lower floor housed the Supreme Court making it a keystone in the island’s judicial system and Queen Elizabeth II presided over a special session of Parliament here when she visited in 1985.
The building was damaged beyond economic repair but still stands as a reminder of times gone by and the destructive nature of forces beyond man’s control.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral – Just a bit further up the road and overlooking the harbour we walked to the cathedral which has stunning views once again of the surrounding area. For some reason it seemed odd to find an actual cathedral on this fairly small Caribbean island and yet despite suffering devastating damage during Ivan the community worked hard to ensure this place of worship was returned to it’s former glory.

Whilst we were walking in this area we spotted a couple of delightful extra sights. Firstly this stunning home, tucked behind some railings with a beautiful garden and colonial features. I wonder who lives there?

Secondly the schools in Grenada start each day at 8.00 a.m. and finish at 2.00 p.m. and as we made our way back down the hill from these last two places of interest to our final destination we found ourselves surrounded by school children. Education is free on the island for 5-16 years of age and they all dress so smartly in their uniforms with white shirts or blouses, ties or scarfs and navy trousers/skirts. Little girls, aged 5-6 years old happily walked down the hill, holding hands in lines of three or four whilst older children ignoring their younger counterparts jostled and played as they made their way home. Such is the community spirit and safety on the island that parents do not come and collect their children but await their return at home. It was a real sight to behold and drew a smile to my face.

The Market – This is a major attraction within the city and stands at the heart of a vibrant square surrounded by colonial architecture and full of hustle and bustle. It is a focal point for the locals to come and buy all sorts of fresh island fruits, vegetables and of course spices as well as giving them an opportunity to browse other stalls selling clothes, bric a brac, homely goods and ready made foods.
On our amble around we came across a gentleman selling spices who didn’t pressure us to stop and buy, he merely greeted us in a friendly manner and as a result caught our attention. Hubby was interested in the bags of baking spices and left with a sizeable bag of orange spice (think orange zest in smell) whilst I perused the bags of bark. The stallholder asked me if I was looking for something specific and I told him mauby root. He then produced a large bag from which he made me up an agreed amount to buy and take home. Mauby bark is boiled with water, sugar, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and anise to create a beverage and was a favourite with my children when they were younger and visited their Caribbean grandparents. 

The market also sits right next to the cruise ship terminal which has seen a precinct of shops grow up, completely undercover through which those leaving and returning to the ship need to walk in order to access tours etc. The shops here are predominantly aimed at this trade and souvenir and clothing shops predominate.

Heading back down to the Carenage we pass the Logos Hope moored in the harbour. We were told about this when we were on our Sculpture Tour. This floating library, last seen in Grenada in December 2017, has an extensive collection of over 5,000 different books spanning diverse genres and subjects. Here in the Western world we take books for granted but not every nation has the same access to libraries and book shops. The ship gives families and reading enthusiasts across Grenada the opportunity to explore thousands of titles when Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating book fair, docked at St George’s Port from February 20 to March 11, 2025.

Visitors will find everything from children’s literature and academic texts to books on science, sports, cookery, medicine, and faith, all offered at accessible prices.The vessel’s expansive book fair caters to readers of all ages and interests, featuring comprehensive selections of dictionaries, atlases, and hobby-related publications. The ship opens it’s gang blank six days a week, Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 to 22:00, and Sundays from 13:00 to 22:00, with final entry at 21:00 daily.

Adult visitors aged 13-64 have to pay 5 EC per person to enter, while seniors 65 and over can get in free of charge. Children under 12 also enjoy free admission but must be accompanied by an adult, with a ratio of one adult per ten children maximum.

I, personally, found this amazing. Where else would you see this?

This ends my top three recommendations of things to do in Grenada but I will be posting a final segment on places we ate on the island to give you a flavour of what is available.

Exploring Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park

Having spent time exploring the beaches we booked a trip to one of Grenada’s most famous sites -The Underwater Sculpture Park.
Established in 2006 by Jason deCaires Taylor this was the first ever underwater Sculpture Park in the world and is now listed as one of National Geographic’s 25 Wonders of the World.
Sited just out from the capital Saint George’s at Molinere Bay, in a now designated Marine Protected Area, entrance fees to the park help fund park rangers to manage tourism and fishing quotas.

The park was established as a way to promote marine conservation and coral reef rebuilding following extensive damage from Hurricane Ivan back in 2004.
When we listen or watch the news our initial response to a hurricane hitting is the obvious loss of life and havoc wreaked on communities and homes. But hurricanes also devastate reefs and marine life through physical damage, changes in water conditions and the introduction of debris, leading to coral destruction, smothering of organisms and habitat disruption.

In the park, seventy-five concrete individual sculptures cover an area of over 800 square meters attracting algae, coral and other nutrients to attach themselves to these solid underwater objects thus providing food and attracting fish back to the area. Within only a few days of opening the art was covered in purple and blue sponges, orange fire coral and green algae… and was even home to a few octopuses.
At depths of 5-8 metres, they are accessible by scuba diving, snorkelling and glass bottom boats with the most celebrated work being Vicissitudes, which features a ring of children holding hands facing out into nutrient-rich oceanic currents. Cast from children with diverse backgrounds, they are a symbol of unity and resilience. 

Before I tell you about our trip out to the Sculpture Park, I am going to preface this section of my post with a big shout out to midlife bravery.
It’s never too late, you know, to learn a new skill and it was on this trip to the Caribbean that I finally realised my ambition to snorkel. Not bad for someone who up to two years ago was petrified of deep water!
I started this journey taking one to one lessons at my local swimming pool to improve my stroke ability and thus survival in deep water. I’m definitely more confident and find my breaststroke improving the more I relax in the water. I still use a buoyancy aid in deep water but having purchased an all in one snorkel mask have opened up my life to the coral and fish etc below the surface of the waves.

So back to Grenada where there are many organised tours to visit The Sculpture Park but, as is normal for us, we selected the vessel with the least amount of passengers and, therefore, the most personable service which without a doubt is Captain Wally’s Glass Bottom Boat.
Accompanied by just one other couple, who also happened to be from the UK, and ably assisted by his first mate Johnny we cast off from the harbour and were soon chugging our way out into the beautiful, azure waters of the Caribbean Sea. Wally has been navigating these waters for nearly thirty years and is very experienced at guiding his boat “Sun Lover” out to the Sculpture Park whilst giving you an informative narrative of Grenada.


There were several other boats anchored in the vicinity when we arrived but being much bigger boats they had to remain on the outskirts of the marine park dislodging their fairly large groups of snorkelling customers. Captain Wally was able to venture much closer and once stationary you can either wait to view the reef and sculptures through the glass bottomed base of the boat or don your snorkelling gear (provided on the boat) and go and look at it yourself.
I had brought my newly purchased “all in one”mask but borrowed some flippers. Johnny escorted me out to the sculptures and happily shared his knowledge about the position and history of each. Free diving down to get a closer look at some of the fish etc surrounding the sculptures I happily remained on the surface. It wasn’t long though before I too was using my flippers to propel myself across the top of the still waters to not only take in the marvel of each sculpture but also to spot the many coloured fish swimming beneath me. My childish love of “Finding Nemo” sparked my explorations and whilst Nemo frequents faraway waters I did spot a “Dory”with its vibrant royal blue body and contrasting yellow tail!

There was also a banded butterfly fish (pictured above) with its striking orange body and vertical stripes and several Angelfish. Luckily the bigger fish that also call this sea their home stayed away as I’m not sure how I would have felt should a barracuda have swam towards me!

Returning to the Sun Lover, the other boats had fortunately now moved on and Captain Wally was able to use his exceptional skill to manoeuvre the boat so the remaining passengers were soon directly above each sculpture. Each piece of art could now be seen below in the clear waters.

On the return journey it was lovely to view the island from the water taking in the athletic and cricket stadiums.

Also if you look atop the main hill above the carenage you will spot the only prison on the island. With a mere 385 prisoners it reminded me of Alcatraz in San Francisco in that the residents could be looking out of their window to the beautiful Caribbean Sea below and being constantly reminded of their lost freedom!

If you wish to book Captain Wally’s boat, based in Saint George’s, for your trip out to The Sculpture Park you can contact him though his own website: https://sunlovegrenada.mystrikingly.com

In my final post about Grenada I will be writing about the capital -Saint George’s and highlight ing our favourite two restaurants to eat in, at either end of the cost per head scale.

Discovering Grenada: The Spice Island of the Caribbean

Having spent seven days on Barbados and wanting to experience a smaller, less commercialised island we headed to the airport and caught a Caribbean Airways flight to Grenada. Considered one of the top ten safest islands in the Caribbean we were welcomed to the island with fantastic sea views as our plane landed off the Caribbean Sea and hit the runway with continuous views of the beautiful azure waters to our right.

Introduction and Origins:
Historically Grenada was inhabited by the peaceful Arawak Indians before the Carib Indians took over by force. Then when Christopher Columbus sighted the island in 1498, he named it “Concepción”. The island, however, remained uncolonized for over a century due to the Caribs’ resistance. 
In the 17th century, French settlers established a colony here and the island became a key producer of sugar, and then later nutmeg and mace. Control then shifted between France and Britain until finally Grenada was formally ceded to Britain in 1763 under the Treaty of Paris. 

Grenada then went on to become a self-governing state in association with Britain in 1967 and gained full independence on February 7, 1974. 
Unfortunately post independence, in 1979 the island experienced a left-wing Government bloodless coup. This led to strained relations with the US and it’s allies culminating in 1983 with the US invading Grenada following the overthrow and execution of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop, leading to the reinstatement of the 1974 constitution and free elections in 1984.  The island is now a member of the Commonwealth and continues to be involved in international affairs. 

English is the country’s official language but, if like us, you occasionally struggle to understand the local people outside of the main tourist areas, it’s because the main spoken language is one of two creole languages: Grenadian Creole English and, less frequently, Grenadian Creole French or ‘patois’ which reflects the African, European, and native heritage of the nation.

Today Grenada’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, particularly spices and also tourism. It is a main stop off point for cruise ships with hundreds of passengers being dispensed daily, Monday to Friday, onto the shores of the island. The island still maintains early closing on a Saturday and the majority of shops are closed on Sunday.

Grenada is nicknamed the Island of Spices with an endless amount of independent stalls being set up to tempt visitors into buying a souvenir. Nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and cocoa are grown in the country for export, along with various vegetables and fruits. Spices are such an important part of the island’s heritage that nutmeg even features on the island’s flag.
Interestingly every third resident of the state is a fisherman and the island exports tuna to the US and Europe.

The currency is The East Caribbean Dollar although prices are also often quoted in US Dollars to accommodate the US Cruise ships.

Geographically the island is 21 miles long and 12 miles wide and in 2023 recorded a population just over 117,000. Grenada is made up of six parishes of which St George’s in the south west is the main tourist area and includes both the capital city and international airport.
They drive on the left hand side of the road, most hire cars are automatic and whilst the roads are quite narrow and can be very steep they are reasonably well maintained. Look out for the bus drivers though who seem to compete with each other to reach the next bus stop quickest! I just pulled over and let them go by.

One of the island’s most famous residents is Sir Kirani James who was born in Gouyave in the north west of the island. In 2011 James won the 400m at the World Championships in a personal best of 44.60 seconds, becoming the youngest 400 metres world champion at the age of just 18. The following year in 2012 he took the gold medal in the 400m final at the London Olympics in a time of 43.94, a national record, earning Grenada its first-ever Olympic medal and becoming the first non-US runner to break the 44-second mark. He will forever be famous on the island with the new athletic stadium in St George being named after him.

In conclusion the island is a haven of rolling hills drenched in rainforest and waterfalls. We visited both Annandale and Concorde Falls- the latter being our favourite. Be prepared for the locals diving off the top in exchange for a cash donation!

The island disappointingly for us was very lacking in wildlife. Grenada definitely felt a little more ‘undiscovered’ than many of the Caribbean islands although the people were incredibly friendly, welcoming and helpful.

Top Three Must-Do Experiences:
Over the next couple of posts I will give you my personal highlights from our trip to the island starting with……

Go To The Beach and Explore The Caribbean Sea:
No trip to Grenada is complete without a visit to the beach.
If you are looking for sun loungers and umbrellas then the best place to go is Grande Anse. With two miles of beautiful white sand and the transparent waters of the Caribbean it is definitely a beautiful place to relax.

Quick Tip: Try and sit away from the wooden jetty, which is just in front of the Spice Market because this is where all the cruise ship passengers are dropped off starting at about 10 a.m. They are greeted by what seems like two separate groups of locals vying for their trade and leading them left or right to empty sunbeds. To be fair the cost of the sunbeds etc are pretty static regardless of where you decide to sit.
Other locals will offer to bring you drinks and food from the market but be aware prices are higher than if you venture there yourself. They are very friendly and do not take offence if you do not take up their offer.

The water is warm and inviting with smooth sand underfoot most of the way out. I spent time snorkelling and happily saw a variety of small to medium fish.

If you are based in this south west area and want somewhere less crowded and where you are happy to DIY, throw down your towel and bring your own picnic then venture around the headland to Morne Rouge / BBC Beach or Magazine Beach.

If you have a hire car and wish to venture out around the island then try Levera Beach and Bathway Beach which are both in the far north east of the island. Again these are DIY beaches.
If you fancy combining one or both of these with a full day out then it’s worth contacting the Petit Anse Hotel and Restaurant. They have an organised three mile walk on Sunday Morning through David to Duquesne Bay. You then get picked up and taken back to the hotel and can stay to partake in their weekly BBQ before heading out afterwards by car to spend the rest of your day on the beach.

On my next post I’ll be chatting about getting under the sea to the famous Sculpture Park……………..









 

Top Things to Do in Barbados: Boat Trips and Races

The joy of visiting the island of Barbados on more than one occasion is that you get to discover the island from a new perspective or to experience some of the special annual events that the island holds.

Getting Out On The Caribbean Sea:
Whilst traversing the island by rental car is truly beneficial some friends of ours recommended a day out on the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Having now experienced this on two separate occasions I can truly recommend “Silver Moon”. There are many “boat trips” available on the island catering to every price point from glass bottom boat tours to the Atlantis Submarines to the Cool Runnings Catamaran tour.
Silver Moon is also a catamaran but adds that extra bit of pizzazz to a great day out on the Caribbean Sea. Limited to just twelve guests and with “adult only” bookings available, if you prefer to avoid the company of children, they truly know how to make you feel special.
They have been sailing the Barbados coastline on their luxury catamarans since 1984 however after testing the waters on ships both big and small, they started Silver Moon, Barbados in 2002 with just one luxury catamaran. Successfully growing the business to now incorporate three catamarans they sail twice daily at 9.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m.

You can book in advance on line and don’t forget with only 12 voyagers on each trip if you want a specific date as we did to celebrate my birthday it’s worth securing your date early.

Your day begins with a pick up from your accommodation whether that is a luxury villa, a hotel or a rental property. In the capable hands of your friendly and personable driver you are transferred to the dock where the group is split according to the boat and price you have chosen at the time of booking: Silver Moon, Silver Moon 3 or Silver Dancer.
Silver Moon provides the exclusive XL Premium Tour and from the moment you leave the dock you are made to feel that little bit more special. The boat has ensuite cabins, fresh water showers both indoors and at the stern, salons for indoor dining, and cockpits for alfresco dining and pure relaxation!

Leaving your daypack inside the salon it’s not long before you are sunbathing, with a drink in hand and admiring the tropical blue waters. For the next five hours it is very easy to slip into relaxation mode whilst also getting to know your fellow passengers, should you wish. You never know who you might meet!
The crew are both professional, friendly and helpful with two stops during the trip. The first to swim/snorkel with the sea turtles ensuring at all times that respect is given to these beautiful sea creatures and then a second stop above a shipwreck or reef. The route taken is devised by the Captain that day based upon the weather, particularly the winds, and avoiding anchoring in the vicinity of other boats to ensure privacy. Full snorkelling equipment and instruction are also included. It’s not unusual to be on board with other passengers who have also been before as repeat custom is not unusual.

Hors D’oeuvres are served prior to the main buffet lunch which is laid out in the salon. There is plenty for everyone with usually chicken and fish dishes plus salads, rice and/or pasta and Bajan Mac n cheese.
As you then make your way back to the port you can once again relax, lie back outside on the rigging and let the breeze catch your hair!

Visit the Races:
Horse racing isn’t what you probably expect in Barbados but a day at the races here is another very special unique day out with the Barbadian Gold Cup being the peak event of the season. The race has been run every year since 1982 in late February/March.

Located in the Historic Garrison Savannah and part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, close to the capital, Bridgetown this has been the home of horse racing in Barbados since 1845. The officers of the British Regiment, who were stationed in Barbados, used what was then the parade ground to match their horses in races and the wealthy merchants and planters later joined them. 

In typical Bajan style, the horse racing calendar for the following year, isn’t announced until late in the Autumn so unless you are arranging a holiday at short notice it isn’t always easy to plan to include this day out as part of your visit to the island. This year, 2025, there are 22 race days starting on January 4th and then spread out throughout the year until the last meet of the season being on Boxing Day.
March 1st was Gold Cup Day and July 26th is the Barbados Derby Day.
Information on entrance prices etc are available on the official website of the Barbados Turf Club but tickets cannot be purchased on line only at the on site box office. This might seem a little disappointing in the digital era but it does ensure complete fairness for both locals and visitors to the island. You can ring, in advance, to enquire as to ticket availability.

Gates open an hour before the first race and like everything else on the island this a day for everyone including families with children with a choice of tickets available. If you want to enjoy the excitement and atmosphere from the stands then you can do this, whilst others will bring their own picnic and enjoy the informal atmosphere lounging in the shade of the tall trees surrounding the track.

We absolutely loved our day out at the races. This might be a small island but the excitement produced by the exuberant spectators is contagious. Whilst the betting system is different to what we are accustomed to in the UK it doesn’t take long to understand and you are readily parting with your Bajan dollars in the hope of securing the winner.

I have written three other posts about Barbados highlighting my favourite things to do on the island
If you want any more ideas or information about the island by all means comment and get in touch.

Discovering Tranquillity in Barbados’ Hidden Garden Paradises

With its warm tropical climate there are many different places open to the public where you can fill your soul with peace, tranquillity and beautiful flora. My two favourite gardens on the island are Andromeda Gardens and Hunte’s Gardens. Both have been developed over a number of years by individuals who fell in love with horticulture and have left a long standing legacy.

Andromeda Gardens;

Developed by Iris Bannochie (1914-1988) who was known as the leading expert on horticulture on the island. Amongst other attributes she was a founding member of the Barbados National Trust and for many years President of the Barbados Orchid Circle and the Barbados Horticultural Society (BHS). She travelled the world collecting exotic and beautiful plants and led the BHS in repeatedly winning gold and silver medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. In 1977, she was awarded the Veitch Memorial Medal by the RHS for her contribution to tropical horticulture.
Andromeda is the largest and oldest garden in Barbados sited on the East Coast of the island just above Bathsheba. With 8 acres and over 500 species you are literally spoilt from the minute you enter.

It’s always a great start when you are greeted by a smiley face and in this case it is quite often Sharon Cooke. She is always so happy to explain all about the history of the gardens and how they developed before explaining how the on line guide works. They have wifi so it is easily downloadable. I personally love a guide sheet so I can follow it around, understand what we are looking at and hopefully not miss anything en route.

This garden is honestly a little piece of paradise tucked away from the hustle n bustle of the rest of the island which I urge everyone to visit (it is accessible by bus if you don’t drive, call them and they will give you guidance and support). It was originally created by Iris back in 1950 and opened to the public in the 1970”s. Iris was definitely a lady who lived before her time searching the world over for plants, shrubs n trees that she could plant here in order to transform the landscape.
We loved how she had created small gardens within one large garden like the palm tree area, for example, where there are couple of trees that are on the list of possible extinction!
We also enjoyed sitting and just being, absorbing the sounds and smells around us. Listening to the bird song and watching the wildlife including one little fellow who landed on a leaf above us and reminded us of “Harry” from a very long running UK programme filmed in the Caribbean. 

There are strategically placed seats throughout so plenty of opportunities just to relax n enjoy this beautiful corner of Barbados.

We are NT members back in the UK which means we could have received a discount but tbh we were happy to pay the full price and support this wonderful cause.

Hunte’s Gardens:

Opened in 2007 we visited Hunte’s Gardens on our most recent trip and were fortunate to actually meet and speak to its creator Anthony Hunte.
Purchased in 1990 and with the assistance of five workers, Anthony has transformed this 2.5 acre space which was originally a “sink hole” or collapsed cave into a beautiful paradise frequented by butterflies and many species of birds including hummingbirds.
At the entrance you are greeted by this lovely statue (below) which exemplifies exactly the world you are about to enter. An area of beautiful tranquillity with strategically placed chairs of all descriptions for you to sit and really take in your surroundings.

Blending nature with art the gardens are a real sanctuary for the soul with an array of tropical plants that Anthony has hand-picked from all around the world which have flourished in the Barbados soil.

This epitome of nature reminds me of Trebah Gardens in Cornwall back in England which I have previously written about:
https://amidlifeadventure.org/2024/05/17/the-amazing-place-that-is-trebah-gardens/

Having experienced the gardens themselves you can also walk back up to the top, where Anthony’s house and the old stables still stand, to partake of a refreshing drink, in my case it was a lovely unsweetened ice tea before heading back out onto your travels around the island.

In my next post you can read about a couple of different experiences I have had on the island, ideal for that special occasion!
If you want any more ideas or information about places to visit on the island by all means comment and get in touch.

Discover Authentic Bajan Food on Barbados

There is a full range of gastronomic delights to be had on the island including a Michelin star experience at The Cliff which sits on the Platinum coast -that’s the famous West Coast with it’s magnificent golden sandy beaches where celebrity spotting is for some a regular pastime.
I’ve personally tried Tides in Holetown, another island favourite where you may spot the odd celebrity and to be fair the service was second to none I’ve experienced worldwide. The food is fabulous but it all comes at a price!

However, I much prefer to eat like a local and really experience proper home cooked Bajan food. Having been fortunate enough to learn some traditional Bajan dishes from my previous mother-in-law I will spend time on the island searching out these homestyle venues and my absolute favourite is GRANDENES:

Don’t be fooled by the surroundings this is not like all the expensive restaurants in the near vicinity this is Shane and his parents Granville and Nadine ( hence the name Grandenes) serving up excellent authentic Bajan food for less than 50 Bajan dollars a plate! You get a choice of protein to which you can add up to two carbs plus sides. On my first visit I had rice n peas n macaroni pie with fried chicken but I’ve also tried the breadfruit pie, green banana cou cou, vegetable rice and baked chicken. There is plenty to choose from. They also have a good bar and were the first restaurant on the island that also served virgin cocktails for those of us driving to and from our accommodation!

When we weren’t talking to Shane about his experience of growing up on the island and having quite an in depth discussion between him n my other half about the West Indies vs England cricket we were watching all the locals arriving to collect their takeaways.

I learnt a long time ago if the locals eat somewhere that’s the place to be and that is certainly the case here!


Let me now introduce you to something completely different -PEG:
Possibly unexpected on the island but still based on the concept of local Bajan food, PEG stands for People-Environment -Growth and is a farm and nature sanctuary dedicated to developing the first biodynamic farm on Barbados. Based upon the four key principles of biodynamics – free range animal husbandry – broad acre permaculture and holistic management they have restored the soil damaged by centuries of sugarcane plantation.

In addition to providing a campsite for guests to stay on site they also have their own cafe and it was here that I celebrated my birthday this year back in February. It is definitely worth contacting them in advance to book a table as they do get busy and being tucked away in the parish of St Joseph on some of the highest land on the island it is a long way to go to find they cannot accommodate you.

Seated on the open air verandah you are blessed with beautiful views of the island and warm tropical breezes. Using their biodynamic, locally grown produce and free range pasture-raised animal products, meals are prepared fresh in the open plan kitchen. The smell alone will make your mouth water even before it is presented to you on the plate to eat.

We actually learnt about this place from the recent BBC series “Clive Myrie’s Caribbean Adventure” and will definitely return on our next visit to the island. In the meantime don’t leave without taking the walk out to the edge of the farm where the views across the East coast are breath-taking!

On Friday you can read about my third favourite thing to do on the island and that is to find Peace and Tranquillity!
If you want any more ideas or information about places to eat on the island by all means comment and get in touch.

Unforgettable Barbados: Tips for Your Beach Getaway

I am fortunate to have now visited this island on three separate occasions; firstly in 2007 for two weeks with my two children (their grandparents on my previous husband’s side originate from the island), then again in 2022 for three weeks and finally last week prior to flying to Grenada.

Introduction and Origins:
Barbados has two official seasons– The Rainy Season (June to November) and The Dry Season (December to May) and an average temperature year round of 28 degrees. On both of my last two visits I have left the Winter weather of the UK behind and visited the island in Feb/March.
As you step from your plane, clamber down the stairs onto the open tarmac you are immediately blessed with the warmth of the Caribbean sunshine. Walking into the terminal, everywhere your eyes wander you see a vivid tapestry of colours, friendly faces and your body seems to react by just relaxing into the “island vibe” with it’s laid-back attitude towards life’s challenges. Before you even leave the airport you know you are now on “island time”.

The island is actually named after a tree. When the Portuguese first discovered the island in 1536 the Bearded Fig Tree was found all over the island. “Los Barbados” is Portuguese for “The Bearded One.”
The British established a colony here in 1627 and unlike other Caribbean islands, Barbados has never been invaded by a foreign power since. The British began by growing cotton and tobacco before establishing a sugar industry in the 1640s.
Barbados sought it’s independence from Great Britain on November 30, 1966 nearly 60 years ago and on 30 November 2021, Barbados transitioned to a republic within the Commonwealth, replacing the British monarchy with a ceremonial President -Sandra Mason.
English is the official language of Barbados although most people speak a dialect called Bajan that can differ from parish to parish, of which there are 11 with the capital – Bridgetown located in the south-west parish of St. Michael. They drive on the left hand side of the road and most hire cars are automatic.
The island is 21 miles long and 14 miles wide and in 2023 recorded a population just over 282,000, over 92% of these people are black with only 2.7% recorded as white. Nearly 76% are recorded as Christian.

The currency in Barbados is The Barbados Dollar (BDS) which is tied to the US Dollar (US $1 = BDS $2)


Its most famous resident is of course Rihanna who was born and bred in a bungalow in Bridgetown on a road now famously named Rihanna Drive.

Top Three Must-Do Experiences:
Over the next couple of posts I will give you my personal highlights from my trips to this beautiful island.

Firstly Go To The Beach:
You cannot possibly visit the island without spending time on a beach. There are over 60 to choose from and definitely somewhere to suit everyone. If you are looking for soft sand and calm waters then head south or west. If, however, you wish to surf then head over to the East coast where the World Surfing League’s Barbados Surf Pro takes place every year.

I’m personally not a fan of empty beaches with no facilities where you have to bring everything with you from your towel to lie on, to your own food and drink. I think it’s because when I was a child and we went for holidays and days out to the seaside I got somewhat used to home-made sandwiches which came complete with grains of sand!
However take me to a beach crowded with sunbeds and umbrellas, music playing at a beach bar and visitors squeezed in like sardines and I also won’t be happy.
I like a happy medium so here are my two favourites in Barbados both on the West coast.

Folkestone Marine Park:
Just above Holetown as you drive towards Speightstown this is a Marine Protected Area.
Ideal for snorkelling you can swim around the inshore reef found in the Recreational Zone of the Park. This reef is found about one-third of a mile offshore and is home to numerous fish and other marine life, including sea anemones, sea lilies, corals and sponges. Alternatively you may wish to paddle board, swim, bring a picnic (tables provided amongst the trees), stroll the boardwalk or just worship the sun on a lounger with an umbrella.

On our first visit we arrived around 10, parked easily and wandered down onto the beach. There were four of us and we happily paid the guy for four sunbeds and two umbrellas. The beach is not that big so it did fill up quite quickly.
My son and his partner had forgotten their snorkelling equipment so made an enquiry of the sunbed man as to where they could get some, and duly purchased two masks from the on site shop. The sunbed man returned and enquired as to why they had no flippers and my son explained he had small feet for a man and none of them fitted him. Two minutes later the man returned with a pair to lend him. I mention this because it is an example of how friendly and helpful Bajan folk are.

The changing area and toilets were also immaculately clean and there was a lady employed to oversee the area to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
As lunchtime approached a small cafe was set up behind us with tables and chairs and hot food was available to buy. There is also a beach bar to the left as you look at the sea if you prefer to sit n have a drink n a chat.

Where we returned for a second visit, finding all the sunbeds taken we walked around the corner to the left (as you look at the sea) and ambled across the beach. There are two distinct areas with sunbeds and umbrellas attached to two hotels where you cannot sit unless you are a resident. The beaches are all public in Barbados it’s just the hotels that don’t want you to know this!
HOWEVER we discovered that between these areas there is a blank area of sand where a local team have set up who happily bring out sunbeds and umbrellas for you and supply cold drinks obviously at a cost but no more expensive than anywhere else we went to. The guys were really friendly and welcoming. In front of this area is a lovely little reef, cordoned off from jet skis etc where the snorkelling was great.

Reed’s Bay:
Ssh! It’s a secret. Not everyone has found this lovely spot yet. It’s sited next to the Thunder Bay sign, on the left, travelling north up the west coast past Holetown and heading towards Speightstown.
On our first visit we were greeted by Faye who helped us to park. ” Just block those cars in” she said “I’ll come n get you if you need to move it” and that was the introduction to this family run lovely little enclave.
Faye sorted us out with two sunbeds and an umbrella, expertly put up by another member of the family. Lunch was served hot, again by the family with a choice of Barbadian specialities, cold drinks and snacks. When we first visited back in 2022 the food was cooked in Mum’s kitchen and then brought across the road but now they have their own little on site kitchen producing typical Bajan specialities.
There is also a beach bar although we didn’t use it and just a bit beyond the bar another small business hiring out paddleboards, canoes etc.
A lovely Caribbean sandy beach with crystal clear waters, calm sea and more snorkelling opportunities,

On Tuesday you can read about my second favourite thing to do on the island and that is to EAT!
If you want any more ideas or information about the beaches on the island by all means comment and get in touch.

Making Sense of Life in Midlife

I’ve not posted anything onto my blog for nearly two months. My whole motivation has failed me, the words didn’t even accumulate in my brain much less make themselves to the page. I guess for a full time author/writer this must be what “writers’ block” feels like. It’s only now that I’m actually able to make sense of this break from my blog.

I thought I had life down to a tee and then suddenly I was thrown into a maelstrom and found myself inside a “life tornado” that was both unexpected and harder than I thought to get out of. Getting life back on track has been both demanding and at times saddening. Before 2024 I probably considered myself somewhat invincible in so much as I could normally deal with anything that life threw at me. But life sometimes has a way of stopping us in our tracks and reminding us that none of us are in fact invincible, in fact we are anything but.

Every member of my close family had emotional demands placed upon them at some point last year. New challenges to overcome, new perspectives to find and above all else greater strengths to muster in order to move on with their lives. For once in 2024 I had found myself at a loss to bounce back.
As the year drifted towards it’s fruition I couldn’t find the energy or impetus to write posts, travel planning slipped into the background and I even lost interest in Christmas which for me has always been a major part of my annual calendar. The build up of seeking out presents to suit friends and family, the dressing of the tree and house with lights and decorations, preparation for key events during this holiday season, it all just swept past me. I hate the fact that all those familiar family rituals are disappearing as my children head out into the world and make lives for themselves. Other parents in similar situations turn this into a positive and go off to other countries and climates to pursue their own plans, ideas and adventures but this just didn’t appeal. I think deep down I thought that if I railed against it enough everything would eventually become right but alas it did not.

All these different issues were still spinning around me on New Years Eve and I actually put my faith in the idea that we would wave goodbye to all of the stress, emotion and chaos that has ensued and start a new more joyous year in 2025 but no life just sent us another piece of bad news that actual night. When was this ever going to end? More disappointing news followed a couple of weeks ago and I got to a point where I just felt so lost and angry. I wanted to stand in the garden and just rail at the universe!

How do you get back on track I asked myself when the tornado just keeps spinning?

Despite lacking the motivation to pack the suitcases and head to the train station for a pre planned trip to the Caribbean to celebrate my birthday, I went through the motions. It sounds mad but at the time I just couldn’t have cared less whether I got on the train or not.

However the change of scenery and pace of life is definitely helping. I’ve had time to step off the roundabout and just breathe. I have spent some time going back over some of my personal posts that I’ve created, written and posted in particular one called “The Philosophical Me” –https://amidlifeadventure.org/2023/03/07/midlife-the-philosophical-me/
Being here has enabled me to embrace the escapism, to take time to realise just how fortunate I am to even be here in the sunshine. I’ve read intensely and actually felt the stories written upon the pages rather than just consuming the print. I’ve binge watched a favourite Netflix series, caught up on some of my subscription magazines that were just stacking up in the corner of “the den” back home and enjoyed interacting with people from all walks of life.

Life is always going to throw us curve balls, there will always be lumps and bumps in the road but these are all part of this wonderful thing called “life”. I’ve subconsciously reminded myself that sometimes its good to stop and take a break, to take yourself away from the situation that is bearing down upon you, to take time to look at the view in front of you instead of looking behind you.
None of us can change the past we can only shape our future and then when we feel refreshed we are able to continue the adventure that is life. Life is ours today but tomorrow is promised to no man so I’m finding the joy in just living and breathing and appreciating all that I have. I’m beginning to feel that when I return home it will be with renewed vitality and a clearer mind.