An early 8.20am start for the troops today, as we met for our Island jeep safari. Inevitably and in classic teenage fashion, some rocked up a bit bleary eyed having awoken only 10 minutes previously. On the way to the jeeps the boys were asked to select 2 horses out a hat for our Grand National Sweepstake….how ironic after yesterday’s florist confessions that Danny should pick out ‘Rose of the moon’ (it turned out to be an early faller!).
Our two tour guides Mervin and Charles were quick to get on the road giving a running commentary on everything from the history of Barbados, the local wildlife, the difference between mangos and breadfruit and of course the homes of the rich and famous. This was interspersed with the boys being thrown around the 4 x 4’s in some off road action across the sugar cane fields and mountain terrain. Various stops were made to allow the boys a chance to stretch their legs, have a drink and take a few pictures.
This included the world famous Bathsheba beach, picturesque for its palm tree lined shore and rolling waves. Unfortunately someone mentioned ‘free wifi’ and all attention reverted to mobile devices for an update on football scores and facetime!
Another highlight was the buffet lunch taken at a local spa resort. Parents will be pleased to know that boys took full advantage of the ample food on offer devouring the barbecue chicken, flying fish and beef stew on offer. Firsts, seconds and even thirds were readily received.
Our journey home took us past a couple of cricket matches – the sight of more pale white touring Brits taking a pounding from the locals encouraged our lads. We even stopped to watch a few balls of an under 12 game, whooping and hollering the sight of a rare boundary. Despite pleas of ‘can we play them ?’ we moved off reminding the lads that upsetting the local bowlers on view wouldn’t be too wise, as their big brothers would be out to face us tomorrow.
Back at Travellers Palms for late afternoon and evening the lads reverted to ‘chill out’ mode relaxing by the pool, playing test match cricket and doing a spot of revision.
The Grand National sweepstake was won by Elliot Tyler who luckily selected the winner Pineau De Re, whilst the team challenge was won by Woodies Warriors whose combined selections were the most successful.
On the cooking front Simon ‘stir fry’ Hulse has received rave reviews for his culinary skills, rumour has it he’s opening up a stall at Oistins next Friday. Elsewhere the lads have been braving new culinary exploits extending beyond 9p noodles to steak and fruit strudel (obviously both must have been on special offer in the supermarket!). Unfortunately, following this evenings room inspections, it appears that culinary skills don’t seem to extend to washing up and general cleanliness… apparently ‘boys will be boys’. A notable exception to this was Danny Tomlinson, who was keen to show us his ‘domesticated corner’ of the room, pointing out proudly his neatly folded pile of clean clothes alongside his organised mound of dirty washing. Similarly the boys in Cameroon’s room who were eager to show us their washing up rota on the wall…..obviously it must start tomorrow!
WALLY OF THE DAY: As a result of Danny Tomlinson's romance advice on the bus ride back from Oistins the previous evening, plus his well organised laundry "piles" he has won the coveted title of Wally of the Day.
