Sunday, April 12, 2026
Today is an early start to catch the ‘bathing the horses” a 50 year-old ritual of bringing the thoroughbreds down from the racetrack for an early morning swim and bath. Supposedly it started with the local horses from the army garrison, which is now a full-fledged horse track with regular races. This bath and swim event has now become quite the tourist attraction to come watch as we were joined by over 30 people who also thought getting up at 5:30 am on your vacation was a good idea.
Since we couldnt convince Mike (possible driver) or Jay (prefers the evening hour actvities) to join us, we were left to our own devices. This meant figuring out public transportation. Surprisingly simple – get to a main road, look like you need a bus and magically an umarked van honks and stops for you. You feel better when you hop in that it is full of people who look like they are on a bus too. One fun part is that even though the bus does take a predefined route, there is a competition for riders so the bus drivers will gladly pass another unmarked bus/minivan to grab the next batch before someone else does. It helps make for a speedy ride.
The horse bathing/swimming is exactly what it sounds like and was still magical. To see these beautiful horses go willingly (well, mostly) to the water and do some laps as their handler is holding them while at the same time the the sun is just starting to provide the morning glow … well, it was pretty special.
We take the long way back and stop at the George Washington cafe, so named because the sugar plantation house next door (with the same name) is where in 1751, our then future president, lived for a few months with his half brother, Lawrence, who was trying to recover from tuberculosis. While visitng, 19-year-old George contracted small pox, and survived, which gave him important lifetime immunity, especially during the Revolutionary War.
We walk around the race track and see it is open to the public as well, when not racing. There are few runners in the inside paved track, a cricket/soccer field, and evena basketball court. We walk to the Monument for Independence and learn more facts about this island nation – they had their first legislature in 1650, broke away from Britain 60 years and has been a fairly stable democracy since, breaking from the British Monarch completely just five years ago. They are very proud of their female prime ministers and singer Rihanna.
Even the person we met sweeping up the stands at the race track stops and tells us to make sure to visit the history museum and military monuments nearby. She invites us to learn about her country and stay for a while.
We make it back the same way (still one of the easiest bus experiences ever) and head to brunch at ‘Mimosas.’ Jay and I decide to make sure their namesake drink is OK. passion mimosas arr pretyu good. We spend the afternoon snorkeling and having a fancy dinner experience.
Tomorrow is our last day in country and we plan a walking history tour and then probably a beach afternoon. A good way to break away from the normal routine.
Siri and David Adventures 