Fun in the Caribbean sun --- Barbados! – August 2014

Crane Hotel - Barbados August 2014 
Photo taken by and property of
TriniTravelDiva a.k.a (NSL-R)

I felt the heat the moment the plane landed at Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados.  I’m (close to) home!  The plane taxied for about one or two minutes and I think, yes, I am definitely in the islands.  The plane was already at the gate.  When it was time to disembark, I realized that I would have to walk on the tarmac to get to the terminal.  I like this because not only is the warm island breeze blowing all around you, but also because it brings back many memories of travelling when I was younger.  Going to the airport always meant something special was about to happen.  I was in Barbados for a family wedding and to get some rest and relaxation.  Both accomplished beautifully.

Barbados, the most easterly of all the Caribbean islands, is filled with lots of things to do and places to see.  If you want to be in the midst of the action, then staying in the St. Lawrence gap is the best way to go.  Most restaurants, bars, nightclubs and other fun activities are all within walking distance.  If you're looking for a more laid-back relaxed time on the island, then head east where you get the lovely beaches without all the noise and bustle of restaurant row.  Unlike many of the other Caribbean islands, all of the beaches in Barbados are open to the public, there are no private beaches.  This allows Bajans to not only enjoy the natural resources of their island, but also to interact with people of many other nationalities who generally go to the islands for the beaches.

Crane Hotel - Barbados August 2014
Photo taken by and property of
TriniTravelDiva a.k.a (NSL-R)

I got the sense that the people in Barbados are very friendly but somewhat reserved.  They greet you in a most pleasant way and they have conversations with you and share a lot about their island of which they are extremely proud. But they always maintain their decorum.

Bajan culture is not unlike that of many of the other Caribbean islands, with many traditions still in tact.  British influence is still very prominent and everywhere on the island, with the names of streets, highways, hospitals, schools, etc., named after British royalty. 

Crop Over, Barbados’ carnival and a big part of Bajan culture, was celebrated when the British first landed.  Bajans look forward to celebrating Crop Over every year in early August.  It is now Barbados’ biggest festival and Bajans as well as people from all around the world go there to “play mas” and “wuk up” as they say on the island.  Some of them prefer to dress up in costumes, while others prefer to be spectators and watch from the sidelines.  Three days of masquerading lead to the Grand Kadooment, which is the last day of the carnival.  Most people want to be a part of the last day of the festivities because it is the last chance they will have to “wuk up” until the next year's carnival.  I was there during Crop Over and enjoyed being part of the festivities. 

Harrison's Cave - Barbados August 2014
Photo taken by and property of
TriniTravelDiva a.k.a (NSL-R)

Bajan food is delicious and takes me back to a time when things were not so complicated.  The food is always well-seasoned, well prepared and well served.  Although many fast food chains have found a place on the island, you can find Bajan fare anywhere on the island.  Typical Bajan fare will always consist of meat or fish, starch, beans and one certainly can't forget to add Bajan hot sauce.  I tried flying fish (in a cutter or sandwich) for the very first time and really enjoyed it.  Bajans tend to stick to what they know and so you will find the same things to eat available at most eateries.  You can always get staples such as macaroni pie, coucou and fried fish, cutters and peas and rice.  Bajans enjoy eating out and there are many places on the island to do so. 

Harrison's Cave - Barbados August 2014
Photo taken by and property of
TriniTravelDiva a.k.a (NSL-R)

The historical Harrison’s Cave is a huge attraction and the history of the cave will blow your mind!  To get to the cave, you can take an elevator which was geniously built into the side of a cliff with lush vegetation all around.  The explorers who discovered the cave had a challenging task ahead of them because of the obstacles that were in their way.  For example, they had to crawl through blinding darkness where you can’t even see your hand in front of your face and there were many watering holes throughout the caves that also posed danger. 

Although Barbados is not directly in the path of hurricanes from West Africa, the island experiences many tropical storms and torrential rains during it’s rainy season, typically August/September.  It is not unusual for a storm to brew in a matter of minutes, have a heavy downpour and last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

 Written by Screenname TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R) on 9/2/14 . All photos taken by and are property of TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)