Types of Barbados - Beautiful Barbados
Filmed on a trip I took in '09 with a Samsung NV24HD for most shots and a Panasonic Lumix FZ20 for the closeups.
Barbados is a lovely little island nation, 21 miles long by 14 miles wide at its widest point. It is politically stable and economically successful, and the quality of education in Barbados is among the highest in the world. These three things combine to make Barbados one of the safest if not the safest destination in the Caribbean, and it does this without having to be divided into tourist areas and local areas. Everyone can mix and mingle anywhere and at any time in Barbados. Barbados has been blessed with an excellent groundwater source, and unlike many other tropical destinations, you can drink the water straight from the tap. Crime in Barbados is low, and violent crime even lower. The same basic precautions should be taken in Barbados as would need to be taken in any other place.
The locals are called Barbadians or more commonly Bajans. The majority are of African descent, followed by a white english minority and a small south and east asian minority.
The Barbadian landscape is relatively flat, though there are some hilly areas concentrated on the east side of the island. Vegetation is lush and tropical. Ecosystems that can be found in Barbados include forests, jungles, grasslands, a few wetlands, scrubland, and farmland. The West and south coasts are highly developed while the East Coast remains largely undeveloped except for a few small villages and the odd institution or residence. The beaches on the West and South-Western coasts face the Caribbean Sea and generally calm and great for swimming and bathing. The Beaches South Coast are generally windier, and rougher, making them popular with wind and kite surfers and the like. It is generally not advisable to swim in the south coast waters, but it can depend on the day and time of year. The east coast is more rugged, but there are still many beautiful sandy beaches facing the atlantic where the waters are rough and unfit for swimming, these beaches are great for picnics, relaxation and sunbathing without the crowds or people you might find on the west coast. Bottom Bay on the East coast is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Barbados. It is secluded in a cove, lined with palm trees sprouting from sugary sand which is kissed by turquoise blue waters. Bathsheba on the east coast has breathtaking scenery, and is a world class surfing destination. While the waters at Bathsheba are too rough for swimming and Bathing on a good day, one may likely find a large tidepool to bathe in. All beaches in Barbados are public and can be accessed for free by anyone.
There is so much more to do in Barbados than lie on the beach though. There are caves to explore, reefs and wrecks to dive, restaurants galore for the foodies, rumshops, dancing, live shows and concerts, regional and international sporting events, world class festivals, bus trips, zip lining, museums, art villages, fish frys, horseback riding, hiking tours, wildlife reserves and botanical gardens, pirate ship and catamaran cruises, golfing, cricket, helicopter tours, historical buildings, watersports, off-road tours, shopping, and so much more.
Nightlife is another big attraction in Barbados. Barbados is home to the Caribbean's only true entertainment district. St. Lawrence Gap is a roughly 1km long stretch of bars, clubs, and restaurants by the ocean. There are other smaller entertainment areas in Bridgetown, and Holetown.
Barbados is as close as it gets in the region to being everything to everybody; seclusion and the beauty of nature on the east coast, and fun and entertainment on the west coast. There are many islands in the caribbean that specialize in one thing and do it really really well, like stunning scenery and the ultimate in secluded luxury accomodations, or tourist only party resorts with some of the best parties in the caribbean. I would not say Barbados is the ultimate in anything, but it has one of the highest repeat visitor rates in the region because it is a much richer, broader, more diverse experience. After all, there are only so many days you can spend looking at a breathtaking jungle covered extinct volcano from your infinity pool.
If you have been to Barbados and would like to make some remarks, please do so. If you are thinking of going for your first time and have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
I strongly advise anyone that goes to Barbados to go on AT LEAST one Barbados national trust hike. These take place every weekend in a different location. For more information and to view past hikes, please referto youtube user "stephenmendes1". Let himknow I sent you. These hikes are bar none, one of the best ways to see Barbados, and I guarantee you will break a sweat.
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