Barbados: St. John’s Parish Church

 

Written by Gary Wonning

Perched hill on a cliff St. John’s Parish Church is a photographer’s dream.
Overlooking the scenic east coast of Barbados, the present church was
built to replace a previous church that  was destroyed in a hurricane in
1831 , the chancel was added in 1876. The history of the church dates
back to 1660.
The church displays a classic example of Gothic architecture with it’s
stained glass windows, intricate carvings and beautiful wood working.
High on the list of things to see while in Barbados, visitors are
delightfully introduced to sculptures of Madonna and Child with the
infant St. John.

St. John’s Church Barbados

Rich in history the sanctuary of the Anglican church is adorned with an old
pipe organ and a pulpit constructed from six different types of wood.
The cemetery in  the churchyard is home to many of the original settlers
of Barbados as well as the the tomb of Ferdinand Paleogus, a descendant
of Emperor Constantine the Great. Also, on November 3rd 2010 the late
Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon David John Howard Thompson was also laid
to rest at this historic site.

Plan on spending some time at this historic  and fascinating church,
contemplating the fine architecture , stained glass windows, and the
beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean, there is much to comprehend and
photograph.

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 Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

 

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

 

For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks,and contact information: please check his website.www.journeysthrulife.com

 

Your comments appreciated

Photography for fun and profit

 

 

St. Johns U.S.V.I.

One of the most beautiful islands anywhere, St. Johns is located in the Caribbean , only four miles from St. Thomas, and only seven miles south and west of Tortola. St. Johns is an unincorporated territory of the United States and as such are non voting citizens of the U.S.

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Because there is no airport on the island , the only way to access St. John is by enjoying a beautiful boat ride from St. Thomas or one of the other adjoining islands. Getting there is not a problem, hourly ferries run from St. Thomas, and Tortola has a daily shuttle to and from the island.

As is the case with most Caribbean Islands, St. Johns was first inhabited by the Arawak Indians who later were defeated by the Caribs, a more violent Indian tribe. After the visit of Columbus, the island was controlled by the Danish government until the United States purchased the island in 1917 in order to establish a Naval Base to protect our interests in the Caribbean from the Germans. The citizens of St. Johns elect their own Governor and fifteen seat legislature thereby enjoying self rule.
First discovered by Columbus in 1493, St. Johns has become one of the most visited Caribbean islands, as over 60% of the island is within the boundaries of the Virgin Islands National Park , preserving it’s natural beauty should be  ensured for centuries to come. Home to one of the top ten beaches in the world , (Trunk Bay), St. Johns has become a play ground to the rich and famous.

A must visit , Virgin Islands National Park is located on the north side of the island and the park is famous for scuba diving , snorkeling and  many miles of hiking trails through tropical rain forests. The park draws about 750,000 visitors a year, not only is Trunk Bay a major attraction, but the park features abandoned sugar plantations, dotted along Cinnamon Bay and Bourdeaux trails which eventually  leads to the highest point on the island at 1,277 feet above sea level, the  view is  often described as “what you must see from heaven.”

Cruz Bay is the main port and from here day trips are available to enjoy  snorkeling, fishing, dining, sightseeing or one of the many activities available on the island. With many gorgeous beaches on the island the time can be whiled away just beach combing or relaxing in the sun choosing from popular touristy beaches to private secluded beaches that can only be reached by 4 wheel drive.

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The author has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.

His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.

He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.

He has published several books about his adventures.

For more information, please consult his website,www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments welcome

Bathsheba Barbados

You would have to look long and hard to find a more beautiful beach than
the one at Bathsheba Barbados. Located on the east cost of Barbados,
Bathsheba  a tiny fishing village ,is home to a small community of
fisherman and their families. Lost in an area of the world that time has
forgotten, they live their daily lives not unlike their ancestors have
lived for generations before them. Living off the land and the sea, they
are able to enjoy life to the fullest without much interruption for the
outside world.
This tiny village visited mostly by surfers and lost tourists is a welcome
interlude from the hectic lives most of us lead. Taking us back to a
time forgotten, when life was simple, Bathsheba has a way of letting us
return to that period of time for a quick remembrance of how life should
be.

Legend has it that Bathsheba, wife of King David, bathed in milk to keep her
skin beautiful and soft. In like manner , Bathsheba’s  Pools  being rich
in minerals  is said to be similar to Bathsheba’s bath , giving bathers
not only a relaxing atmosphere but  many health benefits  as well. Many
of the first visitors to Barbados came because of the fresh air,
sunshine, and a spirit of enlightenment. Our first president, George
Washington came here in the mid 1700’s in an attempt to help cure his
brother Lawrence of tuberculous.

As a result of the popularity of Bathsheba Pools, many holistic health centers have sprung up on the island.

The beach is lined with huge volcanic rocks which gives it sort of an
eerie, out of this world appearance. Walking quietly along the white
sandy beach, it is easy to realize that paradise has been found. Because
the beach faces the Atlantic Ocean, huge waves and rip currents can be
encountered in the water , making the beach a better place to walk and
wade in the shallow water. Although shallow pools are formed close to
shore which are ideal to swim in, it is best to leave the swimming in
open water to surfers and experienced swimmers.

Quiet but inviting, Barbados’s coastline is lined with  rum shops,
guest houses, and restaurants making the tiny island a favorite haunt of
not only the rich and famous, but the every day traveler as well. When
making your travel plans be sure to place Barbados on your bucket list,
not forgetting tiny Bathsheba as you do.

Now you can follow me on Kindle

Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks,and contact information: please check his website.www.commonsensejourneys.com

Your comments appreciated

This informative Ebook describes alternative methods of making money ,often a full time income in photography even if you have no desire to shoot wedding photography. this book gives examples and websites where you can use your photos to supply you with an income, not only to enable you to buy new equipment, but a living income as well.

 

St. Lucia: the Pitons

One
of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, St. Lucia has much to
offer the casual visitor. Magnificent ocean views, charming villages and
quaint country side await their pleasure.

 The most magnificent and the
signature landmark of St. Lucia are the Pitons, two  large rock volcanic
pillars that loom over the southern landscape of this beautiful island.

Located
near the town of Soufriere,the island’s first capital, the twin peaks
reach nearly a half mile into the sky. Named Gros Piton and Petit Piton
because of their corresponding size, they are a formidable part of the
island landscape even on a cloudy rainy day such as the one when I was
there. I was rather disappointed , I couldn’t get a real clear photo of
them from land as the clouds had them almost totally obliterated.


Although they appear next to each other they are nearly three miles
apart, as the edifices are quite steep ,climbing them peaks can be quite
challenging,  Gros Piton is the only one that is sanctioned as a safe
climb. If you decide to give it a go, start early in the morning as it
can be an all day endeavor.

St. Lucia Catamaran Ride

It had been a cloudy rainy day, so I was hoping the weather could clear in
time for the three hour catamaran ride back to our cruise ship the Star Princess. St. Lucia
had been having an extremely wet dry season and this day mother nature was taking out
her full vengeance  on us .

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Driving into the town of Soufriere, the first capital of , our view of the Pitons had been almost totally obstructed by low lying dense
clouds. An otherwise beautiful view turned into little more than a cloudy non view. Although I did get one photo of the Pitons, the full
magnitude of them could not be realized.We were not to be disappointed, just in time for our boat ride the weather
began to clear. The sun had been lurking behind a cloud all day but it suddenly  appeared from it’s self imposed exile and a
beautiful afternoon was soon to be realized. Leaving the harbor , It was
obvious  why this was such a beautiful island.

 St. Lucia is a volcanic island and thus has an extraordinary coast line, many rock formations dot it’s coast line creating a landscape not unlike seen in some of the Kentucky Lakes, only with the added benefit of beautiful ocean waters
and beaches.

Half way through our ride, it was time for the promised swim in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The beauty of the island was soon interrupted by two men paddling  to our catamaran in a small home made kayak. Where did these guys come from? Undaunted, they paddled up to the back of our boat and began displaying their wares on the back of the boat.  I’ve never seen that before!

Because of their humor and wit, several sales were soon realized. Seizing on a photo op, I decided to take a photo of them.One of the men proclaimed,”If you don’t buy anything, you can’t take my picture.” Realizing he had made a valid point, I made a contribution to stimulate the local economy. I see capitalism has reached this tiny island.

Soon we were on our way back to the ship, with the much promised free rum punch. Being one to never let a good opportunity go to waste, this was  a perfect time to  try the local beer, Piton, named after the famous volcanic peaks that dot the southern landscape of this tiny island country. Settling  back and relaxing in the back of the catamaran, it was a very enjoyable and recommendable ride back to our floating restaurant docked in the harbor at Castries.

You can now follow me on Kindle.

The author has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.

His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.

He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.

He has published several books about his adventures.

For more information, please consult his website,www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments welcome

St. Lucia

St. Lucia

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One of the most picturesque islands in the Caribbean, St. Lucia has a long history. Their modern day history begins in either 1492 or 1502 when the Spanish first landed on the island. Life was hard during those times, sugar cane became the main product of St. Lucia and as a result many slaves, both Carib and African slaves as well, died not only from smallpox and measles, but also due to the extreme working conditions required to produce sugar cane.

The French and British as well continued to import slaves until people from Africa outnumbered those from Europe. The island continued to be much sought after by the two European powers until the British secured it in 1814when it became part of the British Windward Islands. Due to the fact it is a volcanic island , St. Lucia is more mountainous than most other Caribbean Islands.

The Pitons, located on the islands western side between Soufriere and Choiseul form the islands most famous landmark , while Mount Gimie is the highest point on the island at 3,120 feet. The island also boasts a drive-in volcano.

With the decline in sugar production, today the islands main source of income is tourism, followed by banana production and light manufacturing. Many internet businesses also have their home base in St. Lucia. As most visitors come to the island by way of cruise ship, must of the tourism is geared towards that end. Be sure to stop by the Bounty Distillery, where some of the Caribbean’s best rum is produced. they produce 21 different flavors of rum each better than the previous one.

There are many scenic and informative tours available, both by land and sea, more than enough to make your short stay enjoyable and making you want to return for a longer visit.

The author has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.

His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.

He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.

He has published several books about his adventures.

For more information, please consult his website,www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments welcome

 

Barbados: Christ Church Parish Church

The Anglican church located in Oistins Barbados located in the southern Caribbean has a long and difficult history. The current building is actually the fourth church constructed on or near this site, the previous three having all been destroyed by natural disasters, including flood, fire and hurricanes.

 The original church was built in 1629 and was located near Dover Beach. In consequence of a  flood the church was destroyed as coffins and bones from the adjoining cemetery  were  scattered across the beach.

Moving to higher ground the second and third structures were both destroyed by hurricanes in 1780 and again in 1786. Not to be discouraged , the members again built a new church which was destroyed by fie in 1935. The present structure built mainly out of stone seems to be impregnable and should be able to withstand any disaster that may befall upon it. The church is a magnificent structure and beautifully designed.

 

 

 

 It was a last minute decision to visit this church,  the tour we had originally  planned  taking while visiting this beautiful island aboard a cruise ship was  booked. While not impressed as we entered the parking lot, it soon became a  highlight of our cruise.The interior of the church is beautiful and with the mild  breezes normally found on the island it was quite comfortable. One almost  wished that services would start soon so we could linger here a while longer.

 

 

The church is most widely known for its churchyard which contains the notorious Chase Vault, in which coffins mysteriously have moved around within the sealed vault.

 Often called the case of the moving coffins, the Chase family crypt in Barbados  was the location of an unusual haunting.  During the years of 1812 to 1820, the six  solid  lead coffins were found thrown around the sealed solid rock crypt after  people  reported hearing strange sounds coming from inside.  Each time the  crypt was 
 opened,
 the coffins were put back to their original locations and sealed again. After  conducting a test in 1819 in which the coffins were again placed in their original  positions, an additional slab that took four men to move was placed in front of the crypt.

In April of 1820, a noise was again heard from the sealed crypt,the crypt was again reopened and the coffins were again found in disarray. After this final time , the coffins were ordered removed and buried in the adjoining cemetery.

A few years ago an enterprising tourist decided to take a souvenir home with them. Upon arriving home many misfortunes befell them, finally in desperation the souvenir was returned to the crypt and the misfortunes instantly ceased.

Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks,and contact information: please check his website.www.commonsensejourneys.com

Your comments appreciated

 

This informative Ebook describes alternative methods of making money ,often a full time income in photography even if you have no desire to shoot wedding photography. this book gives examples and websites where you can use your photos to supply you with an income, not only to enable you to buy new equipment, but a living income as well

Antigua

Written by: Gary Wonning

Antigua

Named the “Gateway to the Caribbean” ,Antigua means “ancient” in Spanish and was named by Christopher Columbus in 1493. It’s history dates back several thousand years as the island was first settled by the Ciboney Indians. Having inhabited the island for several thousand years , they one day suddenly and mysteriously disappeared

After the demise of the Ciboney Indians, the Arawak’s settled here from Venezuela. The Arawaks are credited with  introducing farming to the tiny island paradise. The last group to inhabit the island were the warlike and cannibalistic Caribs , who were living here when Columbus first visited.

As is the case with many of the Caribbean Islands, agriculture played a major role in the economic well being of the island, with corn; sweet potatoes and sugar cane being the major commodities. Today, tourism is the major industry of the island. Much to the chagrin of the United states it also has become a major player in the online gaming industry. The United States has tried continuously to halt the operations, but so far the international community refuses to support America.

Nelson’s Dockyard, established in 1725 located in English Harbor has become a major attraction.Today it is the only remaining Georgian Naval  Yard. It has become a favorite with yachties and remains the site of one of the world’s top five favorite regattas.Named after Horatio Nelson,Senior Naval Officer of the Leeward Islands from 1784 to 1787 . During his tenure, he tried to enforce the Navigation Acts. These acts prohibited trade with the newly formed United States of America. Most of the merchants in Antigua depended heavily upon American commerce,
so many of them despised Lord Nelson. As a result, he was unable to get
a promotion for some time after his stint on the island.

Since the arrival of the Europeans and the establishment of slavery, the island has become home to a multitude of cultures and religions creating a lot of diversity.

An Active volcano, Montserrat  seen in the background is located on the tiny island with the same name. Seen here from Fort Shirley  high on a cliff overlooking the harbor and ocean. The volcano has been showing signs of erupting since the early 1990s.  Soufrie HIlls Volcano , previously dormant for 400 years began erupting on April 26, 1995 and thus  destroyed the capitol city of Plymouth.

Even though the volcano erupted in 1995, it has been relatively quiet since, the island remains relatively green and lush, although the residents of the island maintain a watchful eye .

When the sightseeing is complete, Antigua offers much shopping and restaurants to replenish your body. Be on the lookout for a familiar face, as Antigua has become a favorite hangout for personalities and celebrities from around the world.

Now you can follow me on Kindle.

 Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks,and contact information: please check his website.www.commonsensejourneys.com

Your comments appreciated

 

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Barbados Sunbury Plantation

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Sunbury Plantation has a long history dating back over 300 years. Matthew Chapman, an Irish immigrant settled here after leaving Ireland. The plantation was originally named Chapman’s Plantation, however following Matthew’s death it was purchased by Nathanial Branker. Nathanial renamed it Branker’s  Plantation, which it remained so named until  James Butler Harris purchased it some 60 years later.

It was thus purchased by two brothers, John Henry Barrow and George Barrow.  They greatly enlarged the plantation and renamed it  Sunbury, the  name of their home in England.  Just as the plantation has survived several hurricanes and a slave rebellion in 1816 which resulted in $4000.00 damage to the plantation, the name lives on today.

After subsequent owners, the house was bought by Mr. and Mrs. Keith Melville in 1981. Being horse lovers, they immediately started a horse drawn collection years ago, this hobby has since turned into a rather extensive collection of antiques and artifacts for years gone by. The Melville’s resided  at Sunbury until 1985, turning the house into a museum and opening it to the public in 1984.

Visiting the plantation late last year turned into a memorable experience, an exquisite job has been done maintaining the grounds and the house is in immaculate condition. On display on the ground  and upper floors, much furniture and art work exemplify what life would have been like in that bygone era..

Working our way to the basement, where much of the food supply was stored before refrigeration was available, many household appliances are to be found and enjoyed.

It is quite entertaining to view and try to figure out what some of them were used for.It can make one feel quite old, as I remember my parents had some of the same appliances in my childhood home.

As we were enjoying a shore excursion, we had been promised lunch and boy, we weren’t disappointed. After being given a glass of rum laced punch, everyone sat down to a late afternoon meal.

Starting with a Flying Fish appetizer, the main course, Dorado Fish  complete with sweet potato and salad was served. Never having had Dorado Fish, It was quite a treat, it has a taste I had never experienced any where.

Just had to have another glass of punch to top off the fine food!

Sunbury Plantation is just another fine example of this islands early achievements which greatly contributed  to the early struggle for independence of the United States. Barbados has one of the finest educational systems in the western hemisphere, may it continue to contribute as we enter a new time and era in civilization.

Interesting?Follow me on Kindle.

The author has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.

His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.

He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.

He has published several books about his adventures.

For more information, please consult his website,www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments welcome

St. Kitts:Brimstone Hill Fortress

Written by: Gary Wonning

St. Kitts: Brimstone Hill Fortress

As we approached Brimstone Hill Fortress , it was easy to discern that we were in for a treat. Looking overwhelming from the road, it was easy to comprehend why the fort had been a standard of excellence in it’s day.

Brimstone Hill Fortress National  Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on the island of St. Kitts which is in the Federation of St. Christopher(St. Kitts) and Nevis, St. Kitts sister island. Located in the Eastern Caribbean and having been designed by British engineers and built and maintained by slaves, it has become one of the best preserved forts in the Americas.

Brimstone Hill Fortress acquired it’s name because of the strong smell of sulpher that came from underwater vents nearby. Brimstone Hill is actually an extension of cooled lava left as a result of volcanic eruptions in the past. This hard rock foundation made it possible to erect such a massive structure as the fortress.

Beginning in 1690 , construction of the fortress continued for over a hundred years. Supplying defense for Fort Charles and Sandy Point , it was also a refuge fortress, supplying a needed safe house for influential citizens during times of war.

In 1782, the British soldiers numbering less than a thousand were surrounded by the French army of over ,8000 troops and were forced to surrender after a month long siege. However a year later , due to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, the fort was again in possession of the British.

The British then increased the fortifications and the “Gibraltar” of the West Indies never again fell victim to foreign invasion.As with other  fortresses in the Caribbean, after the mid 19th century, the fortress was abandoned as more lucrative projects in Africa and Asia became more desirable. As a result the fortress fell into a state of decay caused by natural and human activity.

Fortunately, in the early 1900s , civic minded individuals began the process of restoring and stabilizing the area. Much work had been done  by the time Prince Charles of Wales Bastion reopened the fort in 1973. Many important milestones were reached in the coming years.

In 1985 Queen Elizabeth presented a plaque signifying Brimstone Hill as a National Park, followed by legislation in 1987 making the designation official. It gained more significance in 1999 when it was declared a World Heritage Site.

If visiting St. Kitts, if it be for a week or only a day as a cruise passenger, put this on your “to do” list, it is well worth your time. Oh, yeah, don’t forget to try out a bottle of Shady Carob, a local lager beer spiced with  ginger. Delicious!

 Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks,and contact information: please check his website.www.commonsensejourneys.com

Your comments appreciated

This informative Ebook describes alternative methods of making money ,often a full time income in photography even if you have no desire to shoot wedding photography. this book gives examples and websites where you can use your photos to supply you with an income, not only to enable you to buy new equipment, but a living income as well.