Monday, August 24, 2020

Barbados (bahr-BAY-dooz)

Barbados Flag


"Little England"


Why visit Barbados?
Perfect for multigenerational travelers seeking a tropical destination with a British flare to enjoy fishing villages, golf, history, horseback riding, little gardens, nightlife, polo, rolling hills of sugarcane, sailboarding, stone parishes, surfing, white sand beaches, and windsurfing.



The "Soup Bowl" in Bathsheba, Barbados. Photo Credit: Jen Porter



At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Bamboo candles, baskets, beauty products, gemstones, glass art, jewelry, leather goods, pottery, jam, rum, rum cake, soaps, sunglasses, wire sculptures, wood carvings, and woven goods.
  • Local Cuisine to Try: Bakes (fried dough). Bajan (pepper sauce). Barbecued Pig Tails (BBQ ribs). Black Cake (dessert). Conkie (snack). Cou Cou (cornmeal dish). Fried Flying Fish. Pepperpot (stew).
  • Local Drink to Try: Banks (beer). Ginger Beer (nonalcoholic) Mauby (cholesterol benefits). Rum Punch (cocktail). Sorel (blood pressure benefits).

History
  • In 1625, discovered by British Explorer.
  • In 1536, discovered by Pedro a Campos, Portuguese Explorer.
  • In 1627, English settlers arrived.
  • In 1740, Codrington College was founded.
  • In 1751, former President George Washington stayed at Crofton House with his half-brother in hopes of the tropical climate that would cure his tuberculosis. 
  • In 1970, the daily tradition of rum distribution for the British Royal Navy crew on ships ended.
  • In 1996, became an independent member of the British Commonwealth.
  • In 1999, the government changed the name of Trafalgar Square to National Heroes Square.


Photo Credit: Mika Pukkila/Pixabay 



Fun Facts
  • Historically, their primary economics was from sugarcane with expanded growth into the manufacturing and tourism industry. Also, offshore finance and information services. 
  • Sometimes, not all plans are well thought out! Moongoose (day time feeders) were bRats (late night animalism effort, to reduce cane field rats,  Mongoose were brought in.
  • The Chattel Houses were historically constructed for plantation workers to easily assemble and disassemble while moving to various plantations.
  • The island is divided into eleven parishes (regions).
  • History says, Sam Lord knowingly hung lanterns in trees to simulate port lights. Following the shipwreck, he would loot the cargo. 
  • The Sam Lord's Castle was where distinguished British royalty would stay. In 2010, both the house and the hotel burned. However, as a Heritage Site, it may not be demolished.
  • Birthplace (1936) to Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers (aka: Sir Gary or Sir Garry Sobers), former Cricket Player.
  • Birthplace (1988) of Robyn "Rihanna" Fenty, Actress & Singer.
  • Has one of the highest literacy rates in the world.
  • Centuries ago, Barbados Green Monkeys were brought from West Africa. Often seen during early morning and late afternoon.


Bathsheda Rock, Bathsheba, Barbados. Photo Credit: Pixbay



Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Annual Events: (January) Annual Flower Show, Chelsea Flower Show, Slam a Dom Extravaganza,  (February) Barbados Holetown Festival, Waterman Festival, (March) Holders Season, Sandy Lane Gold Cup, (April) Barbados Ragge Festival, Oistins Fish Festival, Reggae Festival, Vujaday Music Festival, World Surfing League - Barbados Surf Pro Men & Womens, (May) Barbados Celtic Festival, Celtic Festival, Gospel Fest, (June) FABA Fest, Sol Rally, (July) Crop Over Festival, (October) Food & Rum Festival, Jazz Excursion & Golf Tournament, (November) National Independence of Creative Arts, ProAm Cricket Festival, Reef Surf Competition, Spirit of Nation Show, Wine & Rum Festival, and (December) Run Barbados Festival.
  • Holidays: New Year's Day, Errol Barrow Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, National Heroes Day, Labour Day, Whit Monday, Emancipation Day, Kadooment Day,  Independence Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Good to Know
  • Daylight savings time not observed.
  • Embrace the British tradition of afternoon tea, cricket, and polo.
  • Experiences infrequent natural hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and hurricanes.
  • Ocean beach swimming on the east coast side is not advised considering the strong current.
  • The western coast is best for beach swimming.
  • Surfers go to Bathsheba for the "Soup Bowl" style waves.
  • You may enjoy reading, The Castle of My Skin written by George Lamming.
  • Inspire your visit by watching, The Tamarind Seed (1974). 
  • No nude beaches and topless sunbathing is illegal.
  • Avoid flashing wealth.
  • Drug use is illegal including marijuana.
  • Without prior express consent from the Barbados Government do not enter with ammunition and/or firearms.
  • Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur. 
  • Illegal to wear camouflage clothing.
  • Same sex sexual relations is punishable to life in prison.
  • Not considered a mobility friendly destination.
  • Ambulance Emergency Responders are prohibited from applying lifesaving techniques during transport.
  • Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika.
  • Traffic moves to the left side of the road.


Photo Credit: Antonio Rodriguez/Pixabay 



This international destination requires:
  • A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
  • Tourist VISA not required for visits under 6 months.

Hurricane Season is June - November, given their location slightly outside the principal hurricane zone.

  • Coolest Season: January
  • Humid & Hottest: August - September
  • Peak Season: December - April
  • Shoulder Season: June - November

Your Must-See & Do
  • Historical Sites: Sunbury Plantation House
  • Museums: Arlington House, Barbados Museum, George Washington House, Museum of Parliament & National Heros Gallery, Nidhe Israel Museum, Pavillon Court, Sir Frank Hutson Sugar Museum, Springvale Eco-Heritage Museum and Sunbury House Plantation & Museum.
  • Popular Attractions: Andromeda Gardens, Arbib Heritage & Nature Trail, Barbados Concorde Experience, Barbados Wildlife Reserve, Barclay's Park, Bathsheba, Bridgetown, Carenage, Christ Church, Folkestone Marine Park, Garrison Savannah, Harrison's Cave, Holetown, Mount Gay Rum, Mount Hillaby, Oistins, Old Synagogue, Ragged Point Lighthouse, Sam Lord's Castle, Sandy Lane, Scotland District, Speightstown, St Andrew, St James, St Michael, St Michael Cathedral, St Phillip, Queen's Park and Welchman Hall Gully.



Bridgetown, Barbados. Photo Credit: Scott S Bateman/Pixabay 




My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available



Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet TravelYour one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals


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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

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