Barbados Vacation

This island was a result of volcanic activity and was pushed out of the sea a long time ago. The island is still rising one inch every 1000 years. A part of the Caribbean Islands, this island is situated to the south of the USA and northeast of Venezuela. Until 1627, there wasn’t a soul on this island. The British occupied this island and brought in slaves from Africa to set up and work in the sugar plantations until 1834, when slavery was declared illegal in an attempt to abolish it. Sugar, Rum and Molasses were the main stay of the economy up to the 20th century. Petroleum, natural gas and fish are also other resources the Barbadians live on. However, its scenic beauty has made it a popular tourist destination and earning from tourism also contributes to the economy today. A series of political reforms led to the island being free from the British in 1966. More than 300 years of colonial rule has strongly influenced the life styles of the Barbadians, called ‘Bajans’. Therefore, cricket is the favorite game here though basketball and baseball are also played with equal enthusiasm.

A Barbados Vacation is popular among tourists for its coral beaches carpeted with white sands that touch blue-green clear seawater. There is plenty of art, music, nightlife, activities and culture to keep visitors amused and entertained. Because of the colonial influence, this island is sophisticated and yet its people retain a simple charm and easy smile. These warm and friendly souls make you feel special so that you feel like coming again and again to this natural paradise. While the majorities are descendants of the slaves who were forced in to labor here, the island also has a peaceful blend of people of European blood and Afro descendants. There are small but vibrant Hindu, Arab and Jewish populations as well. Though the African sway is predominant, the royal British touch is unmistakable in Barbados. The foods, music, language, architecture, even the street names bear stamps of British influence. The Bajans are quick witted and their literature and Calypso music is often filled with double entendres. The art and crafts have a strong Afro mark to it, so as their belief in Voodoo - witchcraft that is widely practiced in Barbados.

Barbados is a relatively flat island with a number of gradually sloping beaches that stretch for miles. Occasionally the beaches are broken briefly by corals that jot out to the sea. To the visitors, it’s like natural art. All water sports activities can be indulged in Barbados’ beaches and seas. The main attractions in Barbados are definitely worth visiting or doing. The Atlantis Submarine expedition is one such attraction that takes you right down to the coral reefs and shipwrecks that you can view from close quarters in the cool air-conditioned comforts through huge glass windows. Visitors are transported to the submarine, Atlantis, with a shuttle vessel ‘Ocean Quest’. From aboard the Ocean quest the tourists can see Atlantis emerging from the waters and the visitors are shifted to the submarine Atlantis. Then begins the underwater journey, which is the real thing. Diving 55 feet into the waters the visitors can see the coral reef, spectacular sponge and myriad marine life. Taking a further dip at 115-150 feet a shipwreck can be seen at close quarters, a treat that was only reserved for scuba divers. A ticket on the Atlantic submarine includes a meal or a T-shirt and transportation from your hotel. Another such fascinating activity is the Atlantis power snorkeling that takes you down to explore the shipwrecks, under water flora and fauna, and coral reefs with a power scooter. A guided half an hour tour explains to you the dos and don’ts of power scooter snorkeling. Then you are left on your own to explore the under water with your power scooter ‘James Bond’ style until the call for everyone to return.

For those who are geologically inclined or otherwise, Animal Flower caves and the Harrison caves are ‘must see’ sights in Barbados. Animal Flower Cave is located under the cliffs at the northern tip of Barbados. It’s an accessible sea cave that has coral floors, which are 400,000 to 500,000 years old. A swim in the cave waters is possible and would provide a window to the unending Atlantic, of which the small cave pool is a part. Harrison Cave is a cave that is located underground in contrast to the Animal Flower Cave. Specially designed transport take the tourists underground to the caves where specially lit caverns showcase an amazing number of majestic stalactites and stalagmites. The water that cascades down to the caves from nearby pools and water bodies make wonderful sounds.

Tired during the day, you can relax in the cultural atmosphere of many programs like the Bajan Roots and Rhythm. It’s a party with dinner and a show of the culture of Barbados through music and dance. Crop over festival is the most popular and colorful festival in Barbados. The hard work after the harvesting of the sugar crop needed some celebration in the past and the tradition continues today. It’s a carnival that begins with the ‘ceremonial delivery of the last canes’ followed by the king and queen of the festival – who are the most productive cane producers of the season. Stalls are set up that sell food, beverages, and local arts and crafts. Music is played all around by Tuk and Calypso bands. ‘Cohobblopot’ is a part of the festival where members of the ‘Kadooment’ bands march along displaying their stunning costumes. Calypso bands compete with each other for the best band prize. Grand Kadooment is the grand finale to the huge event that results in the revelers making their way from the National stadium to the Spring Garden in Bridgetown accompanied by music, food and drink.

The events and places described are just a few of the amazing things that belong to Barbados. The list of such events and attractions are pretty lengthy actually and no amount of reading could satisfy the actual craving for seeing those.