Barbados Provides Me With The Bumpiest Rides Of My Life
I’m sure that every car driver that has ever driven in the Caribbean island of Barbados will agree that the roads are ever so slightly bumpy. I use to moan about the condition of the roads back home in Scotland, but the unbelievable condition of the roads here make the ones back home seem like a bowling green.
I have already had 2 burst tyres and 2 slow punctures in the 2 months since I have had my car, all the shocks on my car are also needing replaced. There are pot holes all over the roads in Barbados and you could really mess up more than just your tyre if you had the misfortune of driving over some of the huge ones, and believe me at night when its dark it is difficult to see them.
I know quite a few people that carry two spare tyres just in case they have a real unlucky day. You really need to keep your eyes peeled to avoid the potholes. It kind of gets crazy when its raining as the roads do flood real bad in Barbados and of course the pot holes get filled with water and you cant see the dam holes. Also the you wouldn’t believe how some of the roads here just seem to crumble when they flood, I don’t know what kind of tarmac they use here but they need to change it real quick. An article I wrote about my recent experience of driving through floods in Barbados, The Heavens Opened And The Rains Came Down In Barbados.
I don’t envy those brave souls in Barbados that cycle or the motor bikers, they are most certainly dicing with death or serious injury on a regular basis. I’m living in hope that the huge increase in road tax will mean a huge improvement in the dire state of the roads in Barbados.
If Barbados wants to be taken seriously as a top quality tourist destination, they have to start doing something about things like the crap state of the roads and the lack of signs, because there are loads of countries out there that are doing everything they can to grab a slice of the tourist dollar. I have previously written about the joys of driving on the roads in Barbados, The Nightmare Of Driving In Barbados.
I recently read an article that helps to highlight how dangerous the roads are in Barbados and that something radical needs to be done to make them safer a safer place, More Road Deaths Than Murders.
Who Said There Was a Land Shortage in Barbados
I have heard it said on numerous occasions ever since I first had the good fortune and pleasure to start visiting Barbados that there is a severe land shortage for building houses. Ask the Prime Minister David Thomson and I’m sure he will tell you that there is a lack of land for building residential properties is a very real problem.
I personally don’t think there is a shortage of building plots on Barbados yet, I think the problem is that there are literally thousands upon thousands of building plots all over the island, that are owned by either Bajans that have moved abroad, people that own family land and are just holding on to it and it will be passed on again once they die, and land that the ownership of is unknown or has been lost through time.
For example there is street round the corner from where I live and I drove along it today and counted 27 vacant and overgrown building plots. I know that it is hard to believe that there can be 27 building plots in one street in a country where there is such a huge land shortage. There are hundreds of streets like the one I have mentioned in the Parish I live in Christ Church, and this situation is a fairly common one in most of the other parishes in Barbados.
I feel that the Government should start a database off every single vacant residential building plot and who actually owns them. Once this has been done, all the plots where ownership is lost or cant be proven, the land should be used to build government houses for those poor people that are working hard and struggling in life. Prime plots should be sold to help pay for this project.
I would take it one step further and lands where the land tax hasn’t been paid for say 10 years, the owners should be contacted and told if they don’t start paying their land tax within a stipulated time period, it will be sold with a percentage going to the government for future social housing projects.
I don’t think it would cost the Barbados government a huge amount of money to put together a small team of highly motivated and hard working individuals to get this project off the ground and in the long term the benefits would be amazing
I know David Thomson has a huge task ahead of him in not only solving the land shortage problem in Barbados but also the many thousands of poor people that are living in unbelievable housing conditions, I have been in houses that many people in the UK wouldn’t believe was possible in a country such as Barbados that they perceive as being a wealthy land.
Barbados Dress Code Courtesy of the Wandering Scotsman
If you are heading to Barbados for a trip, whether it is a holiday or pleasure it is imperative that you come prepared with the correct clothes. It kind of gets hot in Barbados all year round and for me having the correct clothes should be an essential part of your planning for your trip.
Barbados Dress Code Tips:
Beach Wear:
There are no nudist or topless beaches in Barbados, so you will need to bring either a swimming shorts or trunks for the guys and either a bikini or swimsuit for the ladies. Guys if you intend on wearing swimming trunks get a second opinion as to whether you look good in them or if your are going to be laughing stock on the beach. Ladies if you have big belly and need to lose some weight, give the bikini a miss.
As I mentioned earlier there is no topless beaches in Barbados, yet form time to time at the various beaches here, you will see these out of shape 40+ British or American ladies who will every chance they get flash there out of shapes boobs on the beach. I’m not sure if it is some sort of mating ritual to try and attract a rent a man for a few weeks. Here is some free advice, you do not need to flash, you will find a rent a man, no problem, there are lots of them going about, they will find you no matter how out of shape and ugly you are!
Day Wear:
I would say the best clothes you could wear during the day, when you are on trips or tours, is to wear a loose pair of lightweight shorts and a vest, because believe me it gets real hot during the day.
During the day whether at the beach or on trips I would recommend a pair of sunglasses, hat, sun block and suntan lotion. I know from experience that even when the sun isn’t shining, that it is easy to get burnt, if you do not take precautions. Also I think crocs are ideal for footwear, they are great for the both the beach and daytime walking about.
Eveningwear:
The last thing you want to be wearing during the evening in Barbados is a pair of jeans. Guys I would recommend either a nice pair of shorts or lightweight trousers and a loose cotton or linen shirt, and it goes without saying loose boxer shorts. For the ladies what about a lightweight cotton or linen dress, with not much underneath to keep you cool.
If you find a restaurant that expects you to wear a shirt and tie and a jacket, I would recommend that you go find somewhere else to eat.
Even though the temperature cools down a wee bit once the sun has set in Barbados, you have to remember you are in the Caribbean it still stays fairly all the time no matter what the time of the day is.
Business Wear:
If you are on the island for business I would recommend wearing short sleeved shirt and lightweight suit, ladies dress elegantly and make sure your clothes are lightweight.
Always carry a hankie when out at night or on a business meeting, they are great for wiping the sweat from your forehead.
When in Barbados if you dress properly for the heat that you will experience and take the proper precautions to prevent sun damage to your skin, you should have an excellent trip. One last piece of advice that you will have heard a thousand times, drink plenty of cool fruit juices and water to prevent dehydration.
Barbados Emergency Phone Numbers
When on holiday in Barbados it is a good idea to have a list of the essential emergency telephone numbers just in case they are required. It is most definitely a good idea to have them before you need them, rather than scrabbling around trying to find the appropriate emergency number when you need it.
Barbados Emergency Phone Numbers:
Police: 211 or 430-7100
Ambulance Service: 511
Fire Service: 311
Barbados Red Cross Ambulance Service: 417- 2727
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, St Michal: 436-6450
FMH Emergency Medical Centre, Belleville, St Michael: 228-6120
Sandy Crest Medical Centre, St James: 419- 4911
Telephone Information: 411
You never know when they may be required so why not print this list off and keep a copy in your wallet or purse when you are visiting Barbados.
For some more great pieces of essential Barbados travel information, read the following articles, Barbados Currency Is Dollars, Of Course It Is and Barbados A Caribbean Island Paradise.
The 11 Parishes of Barbados
The Caribbean island of Barbados is divided into 11 parishes, which are administrative sub-regions. They are known as parishes because of the islands Anglican historic past. The different size and shape of each parish was primarily influenced by the huge plantation estates of cotton, sugar cane, and tobacco that were in operation during the British colonial years of Barbados’s historic past.
The 11 Barbados parishes are as follows:
Northern Parishes
St Lucy, Is where the Animal flower cave is located, which is famed for the exotic sea anemones that are rarely found in caves is located.
St Peter, home of Barbados’ second town, Speightstown, which was once called Little Bristol because of its thriving trade with that English city.
St Andrew, whose panoramic beauty and scenery make it a must tour parish.
Western and Southern Parishes
St James, where the site of the island’s first settlement is located at Holetown.
Christ Church, the location of the most popular night-spots and important bird sanctuary in the hemisphere.
The Central and Eastern Parishes
St Thomas, where the most spectacular natural attraction in the entire Caribbean Harrison’s Cave, is located, which I wrote all about, Harrison’s Cave Barbados, It Was Finally Open, 3rd Time Lucky!
St Joseph, home to international surfing and the breathtaking beauty of Bathsheba.
St John, where history, architecture and scenery combine at one of the island’s oldest churches, St John Parish Church, view a picture of this stunning church It’s Sunday and This Is St John’s Church In Barbados
St George, with its imposing lifelike “lion sculpture” carved from stone.
St Philip, the island’s largest parish and home to the stunning seascapes, Bottom Bay, Ragged Point, and Crane Beach. There we have it, the 11 parishes that make up the island of Barbados, each one offers something different and all are worth visiting.
Barbados Proverbs That Will Come In Handy
In Barbados you will frequently find that many of the local population like to use proverbs in their conversation. I for one have on numerous occasions wondered what my wife’s cousins were saying, as they are rather found of using proverbs or local slang, as I would call it.
Bajan local slang, proverbs or dialect what ever you prefer to call it, is like a foreign language because it can be a wee bit tricky to figure out what is being said, when someone is talking it to you. I have on many occasions needed my wife to translate things for me.
I have listed a few of the most commonly spoken proverbs for you to get you going and fortunately they are fairly easy to learn.
One side o’ yuh mout telling lies pon de other.
Your lies are finding you out.
Sensible man doesn’t pull off ‘e jacket till e’ gine sleep.
A very wise man does not start anything until he is quite ready.
He can’t dance.
He is illiterate.
Peter pay fuh Paul and Paul pay fuh all.
Someone, innocent or not, will suffer for the wrongdoings of others.
Yuh en worth wha’ Paddy shot at me.
You are worthless.
You kill me dog I kill you cat (tit fuh tat)
If you hurt me in one way I will hurt you in another.
De longer yuh live de more yuh hear.
This is used as a reaction to surprising news.
Wha got blood got feelings.
Anybody can be hurt, or be made to feel good or bad.
Wha yuh do in de dark does come out in de light.
You can’t hide all your actions.
Far off’ gree best.
When people are not constantly near each other, friendship last longer.
Have fun learning these Barbados proverbs, you can even try of few of them out when you get here. I have another article that I wrote which will also be handy for any visitors who are planning on coming to Barbados 20 Bajan Words That Will Make Your Trip to Barbados More Fun.
A Rainy Day In Barbados, It Sure Sort of Reminds Me Of Scotland
Sunday sure was a rainy day, it rained heavily all night and for most of the day. At times it felt like I was back home in Aberdeen in Scotland, where I have known it to rain incessantly for 2 or 3 days at a time. The rain and wind sure felt the same, I suppose the big difference was that it was still fairly warm here; if it rained like that back home it sure would be cold.
I suppose that’s why they call it rainy season in Barbados, back home in Scotland we just call it normal weather! But for a loon from Aberdeen this isn’t anything that will faze me. The only problem is back home that I had the right kind of jacket for whatever the weather gods would throw at me. In Barbados it is a wee bit trickier because it is still so warm here when the rain comes pouring down.
The only jacket I have which I thought was gong to work, was a Cagoule, but it makes me sweat like crazy and I end up as wet on the inside as I do on the outside. I know I could wait for the rain to go off, but when you have work to do, you don’t just stop because of the weather, well you don’t if you come from Scotland.
Rainy season in Barbados I will have to find a jacket to defeat you just like I use to back home in Bonnie Scotland. The good news was that the rain went off in Christ Church about 7pm and everything returned to normal.
10 Vitally Important Must Do Travel Tips
I have put together a list of what I perceive to be 10 vitally important must do travel tips, which I feel will help to ensure that your trip is a safe and successful one.
I don’t think it really matters whether you are travelling to safe countries like Barbados or Scotland or whether you are heading to one of the more dodgy countries out there, it always pays to be careful and prepared, because there are dodgy people lurking in the shadows waiting for easy pickings no matter where you travel too.
10 Vitally Important Must Do Travel Tips:
1. Never list your home address on the luggage tag. If on business, put the company’s address on the tag; if visiting friends you can list their address. Use covered luggage tags as well
2. Carry important papers with you; NEVER check anything that you simply cannot afford to lose. Photocopy your passport, driver’s license and credit cards.
3. You should never accept a drink from a stranger. Keep an eye on your drink at all times.
4. Pay the driver upon arriving at your destination and while you are still sitting in the vehicle
5. Do not discuss travel plans, your room number or any other personal information in public within earshot of strangers
6. Bring along a basic first aid kit with bandages, iodine, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, alcohol packets, dramamine, pepto bismol, diarrhoea medicine, etc.
7. Bring a small flashlight. You never know when you’ll suddenly be “in the dark” and find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings. At night, keep your flashlight by your bed.
8. Watch for scams on the street. Children working with adults are notorious as pickpockets.
9. Emergency Cards write your child’s name and your hotel number on each card; include a close friend or relative’s contact information on the card. Give a card to each child that they will carry with them as long as you are away. Destroy once home.
10. Never flash your money in public. Exchange funds with reputable and recognized exchangers only.
I cannot stress enough, the importance of staying aware and alert at all times while on holiday. Unfortunately nowadays many travelers end up in situations that could have easily been avoided if they had used plain old common sense.
Stay alert, stay safe and always be aware
For 10 more great travel tips from my personal repertoire Essential Travel Items You Must Take On Holiday
Help the Rat Race Is Very Much Alive and Real In Barbados
My life of takings things easy and living in a more relaxed manner finely came crashing to a halt yesterday morning courtesy of the School run. The rat race had finely come to visit me in Barbados and it was a complete nightmare. Lets just say the School run involves leaving the house at 7am and we just made it to school in time for 8.30am.
Because we moved over from the UK we felt it would be best to put the Kid in a small private School because we felt it would have been a easier transition for him. I know there are some excellent local primary schools here in Barbados, but such is life. We originally had a wee look at Cordington, which would have been a lot easier to get too, we could have done that in an easy 30 minutes, but you guessed it, the Kid couldn’t stand the place, too many white people for him!
We eventually found a small private primary School in a suburb of Bridgetown that he was happy and comfortable with. It is maybe a pain in the butt to get too and it is miles away, but the Kid loves it, and that is what counts. I remember the day’s when I was a wee kid in my home city of Aberdeen in Scotland, which by the way has a bigger population than the whole of Barbados, I only had a 10 minute walk to my School. Those were the days when life was so much simpler!
I suppose the one saving grace is that his School comes out before the main afternoon school rush begins and the journey back home only takes about 30 minutes. So I suppose I have to only spend one journey suffering the mental effects of the rat race. Who knows we may even be able to somehow find a different route that we can take to School so we can shave some time off the journey.
I really do hate the rate race, but fortunately I had been warned before hand that it would be complete nightmare getting into the Bridgetown area during rush hour times when the Schools were open again. I have also been warned I aint seen nothing yet, I have to wait for an accident to block up the road and then I will see how bad things can get.
I dread the School run so much that I may even get a wee speed boat and motor it along the coast to Carlisle Bay and moor it there and then we would only have a 30 minute walk to school, but knowing my luck there would be traffic jam on the water going to school.
I’m off to find out when his school holidays begin in Barbados so I can escape the hellishness of the School run for a few weeks or so, then it’s to the beach for some badly needed relaxation and a wee bit of boogie boarding.
I know the perfect cure for the nightmare effects of the School run and it is a cure all magic potion that goes by the name of Mount Gay rum, which I shall be finishing off the day with a wee glass of this evening, Nothing Beats a Glass of Mount Gay Rum To End the Day.
Barbados Currency Is Dollars, Of Course It Is
The national currency of the Caribbean Island of Barbados is of course dollars. By dollars I mean Barbados dollars, but US dollars are just as equally accepted on this island, in all the years I have been coming hear I have yet to have a shop refuse to accept US dollars from me.
The Barbados dollar is actually pegged to the USA dollar at a fixed rate of $1.98 BDS to $1.00 U.S, as you can see it is fairly easy to keep track of what you are spending whichever dollars you are using. The beauty of the Barbados currency is that each note is a different colour, which makes it a very simple task identifying the value of each note. The bank notes that are currently in circulation are as follows, one hundred dollars, fifty dollars, twenty dollars, ten dollars, five dollars and finally two dollars. The coins that are in circulation are as follows, dollar coin, twenty five cents, ten cents, five cents and one cent
Each of the dollar bills of Barbados features the face of well know Bajans, the one hundred dollar bill features Sir Gantley Herbert Adams who was the first Premier of Barbados as the island proceded towards self- governance and whom the airport is named after, the fifty dollar bill has Errol Walton Barrow who was the first Prime Minister of Barbados, the twenty dollar is of Samuel Jackman Prescod who was the first person of African descent to elected to the Parliament of Barbados in 1843, the ten dollar bill features Charles Duncan O’Neal who was a physician and political figure, the five dollar bill has Sir Frank Worrel the famous crickiter on it and the one dollar bill has John Redman Bovell who was the superintendant of Agriculture of Barbados on it.
Visitors to Barbados can easily exchange money at any bank as long as you produce your passport and ticket. There are also numerous ATM machines on the island, but these are mainly located in Bridgetown and on the South and West coast of the island, you may however be struggling to find a machine on the east coast of the island, there is seemingly only one.
I have travelled to many different countries over the years and understanding and getting use to the currency of certain countries was a wee bit difficult and confusing. I’m glad that I can honestly say that I have found it a breeze to get use to using money in Barbados, whether it is Barbados Dollars or US dollars it is not it the slightest bit confusing.
3 Interesting Facts About Barbados Money:
1. Barbados banknotes are actually made in England by Da La Rue Currency and the coins made by the Royal Canadian Mint in Ontario, Canada.
2. There is a maximum amount of coins that retailers are obliges to accept as payment for an item and that is 10 dollars.
3. Just like the banknotes, the images on the coins all have a historical or cultural significance.
For some more essential travel information relating to Barbados, why not read the following articles that I wrote Where Is Barbados, Well Let Me Educate You! and Barbados A Caribbean Island Paradise.
Sponsor
