Family Adventure to Harrison's Cave in Barbados

A Sweet Farewell to Paradise

As our Bajan adventure draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible memories we’ve created as a family. Today was all about soaking up the last moments of island life, from the sun-kissed beaches to the vibrant culture that makes Barbados so unique. It’s hard to believe our week-long escape is already over, but the warmth of the Bajan sun and the smiles we’ve shared will stay with us long after we’ve returned to Toronto.

Our final day began with a hearty Bajan breakfast at Grandene's Bar & Bistro. I was eager to start the day with a traditional Bajan meal. The menu was filled with local favorites, and I decided to try the saltfish and ackee, a dish I hadn't had since I was a boy growing up in Speightstown. Aisha opted for the flying fish cutter, while Ethan, ever the adventurous eater, chose the conkies. The food was delicious, and the portions were generous. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of sun, sand, and shopping. As we ate, we reminisced about our favorite moments from the trip – Ethan's awe at Harrison's Cave, Aisha's joy in reconnecting with her Jamaican roots through Bajan cuisine, and the simple pleasure of spending quality time together as a family.

After breakfast, we headed to Paynes Bay Beach, known for its calm waters and beautiful scenery. The beach was bustling with activity, but we managed to find a perfect spot to set up our towels and umbrellas. Ethan was immediately drawn to the water, splashing and playing with the gentle waves. Aisha and I took turns swimming and lounging on the beach, soaking up the warm Caribbean sun. Paynes Bay is truly a gem; the soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters made it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Barbados.


Discover Paynes Bay Beach in Barbados: a serene west coast paradise with golden sands, calm turquoise waters, and unforgettable snorkeling experiences with gentle sea turtles.

I decided to try my hand at paddleboarding, something I'd always wanted to do. It took me a few tries to get the hang of it, but once I did, it was an incredible experience. Gliding across the water, I had a unique vantage point of the coastline, and the feeling of being so close to the ocean was exhilarating. Aisha and Ethan cheered me on from the shore, their laughter echoing across the bay. We spent hours swimming, sunbathing, and simply enjoying each other's company.

    

Sometimes, the most cherished memories are the simplest ones – a day at the beach, a shared meal, a moment of laughter.

    

After our beach excursion, we drove to Holetown Chattel Village, a collection of colorful shops selling local crafts and souvenirs. This was the perfect place to find some mementos of our trip and support local artisans. The Chattel Village is designed to resemble a traditional Bajan village, with brightly painted wooden houses that add to its charm. We strolled through the village, browsing the various shops and admiring the craftsmanship of the local artisans. I was particularly drawn to the wood carvings, while Aisha loved the colorful textiles and jewelry. Ethan, of course, was on the lookout for the perfect Bajan trinket to take back to his friends in Toronto.


Discover unique local crafts, souvenirs, and gourmet treats in a charming village of traditional chattel houses, offering a delightful glimpse into Barbadian history and culture.

We stopped at The Best of Barbados Gift Shop, where we found a beautiful hand-painted ceramic piece depicting a Bajan chattel house. It was the perfect reminder of our trip and a unique piece of art that we could display in our home. We also visited the Gourmet Shop, where we stocked up on local spices and sauces to bring back to Toronto. Aisha was especially excited to try her hand at recreating some of the Bajan dishes we had enjoyed during our stay. Ethan found a Ganzee T-Shirt Shop and picked up a few fun t-shirts to remember his trip.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to take a break at Cafe Bar Carizma, a charming café in the heart of the Chattel Village. We ordered some refreshing drinks and pastries, and sat outside, enjoying the lively atmosphere of the village. It was the perfect place to relax and people-watch, and we enjoyed seeing the mix of locals and tourists going about their day. The Chattel Village was bustling with activity, but it still managed to maintain a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

For our final dinner in Barbados, I wanted to make it special. I made a reservation at Positano, an Italian restaurant known for its elegant ambiance and delicious cuisine. The restaurant was beautifully decorated, with soft lighting and romantic music that created a sophisticated atmosphere. We started with some appetizers – fried calamari for me, bruschetta for Aisha, and mozzarella sticks for Ethan. For our main courses, I ordered the seafood pescatore, Aisha chose the chicken parmigiana, and Ethan, predictably, went for the spaghetti and meatballs. The food was exquisite, and the service was impeccable. It was the perfect way to end our culinary journey through Barbados.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Saint James at Positano, where culinary artistry meets breathtaking views.

As we savored our meal, we reflected on the incredible experiences we had shared during our trip. From exploring the depths of Harrison's Cave to swimming with sea turtles in the crystal-clear waters, we had created memories that would last a lifetime. I was especially grateful for the opportunity to share my Bajan heritage with Aisha and Ethan, and to show them the island that holds such a special place in my heart. Aisha, who is of Jamaican heritage, felt a deep connection to the island’s culture.

After dinner, we took a leisurely stroll along the beach, enjoying the cool evening breeze and the sound of the waves. The stars were out in full force, and the sky was a tapestry of twinkling lights. We held hands and walked in silence, each of us lost in our own thoughts, but united by the shared experience of our Bajan adventure.

As we packed our bags and prepared for our departure, I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness. Barbados had captured our hearts, and we were reluctant to leave its shores. But I also knew that we would carry the memories of our trip with us always, and that we would return to this beautiful island someday soon.

Tomorrow, we head back to Toronto, carrying with us the warmth of the Bajan sun, the taste of Bajan cuisine, and the memories of a lifetime. This trip has not only been a vacation but a journey of rediscovery and connection for our family. As we leave, I know we're taking a piece of Barbados with us, and we're leaving a piece of ourselves behind.

Before I sign off on this final blog post, I wanted to share one last thought. Traveling to Barbados with my family has been an incredibly enriching experience, allowing us to reconnect with our roots, explore new cultures, and create lasting memories. For anyone considering a family vacation, I highly recommend Barbados. It's an island that offers something for everyone, from its stunning natural beauty to its vibrant culture and warm hospitality.

Thank you, Barbados, for the memories. Until next time!

Unfortunately, our trip has come to an end, and tomorrow morning we will be heading to the airport to board our flight back to Toronto. It’s always bittersweet leaving this beautiful island, but I know we will cherish the memories we’ve made here. I’m already looking forward to our next adventure, wherever it may be.

As I reflect on our Bajan adventure, I realize how important it is to take the time to disconnect from our busy lives and reconnect with our loved ones. This trip has brought us closer as a family, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with Aisha and Ethan. Until next time, Barbados!