Tag Archives: Arlington House

Barbados Taxi Tour, West Side of the Island

Strolling through Bridgetown, I was approached by a driver who offered me a great deal on a tour of Barbados.  His name was Gene and I spent the next couple of hours with him touring the west side of the island.  We started in Bridgetown and rode up the coast, stopping at St. James Parish Church,  passing through Holetown and Speightstown.  We eventually worked our way inland towards St. Nicholas Abbey and Cherry Tree Hill.

1 The start of our Taxi Tour, 1.27.16

The drive began on Spring Garden Highway which is known as the coastal road of Highway 1.  The coast is absolutely breathtaking with its crystal clear waters and a myriad of blue seas on the horizon.

Gene slowed down along a stretch of beach to point out the pyramid monument.   The memorial marks the location where terrorists took down a Cuban Airliner in 1976 which was traveling to Jamaica.  Unfortunately, all 73 passengers were killed.

5 Rihanna's New Condo in Sandy Lane

Our next stop was Sandy Lane, known for its upscale resorts and luxury homes.  Many celebrities and millionaires have made their homes here.  Behind a wrought iron fence and security, we caught a glimpse of Rihanna’s new $22 million dollar condo.

Gene slowed down to point out where Tiger Woods was married as well.  Sunderlin is another fashionable, extravagant housing development in Sandy Lane, Barbados.

7 St. James Parish Church, Holetown Barbados, 1.27.16

On the outskirts of Holetown is Barbados’ oldest church, St. James Parish.  Gene suggested we stop due to its historic importance to the island.  I was happy to walk into the auditorium, admiring the stained glass windows and church organ.  Outside of the church was an old cemetery, dating back to the early 1600s.

10 Speightstown Fish Market

North of St. Peter’s Parish is a little fish market in Speightstown.  Second to Bridgetown, this is one of the largest town centers on the island with several historic structures dating back to the time of slavery. Arlington House and the Bridge of Tides Mural are some of the top attractions.

12 Coral Cliff Beach Club, Barbados, 1.27.16

Our journey led us through the beautiful scenery of historic Speightstown, heading a little further north.

Gene stopped for a few moments so I could takes photos of Coral Cliff Beach Club.  One of the newer developments in the area, there are properties here that are available for sale starting at $1 million.

13 St Nicholas Abbey Plantation, 1.27.16

The scenic road began to curve inland as we passed the entrance to St. Nicholas Abbey Plantation.  This small neighborhood is located in the Irish/Scotland District.  The plantation, the Cherry Tree Hill scenic view and Morgan Lewis Windmill are a part of this lovely community.

14 View from Cherry Tree Hill, Barbados, 1.27.16

Driving further down the road towards the water, the high tide was crashing up against the rocks.  We had a beautiful view from Cherry Tree Hill and with a closer look, there was a small village not too far from the shoreline.  Nestled in the parish of St. Andrew, I was standing about 850 feet above sea level.  An avenue of mahogany trees have since replaced the cherry trees that once stood here.

16 Random Cow along Roadway, Barbados, 1.27.16

I could tell we were nearing town as cows were randomly chained along the side of the road.  Gene explained that this is a very common tradition as people do not always have property for the cows to roam in an enclosed space.  He also said that the roadside cattle benefit the city as the cows maintain the height of the grass along popular roadways.

17 Photo of the Ship and Welcome Sign, Barbados, 1.27.16

I thoroughly enjoyed my taxi tour of Barbados’ west end and thanked Gene for his hospitality.  It is not often that you have the opportunity to see a place from the perspective of one who lives there and of course, it is always wonderful to explore rather than staying on the ship.  Just another beautiful day in paradise.

Have you visited the island of Barbados?  What attractions did you see or would you recommend for future trips?  I would be so happy to read your comments below!  Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

St. James Parish Church
Church Road
Holetown, Barbados
Telephone:  246 422 4117

  • Admission Fee: No Charge, donations appreciated
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Dress appropriately for a place of worship.  At times the church may display a table with local food items for purchase.

St. Nicholas Abbey
Cherry Tree Hill
St. Peter, BB 26007
Barbados
Telephone:  246 422 5357

  • Admission Fee:  Adults: $45 BBD (US $23); Children ages 5 – 12: $20 BBD (US$10)
  • Hours:  Open Sunday through Saturday from 10AM to 4:30PM. Last ticket sold at 3:30PM. Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday and Kadooment Day.
  • Amenities:  Light refreshments at the Terrace Café, steam operated syrup factory, sugar cane grinder; hourly tours of the grounds and factory, formal gardens, Cherry Tree Hill (avenue of Mahoganies), museum, complimentary rum drink on the terrace overlooking the gully, rum tasting tour (visitors over 18), detailed brochure to go on your own and the opportunity to take a train ride of the grounds.
  • Scenic View:   Breathtaking view of the coast
  • Length of Visit:  2 – 3 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  The abbey is not air conditioned so it can become extremely hot, so wear comfortable, modest clothes for the weather.  Wear appropriate shoes for walking should you decide to explore the grounds.  You may be greeted by Simon who is one of the owners of the property who will be happy to provide you with information about the plantation as well as answer your questions. Only the first level of the home is open to visitors.

Where to Stay:

Hilton Barbados Resort
Needhams Point, St. Michael
Bridgetown, Barbados, BB11000
Telephone:  +246 426 0200

Where to Eat: 

Waterfront Cafe
The Careennage
Bridgetown, Barbados, West Indies
Telephone: 246 427 0093

Order the local beer and a flying-fish sandwich!

What to Eat: 

  • Flying Fish – the national dish of Barbados
  • Fish Cakes – salted cod or whitefish
  • Pepperpot – meat with Bajan spices and hot peppers
  • JugJug – guinea corn flour, pigeon peas, salted beef brisket, ham or other salted meats, pork or chicken, onions, and other herbs and spices
  • Pudding and Souse – steamed sweet potatoes made with onions, salt and pepper and souse is a picked pork dish
  • Roti – island burrito

What to Read:

  • Washington Black, by Esi Edugyan
  • A Caribbean Mystery, by Agatha Christie
  • Captain Blood, by Rafael Sabatini

Photo Guide for Barbados:

  • The Animal Flower Cave
  • Cherry Tree Hill
  • Silver Sands Beach
  • Almond Beach Resort
  • Speightstown
  • Rihanna Drive, Bridgetown

2 Cuban Airline Crash due to Terrorism, 1976

Monument of Plane that Crashed as a Result of Terrorism

8 Mullin's Beach, Barbados, 1.27.16

Mullins Beach

9 House for Sale in St. Peter's Parish, Barbados, 1.27.16

House for Sale in Barbados!

18 The Entrance to St. Nicholas Abbey Plantation, Barbados, 1.27.16

The entrance into St. Nicholas Abbey Plantation

19 View from Cherry Tree Hill, Barbados

Another view from Cherry Tree Hill

Arlington National Cemetery, A Tribute to US Veterans

With the approaching Memorial Day holiday in sight, what better way to honor the brave Americans who have served our country and fought to protect our freedom than to plan a visit to Arlington National Cemetery?  The Cemetery in Arlington

Located in Arlington, Virginia, across from the Potomac River, Arlington National Cemetery has been the final resting place for American War heroes since the Revolutionary War.  Spanning over 612 acres, the site is a beautiful and serene location that reminds us of the lives that were given for America’s freedom…a nation where we are provided the opportunity for “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”.

The endless rows of white headstones represent over 300,000 brave Americans who fought for the united cause of independence.  The numbers will continue to rise until we are no longer at war.  We have our military to thank for making our country what it is today, totally open to worship in the manner in which we choose and to voice our opinions for ideals for which we support.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

One of the most important events at the Arlington National Cemetery is the Changing of the Guard which takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  At every hour, on the hour, this ceremony takes place to pay due respect to all soldiers who have died during a time of American conflict.    In front of the tomb there are also graves of unknown veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam, identified by white marble slabs that are prominent among the brick foundation.

Preparing for Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Once the officer salutes the unknown soldier retiring from his post, another sentinel takes his or her position at the tomb.  The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of the weather.

At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, 1996

During my visit, there were several young children who seemed interested in the  service and began discussing the recent ceremony with the officer on duty.  I was deeply moved by their curiosity and impressed with the questions they were asking.

JFK Tomb

Among one of the most visited graves at Arlington National Cemetery is that of former President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.   At the request of his wife, Jacqueline, Kennedy was provided a final resting place on the Arlington National Cemetery grounds.  It was also her wish that an eternal flame be lit to mark his grave.  On November 25, 1963 at 3PM, the services began for her husband’s funeral.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Grave

Nearly 30 years later, in 1994, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis would be laid to rest beside her husband, her infant son, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy and their unnamed stillborn daughter.

Gravesite at Arlington Cemetary

Robert F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy’s brother is also buried in the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, next to his brother.  A presidential candidate, Robert Kennedy was assassinated in 1968 as he left the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles.  Robert’s body was brought to Arlington National Cemetery from New York City by train to his final resting place.

Arlington Cemetery Headstone

There are a number of  monuments and memorials throughout the National Cemetery that are significant.   They are a reminder of many who died during times of war, near and abroad, and for those that gave their lives in service to the United States.  For a full list of monuments, visit the Arlington Cemetery’s website. Some of the more notable memorials include the Civil War Unknowns, PanAm Flight 103, Pentagon Group Burial Marker, Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial  (shown) and the Spanish-American War Monument.

Entrance to Arlington Cemetary

While leaving the cemetery, I could hear the faint sound of military taps being played in the distance.  I paused for a moment of respect as my eyes filled with tears and feeling grateful for these American soldiers.  It is important that I never forget….never forget that freedom isn’t free, because in the end, someone has given their life so that I could live in one of the greatest countries of the world.  I should never take that for granted.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Arlington National Cemetery?  What was the most significant aspect of your visit?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading my post about Arlington National Cemetery!  Happy Travels!

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What to See and What to Do: 

Arlington National Cemetery
Address:  Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211
Phone:  877.907.8585
Hours:  Open 365 days per year
Cost:  Free, except for guided tours*

How to Get There:

  • Take the Washington DC area’s MetroRail’s Blue Line to the Arlington National Cemetery Station.
  • MetroBus stop on Memorial Avenue

*Arlington National Cemetery has partnered with Arlington Cemetery Tours, Inc. as the only provider of tour bus services within the cemetery.  $12 for adults; $6 for children; $9 for seniors and free for military personnel in uniform and disabled with valid handicap placard. (Please visit the Cemetery’s website to confirm admission fees).

The Welcome Center is located at the entrance to the cemetery and is open daily from 8AM to 7PM from April 1st to September 30th and closes at 5PM from October 1st to March 31st.  It is closed on December 25th.

You will find a number of resources at the Welcome Center as well as a bookstore.  Here you can find maps, kiosks and information services as well as restrooms and water fountains.   Extensive exhibits and displays document the history of the cemetery, from its beginnings as a gravesite in the backyard of Robert E. Lee’s home, Arlington House, to the formal designation of the land as a national cemetery.

Where to Stay:

Hilton Garden Inn Arlington/Courthouse Plaza
1333 N. Court House Road
Arlington, VA  22201
Toll Free Number:  866 538 1314

Hotels in the Arlington area can be quite expensive, so if you can stay in close proximity to the Cemetery and take the Metro, I highly suggest it!

Where to Eat:

Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill
2424 Wilson Road
Arlington, VA  22201
Phone Number:  703 528 3030 (for reservations) or use Open Table

If you visit during a warm, sunny day, this rooftop restaurant is fabulous, located in the Clarendon area of Washington DC/Arlington area. They have an outstanding weekend brunch menu!

What to Eat: 

  • Fried Eggplant at Peter Chang
  • Smoky Barbecue at Rocklands
  • Chinese Hot Pot at Mala Tang
  • Spanish plates at Ser
  • Peruvian dishes at El Pollo Rico
  • Russian and Uzbek cuisine at Rus Uz
  • Filipino food at Bistro 1521
  • Best Wine Bar is Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro
  • For sweets its Buzz Bakeshop

Photo Guide for Washington DC:

  • Arlington Cemetery
    • Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
    • Gravesites of John F. Kennedy and Jackie Onassis
  • Air Force Memorial
  • Netherlands Carillon