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Showing posts from October, 2008

Barbados and budget travel go together

Chicago Tribune True, the 21-mile-long island of Barbados—Portuguese for "bearded-ones"—is a bit more remote and trickier to get to than, say, Jamaica. But its gently rolling, terraced landscape, relative immunity to hurricanes and ultra-friendly vibe immediately lulls travelers into a beachy state of mind upon arrival. Adding to the allure, Barbadians—colloquially, Bajans—are an enveloping bunch.

Barbados, more than a tourist resort

Canada.com The name alone conjures up those "S's" that we all long for during the long, dark, cold days of winter: sun, sea, and surf. (The other "S" is frankly up to you.) The island, one of the original vacation paradises, has them all: the brilliant sun that seems to shine every day without fail and offers spectacular sunsets every night; beaches that wrap much of the coastline; and surf, gentle on the west side, pounding on the east, that offers the perfect playground for all - from the very young splashing in the salty sea for the first time, to snorkellers, surfers, sailers and to the very old soothing their bones in nature's mega bath. That's the Barbados of winter dreams. And it doesn't disappoint.

Barbados: Take in an authentic Caribbean experience

Canada.com Take the flying fish. It has become a symbol of the island and has been recorded travelling through the air at speeds up to 90 km/h. After catching flying fish, island residents (Bajans) are adept at deboning these fish of their hundreds of tiny bones. Bajans have turned this skill into something that's honoured at competitions, original only in the Barbados.

Barbados Rum Punch

Taiwan News Online Caribbean islands evoke thoughts of exotic fruity drinks garnished with umbrellas. Many of the drinks are made with tropical juices, flavored brandies and cordials, and the result often is an overly-sweet concoction. A refreshing alternative can be found in the Eastern Caribbean enclave of Barbados. The Bajan version of rum punch is a four-part mixture combining distinct flavors that mingle together for a crisp taste.

Barbados:The rum drinker's promised land

When I saw that headline,I had to say oh no...not again...here it is Taiwan News Warm hearted smiles welcome me as I stride into the John Moore bar, the oldest rum shop in Barbados. I've been in the Caribbean for only a few days, but I feel as though I belong when I order a "Black and Coke," which is the native slang for Extra Old rum served with Coca Cola. Embarrassingly, my cover is blown when I use a large bill to pay for my drink, which costs less than half as much as the cocktails at the beach resort where I am staying. After obviously outing myself as a naive tourist, I take my drink to an outdoor table and exchange small talk with an old man whose charming grin and musical lilt in his voice overcome the fact that he is missing a few teeth. Soon, I am conversing with a group of islanders as the sun begins to set. A hint of ocean salt lingers in the evening breeze.

Sandy Lane Hotel,Barbados makes Forbes Traveler list of best caribbean hotels

Forbes Traveler Sir Richard may prefer the privacy of his own island, but other Brits of that same feather flock together at Sandy Lane, along the west coast of Barbados. One of the Caribbean’s oldest and most esteemed resorts is also one of the most English, with a Palladian-style main building, a bar renowned for its Scottish single malts, and a head chef who previously cooked for the likes of Princess Di, Maggie Thatcher and Rod Stewart. Right down the road is the Barbados Polo Club, as well as the holiday homes of former prime minister Tony Blair and many other Anglo luminaries.

Barbados Concorde exhibit an uplifting experience

The Star.com Local schoolchildren are regular visitors to the galleries and exhibits span the natural environment, the history of the people who inhabited Barbados (from the Amerindians to the colonists), the unfolding and impact of emancipation, and the unique island architecture. The Harewood Gallery, Born of the Sea, tells about the natural history of the island. It's a primer in corals, reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and land and sea creatures. "This is the place to find out about Barbados, three distinct ecosystems," Collymore says. The original mobile home – the compact, colourful Bajan chattel houses that dot the island – are holdovers from plantation days, designed to be taken down and moved to another plot of land as workers were forced to move from plantation to plantation. They're everywhere on the island; impossible for tourists to miss, while most are unaware that they're seeing so much history wrapped up in one small package.

Barbados: Take in An Authentic Caribbean Experience

The gazette The British influence is still seen in Barbados today. Cricket is played. Afternoon tea is popular. And, cars are driven on the left side of the road. But this influence doesn't overwhelm the rich mix of native customs, arts and food that makes Barbados a destination where visitors can have an authentic and original Caribbean experience.

Cast Your Ballot for Barbados' Presidential Ties With the US!

Market Watch With elections right around the corner, US visitors to Barbados have been amazed to discover the many links between past and present US presidential candidates and Barbados. With tonight's Vice Presidential Debate being led by Gwen Ifill, who is of Barbadian parentage, numerous ties between the US and Barbados have been discovered. For example, the United States' first President George Washington resided in Barbados, this was the only place he lived outside of the US; similarly, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton both individually visited the island, forming integral alliances with Barbados and the Caribbean over trade, finance and development issues. Visit Barbados to re-create your own Presidential experience based on the following suggestions: