A journey to me leads to a place where there is some surprise. Because that is how life is - full of surprises

 Early June

What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do – especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.  


My first 3 nights are secured and I am very happy with my choice of Gibbs Bay Inn. You may ask....why are you going leave it  for another place? Good question...the answer is...after 3 days and nights snorkeling, maybe diving, and of some peace and quiet....I will be ready to have some other kinds of fun, and would have gotten my bearings. Want to go sightseeing, shop, art galleries, experience other beaches, go to those caves I have read about, explore other parts of the Island eat new foods, and kick up some fun at night too. Now that my travel companions have bailed...I want to be able to join Sue and her crew for some of these activities . So where do I stay?

As I was looking for another accommodation Sue sent out a list of hotels that she had an  arrangement with for those traveling through her to choose from. One of them was the Hilton Barbados. Yeah, OK I hear you ...a Hilton?? Too expensive and too little Barbados. Must interject that I like Hilton's, stay at them  frequently and agree that the photos of the one in Barbados could be a Hilton anywhere. They are a brand and its easy to know what you are going to get as a room when you check in. They are mostly the same....anywhere....that is part of the charm and part of the lack of charm in a chain hotel. This Hilton is close to Bridgetown, the Capital of Barbados. It has many shops and galleries, as well as being a port. Walkable.
Oh yes don't know if I said this before, really don't want to spend my days(or nights) driving. Will rent for a day or 2 if I have to, but really want to rely on my feet, bus, or taxi for transportation.

It is also the most expensive one on Sue's list. Now as adventurous as I have claimed to be in previous posts, I am aware of the fact that as a woman traveling alone there are certain issues that have to be addressed. Safety being one of them, comfort in just being by myself at restaurants another,  just walking around the town, and the ability to have random conversation with fellow travelers without raising eyebrows. I check out the other sites on her list, to be honest, only one other seemed OK for me, and it was the second most expensive. All of the hotels would have been checked out by Sue...it was my needs and wants that were the issue. If only I had a roommate this would have been so much easier.


 During the time I was was going through my Summer clothes to see what I needed to get for the warm weather both in NY and Barbados. In one of my drawers....all the way in the back of the draw....almost hidden....I found a large red envelope. It looked kind of familiar, but what? Inside... nicely printed out was a very generous gift certificate for travel that I had received seven years ago. It had been totally forgotten.  Surprise! Was it still good? According to the date....yes...Hey! Now this could be great!!

It was from a specific brand name travel agency...Were they still in business? Yes! Made a phone call...first office said no they no longer would accept the certificate...grrrr....OK..another call to one across town, "Sure come in and bring it with you". and so I did. Yes it was good,  and yes  could use it for Barbados, but not for every or any hotel. But.....it was good at The Hilton! So...a reservation was made for 5 nights at the Hilton Barbados. The travel agency even got me a really good rate. Almost like Divine intervention a second time in the planning of my journey.

First plane ticket price drops, now this....

Have no complaint about this gift! The Sun setting on the water will be a lovely view for me to enjoy.

Now I am all set for 8 nights.....The Hilton is still too expensive for me to stay for the rest of my trip.....So...Now what do I do? Still feeling like Goldie Locks....Have too hard(Hilton) Just right( Gibbs Bay Inn) am I headed for too soft? Wonder what will the next phase of the planning of this journey? Wonder of the vacation itself will be as interesting and fun?