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was reduced to a shell of stone walls by fire and the elements, and the ruins now frame the flowers and palms. Visitors can admire beautiful views of the ocean and rolling palm-covered hills from the top of the hill behind the house.

At the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, opposite Farley Hill, visitors can walk among the animals. Shady paths thread through a mahogany forest populated by deer, agoutis, tortoises, iguanas, and a raucous collection of tropical birds. Wild green monkeys, imported from Africa by early settlers, are also often seen at dawn and dusk, and plant lovers will enjoy the park's vibrant display of orchids. The entrance fee includes a visit to nearby Grenade Hall Signal Station.

Lavishly decorated with Victorian antiques, 17th century Sunbury Plantation is one of the most popular museums on the island. The first teak and mahogany trees on the island were planted here in 1799, and many are still standing. In addition to the collection of antique furniture, some of which is crafted from mahogany, the guided tours cover all aspects of domestic life on a plantation. The estate also features a collection of horse drawn carriages. After the tour, guests can indulge in a Caribbean buffet and stroll around the pleasant gardens.

Crafted by Anthony Hunte, an avid horticulturist, Hunte's Gardens encompass ten stunning acres of tropical plants on the lush slopes of Saint Joseph Parish. Paths lead deep into a gully where terraced greenery erupts on many different levels. Palms, papyrus, orchids, and crotons are just some of the species flourishing here, and Mr. Hunte is an enthusiastic and convivial host. Green thumbs and plant lovers can relax on strategically placed benches and marvel at the gardens while classical music wafts through the air.

Crane Beach, with its beautiufl pink coral sand, was once a boat landing where cargo was unloaded and lifted by a crane perched atop the cliff. Today it's one of the most famous beaches in Barbados. Cruise ship visitors, tourists, and locals alike come here to frolic in the rolling surf, sunbathe on the soft sands, and peek at the luxury Crane Beach Hotel, the oldest hotel in Barbados. Public access to the beach requires a descent down many stairs, while the hotel has its own elevator to sand level.

The quaint village of Bathsheba is the central point for the tourist attractions on the Atlantic east coast. The Andromeda Tropical Botanic Gardens and Flower Forest are nearby. At Bathsheba Beach, also known as the Soup Bowl, large rock formations, which are remnants from an ancient coral reef carved by the surf, stand like gigantic mushrooms in the sea. This beach is great for photographs and surfing, but strong undercurrents can make swimming here dangerous

Bordered by National Heroes Square, the parliament buildings (also known as the "public buildings") are two spectacular neo-Gothic-style structures now designated as UNESCO protected properties. Both buildings were constructed of coral limestone between 1870 and 1874. The building on the east side houses the Senate and House of Assembly and features beautiful stained-glass windows depicting British monarchs. The newly refurbished west-side building with the clock tower, houses the National Heroes Gallery and Museum of Parliament where visitors can learn about the island's history from the early days of settlement to Independence. Museum entry includes a tour of the parliament buildings.

Harrison's Cave, a crystallized limestone cavern, features streams, waterfalls, cascades, and deep pools. After an educational film, visitors tour a one-and-a-half-kilometer route via electric tram with a stop to walk to a waterfall plunging to a deep pool below. Lights illuminate the impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and cascading waters. Near the cave, a visitor's center displays Arawak Indian artifacts.

St. Nicholas Abbey, with its three gables shaped like wishbones in the Jacobean style, was once the heart of a giant sugar cane plantation and a small refinery. Today it is one of only three known remaining buildings of this style in the Western Hemisphere. The pretty gardens are well kept and encompass the rustic ruins of the farm buildings and old windmill. Built in the mid-1600s to plans imported from Britain, the abbey includes a few inappropriate features for a tropical island, such as upstairs fireplaces. The tour of the ground floor explains a fine collection of furniture, many made from mahogany and cane. A few of the pieces have been in the house since 1810. At the end of the tour, the owners share a family holiday film from the 1930s showing the sea voyage to Barbados from England, and life on the former plantation.

10/10/17

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