The "A Memorable Day 7" Story

It was an ordinary day. Tuesday, day 7 of our vacation on the island of Barbados. A driving day for me. Traveling with me today is my wife Carol and friends Jerry and Just Sue. Driving in Barbados is on the left side of the road. Our car had the steering wheel on the right side and you had to shift with your left hand. Lucky for me it was an automatic. I struggled most with the turn signal and wiper controls which were opposite of what I was used to. More than once I would go to signal a turn and turn the wipers on. Good for a laugh, though. On Barbados there are very few stoplights and stop signs. Many round-a-bouts. I really like them since they keep the traffic flowing. Our trip today will take us to "The Earthworks" which is in St. Thomas Parish, in the middle-left of the island. We traveled to "The Earthworks" on our last trip to Barbados, and the four of us remembered so many landmarks that we had very little trouble finding it. Plus, Carol, my navigator, did a great job keeping me on the left side of the road. "The Earthworks" is a pottery factory and is listed in most brochures as "No Ordinary Pottery." Actually, it is part of a small shopping complex which features the pottery factory, a restaurant, a gift shop and HP Batik Studio. We stop first at the pottery factory where all the pieces are either hand-turned on a wheel or slip-cast. We are allowed to walk ANYWHERE we want throughout the place. Walked back to observe the two huge kilns where they fire all the pieces. Walked into the mold room to see them opening molds and placing the pieces on shelves for the next procedure. So different than the USA where you would never be allowed close to the workers and machinery as you are on a Caribbean island. We ventured into their store where they sell all that they make. Just had to buy a few pieces, some to match the plates we purchased in 2008. After a quick stop at the store in the complex we headed over to the Batik Studio. It is run by Henderson Reece who designs all the batik pieces on display. Almost all of his artwork is done on fabric. Henderson has become a good "Facebook Friend" since we last visited three years ago. He helped with the planning of our trip this time, suggesting a car rental and a few places to visit. We purchased one of his batiks on our previous trip and wanted to purchase another. His birthday was the day after our visit so we brought him something from the "Pennsylvania Dutch Country" for a gift; peanut brittle and shoo-fly cake. Received a warm welcome and had a great talk about his life on the island and some stories about his family. After picking out our new batik, we headed to the restaurant overhead for lunch. After lunch we headed toward the West coast to search for other adventures. Our day 7 was a huge success that will supply us with many warm, make that hot, memories. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - a few photos follow to illustrate our day 7.

Preparing for our day #7.

The parking lot of the "Earthworks". We knew we were in for something special.

Stairs leading to the "Earthworks"

Interior of the factory.

Young woman decorating a slip-cast bowl.

Clay pots that have been hand-thrown on the potter's wheel. Don't k ow how they make them match so perfect

Pieces that are ready for the customer.

Entrance to the "Earthworks" Store.

This building houses a restaurant and store on the top and Henderson Reece's Batik Studio and Gallery on the bottom.

Our new batik!

Lunch at "The Art House Cafe."