Barbados is a very popular destination as a winter get-away, especially for American and British travellers. It offers attractive beaches, unique natural sites, and significant historical sites and cultural activities that blend African and British heritage. Our accommodation was at a locally-run hotel located on Welches Beach, from where we took mini-buses and Z-R vans to explore the island.
 

The island has 60 beaches, with the most beautiful and calmest along the south-west Caribbean shore.
 

The North and East Atlantic coasts are rocky and rugged.

With a population of 110,000, Bridgetown is the capital and largest city in Barbados. The Careenage River provides access for small vessels.

Major points of interest include Independence Square,  National Heroes Square, the Parliament Buildings, the Nidhe Israel Synagogue and the Cathedral Church of St. Michael.
 

Bridgetown architecture reflects Barbados' British colonial history. English settlers arrived in 1685.
 

Street vendors selling produce and handicrafts are seen everywhere.

Hundreds of chattel houses are still seen throughout Barbados. These were modest wooden homes set on blocks that could be easily moved from one plantation to another.
 

George Washington House is where the future president stayed in 1751 at the age of 19 on his only trip outside of the U.S.

At its two museums and throughout the UNESCO world heritage site of old Bridgetown and the Garrison, the history of colonialism, slavery and the route to independence is chronicled.
 

The Oistens Fish Market is sleepy by day but hopping with barbeques, reggae music and vendors during the Friday night Fish Fry.
 

We continued from Bridgetown to a cruise of the Eastern Caribbean Antilles, welcomed aboard ship by a traditional steel drum band.