| Page Views: 62,277 Last Visit to Barbados: February, 2009 I Visit Here Frequently | BARBADOS by joanj - last update: Apr 15, 2009 |
To me this is Paradise re-visited | Beautiful Barbados Sunset on Rockley beach |
Barbados
Back in March 2009 from another great 3 weeks in Barbados meeting old friends.
March 2008 - Just come back from another visit to Barbados, will upload pictures and text in due course.
WELL DONE TO BRIAN AND THE BOYS (WEST INDIES) FOR WINNING THE ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2004
An Independent state and easternmost island of the West Indies
Those who know me well, know that I regard Barbados as my second home. This little piece of paradise in the Caribbean is the place I visit most. I feel at home there. As soon as I step onto the tarmac at Grantley Adams International Airport, I am so grateful to be back there, but the day I leave to go home is another matter. I am so sad, but then as the locals have told me, "you have to go to come back " - and I do!
A little Barbados history
The first people to come to BARBADOS were the Arawak Indians, who lived there for about 4 - 500 years. They lived mostly in caves and gulleys that protected them against the storms and hurricanes that occurred from time to time. Their main crops grown were maize and casava. They also fished to supplement their diets.
The Europeans that first came were Spanish arriving shortly after 1492, but when the Portuguese visited in 1536, the Indians had abandoned the island. Learned men have tried to find out why the Indians left the island so mysteriously, but have yet to discover the complete answer to this riddle.
The first English ship to come to Barbados was the Olive Blossom It arrived in 1625 and they found the island uninhabited. They took posession of the island in the name of "James - King of England " . The landing was on the coast near what is now called Holetown, in the Parish of St. James. Here there is a Monument erected in 1905 in their memory .
The visitors from the Olive Blossombdid not stay long, just rested and returned to England. . They gave their employer, Sir William Courteen, a favourable report of the island, and he decided to send out settlers.
These settlers arrived on February 17th, 1627 - (the Holetown Festival in February to commemorates this landing ) near to the same place where the Olive Blossom landed two years before.
They originally named it Jamestown - but is now Holetown.
Barbados (Little England as it is sometimes affectionally known) was ruled by England and Great Britain from 1627 to 30th November 1966 when it was granted Independence .
The History of Barbados is well worth a read.
Since first stepping onto this lovely Island back in l985, I fell in love with the island and it's people and have been back practically every year since, once even 3 times in 1 year.
I have made many friends who live on the island, and also repeat visitors, mainly Canadians who we meet up with each year. This is a fun way to spend a holiday, with a place you know so well, and friends to meet up with for "Happy Hour", always a happy hour at some point of the day.
Take a day tour to see the interior, and the tranquil west coast, the rugged north and east coasts, and the surfers hot spot on the south/east coast. Rum punch, flying fish and cou cou, what more do you want !!
My very favourite place is Bathsheba, especially from the top of the road where the vista is laid out before you.
Barbados consists of 11 Parishes, and the island is 14 miles wide by 21 miles long.
If you hire a Moke or a car, you are sure to get lost, this this all adds to the fun. A good tip is to use the bus stop signs, i.e. "out of city" or "to city". You will always find your way back to Bridgetown.
Just don't rush when driving around, you may miss a good view or a little hidden gem.
I am adding to my Travelogue, so do come back to it now and again please. |
|  | My favourite place on the island This view shows the rock formations.
Surfers congregate here when the weather is bad, i.e. wet and windy, then the surf comes up.
It is quite a dangerous place to swim. There are NO LIFEGUARDS here, so you have been warned.
Photo by joanj |
Garrison Savannah This is a picture of the Garrison Savannah showing the Clock tower which bears the date 1803.
The Garrison is used for Horse racing, Rugby, Football, and on Nov. 30th the island's day of Independence, the Barbados Defense Force, the Royal Barbados Police Force, The Barbados Coast Guard, with Cadets, Girl Guides, Rangers and other groups, parade and march before the Governor General.
Photo by joanj | | |
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| Pros: | "Wonderful climate, friendly people, beautiful beaches, just the place to relax." | | Cons: | "some bad roads, and pavements, if you are lucky to find one, potholes a'plenty," | | In A Nutshell: | "Trade winds cool you as you sunbathe in this island gem." |
joanj's Barbados Travel Tips
 joanj's Barbados Travelogues | | | |
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 Comments for joanj about Barbados | | | | |
Arkeolog Mon Mar 30, 2009 16:18 UTC
Joan your Barbados page is perfect in a word! bathsheba looks beautiful. place is great, tips are great... | hunterV Sat Mar 28, 2009 15:23 UTC
Wow, Joan, your great page fis ull of useful tips, thanx! You've had a wonderful trip, Joan! | Gillybob Sun Jan 4, 2009 20:16 UTC
Lots of information and great photos. Gillybob greetings | doreenellen Thu Jun 5, 2008 08:52 UTC
Wonderful photo of that sky! Lovely pages again Joan |
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