Barbados - St. Vincent and the Grenadines - Grenada
Days 1-4: The very name Caribbean evokes images of a dream vacation, and that's precisely why we're making our first trip to the American continent to this region. We found a special tour operator offering a fantastic island-hopping package with a hotel stay and a sailing trip. We also added Barbados to our itinerary and flew to the island via London, unfortunately requiring a change of airports. Upon arriving in Barbados , our first impression was the typical postcard image of white beaches and turquoise waters... quintessential Caribbean. The days spent on the beach were simply amazing. In between, we took a trip to the capital, Bridgetown . We arrived safely and affordably in a "local taxi" accompanied by deafening reggae music. Bridgetown is a great place to stroll around, especially the city center and the area around Carlisle Wharf .
Days 5 and 6: We head to the airport for our flight to St. Vincent . The island is small, and you can explore quite a bit on foot and simply jump into the water at beautiful spots. After a very relaxing first day, the second day promises to be all the more spectacular and dramatic... we're going to climb the La Soufrière volcano . We set off with a local guide through breathtaking scenery. However, I can't really enjoy the experience because I start having health problems within the first few kilometers. I feel nauseous, extremely weak, and completely lethargic. On top of that, there are the typical short rain showers. So, things aren't going well at all. Since the climb is very steep and strenuous, our guide recommends turning back because we're making very slow progress. Well, long story short: I drag myself up to the crater rim. It's beautiful. The descent is like a delirium; I feel like I'm going to faint at any moment. To this day, I don't know how I managed to get down. My next memory is a stop at a restaurant where I drink a lot of cola and notice that my energy is slowly returning. What a tour and ordeal.
Days 7 to 9: After sleeping in, things are already better. The lesson learned is to take plenty of energy-rich food on strenuous hikes. Today we're off to the ferry to Bequia . Upon checking in, we discover we're the only guests at the hotel and have the entire complex, the huge pool, and the beach to ourselves. In the evening, the exertions of the previous day's volcano hike catch up with my better half. She can't manage the stairs to the hotel restaurant because of her sore muscles. With the railing pulling her up and me pushing her from behind, she manages to get to the table, more or less. The classic scenario, of course, is trying to get going again after sitting down to eat for a while. Going down the stairs takes her forever because of the pain. The next day, we stroll leisurely around the island. We stumble upon a bar that will become a legendary experience. A young woman cooks us an incredibly delicious meal. We have rum and Coke. After we'd finished our third cocktail, she simply placed the rum bottle on the table, and on a terrace still under construction, we downed quite a few more rum and Cokes. The walk back to the hotel was a real challenge in our condition. We hope this wonderful bar on Bequia is still around.
Days 10 to 13: We are expected in Port Elizabeth this morning. After stowing our luggage in the dinghy, we head through the anchorage to our catamaran's berth. We are the only ones on board, along with the French owners. So, anchors aweigh, sails hoisted, and our yacht cruise through the Grenadines begins. In the afternoon, we reach the island of Mayreau . A visit to the Church of the Immaculate Conception is worthwhile. The church itself isn't the biggest highlight, but the view of the Tobago Cays and the southern Grenadines is absolutely breathtaking. After our island tour, we enjoy a swim in our idyllic anchorage, and after a few glasses of wine on deck, it's off to our bunks. The next day, we reach the five small islands of the Tobago Cays, home to Horseshoe Reef . This large coral reef is a snorkeling paradise, and we spend almost the entire day in the water. The following day, the trip continued to Union Island , where we went ashore and strolled around the island. Of course, there was also plenty of time for swimming in the bay. The last day of the sailing trip began with a touch of melancholy, as we had gotten along wonderfully with the family. Sailing past the islands of Petit St. Vincent and Petit Martinique, we reached our destination, Carriacou . We had to fight back a few tears as we said goodbye. It had been a wonderful time and a truly magical tour through the Caribbean islands. The Caribbean at its very best.
Days 14 and 15: In a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, we enjoy two days on the island of Carriacou , which belongs to Grenada. The island is known for its coral reefs and shallow, clear water. While swimming, we notice the large pelicans for the first time. When they fly towards you at such a low altitude, it gives you a slightly uneasy feeling.
Days 14 to 20: We take the ferry to Grenada . Here, we take two more excursions. On our own, we visit the capital, St. George's, with its typical colorful Caribbean houses. There's a beautiful view from Fort George . The next day, we travel across the island with an Austrian expat. We start at the beautiful Concord Falls and stop at a nutmeg factory . We then continue along the coast to the River Antoine Estate Rum Distillery ... with a tasting, of course. We make one last stop at the crater lake , Grand Etang Lake . Otherwise, the last few days are spent relaxing. What can we say in conclusion? Life in the Caribbean is a special feeling, a blend of laid-back vibes, reggae music, and breathtaking natural beauty. In other words, the Caribbean fulfills all the clichés one typically associates with this region.
