The Pride of Barbados

Pride of Barbados

The National Flower of Barbados is the Pride of Barbados (Dwarf Poinciana or Flower Fence).

The Pride of Barbados blooms all year round, the more common varieties are a fiery red and yellow "sunset colour" although other variations can be found.

The National Flower is accepted as the red variety with the Yellow Margin on the petals. It appears on the Barbados Coat of Arms. Other varieties are yellow or orange/pink.

References to this flower were recorded as early as 1657. It is a shrub and is often pruned into a low hedge. If untrimmed it grows to a height of 10 to 15 feet. It is a member of the Legume family and can be found in other tropical countries.

The flower has five petals with a yellow margin in a pyramidal inflorescence. Each flower is about 1½ inches across with five sepals. The ten stamens are long and the pistils project from the centre of the flower. The fifth petal is far smaller than the other four. The stamens have coloured filaments with anthers at the tips however, the eleventh filament bears a stigma and is the style.

The branches a prickly and the leaves are large and doubly compound about one foot long and six inches wide with many small leaflets.

History of Dame Nita Barrow

Dame Nita Barrow, (born Nov. 15, 1916, St. Lucy, Barbados—died Dec. 19, 1995, Bridgetown, Barbados), Barbadian public health official and diplomat who , capped a long and distinguished career with her appointment in 1990 as the first woman governor-general of Barbados.She was also the sister of Errol Barrow, first Prime Minister of Barbados. 

Life and career

Ruth Nita Barrow was born in Barbados, the second of her parents' five children.She trained as a nurse, midwife and health care administrator, holding a variety of nursing, public health and public administration jobs in Barbados and Jamaica in the 1940s/1950s.

She was a member of the Commonwealth Group of Eminent Persons that visited South Africa in 1986. During that mission she successfully thwarted South Africa's military restrictions, through entering the restricted area of Alexandra township disguised in African garb and head-dress.

In 1980 Barrow was conferred the highest honour in Barbados; she was made a Dame of St. Andrew (DA) of the Order of Barbados. She was also awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Nursing.

Legacy

The Errol & Nita Barrow Educational Trust raises funds and make financial awards to enable Barbadians and Commonwealth Caribbean citizens to pursue a course of study that will further the development of Barbados and the Caribbean.

Thanks to my knowledge and also Wikipedia about Dame Nita Barrow.

How to make Macaroni Pie Bajan Style

INGREDIENTS

1 lb macaroni
1 green sweet pepper, chopped
2 tbsp paprika
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 onion, chopped
2 tbsp French's Mustard
fresh parsley, chopped

16 oz grated Cheddar cheese

2 tbsp Bajan seasoning 

A good Bajan seasoning, if not available locally, can be made with the following ingredients:

black pepper
garlic
onion
clove
thyme
green onions
parsley
hot pepper
paprika

Chop and finely mash ingredients letting all the juices mix together. Use a fork to mash the seasoning. You've got a good Bajan seasoning!

Preparing the Pie:

Cook and drain macaroni (do not overcook). Transfer to a large bowl, and add in remaining ingredients (including 3/4 cheese). Mix everything together with a spoon. Place macaroni into a pyrex dish using the 1/4 grated cheese on top as a crust.Place in oven at 350°F degrees. Pie is finished when the top cheese starts to look slightly brown. Now, this is tasty macaroni pie, enjoy!!
Note: No need to add eggs unless you want a stiff pie or high cholesterol!
Bajan style cooking it right!

Thanks to Cooks.com for this wonderful recipe.

Crop Over Festival

Our Festival History

The Crop Over summer festival is Barbados' most popular and colorful festival. Its origins can be traced back to the 1780's, a time when Barbados was the world's largest producer of sugar.

At the end of the sugar season, there was always a huge celebration to mark the culmination of another successful sugar cane harvest - the Crop Over celebration.

As the sugar industry in Barbados declined, so too did the Crop Over festival and in the 1940's the festival was terminated completely. However, the festival was revived in 1974 and other elements of Barbadian culture were infused to create the extravaganza that exists today ..... an event that attracts thousands of people from across the globe.

Crop Over's Events & Activities

The festival begins with the Opening Gala and Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes and the crowning of the King and Queen of the Festival - the most productive male and female cane cutters of the season.

Bridgetown Market consists of many stalls selling food and beverages as well as local arts and crafts. Enjoy the calypso and soca music and the live entertainment as you browse through the stalls.

Cohobblopot is a huge carnival-like show with members of the Kadooment bands displaying their elaborate and stunning costumes. There is also a huge entertainment package with the most popular calypsonians and bands performing to packed audiences.

The children are not left out as they can participate in the Kiddies Kadooment, donning beautiful costumes and joining their friends in a band to parade before the judges of the competition.

Folk concerts and art & photographic exhibitions are integral parts of the festival, highlighting Barbadian history and culture as well as the artistic talents of Bajans.

Calypso is one of the main features of the Crop Over festival. The calypsonians are organised into "tents" and these tents are sponsored by Barbados businesses. Calypsonians compete for several prizes and titles, including Party Monarch, Sweet Soca Monarch, Road March Monarch and Pic-O-De-Crop Monarch. The Party Monarch and more recently the Sweet Soca competition are among the festival's most popular events! The final of the Pic-O-De-Crop competition is held at Kensington Oval, and this is followed by the Fore-Day Morning Jump-Up!

The finale of the festival is the Grand Kadooment! This carnival parade features large bands with members dressed in elaborate costumes to depict various themes. Designers compete for the coveted Designer of the Year prize while the revelers seem more intent on having a good time! The revelers make their way to Spring Garden accompanied by the pulsating rythym of calypso music. When they reach Spring Garden, the party continues with more fantastic music, lots of food and drink and, for some, a quick swim at the nearby beach. A grand end to a grand festival.

Thanks to Barbados.org for this wonderful information.

Barbados Traditions

Historical Context 

Barbados traditions are drawn from the West African and British cultures that shaped the island. The majority of the population is of African origin however the island was a colony of the British Empire for over 300 years so the English influence is very strong.

The Tuk Band

The tuk band is a collection of usually brightly attired musicians playing a bass drum, kettle drum and penny-whistle. The tuk band's infectious rhythm is a call to get up and dance, or at least tap your feet! The tuk band is generally accompanied by costumed figures such as the "Shaggy Bear", "Mother Sally" and "Green Monkey", and by the very talented stiltmen.

The songs of the tuk band are a blend of African music, with its heavy drum influence, and British folk music.

Tuk bands perform at all major Barbados festivals, including the Holetown Festival, Crop Over and the Oistins Fish Festival.

Landship
The Barbados Landship is a truly unique part of our culture, whose origin can be traced back to the 1800's. The best way to describe the landship is as a "theatrical group" which performs intricate dances that reflect the passage of ships through rough seas and the activities that take place on board. Some of the most popular dances are ribbon dances around a maypole.

The performers wear costumes that are similar to those worn in the Navy. Although the organization was based on the structure of the British Navy, its dances are performed to an African rhythm, often accompanied by a tuk band, once again reflecting the merged cultures of Barbados.

Sports and Games
Barbados has a strong cricketing tradition dating back to the 1800's when the game was played by British soldiers stationed on the island and by the plantation owners and members of the aristocracy. Barbados has produced some of the world's finest cricketers including Sir Garfield Sobers, the 3 Ws (Worrell, Walcott and Weekes) and the legendary opening pair Greenidge and Haynes. International matches are held regularly at Kensington Oval.

Dominoes is incredibly popular in Barbados! In rum shops and fishing villages you'll often hear the sound of people "slamming a dom" while discussing the days events and local politics.

Although not widely played, Warri (Oware) is gaining in popularity in Barbados. The game originated in West Africa and is similar in strategy to backgammon. It was introduced into Barbados in the 17th century by slaves on the sugar plantations.

Kite flying and pitching marbles are popular childhood pastimes.

Island Festivals
Like any culture, annual festivals are deeply important to Barbadians. Each has its own historical and cultural significance and is eagerly awaited. Crop Over reflects the history of the sugar industry, a protest against injustice and the ultimate liberation of an enslaved people. The Holetown Festival commemorates the arrival of the first British settlers. The Oistins Fish Festival pays tribute to those who work in the fishing industry.

Traditional Foods

Cou-cou and flying fish is the national dish of Barbados. Cou-cou, similar to polenta or grits but more creamy, is made from corn meal and okras. It is traditionally served with steamed flying fish in a tomato-based sauce but may also be served with salt fish, red herring or stew.

Another popular dish, especially for Saturday lunch, is "pudding and souse". Pudding is steamed sweet potato. Souse is pickled pork. Souse was traditionally made from the scrap parts of the pig (ears, trotters, tongue, etc) but today is often made from lean pork meat. Pudding and souse is usually served with pickled sweet potato or pickled breadfruit. The pickle is comprised of lime, cucumber, onion and hot peppers.

Other favourites are macaroni pie, fish cakes and cutter of all sorts!

Bajans also love a fish fry. The most popular is the Oistins Fish Fry but many are held across the island, usually on a Friday night and on the weekends. Delicious, freshly caught fish is served fried or grilled with sides such as macaroni pie, grilled potatoes, coleslaw and plantain.

For a sweet refreshing treat a snow-cone is must have!

Thanks to Barbados.org and also my young knowledge for this information.

Irving Burgie Achievements

Irving Burgie is the songwriter who put Bajan music on the map. Better known under his stage name of 'Lord Burgess', his songs have sold over 100 million records around the world. He is half American and half Barbadian and was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1926.

Burgie grew up in pre-war Brooklyn, New York surrounded by the black struggle leading up to the civil rights movement in the 1940s. Despite an American environment, his Barbadian mother exposed Irving to Bajan culture, including Calypso music which would pave the way for Burgie's life.

Burige served in the US Army in an all-black battalion in the China-Burma-India Theatre in World War II where he developed a keen interest in studying music.

When he left he followed his calling and studied music at the famous Julliard School of Music; the University of Arizona; and the University of Southern California. Having learnt the theory, Burgie put it into practice and worked hard at building up his musical career through writing, singing and performing.

Burgie's first mega hit happened in the 1950s when he wrote eight of the songs on the Harry Belafonte album - Calypso, including the world renowned song "Day O, The Banana Boat Song" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMigXnXMhQ4.

This album put Barbadian music on the world map as the album became the first ever to sell over one million copies in the US. It stayed at the top of the Billboard charts for a sensational 36 weeks, and remained on the chart itself for more than a year.

His song "Day-O" has been used for multiple purposes by film makers and television producers alike including the hit film Beetlejuice and the "We Are The World" video.

However, perhaps at the pinnacle of "Day-O"'s meteoric success was when the song used as the wake-up call for the astronauts on the Space Shuttle Atlantis, whilst they circled the globe in outer space in 1997!

Burgie continued to write music for many famous groups including the Kingston Trio (The Siene, El-Matador and The Wanderer).

In 1966 Burgie was asked to write lyrics for the national anthem of Barbados, which are used in the national anthem today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfVG_NLrfC0

In 1989, Burgie received an Honourary Doctor of Letters degree from the University of the West Indies.

Today, Burgie sponsors the Irving Burgie Award for Excellence in Literary and/or Creative Arts for high school students, a scholarship which he founded in 1980. 

Thanks to Totally Barbados for this information about Irving Burgie.

Sir Garfield Sobers the Cricket Legend

Sir Garfield St. Auburn Sobers

For a small island, Barbados has exceeded all expectations by producing some of the world's biggest cricketing legends. No matter which country you visit, if you ask a cricket player what Sir Garfield Sobers is famous for, there can only be one answer - cricket.

Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers was born on 28 July, 1936 in a suburb of Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados. The fifth of six children, Sobers immediately made an impact on the world by being born with six fingers on each hand. Little did anyone realise at the time that such an extraordinary beginning would lead to such an extraordinary future.

Rising from the back streets of Barbados, Sobers soon proved himself to be an accomplished athelete, excelling at golf, soccer and basketball. But it was cricket that caught Sobers eye, and at the age of 16, he made his first class debut. Demonstrating his incredible bowling skill it took only one more year before Sobers appeared in his first Test match for the West Indies; at the remarkable age of just 17.

Sobers quickly established himself as one of the finest left-handed bowlers that the West Indies had seen; but it was four years later that Sobers unleashed his best form yet.

In 1958, at the tender age of 21, Sobers smashed a massive 365 not out against Pakistan claiming the record for the highest maiden Test century of all time, which he still holds today; and the record for the highest individual score in a test match; a record that would stand for 36 years until beaten by a fellow West Indian, Brian Lara, who hit 375 against England.

Sobers' batting achievement suddenly made the world sit up and listen - this was not just your average left-handed bowler!

In all Test matches between 1953 and 1974 Sobers amassed a mammoth 8,032 runs with an average 57.78.

And as if that wasn't enough, his bowling accomplishments of 235 Test wickets at 34.03 runs each are a fantastic acheivement; made even more remarkable as he was able to achieve these wickets by bowling left-arm orthodox, left-arm fast-medium, and with a punishing chinaman - most bowlers are lucky if they are good at one of these styles! And when Sobers was having a rest from bowling he is widely regarded as the finest fielder when it comes to close-catching.

Then there is the small matter of Sobers being the first cricketer in the history of cricket to achieve maximum runs off one over - hitting six sixes off six balls! His place in the history books was thankfully captured by the television cameras, and thanks to the wonder of the internet, we can all relive his remarkable achievement here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8dLac__KKk

Sobers retired from cricket in 1974, widely recognised as the finest all-rounder cricket player ever; a title that everyone still acknowledges today.

In the following year, in recognition of his services to cricket, Queen Elizabeth II made him a knight of the realm; and breaking with tradition, instead of performing the ceremony at Buckingham Palace she flew to Barbados and knighted Sobers at the Garrison Savannah.

Tributes to Sobers have continued since and in 1992 a new sporting facility, the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, was opened in Barbados.

In 1998, for services to cricket across the West Indies, Sobers was given the honour of the Order of the Caribbean Community in 1998.

Finally, in 1999, the Prime Minister of Barbados named Sobers as one of the ten national heroes of Barbados and granted the island a national holiday in recognition of their respective achievements.

Thanks to Totally Barbados for this information about Sir Garfield Sobers.

How to do Fish Cakes Bajan Style

Fish cakes are a traditional Barbados breakfast dish. They may be eaten on their own or served with delicious sweet bakes. For those on the go , the preferred way of enjoying fish cakes is sandwiched in a "salt bread", this is known as a "bread and two".

Fish cakes are also a favourite appetizer at restaurants and finger food at cocktail parties.

Recipe

• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• 1 small hot pepper, finely diced
• chopped parsley, thyme and marjoram
• 1 lb boneless, skinless salt cod
• 1 cup water

To prepare the salted cod, boil in 6 cups of water for 4 minutes. Throw off the water and boil a second time for 3 minutes. Flake the fish with a fork.

In a bowl, combine the flaked fish with the other ingredients. Stir until a thick batter forms. You can add more water or more flour to get the desired consistency.

Drop the batter by teaspoonful into oil over medium heat, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to turn the heat down to medium-low if the fish cakes are burning before being fully cooked.

Drain on paper towels. Fish cakes are best eaten hot!

Fish cakes are even more delicious when dipped in traditional Barbados pepper sauce or Marie Rose sauce made by combining mayonnaise, ketchup and pepper sauce.

Thanks to Barbados.Org for this delicious recipe on how to make Fishcakes Bajan Style.

SS Stavronikita | Barbados' Premier Dive Site

It is a strange history for a ship to have spent half of its life on the water and half under it. But that is the story of the SS Stavronikita, Barbados' premier dive site. The Stav, as she is called by those in the know, is quite unexpected in many ways. Despite being a valuable 365-foot freighter only 20 years old, she was sunk deliberately and took only 13 minutes to go down. In 1976 the Stav was carrying a cargo of cement to Barbados when a fire overwhelmed her and she was towed to port where she stayed for 2 years, before being purchased by Barbados to be used as a dive site. But, it is no mean feat sinking a 4,000 ton ship, so explosives experts were brought in from Puerto Rico. It is possible to see the explosion holes where the hull is peeled back like an opened gift. Two hundred pounds of explosives were used, so it is surprising to see her still intact, sitting upright and showing no signs of disintegrating. As with the Pamir, she has been cleared of all fittings likely to trap divers, and the spaces we pass through are clear and open. However, as befits the dignity of a large ship, she has to be dived with caution. She is deep and large enough to get lost inside but that, of course, is the thrill of diving her. Our dive group is split into two: those who will go down to the propeller at 140 feet and penetrate the wreck there (3-tank rating), and those who will dive through the upper deck cabins, maximum depth 100 feet (2-tank rating). This plan enables divers of different experience levels to enjoy the wreck. A spare tank and regulator is suspended at 20 feet in case anyone is short of air for a safety stop.
Dive Profile Click on image for larger map Thanks to Mike Seale at Exploresub for the drawing of the Stav.

The descent down the buoy line takes us to the top of the forward mast at 20 feet. From there we drop quickly down onto the top deck, at 80 feet, passing through a passageway and out toward the aft deck. We tip over the port rail and down to the huge propeller. You can dive underneath the propeller, taking you to a maximum of 140 feet. Our route down is determined by the current flowing across the wreck, the route being designed to keep the party together. It is a couple of minutes longer than a direct drop to the propeller, possible when there is no current. The direct route allows for more bottom time, so our passage through and up the inside of the wreck is accelerated.

The visibility is poor during our dive, perhaps only 30 feet; again, this is not the norm. The main superstructure is hardly visible during the descent via the forward mast, but it looms out of the murk, making an impressive sight. In normal visibility, it is possible to see most of the ship.

We pass to the starboard side of the propeller and enter one of the explosion holes just in front. The prop shaft is clearly visible as we swim inside the ship and up through a series of compartments to enter the cabins. There are numerous cabins linked by a network of corridors. It is possible to go into the engine room but a light is needed. The route we take is dark at times, but never completely black. Escape routes out of the hull are frequently visible.

Our route takes us through the cargo hold and finally up to the bow. In the darker sections of the interior there is no marine growth, but deepwater sea fans make a frilly curtain around many of the entry areas. The dark recesses are tailor-made accommodation for a variety of squirrel fish and black bar soldierfish.

Once out on the deck, sponges occur, some seeming to have taken on the huge proportions of the ship. Tall yellow tube sponges pose like pieces of deck equipment and purple row pore rope sponges give the ship a brighter costume than ever it had afloat. The bow is alive with fish, perhaps admiring the ship's coat of arms still proclaiming her heritage on the side of the bow. A barracuda patrols the foredeck, as if on anchor watch.

It is time to ascend for our safety stop and a last look at the mast as we move up it to the buoy line. The once gleaming mast is now thick with growth, and fish fuss around it like seagulls following a fishing boat.

There is usually little or no current in this area but there are always exceptions to the rule and we are glad of the buoy line to hang on to as the current is strong. From here under normal visibility you can look down on to the Stav and see the whole ship, although the fact that it had taken us 20 minutes at a reasonable pace to swim through her is a good indication of her size.

Thanks to William of West Side Scuba Centre.

Original Source 

Beaches - Barbados

Welcome to the tropical island of Barbados. While you're here, we invite you to discover what life is like all year round on an island that's surrounded by the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

Not necessarily bragging but let's face it, Barbados has some of the most alluring beaches in the world.

Our west coast beaches offer calm, turquoise waters ideal for swimming, tanning, water skiing, snorkeling and loads of other beach activities. This all makes it ultimate location for a family vacation or a romantic getaway. Speaking of romantic getaway, whatever you do, please don't be late for the absolute wonderment that awaits you when the sun sets on the island's west coast. Truly a sight to behold!

For those who prefer to do more than just a leisurely swim in calm waters but yearn for a bit more extreme vacation, there's the option of surfing. As the waves swell predominantly on the islands' east coast and sometimes in parts of the south & west coasts, surfers effortlessly mount their boards and paddle out unfazed with an air of eagerness...come what may.

The unspoilt landscape of the rugged north coast beaches, meanders effortlessly along the steep escarpments of this coast. Attractively unusual bays and an expanses of white sandy beaches lend themselves well to the true nature that exists on this coast. Though this coast is not in any way ideal for swimming, it's been frequented by many when sightseeing and having picnics.

Important Things to Note About Barbados Beaches

There are certain things to keep in mind in order to make the most of your time on Barbados' beaches:

• All beaches on the island of Barbados have public access as decreed by the Barbados Government. This is highly beneficial as it allows you to experience a variety of beaches on the island
• Unlike some of the other Caribbean islands, the Barbados government has decreed that all beaches have public access, so if you enjoy variety you can visit every beach in Barbados
• Despite the fact that you may be able to swim in most areas, please note that the island is still very susceptible to storm-tossed seas and strong currents that make conditions unfavourable for swimming.
• Not every beach in Barbados has a lifeguard so the onus is on you to prioritise your safety when going for a swim. We strongly recommend swimming with someone should you go for a swim.
• Though the desire to be laid back and relaxed is very easy to do when on the beach, it may be equally as easy to fall asleep while laying in the sun. Avoid this practice wherever possible as you can become susceptible to being sunburnt, dehydrated or even developing sunstroke
• Hydration is key so try to drink lots of clear fluids, especially water, when spending time on our beaches
• Topless or nude sunbathing is forbidden on Barbados' beaches
• Familiarize yourself with the Manchineel trees that appear on some Barbados beaches. The fruit of these tree are poisonous and other tree parts contain strong toxins secreted in a white milky substance. Please don't shelter under these trees if it's raining as blistering of the skin can occur from contact with this liquid. Many Manchineel trees display a warning sign and others are marked with a red "X" on the trunk to indicate danger
• Barbados beach traders may try to sell you aloe vera and hand-crafted jewellery, coconut bird boxes, palm leaf hats, pottery, and wire figures. They will rarely pester you, and a smile and polite 'no thanks' is usually reciprocated with 'OK, have a good day'. You might also be asked if you want to buy drugs. If tempted, please remember that the possession of drugs in Barbados is illegal and carries a prison sentence

ORIGINAL SOURCE

14 Reasons you should move to Barbados

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The small island nation of Barbados, located in the Caribbean is located just outside the hurricane belt and has English as an official language. But these aren’t the only things that make the country an appealing destination to move to. Below are 14 additional reasons.

1. Great Infrastructure

Barbados has a well-developed network of roads and highways, and easy access to public transportation, with which one can easily circumnavigate the whole country. Locals and tourists also have access to clean, safe drinking water island-wide and good sanitation. Grantley Adams Airport, located in Seawell, Christchurch, is a hub for various airlines, and it was recently renovated after high international standards.

Image via Flickr by Shawn

2. Active Nightlife

Barbados has an active nightlife throughout the country, with plenty of pubs, clubs, rum shacks and restaurants in all of the main cities. One of the most famous clubs is the Harbour Lights, an open-air nightclub right on the stunning Carlisle Bay Beach, just 5 minutes from the heart of Bridgetown. Most clubs play local beats, including reggae and calypso, while some even party to some R&B.

Image via eyedialogue.com

3. Parties and Festivals

The most colorful and most important festival in the country is the Crop Over Festival, which was first celebrated in the late 18th century, when Barbados was the largest sugar producer in the World. Although the traditional celebrations ended in 1940, the festival was revived in 1974 to create an even bigger extravaganza, which consists of fairs, parties, carnivals, market stalls, folk concerts, exhibitions, and much more.

Image via panamericanworld.com

4. Great Landscapes

Although Barbados is somewhat flatter than its neighboring Caribbean countries, not having true hills or mountains, it still has numerous attractive landscapes besides its many lovely beaches. Harrison’s Cave is one of the most famous attractions in the country, allowing visitors to witness some of the most astonishing geological features the country has to offer. The Flower Forest presents an insight to exotic plants and meandering trails. The Welchman Hall Gully Tropical Forest is the perfect destination for a day of hiking, wildlife-viewing and admiring tropical plants.

Image via Flickr by Berit Watkin

5. Amazing Diving Spots

Divers will surely not be disappointed when in Barbados, since several types of reefs, sponges, corals and abundant plant life await curious sportsmen and women. Besides colorful barrier reefs serving as habitats for thousands of beautiful fish, Barbados is also home to some of the best wreck diving in the Caribbean. Two of the most popular sites are Carlisle Bay, with more than 200 wrecks, and the Stavronikita, in Folkestone Marine Park.

Image via Flickr by Marion Doss

6. Awesome Beaches

Barbados has some of the most beautiful beaches of the Caribbean. Crane Beach is wide and covered in pink sand, welcoming rolling turquoise waves, inviting you to swim, sunbathe or boogie board. Browne’s Beach is one of the widest in the country, with calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Silver Sands Beach is the best spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing, whilst Bathsheba’s beaches are best for surfing.

Image via Flickr by Gary Bembridge

7. Tropical Climate

The country is located just outside the hurricane strike area, and has a tropical monsoon climate. It generally experiences two seasons: there’s a wet season from June to November and a dry season from December to May. Temperatures range between 70 to 88OF during the dry season and between 73 to 88OF during the wet season. Annual precipitation is between 40 and 90 inches.

Image via Flickr by Berit Watkin

8. Plenty of Leisure Activities

If you’re bored of the beautiful beaches (we highly doubt you are), and want to do something else besides diving, you don’t need to worry, Barbados has a ton of fun activities up its sleeve! Adrenaline junkies can choose between motor-sports and go-kart racing, or trying out their precision at the local shooting ranges. There are also numerous opportunities for horse-back riding, even on the beach! For the more cultural souls, plenty of concerts, airshows, standup comedies, theater shows and exhibits can be found.

Image via uncommoncaribbean.com

9. Inviting Cuisine

Local cuisine is an infusion between African, Indian and British influences. One of the national dishes is Cou-Cou, consisting mainly of cornmeal and okra. It is also the national dish in Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Flying fish is another one of the signature dishes of Barbados, along with fried fish cakes, fish and chips, souse, black pudding, tamarind balls and baked custard.

Image via Flickr by Angie Torres

10. Shopping

If you’re one of those people who just can’t go a few days without buying yourself some new stuff, whether it’s groceries, clothes, furniture, or anything in between, then you’ve come to the right place. If you’re looking for big brands like Michael Kors, Burberry, Armani or Luis Vuitton, head to the Limegrove Lifestyle Center in Holetown. For something more local, try out the many farmers’ markets, which can be found in every town in the country. The Cheapside Market in Bridgetown is a must-see!

Image via searchengineland.com

11. Cricket

The national sport of Barbados is cricket, similarly to other countries of British colonial heritage. The West Indies Cricket Team, the team which represents the sporting confederation of 15 Caribbean countries, usually includes several players from Barbados. Some of the greatest Barbadian cricketers are Wes Hall, Charlie Griffith, Joel Garner and Gordon Greenidge.

Image via Flickr by Tom Hodgkinson

12. Stable Political Environment

Barbados has one of the most stable political environments in the Caribbean. Its parliamentary system exists since 1639, which makes it the third oldest parliament in the British Commonwealth. It’s one of the most stable countries in the Caribbean, with a low inflation rate and steady economic growth. Its banking system ranked the 4th most stable in the Western Hemisphere, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report.

Image via barbadostoday.bb

13. Ultimate Luxury at Gibbs Beach

If you’ve saved up enough to finally purchase your dream beach house, look no further, because we have the perfect option for you! For $1,495,000 you can buy a 3,176 sqft home in one of the most exclusive residential resorts in the country in the St. Peter area, on Gibbs Beach. The villa features three bedrooms, four baths, a large balcony, a landscaped garden with tropical plants, a pool with a gazebo and even an illuminated waterfall. The house has a family den, an open plan kitchen with living and dining areas, which open to private covered patios and terraces. If you’re one for high-profile living, you will surely enjoy this neighborhood and the villa.

Image via Point2 Homes

14. Convenient townhouse in Christ Church

You can purchase your own three-bedroom, two-bath, 1,309 sqft townhouse in the city of Christ Church for merely $235,000. The listing comes with a lovely garden area leading up to a covered patio. The house itself has a spacious living and dining area, a lovely kitchen and an extra laundry room. The house is very private due to the surrounding garden and its corner location.

Image via Point2Homes

If you’re looking for a fun, relaxing, but still lively place to relocate to, where you can enjoy some of the best beaches in the World, then Barbados is the ultimate destination for you!

 ADRIENN TAKACS

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