It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life in Trinidad, and sometimes we just need to get away to recharge our batteries. A popular destination for rest and relaxation for Trinis is Barbados, that jewel of an island just an hour’s plane ride away.
This confuses my English friends who I meet up with most years at their time-share on the east coast of Barbados. Why would someone from one Caribbean island want to holiday in another one? First of all, it’s a different island. It’s a getaway, far enough from home to ensure that I’m not sucked back into day-to-day commitments and concerns.
Also, Barbados is very different to Trinidad. It’s a holiday island. It caters for tourists extremely well. I can submit to being spoilt by the island’s excellent hotels, bars and restaurants with first class service. Cocktail served as I lounge on the beach or pool, anyone? Yes please! Everywhere you go, the Bajans are friendly and welcoming. I do find it a bit odd though that there appears to be only tourists enjoying the popular west coast restaurants; but that’s what makes the visitors comfortable.
Barbados has long stretches of beautiful beaches around much of the island, as well as a rugged Atlantic coastline which offers a natural wildness that soothes the soul. There’s lots on offer in terms of sea sports – sailing, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, etc., as well as experiences like swimming with the turtles, Jolly Roger boat trips, even a submarine to view the sea life. I have visited the well-presented Harrison Caves, a few restored Great Houses from the sugar plantation days, tropical gardens with monkeys and other wild life, flower shows, arts and crafts centres, and several other attractions.
In recent times, I have become most impressed with the variety of entertainment on offer. Last week while I was in Barbados, I thoroughly enjoyed a Capella group of seven young men, with only a percussion beat for accompaniment, who performed a wide range of songs using their voices as musical instruments. They even put down an amazing ‘wine’ to a popular Trini soca tune (Savannah Grass). Another evening, we were entranced by a very talented Jazz pannist backed up by brass instruments. I was also put into a nostalgic mood by a rock bank playing wonderful 70’s music in a bar/restaurant where we had lunch one day. I will never forget a lady jazz singer a few years ago who put on a classy show at our hotel. All world class performances.
Barbados holds a special place in most Trinis’ hearts. Those who can’t get enough of our own amazing Carnival can get another tasty morsel with the Crop Over Festival in Barbados which ends with a grand carnival parade on Kadooment Day. Here you are likely to see Rihanna having a good time! I have many happy memories liming with fellow hashers, as the Barbados HHH try to impress us with running trails over their ‘mountains’ (there are none in Barbados).
I’m still feeling very relaxed after a lovely few days in Barbados with good friends, delicious food and wonderful experiences. Thanks, Rick and Hazel. Can’t wait for next time!
