Explore Our Isle Barbados by Nation Publishing Co. Limited

BRIDGETOWN - #32 Broad Street, Tel. (246) 429-7072 WEST COAST - The Promenade Shops at The Beach House, Holetown, St. James, Tel. (246) 432-7342

Credits Publisher - Vivian-Anne Gittens (246) 430-5425 EDITORIAL Publication Editor – Alicia Griffith Project Lead Designer – Ashif Nakhuda Graphic Design – Randy Phillips - Imageworx Contributing Writers: Reudon Eversley Jr. , Alicia Griffith, Cheryl Harewood, Coretta Joe, Luigi Marshall Contributing Photographers: Jennifer Allen, Rawle Culbard, Gina Francesca, Basil Griffith, Insight Digital, Charleston Selman Cover Photo – Insight Digital ADVERTISING Advertising Manager – Paulette Jones (246) 430-5412 Sales Executive – Alison Licorish (246) 430-5552/ (246) 234-5378 DISTRIBUTION Circulation Manager – Edmund Holder (246) 430-5500 Circulation Executive – Goldburn Weekes (246) 430-5501 MARKETING Marketing Manager – Valerie Hope PRINTERS Printweb Caribbean Ltd (246) 434-6719/ (246) 467-2895/ (246) 434-6713 Explore Our Isle Barbados is produced by The Nation Publishing Co. Limited; a subsidiary of The Nation Corporation, which is a member of the One Caribbean Media (OCM) group of companies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this magazine is accurate. However, the Nation Publishing Co. Limited cannot be held responsible for any consequences that may arise from any errors or omissions. This publication cannot be copied in whole or in part without explicit permission from the publisher.

Gina Francesca

Contents Calendar of Events Culture Journey To Independence Local Treasures We Ting Barbados at a Glance

Shopping Let’s Go Shopping

Real Estate Architectural Styles In Barbados

Cuisine Festive Recipes Fine Dining Bajan Delights Drink Up

Activities

8 10 12 14 16 18 22 24 24 26 28 30 32 34 36

Independence Celebrations NIFCA Christmas Traditions In Barbados! Reefs and Wrecks Water Sports Polo Season Taking in Nature – Exploring the Gardens Rest and Relaxation – Barbados Spas Top Beaches In Barbados Family Fun Aerial Trek Ring in the New Year!

38 40 42 44 46 47 48 50 52 54 56 58 60

Tips & Tidbits Island Directory The Barbados Experience

62 64 68 3

Welcome

It is quite an interesting time of year here in Barbados. With our patriotic Independence celebrations throughout the month of November, holiday cheer and Christmas celebrations in December, and the joys of the New Year in January, the chances of being bored for even a second are quite slim.

don’t think I will ever grow tired of writing this introduction for Explore our Isle Barbados magazine. For those of you picking up the magazine for the first time, consider it an easy-to-read inside scoop on all the best things to do in Barbados. You will soon be considering yourself a local with all the phrases and rich information laid out among these pages. Every time we get together to fill these pages, we are reminded how lucky we are to call this place home. The options for things to do, places to see and foods to try are endless. We certainly never have any difficulties in finding content! It is quite an interesting time of year here in Barbados. With our patriotic Independence celebrations throughout the month of November, holiday cheer and Christmas celebrations in December, and the joys of the New Year in January, the chances of being bored for even a second are quite slim. So much to do, so much to celebrate - this is definitely a great time to be on the shores of this beautiful island. Now don’t get me wrong, you are guaranteed a terrific stay whatever time of the year you choose to visit! But you must admit that this time of year, in particular, is truly special. The relaxation the beaches offer, coupled with the cultural significance of the festivals, and the unrelenting celebratory atmosphere awaits you upon your arrival. The first thing you are probably hoping to do is take in some sunshine lying on the sand. Some of the best beaches handpicked by locals can be found on 4

pages . And when the sun sets, head up to Second Street, located on the prestigious West Coast. Pages …. gives you some on the best bars and restaurants there to eat, drink and merry. Be sure to make time to visit the sites and take part in the celebrations too! Flip through these pages to get expertise advise on planning your itinerary. After all, you’re in Barbados and it would be sinful to waste it in a hotel room! Alicia Griffith Editor

My Barbados - Patricia Forde

elcome to my island home, Barbados! My name is Patricia Forde, and I am your friendly restaurant beach bar manager, waiting to serve you at De Rock Beach Bar on the beautiful Accra Beach in Christ Church. I am a true Barbadian and I love my country passionately. Although I have travelled extensively, Barbados will always be home. There is nothing I enjoy more than warmly welcoming visitors like yourself to my island; mixing, mingling, serving mouthwatering dishes and thirst-quenching drinks. In Barbados, you’ll discover that friendly faces abound and there is lots to see and do. If you’re like other visiting friends, you’ve perhaps imagined Barbados in your dreams – pristine beaches, crystal clear water, relaxation and adventure. That’s a true picture. It’s also a place where stunning sunsets are magniﬁcent and moonlit nights beckon you to stroll or dine under the stars; where exceptional culinary experiences are realised, and your dreams of the best vacation ever come to past. We have much to offer in addition to the sun, sea and sand. Many come simply to relax. On November 30, we’ll be celebrating 45 years of independence, be sure to participate in our activities, and savour our many special “Independence treats” such as conkies, nut-cakes and old-fashioned mauby. When it’s time to truly dine, you can indulge in Caribbean, Chinese, Creole, French, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Polynesian, Spanish dishes, as you satisfy your palate beneath lush green trees, in one-door shops, or fancy restaurants. Dreams come true in Paradise, and you can realise your dream of an island wedding – whether it’s on the beach, or 6

one of our many quaint chapels. Many couples are bewitched by the island’s magic, and tie the knot spontaneously. Our places of interest include the popular Harrison’s Cave; Codrington College, Farley Hill National Park, Sunbury Plantation House, the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, St. John’s Parish Church, George Washington House, and the Animal Flower Cave – to mention a few. Explore as many as you can. On your return, spread the word that Barbados is truly a paradise on earth. Remember that you’re always welcome to return, and we will be looking forward to seeing you. Patricia Forde is an award-winning employee of the hospitality industry, and is the owner of De Rock Beach Bar at Accra Beach, Christ Church. A mother and wife, she believes in ensuring that each visitor to our shores enjoys each moment of their stay in beautiful Barbados.

Calendar Of Events

Plantation Garden Theatre Roots and Rhythm,

Every Friday

Oistins Fish Fry

Sat, 5 – 6

Sizzling Sand Beach Volleyball Tournament Location: Brandons Beach, Brighton, St. Michael

Sun, 6

NIFCA – Literary Arts Gala Frank Collymore Hall

Fri, 11–20

Cricket Legends of Barbados International Twenty/20 CLOBI Cup 2011 Kensington Oval

Plantation Garden Theatre Roots and Rhythm,

DECEMBER

Every Sunday

Hike Barbados, Transport Board Sunday Scenic Bus Tour

Every Sunday

Barbados National Trust Hikes

Every Wednesday

Plantation Garden Theatre Roots and Rhythm, Plantation Garden Theatre

Every Friday

Oistins Fish Fry

JANUARY

Every Wednesday

Plantation Garden Theatre Roots and Rhythm, Plantation Garden Theatre

Every Friday

Oistins Fish Fry Plantation Garden Theatre Roots and Rhythm, Plantation Garden Theatre

Rawle Culbard

NOVEMBER 8

Every Wednesday

Every Sunday

Hike Barbados, Transport Board Sunday Scenic Bus Tour

Sun, 8

Barbados Horticultural Society Open Garden Programme Home of Mrs Jean Robinson Garden House, Constant, St George

Sat, 11

Mon, 14 – 25

NIFCA – Culinary Arts Cook off and Food Fair Hilton Barbdos NIFCA – Visual arts/ Photography viewing Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre Food & Wine & Rum Festival Location: Various

Sat, 19

Race Day Garrison Savannah

Basil Griffith

Fri, 18 – 21

Sun, 20 – 28

NIFCA Gala

Sun, 20 – 28

Golf Festival Various Locations

Fri, 25 – 27

Independence Surf Festival – November Pro Series Location: Soup Bowl, Bathsheba, St Joseph

Wed, 30

Independence Day St. Philip Carnival

Every Friday

Plantation Garden Theatre Roots and Rhythm, Plantation Garden Theatre

Sat, 17

Race Day Garrison Savannah

Sun, 25

Christmas Day

Mon, 26

Boxing Day

Sun, 15

Barbados Horticultural Society Open Garden Programme Home Messrs Ed Thal and Joe Murphy By De Sea, Long Bay, St Philip

Sun, 22

Barbados Horticultural Society Open Garden Programme Home of Mr and Mrs Damien McKinney Woodland House, Woodland, St George

Mon, 16-27

Inaugural Barbados Open Team Squash Championship 2011 Barbados Squash Club, Marine Gardens, Christ Church

Sat 28 - 29

Annual Flower and Garden Show Barbados Horticultural Society Headquarters, Balls, Christ Church

Format: Date, Event, Location

Drama piece at NIFCA

Insight Digital

Culture

A Bajan Ting

Basil Griffith

The music, the dancing, the singing, and certainly not to be forgotten are the beautiful lights that adorn the roundabouts, houses and buildings! - Bajan culture is all about celebration!

Houses are beautifully lit up to celebrate the holiday season.

here is nothing that brings a people together more than celebrating its independence. The epitome of Bajan culture reveals itself during these festivities continuing into the following months, with Christmas and New Years Day right around the corner. It’s celebration time! Barbadian culture is one of tradition. After all, if it isn’t broken … you know how it goes, right? With the dominance of technology today guiding the rapid development of infrastructure, communication, and the general way things are done, it can become difficult to appreciate the past. This is especially true with the busy lives

that we all live. But around this time of year, there is an acknowledgement of the history and richness of the island’s unique culture. Everything is literally lit up. While it may not be the ﬂashing lights of Manhattan, creatively designed lighting exhibitions on roundabouts make the drive to anywhere like a drive through a live art gallery. Residential houses join the light show in December creating the perfect atmosphere for ringing in the New Year! Our way of celebrating is unique, and quite difficult to explain in Explore! Join in the fun, be immersed in the culture and see what it is to be a true Bajan! 11

Culture

Journey To Independence

Be sure to get your piece of Barbados.

new advocate of the people, succeeding to introduce many progressive social programmes like free education for all Barbadians. In 1966, Barbados, led by Errol Barrow who would be Barbados’ ﬁrst Prime Minister, negotiated its independence at a constitutional conference with Britain. After years of peaceful and democratic progress and showing its ability to function autonomously, Barbados earned its independence on 30th November 1966. It’s been a celebration since then!

Rawle Culbard

orty-five years ago, Barbados gained its independence from British colonizers. Unfortunately for our filmmakers, there is no valiant story of how our brave men risked their lives fighting to achieve this. Independence came peacefully, not surprising considering the peaceful nature of Barbadian people. The first English ship arrived in Barbados in 1625 and the island was claimed on behalf of King James I. Two years later, Captain Henry Powell landed with a party of 80 settlers and 10 slaves who settled in Holetown, at the time named Jamestown. Up until the 1930’s, more than 70% of the population was excluded from the democratic process, most of whom were disenfranchised women. The descendants of emancipated slaves thought it was rightfully their time to gain political rights. In 1938, Sir Grantley Adams founded the Barbados Labour Party, known then as the Barbados Progressive League. This party demanded more rights for people, especially the poor, while loyally still supporting the Monarchy. In the 1940’s, great progress was made toward a more democratic government. Women were given the right to vote and control of the government was taken away from the wealthy planters. In 1958, Sir Grantley Adams became the first Premier of Barbados. From 1958 to 1962, Barbados was a member of the West Indies Federation. After the inevitable failure of this federation, Sir Grantley’s leadership was questioned. He was unsuccessful in forming another union after the Federation, and along with his continued support of the monarchy, his political opponents accused him of no longer being in touch with the needs of his country. Errol Walton Barrow left the Barbados Labour Party and formed the Democratic Labour Party, the liberal alternative to the conservative BLP. He became the

Gina Francesca

Beautiful beaches await you. 13

Culture

Codrington College

Codrington College Walking into Codrington College in the beautiful countryside of Coach Hill, St. John is like walking straight onto the pages of your favourite fairytale. As you step foot on the meticulously manicured lawns, you will notice an army of neatly lined cabbage palm trees saluting you as you walk up the driveway. Not too far away is the charming little lily pond with ducks splashing around without a care in the world. These lush surroundings provide the perfect backdrop of a location that is highly revered. This Theological institution, which is carefully perched on a hilltop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, is the oldest Anglican theological college in the Western Hemisphere, where most West Indian priests are educated and trained. As with most places in the island, Codrington College is rich with history, dating all the way back to 1710 when Barbadian planter Peter Codrington, whom the institution is named after, died and generously left two estates and a large sum of money in his will 14

to build the college. With such an inspiring back-story and immaculate surroundings, it is no wonder that Codrington College is held in such high regard with locals and tourists alike who visit.

Concorde Experience Missed your chance to fly in the world famous Concorde? Not a problem! Right here in Barbados, you not only have the opportunity to bask in the luxury of the Concorde, but you can fly it too, via simulation of course. The island’s lone airport, Grantley Adams, is home to a high-tech museum dubbed the “Concorde Experience”, and what an experience it is! It is the only place where you can enjoy the euphoric feeling of being able to get lost in the presence of the most sophisticated aircraft ever created. The British Airways Concorde G-BOAE awaits you with ten awe-inspiring zones to give you that real-life flight experience that you are sure to get on your visit. These

Basil Griffith

Local Treasures

Charleston Selman

The Concorde Experience

zones are the Flight Path, Supersonic Flight, Engineered for Speed, Departure Lounge, Flight Experience, Aviation Barbados, Flight School, Tarmac, Observation Lounge and Supersonic Gifts. Each zone is structured so that before you even enter the Concorde, you are armed with real-world knowledge and interesting facts about the world of flying, and of course, a history of the magnificent Concorde. So if you want to be a part of this once in a lifetime opportunity, why not check in early and experience firsthand, The Concorde?

Ragged Point Ragged Point Lighthouse, located in St. Philip, is one of the numerous attractions in Barbados where you should get out of your vehicle and explore. It is the most easterly point of the island and looking out from the area, it offers an expansive view of the rugged and picturesque shoreline of almost the entire East Coast of Barbados. If the weather is perfect, as it usually is, you will be rewarded with the amazingly beautiful sights all the way up the coastline to the northern parts of Barbados, which includes the stunning Cove Bay and Pico Tenerife. Whether you choose to sit on one of the benches and be lulled by the splashing sea below or actually enter the lighthouse, you will be equally mesmerized. Inside the lighthouse, you will discover the magical ambience of natural ruins where you can follow the footpath, which goes to the cliff. For the adventurous, walk to the cliff ’s edge where one of the most

awe-inspiring sights awaits you: a dainty little house perched on the ledge of the other side of the cliff. Be sure to have your cameras handy, because this is postcard picture worthy.

Cherry Tree Hill No cherries can be found there, but instead, brace yourselves for a breathtaking picture of untouched beauty. This charming area known as Cherry Tree Hill in St. Andrew supposedly inherited its name because of the large number of cherry trees that once existed there. Today, still just as beautiful, it is lined with gracefully swaying mahogany trees. With so many things that stand out in this area, the main highlights of this picturesque part of Barbados are: • The absolutely stunning view of the Scotland District, thanks to Cherry Tree Hill being approximately 850 feet above sea level. • It is a part of the St. Nicholas Abbey Plantation, one of the only three remaining Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere! • At the end of the stretch of road, your sight will be blessed by an amazing and spectacular view of the East Coast of Barbados. • To the south of Cherry Tree Hill, is a local favourite, the famed Chalky Mount. • Last but not least, the area is yours to explore to your heart’s content. 15

Culture

A local Tuk Band getting down.

n Barbados, there are many cultural sites, attractions and places of interest to see. However, there are a few that stand out amongst the collection of things that make up true Bajan culture. In particular, there is one that is undeniably attention-grabbing. Have you seen the woman with her buttocks stuffed and padded, with the perfected skills of “wining” it around and around? Her name is Mother Sally and she, along with a company of other interesting characters, reﬂects quite a special part of Bajan culture. That is, taking a situation regardless of how bad it may be and turning it into a celebration. That being said, what is a celebration without music? While it is true that Barbados shares many aspects of culture with many Caribbean neighbours, some things are homegrown and remain very unique. There is one sound that is truly innate to us: Tuk. The music of the Tuk band and the party of characters that accompany it are all indigenously Bajan. 16

The Tuk Band The Tuk Band’s pulsating rhythms and catchy beats have intertwined and create a sensibility that is quite difficult to imitate! Tuk is one of the most traditional forms of folk music. Its origins date back to the slave culture in 17th century Barbados. English planters banned the playing of Tuk as it was thought to be a way of sending secret messages through the beat of the drum. Fortunately, after emancipation Tuk bands resurfaced again, spreading their infectious beats as they travelled from village to village. It was never about sending secret messages, people just wanted to dance! The instruments used are the kettle drum, bass drum, and tin ﬂute. Since the revival of Crop Over in 1974, Tuk bands have once again become a common sight, especially around festival time. The music is upbeat and lively, and uniquely inﬂuenced by British regimental band music, waltzes and traditional African music.

Rawle Culbard

We Ting

For those of you wondering, the word ‘tuk’ is believed to have been derived from the Scottish word ‘Touk’ which means to beat or sound an instrument. Yup! That sounds just about right!

Shaggy Bear Jumping and tumbling, you simply can’t help but fall head over heels (pun intended) for the Shaggy Bear! This character is impersonated by a very talented gymnast with amazing moves, agile tumbling and acrobatic dances. The shaggy Bear re presents the African witch doctor. His “shaggy” costume magniﬁes his constant movement, and he makes the stunts looks so easy you may be tempted to join in! Originally, the Shaggy Bear costume was made of plantation shags or sheaves. Today multicoloured crepe paper is used.

Stilt Walkers Standing at unbelievable heights and performing even more unbelievable stunts, stilt walkers add an extra bit of ﬂair to the Tuk Band culture. The stiltman represents the survival of hard times. Standing several feet taller, he shows that nothing can cover your head.

Jennifer Allen

The Landship

Mother Sally

Mother Sally Originally, the characters that accompany the Tuk Band today were not included in the performance. Now, they come hand in hand, and the costumed entertainers have become an integral part of the show. The character, Mother Sally, ﬂaunts her exaggerated bosom and buttocks. Mother Sally represents female fertility. Before, it was the norm for a man to be the one under the stuffings of a Mother Sally costume! Today, however, it is much more common for a woman to be dressed as Mother Sally.

Not intending to sound repetitive, Bajans do have a way of using a bad or even just mundane situation as a catalyst for celebration. The Barbados Landship movement is an informal organization that mimics the British Navy. Leaders of the “ship” include the Lord High Admiral, Captain, Boatswain and other navy ranks. The performance is quite entertaining, as the dances are symbolic of the passage of the ship through rough seas. These dances include parades, jigs, hornpipes and may pole dances. Like Tuk, the Landship is indigenous to Barbados. The music represents the engine that drives the movement of the ship. The different rhythms of Tuk enact the stages the engine goes through as the ship battles the rough seas. The waltz illustrates the warm-up, onto the march, and ﬁnally the Tuk represents the ship at full speed. 17

Culture

Historic Bridgetown

B •

•

arbados is uniquely blessed with a strong heritage, rich culture, and beautiful environment which effectively coexist with a ﬁrst world worthy infrastructure, stable leadership and progressive outlook. Here are some quick facts about our island that tell a tale of who we are as a people and country.

The island has a democratic style of Government which is modeled on the British Westminster System. There are two main political parties; the Democratic Labour Party which now form the Government and the Barbados Labour Party, who have been in opposition since 2008. The Lyrics of the National Anthem of Barbados were written by American, Mr. Irving Burgie. He was born in Brooklyn New York, to a Barbadian mother and American Father. The Barbados Coat of Arms was presented by the Queen of England to the President of the Senate in 1966 on Valentine’s Day during a royal visit to the island. The coat of arms features the national motto “Pride and Industry. Officially a national of Barbados is a Barbadian, less formerly we refer to ourselves as Bajans.

•

The official language is English, but you are very likely to hear the Bajan dialect as your interact with locals, especially in social settings. The dialect is a fusion of English based phrases and unique West African idioms and expressions, which originate from the slave population brought in by the English.

•

Unlike many of our island neighbours, Barbados was colonized solely by The British. This is evident in our architecture, street names as well as political and legal system. In fact the island is often fondly referred to as Little England.

•

Barbados officially moved away from British rule on November 30th 1966. This year the island will be celebrating 45 years of Independence.

•

The National dish is cou-cou, which

Basil Griffith

Barbados at a Glance

Insight Digital

Parliament Building

is made of yellow cornmeal and ﬂying ﬁsh. Try this delightful dish at one of the several restaurants around the island, which specialies in Bajan cuisine. •

Barbados is known to have one of the most dense road networks in the world.

•

Barbados has strong historical connections with the Carolinas. Many prominent Barbadian planters and merchants were early settlers in the area and formed part of the permanent colony established in 1670 in what is now known as Charleston in the United States. This migration inﬂuenced the street names, politics and dialect of the Carolina Coast.

•

The national colours of Barbados as shown in our ﬂag are blue, yellow and black. The blue represents the sea and sky, the yellow the beaches and the black is the colour of the broken trident, which is in the centre of the ﬂag and represents our break away from the British. The population of Barbados is just

over 270 000, however annually we welcome over a million visitors to our shores. •

At just over 166 square miles, the island which is divided into 11 parishes is a speck on the globe.

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Barbados has a relatively ﬂat terrain. Mount Hillaby which stands at 1104 feet is the highest point on the island.

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Barbados is one of the most developed islands in the Caribbean with a very modern telecommunications infrastructure and a population that likes to stay connected. This is evident in the fact that the island has an internet penetration of about 50%; almost 1 in 3 people are on Facebook and there are almost 1.2 cell phones per person in use.

•

Former American President George Washington’s only trip outside of the United States was to Barbados in 1751. He came at the age of nineteen with his brother who was ailing at the time and hoping to recuperate in our tropical climate. 19

Fine Jewelry can be purchased from luxury retailers.

Insight Digital

Shopping

Shopping Contents

Massive sales, extended hours and crowds of people can only mean one thing: shopping season!!

Enjoy duty-free shopping in Barbados!

hether you are giving or receiving, this time of year is enjoyed by just about everyone. But even though it is the season of giving, we certainly won’t blame you for sneaking in a personal purchase or two! There is a plethora of choices for things to get, and where to get them. In the next section, we help you to go through some of the best options for gift-giving. It is quite helpful, especially when there is so much to consider! There is a saying Bajans have for that called the “too much choice dilemma”! Duty Free shopping in Barbados is deﬁnite plus. Visitors to the island are

exempted from paying taxes on some items, like cigarettes, alcohol, clothing, and jewellery to name a few. What does this mean for you? It means an automatic 15% to 40% off the sale price. Regardless of what you buy, you are already saving money! So have your pick from large shopping centres like Cave Shepherd, Sheraton Mall, or Limegrove Lifestyle Centre. However, some of the most unique items can be purchased from local artisans and craftsmen in areas like Bridgetown, St. Lawrence Gap and along the West Coast. Happy shopping! 21

Shopping Contents

Let’s Go Shopping

If it is appropriate, our number one suggestion for your Bajan gift is a bottle of rum! The first bottle of rum in the world was produced in Barbados . . .

t is the season of giving, which means it is the season of shopping! While our bank accounts may not feel very merry when it is all said and done, there is not much that can rival knowing you made someone feel loved. It is a wonderful feeling knowing that someone took time out to get you a gift. But knowing that they took time out on their vacation in Barbados to get you a gift is an even better feeling! You should take advantage of the beautiful crafts, jewelry and other great gift options that you can purchase on your trip. If it is appropriate, our number one suggestion for your Bajan gift is a bottle of rum! The ﬁrst bottle of rum in the world was produced in Barbados, making the island the birthplace of the strong spirit. Not only would it ﬁt perfectly under a Christmas tree, but it also doubles as a piece of history! If only History class at school could be that much fun! Since rum is the number one suggestion, number two must be Rum Cake. These are available already packaged in most supermarkets and souvenir shops. The sweet dessert has a unique taste, made with the rum that Barbadian producers have perfected over the centuries. Once it is unwrapped, we can assure you it will not 22

last long! Now admittedly, this may seem like an odd suggestion but Bajan Pepper Sauce would make for a great gift as well! Its one-of-a-kind flavor packs a punch and enhances the taste of food with a kick. Give it to anyone who likes their meal on the spicy side and you can rest knowing they will thank you forever. Beautiful and unique crafts made by local artisans are great as souvenirs but even better as gifts! Decorative shells, carved mahogany and leather goods are just a few of the personalized options for presents. Handmade jewelry and apparel directly from Barbados put a spin on traditional holiday goto’s. Souvenir and craft centres like the Pelican Craft Centre, St Lawrence Gap and The Chattel Village, are just some of the places where you can go to find a very wide variety of items. But do not think for one second that souvenirs are the only options you have to choose from! Give the gift of luxury to a special loved one. Exquisite jewelry can be purchased at one of the major first-class jewelers that line Broad Street in Bridgetown and along the West Coast. Top international brands of clothing and accessories are easy to find, and with the Duty-free reduction they are more affordable in Barbados than many

Enjoy the luxury of duty-free shopping.

other places in the world. So take your pick from designer bags, shoes, belts, and clothing to suit every shape and style! But remember it is the season of giving, not the season of buying a gift that you decide to keep! We already know the temptation is strong, so no one will blame you for getting two of everything! There are many shopping districts located mainly along the West and South Coasts. The main shopping area is the capital, Bridgetown. You can find just about everything on your “To Buy” list there. Holetown in St. James and Speightstown in St. Peter both have many small boutique shops offering unique items. is home to many upscale and luxury boutiques offering international brands and labels. Speightstown is a quaint, yet lively town in the north of the island. The other town, Oistins is mainly a fishing town, but there are many shopping centres further along the South Coast headed toward Bridgetown that are definitely worth checking out! 23

A tropical inďŹ&#x201A;uence is seen in most Barbadian architecture.

Insight Digital

Real Estate

Real Contents Estate

Gina Francesca

Variety! That may be the best word to describe the real estate and architecture in Barbados. Chattel houses, luxury villas, homely bungalows - each has its own place in society and contributes to the picturesque drive on any journey.

Apes Hill A traditional chattel house

he on-going development of Barbados’ infrastructure is relentless, and despite the international ﬁnancial crisis, the local real estate sector is holding its own! Barbados has become one of the most sought after destinations for luxury vacation homes and property investments in the world. The island is ahead of its Caribbean neighbours, not only in terms of real estate, but the high standard of living and strong stable economy as well. It is no wonder that more and more ﬁrst-

class residences and properties are being erected and quickly snatched up by locals and overseas buyers alike. Barbados’ real estate makes the small island a leader in luxury, while of course maintaining the quaint charm of Bajan culture. In this issue of Explore, we’ve chosen to focus on the unique architectural styles that inﬂuence the cityscape (or should we say “islandscape”?). Flip over to the next page for a quick lesson on Bajan Architectural styles 101! 25

Real Estate

Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary

rom historic Great Houses, to traditional chattel houses, the architectural styles in Barbados are vast and varied. Luxurious and ultracontemporary condos line the West Coast. Historic plantation houses full of tradition are scattered on acres of land. Throw in the pirate castles, all with interesting stories, and there is certainly an exciting mix of the traditional, classic, contemporary, elegant and simple. “Going for a drive” is a common Bajan thing to do, especially on Sundays after a hearty Sunday lunch. The different architectural styles that you will see each have their own unique history of how they were introduced and modiﬁed. It does not take much to guess what the most dominant inﬂuence was on the engineering of houses: the heat! With 26

constant sunshine and sometimes very high humidity, not to mention the rain and strong winds during the Hurricane season, the weather played (and still does!) a large part in how buildings were constructed. Gable roofs, with two sloping sides meeting at the top in a point, are seen on the great plantation houses as well as quaint chattel houses. These roofs are most resistant to the strong winds experienced in hurricane and storm conditions. The same goes for the basic rectangular shapes of most buildings. Sturdy shutters for sash and jalousie windows were a must as well. Large open verandahs were perfect for the sweltering summer days. The cooling breezes under the lovely shade are what most people needed to survive before the days of air-conditioning!

Insight Digital

Architectural Styles In Barbados

Brian O,neale

Sunbury Plantation

The Plantation Great House

The Chattel House

When the British settled on these shores, they brought with them Jacobean, Victorian and Georgian design to their new homes. In the 17th century, wealthy planation owners were erecting grand structures inﬂuenced by the Georgian and Palladian styles. They were solid, built of coral stone and furnished with mahogany. Many have withstood the hands of both nature and time. The natural coral limestone was cut out of terraces of ancient sea cliffs. The distinct building blocks translated to wealth and affluence - elements central to the culture of Barbados’ plantation owners. As Barbados is the only Caribbean island made of coral limestone, this material sets our architecture apart from neighbouring islands that used mostly wood. The historic Garrison Savannah serves as a perfect example of the long, narrow, uniformed buildings from this time. The emphasis was on symmetry and upholding the values of the classical temple architecture of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. While some of the Great Houses have fallen to ruins, many are still owned by their original families. Some have been purchased by the Barbados National Trust, restored and are now opened to the public as heritage tours. Some have even been transformed into guest houses or restaurants such as Consett Plantation, the home of Codrington College; Farley Hill, now a national park; and Graeme Hall, which has been transformed into a Nature Sanctuary.

On the other side of affluence is the chattel house. These structures were built upon the abolition of slavery as the plantation worker’s home. They are modest wooden structures set on blocks or rocks that could be easily disassembled and relocated once the lease was up. You could only imagine what that must have looked like – one day a house is there, the next day it is not. Furthermore, just imagine what it would have been like to see a house being transported to another lot! But staying true to Bajan culture, the most was made of these humble, temporary dwellings. Small chattel houses were sometimes detailed with grandeur, mimicking the grandest villas. They were decorated with pride and honour with ornate gingerbread fretwork, carved wood bannisters and miniature jalousie windows. Interior walls were built with space at the top to make maximum use of every breeze that blew. It may not look like much to some people, but for many, it was and still is home!

The Bungalow Today, the average Bajan doesn’t live in a chattel house, and certainly not in a Great House. Modern bungalows are quickly ﬁlling developing neighbourhoods. The standard deﬁnition applies to these homes, namely; one story, detached, with the use of verandas for some entertaining and must-have relaxation. 27

Cuisine

Succulent and delicious cuisine!

Cuisine Contents

Tantalize Your Taste Buds

Photo compliments Brown Sugar Restaurant

Bajan cuisine is a special mix of African, European, Indian and Creole traditions that have been boiled, baked, mixed and made into mouth-watering dishes!

Bajan cuisine

arbadian food is varied. It combines many different ingredients and is prepared in a host of ways. One way it is never done though, is bland! Food is packed full of flavour that always leaves your taste buds wanting more. The food has a rich history, each ingredient and recipe being introduced into kitchens for different reasons. Many traditions have been passed on through generations from as far back as the days of slavery. As different people landed on these shores, they brought with them their own unique cuisines which have all blended seamlessly into Bajan food. Macaroni pie and bake chicken, fish cakes, flying fish, and pigtails are just some of the popular choices usually present on local menus. However, Barbados also

boasts of the inclusion of international cuisines in restaurants across the island. So for those of you who may crave a little taste of home, you will be happy to know that you can get your hands on authentic Italian, Chinese, Japanese, French, Mediterranean and Arabic foods, just to name a few! Many of these international foods have been infused with Barbadian methods and flavours for truly unique flavour that can only be found here. The choices are endless and all very delicious! However, the epitome of Bajan food can be found at places like the Oistins Fish Fry every Friday night at the Oistins Bay Garden. “Freshly caught” fish, prepared over an open flame goes perfectly with an ice-cold Banks*! *Banks Beer is the local beer of Barbados. 29

Cuisine Contents

FESTIVE RECIPES

Black Cake Ingredients: 5 lbs. mixed dried fruits (raisins,currants, prunes, cherries) ¼lb. chopped nuts ½ lb. mixed citrus peel 1½ - 2 lbs. brown sugar 2 tbsp. mixed spice (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, etc.) 10 eggs 1 cup rum 12 oz. ﬂour 1 tsp. baking powder 1 lb. margarine 1 tsp. salt 1 cup port wine 1 tbsp. vanilla essence 1 tbsp. almond essence 1 cup water ¼ lb. pineapple jam Browning

Method • Mince the fruit and soak in 1 cup of rum with spices, essences, nuts, jam and ¼ lb. sugar. • Mix ingredients well and put in a jar, cover and allow mixture to steep for 3 weeks or more. • When ready to bake, cook fruit over a low heat with 1 cup of water for 15 minutes. • Cream the margarine and remaining sugar well and add eggs, beating in one at a time. • Add to the fruit mixture.Stir in enough browning to make the mixture dark brown in colour. • Add the ﬂour and baking powder. • Place mixture into greased baking pans lined with 2 sheets of waxed paper. Fill the pans ¾ full. • Bake at 300 degrees for 2½ to 3 hours. • As soon as cakes are removed from oven, prick all over with skewer. Slowly pour over a mixture of rum and wine. Allow to remain in baking pans for 2 to 3 days to fully absorb liquor before serving.

Baked Ham Ingredients 1 leg or shoulder ham Dry mustard Brown sugar Cloves Flour Powdered clove Pineapple juice For mustard glazing: Mix together 1 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp. dry mustard and 2-3 tbsp. ham fat/dripping. For pineapple glazing: Mix together ﬂour, sugar, pineapple juice and powdered clove. When glazing, baste the entire ham.

Method • Place ham, fat side up on a rack in a shallow oven pan and cover with foil. • Bake in a slow oven at 300 degrees for 2 – 3 ½ hours, allowing 15-20 minutes per lb. • 15 minutes before ﬁnishing time, remove the ham from the oven, remove the skin and pour off the dripping. • Score the ham fat in diamond shapes, and insert whole cloves. • Pour over glazing and bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees.

Jug Jug Ingredients 8 cups green peas 1 cup corn ﬂour 225g (½lb.) salt beef or any other salted meat. 100g (¼lb.) fresh pork or chicken. 2 tbsp margarine 2 medium sized onions (chopped) 3-4 blades eschalot 4-5 cups water 1 bunch mixed herbs, ﬁnely chopped (thyme,marjoram, etc.) Salt and pepper to taste

Method • Boil pork or chicken in water; add the peas and herbs. Cook the mixture until peas are soft. Strain off, saving the stock. • Mince the meat, peas and seasoning. • Cook the corn ﬂour in the stock for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly. • Add minced ingredients. Cook for about half hour, stirring the mixture until it reaches a fairly stiff consistency. • Cover and allow to steam for 5 minutes. • Before removing from the heat, stir in some of the margarine, then turn mixture out on a dish. Spread it smoothly with the rest of the margarine. • Serve hot with sliced ham and chicken. 31

Contents

Fine Dining

Satisfy your tastebuds.

ender steaks, mouth-watering pizzas, sizzling fried fish, succulent pieces of chicken and a whole lot more await you at the Steak House Grill and St. Lawrence Pizza Hut. Situated on the South coast in the heart of the popular St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church, these two restaurants afford you the opportunity to experience the world of pizza and fine food under one roof. With intimate indoor or terraced dining facilities, your options become magnified when you view the full menus. Owned and managed by restaurateur Birchmore Griffith, St. Lawrence Pizza Hut has been serving some of the greatest pizzas on the island since 1984. Steak House Grill, which has been in operation for many years, became Griffith’s second food establishment when he took over in 1986. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, there’s always something on the menu for you between the hours of 8:30 a.m and 10 p.m daily. 32

At the Steak House Grill you’re free to satisfy your tastebuds with Bajan Bourguignonne – tender mignonettes of beef seared with julienne vegetables, in the chef’s sweet relish and wine sauce – or delight yourself with Steak St. Lawrence – a char-grilled steak served with sautéed onions. Steak La Maison is another great choice. It’s grilled steak served with an in-house tamarind steak sauce – a dish that is popular with patrons. So too is the steak and lobster combo, complete with herbed butter. All steaks are eight-ounce sirloin, or served ﬁlet-style with rice, fried sautéed potato, pasta, or vegetables. Variety is the spice of life at The Steak House Grill. That’s why you can also have your share of chicken, pasta, seafood and other dishes. Thrill yourself with Chicken Joanna, a pasta dish comprising tender breast of chicken lightly fried and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, served

with fettuccini. Baby back ribs are another excellent choice, together with a range of seafood dishes, including shrimp, flying fish, and kingfish served with spice dip. Half-pound burgers (with cheese and bacon); chicken breast sandwiches and jumbo hot-dogs seeking a quick snack are also on the menu. New York-style pizzas come in eight-, nine- and 15-inch sizes. Specials include the Vegetarian – a blend of onion, corn, pineapples and olives; the Whopper – ground beef, pepperoni, onion, salami and sweet peppers; and the Hut Econo – ground beef onion and salami. The list of garnishes is endless. Go ahead! Make dining at The Steak House Grill and St. Lawrence Pizza Hut a must while visiting with us. Reservations, though not necessary, are recommended. Take-away services are available, and you can order your pizza by calling 428 -7152. Friendly staff will ensure your culinary experience is one you’ll want to repeat again and again. Dozens of candy, fruit, nut and syrup mix-ins smashed together with your favorite ice-cream on our frozen granite slab, served in our famous homemade cookie dough waffle cone. Open Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday – Sunday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Quayside Centre, Christ Church Tel 435-1877

Located on the popular St. Lawrence Gap, this restaurant serves only Authentic Chinese cuisine prepared by famous and experienced Chinese Chefs. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, our extensive menu sure has something to please your appetite. We are open 7 days a week.

Upstairs The Steak House St.Lawrence Gap, Christ Church Tel: 420-3762

Cuisine

Bajan Delights

The National Dish: cou cou and ﬂying ﬁsh.

arbadian food is delicious. There is no doubt about that. Most dishes are full of ﬂavour and generally very easy to whip up. Tasty, healthy and simple: it’s just GOOD food! To understand the origins of Bajan cuisine, the colonial history of the island must be taken into consideration. Many of the staple ingredients in a typical Bajan diet are inexpensive, readily available, and very easy to prepare. The food eaten today has evolved from what slaves were fed to eat. Simple ingredients have been matched in many delicious combinations to create feasts of variety and ﬂavour. Some of the most traditional Bajan delights include Cou-Cou and Flying Fish, conkies, green bananas and mauby.

free Cou-Cou no man would ever want to marry her! But many locals sing the praises of the cou-cou stick - the utensil traditionally used to make cou-cou. The cou-cou stick is made of wood and has a long, flat rectangular shape. It actually looks like a mini cricket bat! Cou-cou takes a very firm texture and the cou-cou stick makes it easier to stir in large pots. As the national dish, cou-cou is served with steamed flying fish. Flying fish account for about 60% of the fish landed on the island and appears often in many meals, steamed or fried. In case you were wondering, the little fish does not actually fly. It has long “wings” that it uses to jump and glide through the air. But they really do look like they are flying over the water!

Cou-Cou and Flying Fish

Conkies

Cou-Cou and Flying Fish is the national dish of Barbados. It has roots in African creolized traditions and can be traced to North African and Mediterranean cuisine. Cou-Cou is made from cornmeal (corn ﬂour) and okra. Since its ingredients are so inexpensive, it was a regular meal for slaves. There is an old humorous saying that if a woman cannot make a smooth, lump

A conkie is another cornmeal-based dish. Originally, conkies were made to commemorate the old British celebration of Guy Fawkes Day on November 5th. Now they are associated with Independence Day and are served during the month of November. The recipe is laborious, but the results are deﬁnitely worth it! The primary ingredients are pumpkin, cornmeal, sweet potatoes

and coconut, with all but the cornmeal needing to be grated. Raisins and spices are added, making it a sweet dish that can be eaten at any meal, or as a snack. It may seem odd, but conkies are traditionally wrapped in banana leaves. Though when you think about it, it was a novel idea before aluminium foil was a kitchen staple! There is a crucial step in the process called “singeing”. One by one, the leaves are placed over an open ﬂame to make them pliable. This allows them to be tightly wrapped without breaking, like a fresh leaf would. Innovative and Delicious!

Green Banana Bananas are generally known across the world as a sweet fruit that is eaten when ripe. But unripe bananas are starchier and much less sweet, making them a good side dish. Since banana trees were common on plantations in colonial days, green bananas were much easier to come about than rice or pasta and the dish managed to solidify its position as a staple in Bajan cuisine.

Green bananas can be boiled or pickled. Pickling is a method that combines cucumber, onion, lime juice, salt, parsley and Scotch Bonnet pepper.

Mauby There is nothing like an ice-cold glass of mauby on a hot day. Fair warning though, it is an acquired taste for many. Initially it is sweet and tastes similar to root beer, but it has a prolonged but slight bitter aftertaste. Traditionally, it is made by steeping strips of the bark of a mauby tree in boiling water, and adding sugar and spices. Now, “justadd-water” syrup is available in just about every supermarket and corner shop. In folk medicine, mauby is believed to assist in lowering cholesterol, counteracting arthritis, reducing high blood pressure, relieving diarrhoea, lowering diabetics’ blood sugar and even reducing hypertension. It also acts as an aphrodisiac. These claims may not have been proven yet, but one thing is certain, mauby is a true Bajan beverage!

Cuisine

“Cheers to the freakin’ weekend... I’d drink to that!” Bajan superstar, Rihanna may just be on to something. Check out these recipes for local drink favourites! (Be careful though, some pack a punch!)

Rum Punch This infamous juice has a reputation that precedes it. Fruity and sweet, it can really sneak up on you! Ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar 1 cup fresh lime juice 3 cups dark rum 2 cups crushed ice 2 cups cold water 2 dashes Angostura Bitters Grated nutmeg

Method: • Put sugar in a small saucepan, add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. • Lower heat and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and cool. • Pour resulting syrup into a large container. Add lime juice, dark rum and ice and mix well. • Add Angostura Bitters and nutmeg and mix. Serve ice-cold.

Sorrel Drink Here is a non-alcoholic drink that no Christmas menu would be complete without. Ingredients: ¼ lb. dried sorrel sepals 1 gallon of boiling water 2-3 lbs. sugar A piece of dried orange peel 1 tsp. powdered cinnamon ½ tsp. powdered clove A few whole cloves

Method: • Put dried sorrel, whole cloves and orange peel in a jar with boiling water. • Cover the mixture and leave to steep for about 2 days. • Strain the liquid and add sugar to taste. Add the powdered spices and leave for another 2 days. • Once the sorrel is bright red, serve chilled.

Puncha-Crema Ingredients: 1 ½ cups dark rum 4 eggs 1 can (415ml) condensed milk Angostura Bitters Grated nutmeg (to taste) 1 tsp. lime juice 1 tsp. vanilla essence

Method: • Combine the rum, milk, eggs, essence and lime juice in a blender. • Add a few dashes of Angostura Bitters and grated nutmeg. Serve chilled.

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A mischievous Green Monkey! 38

Jennifer Allen

Activities

Activities Contents

Celebration Time!

Jennifer Allen

There is hardly a better time to be in Barbados! Between the Independence, Christmas and New Year's celebrations, the things to do and see are endless. The beaches, the festivals, the parades let the fun times roll!

Beach Fun!

here is certainly a plethora of activities to partake in on your stay in Barbados. Be sure to ﬂip through the pages of this section in particular for Explore-certiﬁed things to do. We’ve included something for just about everyone. If you want to get a taste of how Bajans celebrate, try attending one of the Independence events like NIFCA (page 44) or the Lighting Ceremony (page 42). There’s more to the beach than the sun

and sand. There are also the waves! So if a good time means getting your adrenalin pumped, jump right into the action and get strapped in to your jet skis. Read about other water sports on page 47 On the complete ﬂip side, you can immerse yourself in tranquillity in a picturesque garden or a soothing spa. There are so many options for singles, couples, friends and entire families. Check out the events calendar for some of the major events coming up! 39

Activities Contents

Parliament Building

On November 30, 1966, Barbados celebrated its independence with an elaborate parade where the National Anthem was sung and the flag raised, both for the very first time.

very year, celebrating Independence brings about a sense of pride in Bajans that is hard to otherwise reproduce. Just 45 years ago, Barbados came into its own, breaking away from British colonial powers. Since then, every year has seen a magniďŹ cent display of true Bajan pride, and the celebrations that surround Independence Day have solidiďŹ ed themselves in the scheme of Bajan tradition. Two activities in particular are a highlight around this time of year: the Lighting Ceremony and the Independence Day Parade.

Lighting Ceremony One of the highlights, and the longest running celebratory activity is the 40

decorative lighting of the Parliament buildings, Independence Square and the Independence Arch throughout the capital, Bridgetown. Every year on November 1st, the Prime Minister ďŹ&#x201A;icks the switch with the entire nation congregated in the major city. After the ceremony, there is a showcase of culture by the best talents in Barbados called the Folk Brew. Not to be left out, many other privately owned businesses illuminate their exteriors in the patriotic colours, blue and gold. Hard to miss are the many major roundabouts that dot the island. Corporate sponsors normally take the lead in making any drive, regardless of its purpose, into a 166 square foot gallery of art. Night drivesbecome magical journeys that

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Independence Celebrations

fascinate everyone, not just the kids! If you are missing the November celebrations, don’t worry, the lights stay up in December – only the colours change to reﬂect the Holiday spirit.

On November 30, 1966, Barbados celebrated its independence with an elaborate parade where the National Anthem was sung and the flag raised, both for the very first time. That has become a tradition, and every morning of November 30, it is the start of the day’s celebrations. There is an impressive parade at the Garrison Savannah. All Government officials, and uniformed groups such as the Barbados Defence Force, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, Barbados Cadet Corps, and the Landship come together for the official ceremony. There is always a large crowd. Proudly, they sing the National Anthem as the flag is raised. It is the height of patriotism!

The Royal Barbados Police Force Band.

Rawle Culbard

Independence Day Parade

Activities Contents

NIFCA dance performance.

he National Independence Festival of Creative Arts, more commonly known by its acronym, NIFCA, is a month-long celebration of extraordinary Barbadian talent. Barbadians from all walks of life, of any age, regardless of their background are encouraged to participate in the festival, Barbados’ largest culmination of creative and cultural talent. NIFCA runs throughout November, for a month of impressive exhibitions, performances and demonstrations. After the competitions have been judged, NIFCA culminates at the end of November with a grand gala that brings together the ﬁnalists and most outstanding entries for a night of the highest standards of entertainment. It is a true Bajan expression of culture! 42

NIFCA was introduced in 1973 to celebrate the island’s Independence, as well as an outreach programme to the communities. Its aim is to cultivate, develop and showcase Bajan culture and talent in various disciplines of the Arts, namely, Drama, Dance, Music, Literary Arts, Culinary Arts, Visual Arts and Crafts, and Photography. The festival provides the opportunity for Barbadians to explore and display their gifts and skills at a national level. It also allows for the not-sotalented to view and enjoy the skills of their neighbours, friends, and the outstanding members of the Arts community! Many competitions in each category start from September. Entries go through a series of preliminary events, leaving ﬁnalists

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NIFCA

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A bajan tradition

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Of Another Nature performing at NIFCA.

to bring their best works and performances to judging, hoping to be successful and receive awards of recognised excellence. Individuals, school groups, and community groups from across the island make up the range of talent that can be seen at the many events that make up the Festival. In Barbados, excellence is never overlooked. Awards are presented for amateur and professional leaders in each category. Special awards are given in recognition of Barbadian icons who have excelled in their respective ďŹ elds. Awards include monetary prizes, scholarships for study to further develop skills, and of course, national recognition as a leader in the discipline. With the local talents that have made a name for themselves in the international realm like Rihanna, Rupee, Allison Hinds, Cover Drive, Shontelle, and Krosfyah, you could imagine the quality of talent that emerges at NIFCA!

Little ones on Christmas Day.

Christmas experience in Barbados is deﬁnitely one that you will remember. With an array of activities throughout the festive season and the family oriented feeling that accompanies them, you will ﬁnd it extremely difficult to have anything less than a fantastic time. At the heart of the yuletide season is the annual Christmas morning gathering in Queen’s Park which is attended by many locals and visitors alike. Located in historic Bridgetown, Queen’s Park has been seeing this annual congregation of persons for many years now making it a true Bajan tradition in its own right.

The promenade normally gets into full swing at about 7:00 am, mainly catering to those early morning church-goers. Individuals have the opportunity to listen to the soothing rhythms of the Royal Barbados Police Force Band, among other scintillating performances. The colourful clothing, breathtaking displays and warm nature of the Bajan public will deﬁnitely amaze you, making the experience all the more memorable. Have you ever watched a Christmas movie and dreamt about experiencing that magical moment where the spirit of the season takes over? Carols by Candlelight gives you the opportunity to live in one

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Activities

These boys looked dapper in their Christmas Day outďŹ ts.

Insight Digital

of those moments. The memory of every patron with a candle in hand, singing along to the many Christmas carols and Barbadian holiday folk songs is sure to be etched in your mind forever. The unforgettable surroundings and mindblowing musical pieces go hand-in-hand with the serene atmosphere. The annual event is held at the prestigious Ilaro Court, the official residence of Barbadosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Prime Minister. Make sure to take loads of pictures to capture the incredible moments and beautiful images! Just like every Bajan tradition, food plays a major role in the celebrations! Are you a lover of exotic, refreshing tastes that adorn your palete? Have a heap of good Bajan conkies neatly wrapped in Banana leaves or some old fashioned jug-jug, while quenching your thirst with some delicious, freshly-made sorrel as you relax and absorb the festivities. Turn to the Cuisine section on pages 28 for local holiday recipes and treats that you must try!

Activities Activities

Basil Griffith

Reefs and Wrecks

Beautiful and colourful reefs surround the island.

arbados’ crystal-clear waters certainly do not require any special equipment to see to the bottom – only your eyes. But, some of the most beautiful under water attractions require you to go out a little farther into waters a little deeper. For those of you who are interested in the aquatic beauty of Barbados you should deﬁnitely try scuba diving! There are some spectacular reefs and wrecks in the deep blue that surrounds you. Barbados is the only Caribbean island built on solid limestone and coral. The beaches gently slope in to the deep ocean. In these waters, there are a number of both hard and soft coral species, combining amazing colours with a mesmerizing ecosystem all nurtured by the abundance of sunlight ﬁltering through the water. Notably, there are also several welltrained, experienced and professional dive operators to guide you to these sites. If you really want to see what the underwater world is like, there are deep sea diving services offered by dive shops across the island that will take you. There are many 46

different reefs and wrecks around the island that cater to a range of divers, from beginner to advanced. Bell Buoy is a dome-shaped reef popular for its brown coral forests, sloping scape and schools of fish. With many different coral environments, Bell Buoy is both an exciting and educational dive especially if you are interested in marine life. One of the more popular dive sites also suited for beginners, are the wrecks in Carlisle Bay, St Michael. There are four wrecks in this bay that draw divers from all over the world – the Berwyn, Elion, C-Trek and Fox. Underwater, swim along with tropical fish, eels, frog fish, seahorses and so much more! For the more advanced diver, try one of the dive sites on the East and North Coasts. These are definitely not to be attempted by beginners! Cold Atlantic water, breaking waves, intricate channels and heavy currents make these the perfect underwater adrenalin rush. Even if you are an experienced diver, it is highly recommended to be guided by local dive operators familiar with the areas.

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Water Sports

Skimboarding on the wash of a wave.

isiting at this time of year, there is one thing that if you did not previously know, you will quickly discover: Barbados definitely does not experience winter! There is no snow, unless you are talking about a snow cone (a snack made of chipped ice and sweet syrup)! However, for those of you who enjoy partaking in winter sports, there is a quite enjoyable alternative – water sports! Instead of skiing down snowy slopes, water ski across crystal clear waters. Is snow boarding more your thing? Try wake boarding, the tropical beach version of the extreme winter sport. Surfing is not your only option. Jet skiing, body boarding, skim boarding and parasailing all make up the different water sports you are encouraged to try. Wake Boarding was developed from the combination of surfing, snow boarding and water skiing. The rider is towed behind a boat, gliding on the surface of the water on a wake board (it looks like a mini surfboard). The tow speeds can increase to be quite

exhilarating! A common sight on the more popular beaches along the West and South coasts are jet skis zipping across the water, accompanied by happy screams and laughter. There are many operators on beaches that after a quick tutorial will send you off to operate it on your own. As the name suggests, skim boarding uses a board to skim or glide across the water. Unlike surﬁng it starts on the beach, by dropping the skimboard onto the wash of a receding wave. Skimboarders can either use their momentum to skim out to breaking waves and surf back to shore, or stay on the wash of the wave and attempt some tricks. Parasailing in Barbados may just be the nearest thing to heaven on earth! Imagine ﬂoating effortlessly over the picturesque coasts of the island, wind in your hair and nothing in your way. Parasailing involves being harnessed into a parachute which is towed through the air by a boat. We dare you to say, you rather the snow and ice to the sand and sun! 47

Activities

Polo Season

olo has been described as the “King of Sports” combining great athleticism with festive luxuries. The traditional sport has been “bajanized” and the annual Polo season anticipates the coming together of sportsmanship, friendship, fashion, music, and food. Beginning just after the Christmas season, polo season gives visitors the opportunity to take in yet another vacation activity, adding to your relaxation process. Are you a fan of those intense chukkas or just a lover of ﬁne moments and things? Polo may just be the event for you! Polo at any of the island’s beautiful polo ﬁelds is an experience to behold. Whether it is at the luxurious Apes Hill Polo Field, Lion Castle, Clifton or the Holder’s Hill Polo Field, the facilities are all immaculate. Sit back, have a glass of wine and take in all that has to be offered. The growth of polo on the island has surpassed that of many sports. Its 48

immaculately situated ﬁelds after the days of polo at the Garrison Savannah serve as a testament to the rapid development of the sport over such a short space of time. Its advancement has much to do with the participation of some of the most prominent individuals on the island, all with one goal in mind, to see polo at its optimum level. More focus can sometimes be placed on who is at polo, than who is actually playing polo. A “celebrity” affair, you can deﬁnitely seek solace in simply attending polo for the socializing aspect of the sport. One of the more stand-out events was that of the Sentabale Polo Cup, which attracted many stand-out individuals, most notably Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of the kingdom of Lesotho. The match was played to raise funds for the orphans of Lesotho suffering from the HIV virus. Check out the Calendar of Events on page 8 and 9 for this season’s dates. The game is about to start; don’t miss it!

Jennifer Allen

Are you a fan of those intense chukkas or just a lover of fine moments and things? Polo may just be the event for you!

Activities

Taking in Nature – Exploring the Gardens

hat could be more relaxing than enjoying the simple beauty of nature at its most beautiful? Green and lush. Despite Barbados’ developed infrastructure for an island its size, there is an active effort which completely opposes the idea of a concrete jungle. There are gardens in Barbados that exist solely to appreciate the beauty of nature. If you are a nature enthusiast, be sure to include a visit to at least one of these gardens in your itinerary.

The Andromeda Botanic Gardens is a tropical garden laid out over six acres in the parish of St. Joseph, overlooking the scenic East Coast. This garden started as a private plant collection in 1953, and has since then been opened to the public. Today, the gardens boast of over six hundred different species of plants all available for viewing on any day of the week. Though it is owned by the Barbados National Trust, the University of West Indies holds the responsibility for research and educational activities at Andromeda. There is a focus now on the development of the garden as a learning resource, which has lent to the acquirement of a horticultural/botanical library, classroom facility, and a computer lab. Horticultural enthusiasts can organize more educational activities like self or staff guided tours, research, plant propagation, botany, ethnobotany, landscaping, and gardening.

Flower Forest Located in the Scotland District, the Flower Forest is a highly impressive exhibition of nature’s best. With the added plus of hosting a spectacular scenic view of the rugged East Coast, this carefully manicured forest on ﬁfty acres is truly a sight to behold! 50

Many species of ﬂowers can be found at Andromeda.

Brilliant colours scatter themselves across clusters of varieties of plants. Tranquillity is the head quality of the Flower Forest. But more than likely you will catch a glimpse of the green monkey! Not to worry, the green monkeys that frequent areas like the Flower Forest (you are likely to see them at all of the gardens we mention) are harmless. They have grown accustomed to seeing many visitors to these sites.

Charleston Selman

Andromeda Botanic Gardens

Located in the heart of the lush hills of St. Joseph, Hunte’s Gardens was created by a horticulturalist with an unusual ﬂair, Anthony Hunte. Being located in the centre of Barbados’ rainforest gives Hunte’s Gardens a multi dimensional and multi-climate experience. The 10 acres are occupied by various levels of sunny, open spaces to the mysterious, dark centre of a true Caribbean jungle. Hunte’s Gardens is broken down into mini-gardens littered along the path where brilliant colours mix and complement the varying textures. Quietly hidden among the lush greenery, are many garden benches. Feel free to sit and take in the tranquillity that surrounds you.

Orchid World This six acre property at Groves, St George is home to over 30, 000 orchids, as well as many other tropical plants like the Bougainvillea, Heliconia, palms, ferns, cacti and succulents…barely naming a few. Orchid World seeks to display the orchids and other beautiful ﬂowers in their natural habitat. The wheelchair/stroller friendly pathway makes its way through four orchid houses, a fernery, and two courtyards with a blanket of hued orchids secured on fences. The walk even features a beautiful waterfall, streams and fountains all using recycled rain water. Resting spots include the many benches positioned along the path that allow you to relax and listen to the birds. There is also a gazebo with an incredible view of the valley below.

Welchman Hall Gully

Charleston Selman

Hunte’s Gardens at Castle Grant

Gully was one of the only places where they were left to ﬂourish, untouched by man. Here is an interesting piece of history: The grapefruit is originally from Barbados and is rumoured to have been started in Welchman Hall Gully! The Gully was once part of a plantation owned by a Welshman called William Asygell Williams over 200 years ago. He left behind not only a beautiful landscape, but a delicious fruit as well!

Welchman Hall Gully Welchman Hall Gully is like a step back into time. There, you can see what the island would have been like 300 years ago. When the island was colonized, and more land used for sugar and crop cultivation, many of the indigenous plants of the island disappeared. Welchman Hall 51

RealActivities Estate

Rest and Relaxation – Barbados Spas

Rejuvenate your senses at one of Barbados’ top spas.

n your way to Barbados, you know before you get here that the trip is worth being cramped in an airplane for a few hours. It’s a journey that leads to a true vacation, a holiday, and some may even say, an escape. The stressful hustle and bustle of regular life stops when touching down on these shores. You will soon realize, if you have not already, that locals always seem laidback and cheerful. The pace of the island is not slow, it is easy. This relaxed element is a strong part of the culture. It should be no surprise then, that the spa experience has been perfected to a heightened one of a kind, self-pampering indulgence. A holiday in Barbados is the perfect opportunity to take relaxation to the absolute maximum. There are many spas that offer services promising to revitalize and rejuvenate you. Many people have even found the healing powers of the island so effective that they come back repeatedly on what are known as spa vacations. But spa vacations to Barbados are nothing new. The ﬁrst American president,

George Washington and his brother Lawrence came in 1751, when Barbados had already acquired the reputation as a health spa for the treatment of lung and respiratory ailments. Lawrence had been diagnosed with tuberculosis and came to Barbados to recuperate. At that time, Bridgetown was the largest city in the English speaking world! Imagine that! You can visit the George Washington House for a tour of where George Washington and his brother stayed when they were here. Enough of the history class, it’s time to get back to the tension-releasing, relaxation-inducing magic of the spa! Barbados has some of the most exquisite spas in the Caribbean. They are everything you would imagine with an extra touch of a tropical ambience. Many are located in hotels, so be sure to check the amenities before you check in. There are also many which are privately owned and easily accessible. Some, however, are neatly tucked away from the busy streets in tranquil, secluded pockets –a true escape. So go ahead, be a little self indulgent. You deserve it.

Activities

Rockley Beach

or every issue of Explore, this has to be the most difficult article to write. With more than enough contenders for the top spot, choosing the BEST beaches in Barbados is quite a task! Try to include a trip to each of the following beaches while on your stay. Each has its own charm and reason for making the list. Enjoy!

village. Here, the fresh ﬁsh caught that day is sold to the public. The rustic charm of this beach makes it a perfect photo opp. Even getting there is picturesque. The path leading down the jetty is very narrow and rugged, and should only be attempted in a 4x4. But forcing you to drive slowly is not all bad -you will get to see the waterfall, the stream and lovely tamarind trees.

Consett Bay – Consett Bay is a gem in its own right. Firstly, you should note that swimming is not recommended at this beach. Consett Bay is a sheltered bay in the eastern parish of St. John. It is known as a fishing bay where many fishermen land their catch of the day. There is a long jetty stretching into the Atlantic Ocean with an amazing view and you can even witness the fishermen at work. The sea is quite choppy at this beach. There is a strong current and lots of undertow. This makes it extremely dangerous for swimming, but perfect for fishing. There is always a hive of activity with many fishing boats and a fishing

Rockley Beach – Rockley Beach, also known as Accra Beach, is one of the most popular beaches among both locals and visitors. Most likely, it is as popular as it is because it offers a unique combination of exciting waves for surﬁng and calm waters for swimming. Lay on the soft white sand under a casuarina tree. Purchase beautiful local crafts, jewellery and clothing from the vendor kiosks. Engage in one of the many water sports offered to beach goers. Ride the waves on a boogie board, swim out to the reef, or simply enjoy the cooling water. Rockley beach provides all-day fun for the entire family!

Insight Digital

Top Beaches in Barbados

Crane Beach

Located on the South Coast, Rockley Beach is in a central location with many amenities. There is convenient free parking and changing rooms with showers. If you prefer to sunbathe or relax with a book, there are beach chairs and umbrellas for rent. There are also bars and cafés right on the beach. In the immediate surroundings, there are shopping centres, restaurant, sports bars, and hotels. Crane Beach – Crane Beach is one of the prized jewels of Barbadian shores. Without a doubt, it is one of the best beaches here, and according to Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, it is one of the top 10 beaches in the world! (Don’t just take our word for it, check it out yourself!) So what gives Crane Beach the bragging right it has acquired? The crystal clear waters can be found almost anywhere on the island, but this long stretch seems to reﬂect extraordinary and glorious hues of blues, turquoises and aquamarines. The sand is unbelievably soft, and so white

that it appears pink under the beaming sunshine. The descent from shallow to deep is gentle and there are no urchins, stones or corals under your feet. Your only company may be a few sea turtles out for a swim! At any time of the day, the Crane Beach is amazing. But at sunset, it becomes a striking view - the clear sky is painted in warm reds, oranges and golds. The water near the beach is calm as it is protected by a natural coral reef. Further out, the current makes the perfect waves for boogie boarding and surﬁng. The bay used to serve as a harbour, and it got its name from the large crane at the top of the cliff that was used for loading and unloading ships. The Crane Resort and Residences is located at this St. Philip beach. If you are not staying at the hotel, the public access path is not the easiest. You have to descend quite a few stairs. Don’t worry; there are places along the descent to rest. Watch your step, but trust us, it is worth it!

Indulgence Spa & Fitness is a beautifully appointed Elemis Spa with a well-equipped gym and exercise studio. The spa offers a full range of body, face and nail treatments along with Pilate’s and Yoga classes. Gym use is available at daily and weekly membership rates.

For appointments please call 419-4507 or email: indulgence@royal-westmoreland.com

Activities Activities

Pantomimes are a guaranteed great time for the entire family.

laborate sets, colourful costumes, and entertaining theatrics all come together for the highly anticipated Christmas pantomime productions put on by some of the island’s most prestigious schools. As a previous British colony, many Brit traditions have been passed down and infused in their own unique ways into Bajan culture. Christmas pantomimes, a common theatrical spectacle in England, have ﬂourished and established their own space in Barbados’ realm of culture and entertainment. Usually held during the months of November and December, some of the schools put on quite a show that is fun for the entire family, especially the little ones! These fairy tale adaptations with a special Bajan twist always succeed in stirring up heaps of laughter from the audience. The young captivating characters sing, dance, tell jokes, and recite their lines with such accuracy you would think the schools are dedicated to the performing arts! But the extra-curricular pantomimes have solidiﬁed their position as a must see production for friends, parents and theatre enthusiasts of all types. 56

It can’t be stressed enough, pantomimes are FUN! With the Bajan ‘twang’ and humorous wit written into the script, you know the show is nothing less than authentic! The productions require rigorous rehearsals that try to fall in line with professional productions. While it is true that these pantomimes are very entertaining, the experience for the kids involved can be considered the most valuable outcome. The student cast benefits from participation. As young as four years old, they learn about teamwork, commitment, self-confidence, and creativity. They are taught work ethic, time management, study tips, and of course are given the opportunity to develop their talents. It is not your average six year old that can recite lines as loudly and comfortably as some of these talented kids! There are few that would doubt the remarkable effects pantomimes have on the school and the wider community. Something else you can definitely be sure of, is the guaranteed great show. And who knows, maybe the next time you see some of those faces would be on the big screen!

Nation Archive

Family Fun!

Activities

Aerial action!

ust imagine zipping through trees, becoming completely consumed in the unpretentious beauty of nature. The Aerial Trek Zipline Adventures give you the opportunity to be a modern-day Tarzan (without the questionable rope and scary apes, thankfully!) gliding your way through beautiful eco-sites. Aerial Trek is a moderate level activity tour, located at Walkes Spring Plantation, Jack-in-the-Box Gully in the central parish of St. Thomas. “Fly” through the trees on secured safety gear from platform to platform. The course is over 1000 feet in length, and consists of eight platforms built around the canopy of the trees in the gully. The highest platform is over 100 feet and the longest Zipline cable runs close to 300 feet! With this sort of adrenalin rush involved, this is deﬁnitely not the average

nature walk! Besides the fun side of things, two factors in particular are of pretty high importance: safety and environmental sustainability. Some people may have questions about falling 100 feet from a rope in the jungle, and if you ask us, that’s a reasonable fear! However, at Aerial Trek, meticulously trained guides give safety brieﬁngs, and carefully suit you up for the time of your life. Protection and maintenance of the natural environment is also highly prioritised at Aerial Trek. Some of the sustainable measures include recycling, the institution of a no litter policy, reducing the use of chemical products, and the planting of fruit trees and ﬂowers. Aerial Trek is an ultimate experience – safe, eco-friendly but most importantly, super fun!

Jennifer Allen

Aerial Trek

Jennifer Allen

Hold on tight as you through the trees!

Activities Contents

Ring in the New Year!

Celebrate the New Year in true Island style.

f you will be ringing in the New Year in Barbados and wondering what to do to celebrate, here are some options for you to choose from. The religious community congregates in many churches for Midnight Mass. Services normally begin around 11:00 pm, but be sure to check with the specific Churches first. Have dinner under the stars and toast at the stroke of midnight. New Year’s Eve (NYE) dinner events are held at many of the island’s fine restaurants. But make your reservation early because most restaurants are booked up quickly. Many hotels host dinner parties for their guests so ask if your hotel, or even one nearby, will be hosting a NYE event. Enjoy great music and entertainment, and scrumptious meals in the place you’ve come to call home during your stay! Party the night away into the first morning of the year at one of the many bars, clubs and NYE events! Second Street closes to 60

traffic and the party moves out into the street! Here you would find some of the best-rated places on the entertainment strip. There are also many exclusive allinclusive events for which tickets can be reserved, but they do sell out quickly! Be sure to secure your spot as soon as you can. Set off fireworks with that midnight kiss! At the stroke of 12, the skies light up with beautiful fireworks all along the South and West Coasts. Rockets are launched into the sky for an explosive display of breathtaking bursts of colour. Many people have moonlight beach picnics and enjoy the light show. No matter what you do for NYE, a growing tradition is to drive out the East Coast to watch the sun rise for the first time for the year. The clear air, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, and love in everyone’s hearts - it is nothing short of magical! Happy New Year!!

Info

Tips & Tidbits

anking: We have a number of international and regional banks throughout the island. General operating hours are Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Friday 8 am to 5 p.m. There are also a wide variety of ATMs around that dispense local currency only.

Safety: Barbados is generally considered to be much safer than several other tourist destinations. That said, don’t do anything you wouldn’t do at home. For example, don’t leave valuables lying in plain sight, in an unlocked car or in an open room; also remember to lock your doors when leaving your accommodation.

Business Hours: General operating hours of local businesses and stores are 8:30 am to 4:30 p.m. or 9 am to 5 p.m., Monday thru Friday with some places open on Saturday from about 8:30 am to 1 pm. These hours are just a general guideline as some stores and offices have their own opening hour, which may not comply with the above.

Telephone: Phoning home is very simple, you can call direct to most places in the world from any ﬁxed line or cell phone. If you need any help, you can use local operator assistance by dialing 0 + Area Code + Number.

Currency: Barbados has its own currency which is pegged to the US dollar at an exchange rate of BD$1.98 to US$1.00. You can change your currency at any local bank. However, major foreign currencies such as the US $, the British £, the Euro €, and the Canadian $ are widely accepted by local merchants and restaurants. Major credit cards and travellers’ cheques in the above mentioned currencies can also be used. Just remember to carry corresponding picture identiﬁcation.

Transportation: Getting around our lovely island is quite easy and there are several options for you to choose from: • Buses/ Vans - The fare on any of the following modes of transport is BD$2.00 one way. Do remember that when you are at a bus stop you need to put your hand out to signal the bus to stop. • Transport Board buses – These are government buses. These are blue with a yellow stripe and have licence plates that begin with the letters “BM”. • Privately owned mini-buses – These have license plates which start with the letter “B” and are yellow with a blue stripe. • Privately owned route taxis – These are affectionately known as ZR’s after the ﬁrst two letters on their license plates. ZRs are smaller white vans with a purple stripe. • Taxis – There are a number of companies and individuals who provide private taxi services. The associated fares are based on the distance travelled and in most cases are ﬁxed. You should establish with the

Brian O’Neale

driver before starting your journey what the fare is likely to be. • Rental Cars – There are many perks to renting a car while you are here on holiday. You get the opportunity to explore parts of the island not traditionally seen by tourists and you have more ﬂexibility in moving around. This can also be a very cost effective option, especially if you are part of a large group. Rental options vary from small cars right up to jeeps and large vans that can hold over 6 persons. Make sure to visit our island directory listings, to ﬁnd a reputable and affordable car rental company.

• Scooters/ ATVs/ Bicycles - If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also consider renting a scooter, ATV or bicycles to tour our lovely island. Water: Our water supply is completely safe to drink from the tap and is one of the best in the world. This is because of Barbados’ unique limestone make-up, which helps to purify and cleanse the water. Tipping: Many restaurants include a 10% service charge on their bills. If there is no service charge or you receive excellent service, tipping is at your discretion.

Emergency Numbers: Although we certainly hope you won’t need any emergency help while enjoying your stay on our island, things do happen, so please take note of the following local emergency numbers. • Police 211 or 430-7100

• FMH Emergency Medical Centre, Belleville, St. Michael, 228-6120

• Fire 311 • Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) 436-6450 • Sandy Crest Medical Centre St. James, 419-4911 • The Sparman Clinic, Belleville St. Michael, 624-3278

• Ambulance Service Queen Elizabeth Hospital 511 • Barbados Red Cross Ambulance Service 417-2727 Other Helpful Numbers • Local Directory Assistance 411 • International Directory Assistance 711 63

Info

Island Directory Accommodation Worthing Court Apartment Hotel Worthing, Christ Church Tel: 434-8400

Activities Aerial Trek, Hike & Cave Jack in the box Gully, St. Thomas Tel: 433-8966 Black Pearl Party Cruises Inc. Carlisle House, The Careenage, St. Michael TEL: 436-2885 Coconut Tours Bayside, Bay Street, St. Michael Tel 437-0297 Island Safari Lower Estate Complex, St. George Tel: 429-5337

Barbados Museum & Historical Society Garrison, St. Michael Tel: 427-0201 Barbados National Trust Headquarters, Wildey House, Wildey St. Michael Tel: 426-2421 Caves of Barbados Harrison’s Cave Welchman Hall, St. Thomas Tel: 438-6640 Sunbury Great House Sunbury, St. Philip Tel: 423-6270

Communications

Sugar Cane Club Hotel and Spa Maynards, St Peter Tel: 434-8415

Digicel Barbados Ltd. The Courtyard, Hastings, Christ Church Tel: 434-3444

Suntours Barbados Tel: 434-8412

Complimentary Health

Frangipani Art Gallery Sugar Cane Club Hotel & Spa Maynards, St Peter Tel: 422-5026

The Barbados Reiki Association Tel: 428-4186 or 428-4000 Email: barbadosreiki@hotmail.com or touchoﬂight@gmail.com Email: juliette.rudder@gmail.com Website: http://www.barbadosreikiassociation.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BarbadosReiki

Attractions & Museum

Dining

Banks Beer Brewery Tour Wildey, St. Michael Tel: 228-6486

Angry Annies Holetown, St. James Tel: 432-2119

Art

Barbados Concorde Experience Grantley Adams International Airport, Christ Church Tel: 420-7738

Brown Sugar Aquatic Gap, St. Michael Tel: 426-7684

Harbour Lights Bay Street, St. Michael Tel: 436-7225

Chilli Moos Ice Cream Treatery Quayside Centre, Rockley, Christ Church Tel: 435-1877

The Plantation Theatre St. Lawrence Main Road Christ Church Tel: 428-5048

The Crane Resort Crane, St. Philip Tel: 423-6220 David’s Place Worthing, Christ Church Tel: 435-9755 H. Jason Jones & Co. Ltd. Premium Steak Delivery Kensington Court, Fontabelle, St. Michael Tel: 4297209 Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church Tel: 428-2759 Oriental B.B.Q & Bar Upstairs The Steak House St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church Tel: 420-3762 Paulo’s Churrasco Do Brasil St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church Tel 438-6767 St. Lawrence Steak House & Grill St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church Tel: 428-7152 The Waterfront Café Cavans Lane, Bridgetown Tel: 427-0093

The Ship Inn St. Lawrence Gap Tel: 430-7447

Embassies and Consulates Australian High Commission Bishop’s Court Hill, St. Michael Tel: 435-2834 Austrian Honorary Consul Knowlton, Exeter Rd, Navy Gdns, Christ Church Tel: 427-3131 Embassy of Brazil Hastings Main Road, Christ Church (Located in the Digicel complex) Tel: 427-1735 Canadian High Commission Bishop’s Court Hill, St. Michael Website: http://www.bridgetown.gc.ca Tel: 429-3550 Embassy of Colombia Dayrells Rd., Rockley, Christ Church Tel: 429-6821

The Tides Holetown, St. James Tel: 432-8356

French Consulate Cherry Tree House, Chelsea Road Tel : 429 4546 or Mobile: 262 6238 Open: Mon, Wed, Fri: 9:30 – 12:30

Entertainment

German Honorary Consul Tel: 427-1876

The Boatyard Bay Street, St. Michael Tel: 436-2622

Israeli Honorary Consul General Palmetto St. Bridgetown Tel: 426-4764

Info Italian Vice Consulate Bannatyne, Christ Church Tel: 437-1228 Netherlands Consulate Balls Plantation, Christ Church Tel: 418-8000 United Kingdom British High Commission Collymore Rock, St. Michael E-mail: britishhc@sunbeach.net Tel: 436-6694 Embassy of the United States Bridgetown, Wildey Business Park, Wildey, St. Michael Tel: 227-4000 or 227-4399 Venezuelan Embassy Hastings, Christ Church Tel: 435-7619

Places of Worship Anglican St Matthias Anglican (Episcopal) Church St. Matthias Road, Hastings, Christ Church Sunday Services: 7a.m. and 8:45a.m. Tel: 429-5733 or 427-7389

Jumma Masjid Kensington New Road, Bridgetown, St Michael. Tel: 426-0117 City Masjid Sobers Lane, Bridgetown, St Michael. Tel: 427-1258 Makki Masjid 6th Avenue, Belleville, St Michael. Tel: 228-3653 Islamic Teaching Centre Harts Gap, Hastings, Christ Church. Tel: 427-0120 Jewish The Barbados Jewish Community Summer services, which run until December 2, 2011 will be held at Shaare Tzedekh Synagogue, Rockley New Road, Christ Church. Friday evening Shabbat Service starts at 7.30 PM Winter Shabbat Services will be held at Nidhe Israel Synagogue, and the Jewish Museum, Synagogue Lane, Bridgetown from Dec 9, 2011 Tel.:427-7611,228-2102,426-4764, 428-8414 or 422-1114 Pentecostal

Christ Church Parish Church Church Hill, Oistins, Christ Church Sunday Services: 6:15a.m., 7:45a.m. and 9:15a.m. Sunday School: 9a.m. Tel: 428-8087/428-9147

The People’s Cathedral Bishop’s Court Hill, St Michael Sunday Services: 7:30a.m., 10a.m. and 6p.m. Family Bible Hour: 9a.m. Tel: (246) 429-2145

Brethren

Roman Catholic

Ebenezer Gospel Hall Crumpton Street, Bridgetown Sunday Services: 11a.m. and 6p.m. Tel: 432-0811 or 420-1469

St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral Bay Street and Jemmott’s Lane, St Michael. Sunday Mass: 7a.m., 11a.m. and 6p.m. Tel: 426-2325

Islamic

St Dominic’s Maxwell Main Road, Christ Church Sunday Mass: 7a.m. and 10a.m. Tel: 428-7677

Barbados Muslim Association Five daily prayers and Friday prayer at 12:30p.m. 66

Real Estate Apes Hill Club Apes Hill, St. James. Tel: 432-4500, Fax: 432-4501

The Runway DaCosta’s Mall, Bridgetown, St. Michael Tel: 43-style

Realtors Limited Holetown, St. James Tel 432-6930

Limegrove Lifestyle Centre Holetown, St. James Tel: 432-6563

Services

Spas

Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association 4th Avenue Belleville, St Michael Tel: 426-5041

Sugar Cane Club Hotel & Spa Maynards, St. Peter Tel 434-8412

Barbados Tourism Authority Harbour Rd, Bridgetown, Barbados Tel: 427-2623 Ministry of Tourism Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre Two Mile Hill, St. Michael Tel: 430-7500

Travel 1st Choice Car Rental Worthing Main Road, Christ Church Tel: 434-2277 Coconut Car Rentals Bayside, Bay Street, St. Michael Tel: 437-0297

Shopping Cave Shepherd Broad Street, Bridgetown Vista, Worthing Sunset Mall, Sunset Crest West Mall, Holetown Crane Hotel Almond Beach Village Hotel Grantley Adams International Airport Opening Hours: Mon - Thur 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Fri - 8:30 am - 6:30 pm Sat - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Sun - 9:30 - 2:30 pm PBX: 246-227-2121 Shuttle Service available from most hotels each day. The Royal Shop 32 Broad Street, Bridgetown St. Michael Tel: 429-7072 or 431-0296

Courtesy Rent-A-Car Wildey, St. Michael Tel: 431-4160 or 418-2500 Drive-A-Matic Ltd. Lower Carlton, St. James Tel: 424-4000 Executive Car Rental 9 & 10 Tamkris, Worthing, Christ Church Tel: 228-1993 Johnson Tours Barbados Limited Sunny Isle Complex, Worthing, Christ Church Tel: 426-5181 Top Car Rentals Ltd. Rockley New Rd., Christ Church Tel: 435-0378 67

Info

The Barbados Experience!

David and Valeria Doleman.

Resort, but previously stayed at Casuarina Hotel. One of the highlights of the Dolemans’ visit in 2009 was spending a special cocktail evening at Ilaro Court – the official residence of the Prime Minister, with then Prime Minister, (now deceased) the Honourable David Thompson. According to the Dolemans, it was one of their most wonderful nights on the island, and one they will remember for a long time. The Dolemans are looking forward to their next visit sometime in 2012.

Rawle Culbard

heir first visit was in 1997, and already David and Valeria Doleman have holidayed in Barbados on 20 occasions. It’s their love for the island, its culture, friendly people, and tempting cuisine that keep them returning to Bim. Hailing from Newcastle, Britain, the Dolemans first visited the island after reading about its beauty in colourful brochures. They immediately fell head over heels in love with all it had to offer when they actually touched Barbadian soil for the first time. “We fell in love with the friendliness of the people, the culture and climate,” David told Explore Our Isle -Barbados. The couple’s hectic lifestyle back home is always put to rest once they arrive in Barbados, as they always take time to relax and unwind. “We chill, take drives around the island and just relax. We take in the beauty of scenic Bathsheba; Holetown in St. James and of course, Valeria takes time out to shop in Bridgetown,” David said with a laugh. Over the years, the two have developed lasting friendships with many Barbadians and fellow visitors to the island. They enjoy nothing more, than telling others about our paradise isle. “We tell friends about the island all the time; about its beauty, and how wonderful it is,” David confessed. While they have visited other Caribbean islands, including Jamaica, Antigua and St. Lucia, the Dolemans’ say Barbados is home away from home, and a place they “will always return to.” They visit as many as three times on occasions, and spend an average of two to three weeks. During their past 10 visits, they vacationed at Bougainvillea Beach

BRIDGETOWN - #32 Broad Street, Tel. (246) 429-7072 WEST COAST - The Promenade Shops at The Beach House, Holetown, St. James, Tel. (246) 432-7342