Barbados

Barbados is a relatively flat island with an abundant supply of large gradually sloping beaches fringing the land. In some areas, notably the North, coral and sandstone cliffs rise straight out of the sea reaching several hundred feet in height. In the South West, cliffs of 50 to 100 feet rise and fall along the coast, separated by small sandy beaches and bays.
On the flatter South West and West coasts, you may walk for miles along unbroken white sand beaches, sometimes stopping at a cluster of coral rocks jutting out to sea. All along the shore large and small beaches are broken by coral formations, the soft coral rocks weathered by the ocean surf, forming abstract sculptures to an artist's eye.

Of course, not all of Barbados' coast is sand; there are mangrove swamps, cliffs, tide pools and areas where beds of low lying coral rock, sandstone, clay or shale reach out to the sea. Barbados' swamps are to be found in Chancery Lane, Inch Marlow and Graham Hall in the South and South West of the Island. They are the major wetlands of Barbados providing an assemblage of plants and animals forming an important link in the food chain of offshore fish and birds.

Low lying rock formations are particularly prevalent along the North East and South Easter points; periwinkles, sea anemones, crabs and snails make their home along these rocks. Tidal flats and wave ridges occur mostly off the East coast within eroded limestone plateaus and other low lying rock formations.

On the South and South West Coasts you will find many tide pools, an important ecological resource, acting as nurseries for juvenile fish and other permanent residents like the ghost crab and sea roaches as well as marine plants like sea moss which is made into a health drink.

Cliffs of coral and sandstone overlook calm bays and rugged coastlines and sometimes small, cozy soft sand beaches nestle between heads of coral sculptured by the sea. Most of the larger cliffs are in the North, in the parish of St. Lucy.

From the air the island is in the shape of a pear. Graced by gently rolling hills, sugar cane fields and spectacular beaches - Barbados is one of the most densely populated islands in the Caribbean and visitors quickly experience small winding roads that strain with weight of traffic as cars drive on the left hand side past pastel colored homes, gardens, historic stone buildings, churches, statues and parks. As far islands go it is not very big, measuring only 166 square miles. But just about everything on her 166 miles makes Barbados unique. First of all the island actually sits just to the east of the Caribbean islands that arch down toward nearby South America.

Another unique feature is that the island is made up of limestone with no massive volcano rising from the sea to challenge the sky. This limestone formation created some of the best tasting water in the world as well as incredible beaches that seem to pop up on every nook and cranny on the coastline.

The island is also unique with her mixture of English traditions and Caribbean style. Often called "Little England" the island is home to stone buildings, homes and churches built centuries ago. If one did not see nearby swaying palm trees he might be convinced he was in some London neighborhood.

Other similarities to England can be seen in the cricket fields, polo grounds and elegant restaurants where people pause for afternoon tea. But these highly educated people with their unique British-West Indies accent are proud of their vibrant nation and gladly welcome people to their shores and quickly make them feel at home.

People, History & Culture: Several mysteries concern the ancient history of Barbados. It is thought that Arawak Indians lived on the islands for centuries before the arrival of European explorers. When the Portuguese arrived at Barbados in 1536 they reported no inhabitants lived on the island. It is thought that the Arawaks had moved off the island or been decimated by the more powerful Carib Indians. Though the Portuguese did not stay and establish any settlements on the island they did give the island its modern name- Los Barbados- named after a shaggy fir tree that can still be found on the island- meaning the "Bearded Ones".

Today: The people of Barbados are often called by their nickname- Bajuns. The island has a literacy rate of 98%. They are proud of their ties to England and enjoy cricket and afternoon tea. People still wear light jackets for dinner, observe manners and speak with more of a British accent than a pure "West-Indies" accent found on other Caribbean Islands. But while they respect their ties to England and observe many English customs, they are equally (if not more) proud of who they are and what Barbados has made of itself. For the most part the people are outgoing, friendly and very patient with visitors. In fact, one of the reasons so many people enjoy going to Barbados is the friendly people and the feeling that the resort or hotel they are staying in is part of the "neighborhood" rather than just staying in a resort "compound" with a wall dividing out the people!