Our Home away from home
Written: Jul 05 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Lots to do! Friendly people. A lovely, diverse island.
Cons: Expensive. Bridgetown proper seems dirty to some.
The Bottom Line: This island offers the visitor more than all of the other Caribbean Islands. The island is beautiful and diverse.
Don't miss it!
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| barbados's Full Review: Barbados |
For the last 13 years we’ve spent the North American winters in Barbados.
Flying in to Grantley Adams airport one is treated with a view of paradise that awaits.
Barbados has a population of almost 280,000 people. About 80% of Barbados’ population is of African descent, 4% European descent and 16% mixed.
The majority of the people live on the West Coast, in and around Bridgetown. The next largest populace is in the South Coast from Bridgetown to Oistins. The north and East parts of the island are sparsely populated.
A first-time visitor to the island has a lot of choices on what to do. One day on the island is not enough to see it all.
The most popular spots to visit are Harrison’s Cave; Gun Hill Signal Station; The Wildlife Reserve; Andromeda Gardens; St. John’s Parish Church; St. Nicholas Abby and Welchman Hall Gully.
Some of our best beaches for swimming and snorkeling on the West coast are Payne’s Bay, Mullins, Sandy Lane Bay Beach, Batts Rock and Folkstone Marine Park. On the South coast it’s Needham’s Point and Casuarina Cove. As you continue further East from these beaches you’ll reach the fishing village of Oistins which has a number of small secluded beaches and a great Friday night fish-fry and lime (lime=party). Don’t miss it if you’re lucky enough to be these on a Friday. Try a Flying Fish “cutter” (sandwich).
About six miles NE of Oistins you’ll find one of the most beautiful beaches in all of the Caribbean. Crane Beach. This Beach was rated one of the top ten beaches in the word by Conde Nast. The Crane Bay Hotel sits atop the 50’ ledge overlooking the beach. One has to descend stairs in order to reach the beach, but it is not that difficult. The Crane Hotel has a wonderful lunch in their restaurant overlooking the beach that is absolutely breathtaking.
Our East Coast beaches are spectacular, but too dangerous for casual swimming. Further up the East Coast is Bathsheba and Tent Bay where windsurfing contests are held.
The stretch of East Coast Highway north of Bathsheba to North Point on the northern tip of the island is where many Barbadians have their weekend homes. Few people and cheaper property.
If you don’t do anything else on the island, please visit our East Coast, it is a destination within itself that rarely disappoints.
I wish that I could tell you that there were many bargains on the island, but there are not. Except rum. Barbados is an expensive island. A US$100 microwave oven can cost US$600 in Barbados. Car insurance for a good driver is about US$3000/year. Gas approaches US$5/gal. If you want to shop a little, try Cave Shepherd on Broad Street in Bridgetown, the airport and the cruise terminal. Local handicrafts are everywhere and offer the best value. Try the Best of Barbados shops in Bridgetown and at six other spots around the island. Another good spot is the Pelican Village Handicrafts Center on Princess Alice Hwy in Bridgetown.
Wonderful restaurants we have, albeit expensive. Josef’s and Pisces on the South Coast in the St. Lawrence Gap area are simply wonderful. As is David’s in the same area.
The Cliff in St. James (West Coast) is perhaps our favorite. The view is right on the water with beautiful appointments and artwork. The food is exquisite. Plan on spending US$200 for two people for a dinner you will never forget.
One last thing. The Barbadian people. We travel extensively in the Caribbean and have never found a friendlier island. It isn’t uncommon to be invited into the local’s homes upon your first meeting with them. Lost? Ask anyone and they’ll stop and tell you (with a smile) how to get where you’re going. The people are warm and gracious. Remember that Barbados has the highest literacy rate in the Caribbean.
We hope that you enjoy the island as much as we do. It’s difficult not to love her.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Dec - Feb
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Epinions.com ID:
barbados
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Location: Medford, OR USA
Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 0 members
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