The Boatyard, Barbados

A beautiful location and set up.  One price includes all the chairs, beach activities and a snorkeling trip.  It is quite lucky it is paradise and a good deal as the service, like always, was awful.  I had to take deep breathes to not lose it as my server rolled her eyes at me after I had a question about water.  Same every time I go.  They get me though as still great for kids.  I think they are just so use to one day visitors and therefore do not put a lot of effort in.  But the rudeness I cannot bear.  Anyways, despite that, we had a great day and Sebastian loved it.  I should add that the staff on the boat were fabulous.

Finished the evening with Natalie babysitting and us enjoying dinner West with Janine and her fiance Adam. 

Haymans Plantation and Amy/John

Tuesday we got up early and piled in the car for a Natalie adventure day.  I was unsure how Sebastian would react having to spend a day with adults in a car.  BUT Natalie made a scavenger hunt to do alone the way.  It was great and made all the difference, how many out of city bus stops, monkies, pink cars, fire trucks and many more items.  It kept him entertained for the hour North to the new (for me) Haymans Plantation.  Haymans plantation is so nice.  It is full of restaurants, shops, play areas, bars, restaurants, views, it is just beautiful.  Sebastian had a great time in the play areas and then we headed to Speightstown and the beach.  The beach was beautiful and Sebastian enjoyed playing with Natalie making a sand castle.  We got home in the late afternoon and made a quick turn around to have Amy, John and Natalie over for dinner.  I love them and it was a fabulous end to the day.

Andrew's house Warming

We started Sunday with a walk on the boardwalk.  Sebastian kicked and screamed about going and then had a wonderful time.   It is always such a nice walk or run, the lovely sea breeze and views.  Then we headed down into the deep cloud forest of Barbados in St. Joseph.  It is stunning there, reminding us a lot of Mindo in Ecuador.  My cousin's son, Andrew and his girlfriend have moved into a beautiful home there.  He had a hose warming/World Cup final/birthday party all combined into one.  I love love his house and it was a great party.  It was also a great way for us to see the family.

And well done Spain!  I was so thrilled that Argentina did not win!

England Third Place

I was not sure we would watch the game yesterday.  I was feeling fed up with football and Sebastian was only now recovered from Wednesday's loss.  And possibly deep down I thought France would win.   But when I saw the score was 2-0 for England I thought we should go watch and hopefully restore Sebastian's faith in the England team.  I am so happy we went, he loved it.  I loved it, what a great game.  No disallowed goals, no VAR calls, and loads of goals.  It was a rollercoaster but England pulled it off and Sebastian and well all of us were thrilled. Bring on 2030!

Blakey's, Beach, England Not Getting Top Place

We spent our first couple nights watching the semi-finals at Blakey's Beach Bar at night and the days on the beach.   Blakey's feels like home, my great friends still own and run it and they are just the most special people.  During the first few days we have spent time at the beach before heading to see the football.  It was a sad evening Wednesday when England got knocked out of the chance to win (can still get third).  But as were at Blakey's we comforted ourselves by having an evening on the dance floor.  Now we are all in for Spain!  Yesterday we went to have lunch with Granny Andy at The Yacht Club.  it was such a beautiful day.

Ecuador to Barbados

The day after Sebastian's birthday it was time to start saying goodbyes as our trip neared to an end.  Early Monday morning and we started journey to part 2 of the summer.  It was a tearful goodbye as we had a lovely time with the Ecuadorian family.  But also I was excited to return to Barbados after two years.  We landed early afternoon on Monday and it has been all about family and of course football since the moment we arrived.  

And we are off!

                                         

Then to my favourite bar and restaurant (Blakey's) with my favourite people, to see Spain in.

And then we crashed Granny Andy's grand kid dinner.  A great night!