On The Road to Barbados
/Our last stop on this amazing cruise - Barbados, the easternmost island in the Caribbean, completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean - not even touched by the Caribbean Sea!
Our excursion didn't begin until 11:30 so we decided to explore the island before departing. Imagine our surprise when we came across a synagogue in the middle of this tropical island, dating back to the 17th century, no less!
Nidhe Israel was builtin 1654. It was destroyed by a hurricane in 1831 and rebuilt. By 1929 it fell into disrepair and was sold. In 1983, it was bought back by the Jewish community and was restored to its present state.
During excavation and rebuilding of the synagogue, workers found the ruins of a natural spring water Mikvah (purification bath). It was also restored.
Nidhe Israel is now a Barbados National Trust protected building and an active synagogue!
We proceeded back to the pier to catch our tour boat. Barbados became an independent state in 1966 - it has shifted from a predominantly sugar and rum producing economy to an economy primarily built on tourism.
Our excursion took us out snorkeling over a shipwreck. The ride was relaxing, the view was outstanding and the ocean refreshing!
Back on board, the evening waters were a little rocky. Even though it was formal night, we chose to have dinner in our room, on a higher deck where the waves weren't as noticeable!
After dinner, we went back to our favorite evening game destination, the Schooner Bar for another round of music trivia - this time the Beatles!
Day's end left us with a smile - as we entered our room we were greeted in a most unusual way! Thanks to Clinton, our creative Stateroom Attendant!