Last year I decided that I will miss Advent in Prague. and I'll go out into the heat. No frosts, no stress, just disappear for three whole weeks and not come back until Christmas Eve. I combined business with pleasure and set off for a language course in Barbados. How did I spend these three weeks?
Barbados and its wild hinterland
Barbados took me to my knees today because my Sunday trip to the hinterland started in breathtaking underground cathedrals, which are unparalleled in the Caribbean. If you're looking for a travel tip that will get you off your beach chair, this geological heart of the island it's just for you.
Harrison's Cave: The Crystal Kingdom Beneath the Surface of Barbados
The truth is that in the morning at the bus station I thought I wouldn't go anywhere because local transport works rather based on chance rather than order. But I finally got there, after 40 minutes of waiting I set off and arrived almost at Harrison's Cave. As always I had to walk the last kilometer or so. This cave is not just a hole in the ground; it is a unique system formed in coral limestone, which makes up the entire 85 % of the island's surface.
Besides, the tour itself is a real experience because you don't walk here, but rides a special electric train. The whole ride takes about an hour and takes you through the largest domes. But forget the coolness you're used to from Czech caves. It's quite cool inside here. heat and extreme humidity, so you'll sweat a lot even underground.
You'll see the classic stalactites and stalagmites here, but you'll be blown away by the clarity of the water. The limestone rock acts as a giant natural filter, giving Barbados its one of the cleanest drinking waters in the world. In the cave you will come across "„The Great Hall„", a vast space high over 15 meters, where crystallized limestone shines like diamonds.
Welchman Hall Gully: Where nature triumphed over time
Once I left the underground, I had a two-kilometer walk to the Welchman Hall Gully. This gorge is fascinating because it is actually "„collapsed cave„". Centuries ago, the ceilings collapsed here, creating a closed ecosystem that is still geologically connected to Harrison's Cave. It's one of the few places where you'll see original rainforest as it looked before the arrival of the colonizers.
Once you step inside, you'll understand why this place is called home of grapefruit. Did you know that this one The bittersweet fruit originated right here? Is it random? hybrid of orange and pomelo, first described in 1750 like "„Forbidden fruit of Barbados„"Today, instead of forbidden fruit, you will encounter Troops of green monkeys, that run around in the crowns of giant bamboo trees.
What you can't miss in the gorge:
Game Green Monkeys online. These creatures were brought here in the 17th century from West Africa and have their favorite feeding spot in the gorge.
Spices right on the tree: Along the way, you'll come across wild nutmeg, cloves, and giant bamboos that grow at a rate of up to several centimeters per day.
Flower Forest: Botanical meditation overlooking the Atlantic
From the forest I continued on foot for another two kilometers to Flower Forest Botanical Garden. In the heat and in the sun, a real experience. But there was no other way than on foot. This garden is located on the grounds of a former sugar plantation at an altitude of 225 meters. Thanks to this, it is a few degrees cooler here and the air is incredibly fresh, which is an ideal escape from the scorching sun.
Due to its location, Flower Forest offers you the best panoramic views to the „Scotland District“ and the wild east coast where the Atlantic waves crash. You walk between majestic palm trees and giant clumps of heliconias or ginger lilies that bloom all year round. It is a place where time stands still and you just soak up the scent of the exotic and the peace of the hinterland. You can stop here, sit down and just enjoy the beauty here. I miss it already.
Return to civilization and well-deserved relaxation
As soon as I walked the paths of the Flower Forest Botanical Garden, I had to walk back again. Back to the main road, where it looked like a bus or taxi might be passing. So two kilometers again in the sunshine.
I waited for a while at the old sign That City and nothing. Ten minutes and still nothing. And instead of standing here, because I probably hadn't had enough walking yet, I slowly walked from stop to stop, looking back and a taxi was waiting.
Surprisingly, the only one driving was going the opposite direction. The driver braked when he saw me there, already quite tired, and shouted out the window, "„Bridgetown?“"And I"„Yes.“"I got in straight away, drove the driver to the final stop, turned around and we drove back. A great investment of 40 crowns.
I then ended the day in the exact manner befits Barbados – by jumping into the turquoise sea on the beach to wash off the dust from the roads and just lie down in the sand and enjoy the sun and a well-deserved rest. But it was a great day.
All about Barbados in my e-book
Are you tempted by the Caribbean, but don't know where to start? In my e-book on the e-shop you will find a complete guide on how to enjoy Barbados to the fullest and without stress. It's worth it!
Order here