Howzat for seeing Barbados with a Windies icon because unlike Premier League footballers cricket legends mingle.
It is, of course, a two-way street as I found out after being introduced to Brian on Foreday Morning in Barbados’s Soca Carnival.
Only to learn after I’d left him with my slurred words ‘Do you play cricket?’ ringing in his ears.
Tthat this was the great Brian Lara.
Lesson learned, and libations parked, I was on better behaviour when I came across quickie Joel Garner and all-rounder Collis King.
On the Barbados stand at the WTM travel fair in London.
And gave them both hearty handshakes although mine disappeared into Big Bird’s shovel hands.
Thang is that Windies cricketers are a different breed from those stuffy sportsmen we get on this island which gave the game the world.
But still hasn’t evolved from its elitist perspective.
Golfing with GG then the gee-gees
Gordon Greenidge, another proud son of Barbados, has seen both sides in his life.
Born in Bim but raised in the Royal County of Berkshire,where I too did my time.
All of which we’re sure he’ll be glad to chat to you about on the pristine golf courses of Barbados and in his private box at the races.
Yes, you read that right, and you have Tropical Sky to thank for this 20th Anniversary Holiday Collection offer.
You’ll spend ten nights on the island and play an intimate round of golf.
And break bread and rum with West Indies opening batsman cricket legend Gordon.
While Peter Odle, chairman of Mango Bay Group, is offering access to his private box along with gourmet hospitality to follow up GG with the geegees.
Sandy Lane is there inside my heart
You’ll also get to ride a luxury catamaran cruise.
But word to the wise slather up with lotion if you don’t want to repeat this leathered traveller’s mistake.
While you’ll also be booked in for afternoon tea at Sandy Lane.
And Sunday lunch at celebrities’ hang-out The Cliff.
And a farewell seafood feast at the waterfront restaurant Tides.
Sands of time
Guests stay at the stylish, all-inclusive The Sands Barbados on the south coast.
Where soft sands, swaying palms, non-motorised water sports and laid-back island living set the tone.
Complemented by smooth VIP service from fast-track arrival to the final farewell.
A 10-night Golfing Glory with Sir Gordon Greenidge and a Day at the Races trip is priced from £8,850pps.
Including international business-class flights, 1ten nights at The Sands Barbados.
All meals as per the itinerary, afternoon tea at Sandy Lane, 18 holes of golf and lunch with Sir Gordon Greenidge.
A luxury catamaran day with lunch, a day at the races with exclusive access to that private box.
Sunday lunch at The Cliff and dinner at The Tides Restaurant.