Barbados

The country generally experiences two seasons, one of which includes noticeably higher rainfall. Known as the "wet season", this period runs from June to November. By contrast, the "dry season" runs from December to May. The annual precipitation ranges between 40 inches (1,000 mm) and 90 inches (2,300 mm). From December to May the average temperatures range from 21 to 31 °C (70 to 88 °F), while between June and November, they range from 23 to 31 °C (73 to 88 °F).

English is the official language of Barbados, and is used for communications, administration, and public services all over the island. In its capacity as the official language of the country, the standard of English tends to conform to the vocabulary, pronunciations, spellings, and conventions akin to, but not exactly the same as, those of British English.
A regional variant of English, referred to locally as Bajan, is spoken by most Barbadians in everyday life, especially in informal settings. In its full-fledged form, Bajan sounds markedly different from the Standard English heard on the island. The degree of intelligibility between Bajan and general English, for the general English speaker, depends on the level of creolised vocabulary and idioms. A Bajan speaker may be completely unintelligible to an English speaker from another country. Bajan is influenced by other Caribbean English dialects.

• Barbados has a population of about 281,968 and a population growth rate of 0.33% (Mid-2005 estimates). It ranks as: the fourth most densely populated country in the Americas (18th globally), and the 10th most populated island country in the region, (101st globally). Close to 90% of all Barbadians (also known colloquially as "Bajan") are of Afro-Caribbean descent ("Afro-Bajans") and mixed-descent. The remainder of the population includes groups of Europeans ("Anglo-Bajans" / "Euro-Bajans") mainly from the United Kingdom and Ireland, along with Asians, mostly Chinese and Indians (both Hindu and Muslim). Other groups in Barbados include people from the United Kingdom, United States and Canada. Barbadians who return after years of residence in the United States and children born in America to Bajan parents are called "Bajan Yankees", a term considered derogatory by some. Generally, Bajans recognise and accept all "children of the island" as Bajans, and refer to each other as such.

Most Barbadians of African and European descent are Christians (95%), chiefly Anglicans (40%). Other Christian denominations with significant followings in Barbados are the Catholic Church, Pentecostals (Evangelicals) Jehovah's Witnesses, the Seventh-day Adventist Church and Spiritual Baptists. The Church of England was the official state religion until its legal disenfranchisement by the Parliament of Barbados following independence. Other religions in Barbados include Hinduism, Islam, Bahá'í, Judaism and Wicca.

Caribbean cuisine is a fusion of African, Amerindian, European, East Indian, Arab and Chinese cuisine. These traditions were brought from many different countries when they came to the Caribbean. In addition, the population has created styles that are unique to the region. Ingredients which are common in most islands' dishes are rice, plantains, beans, cassava, cilantro (coriander), bell peppers, chickpeas, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, coconut, and any of various meats that are locally available like beef, poultry, pork or fish. A characteristic seasoning for the region is a green herb and oil based marinade which imparts a flavor profile which is quintessentially Caribbean in character. Ingredients may include garlic, onions, scotch bonnet peppers, celery, green onions, and herbs like cilantro, marjoram, rosemary, tarragon and thyme. This green seasoning is used for a variety of dishes like curries, stews and roasted meats. Traditional dishes are so important to regional culture that, for example, the local version of Caribbean goat stew has been chosen as the official national dish of Montserrat and is also one of the signature dishes of St. Kitts and Nevis. Another popular dish in the Anglophone Caribbean is called "Cook-up", or Pelau. Ackee and Salt Fish is another popular dish that is unique to Jamaica. Callaloo is a dish containing leafy vegetables and sometimes okra amongst others, widely distributed in the Caribbean, with a distinctively mixed African and indigenous character.

1. Braised cabbage :

This is cabbage that has been cooked in beef stock, red pepper and onions.

2. Ugali :

This is a mush made of cornmeal by pounding corn to squeeze out cornstarch.

3. Vitumbua :

These are little cakes made of rice.

4. Chapati:

This is a flat bread that is fried.

5. Ndizi Kaanga :

This dish is made up of brown sugar, melted butter and fried bananas.

6. Nayama:

This is a dish that is traditional to Tanzania. It has minced beef, garlic, coconut, lime and tomatoes.

7. Va Kamba na parachichi :

This salad is made of mashed avocados that are mixed with beans and rice.

8. Nyama Choma:

This is roasted meat that is made with spices, lemon juice and garlic.

9. Coconut bean soup :

This soup is made of beans, green peppers, onions and coconut milk.

10. Dar es salaam :

This is a Tanzanian delicacy that is made when duckling is cooked with tomatoes, red peppers and onions.

Public Transport in the Caribbean :
It's quite easy to get around Barbados by public transport as there is a well established public transportation system as well as private buses and vans.

Taxis: :
Taxi services are also available to natives and guests of the island. Taxis, similarly to the United States, provide transportation at a predetermined government rate.

Bus Fares for Public Transport :
The standard bus fare in Barbados is BDS$2. This is the equivalent of US$1, but please uses local currency; no foreign coins accepted on the Transport Board buses.

WaterWays:
Barbados also provides ports for large cruise ships and transportation of goods into and out of the country. The main ports reside in Bridgetown, Saint Michael (Deep Water Harbour), and in Speightstown, St. Peter (the Port Charles Marina). These are regulated by the Barbados Port Authority. Large cruise ships dock at the Deep Water Harbour at the southwestern end of the island.

1. Arlington House Museum:

: Located in the northern town of Speight town, Arlington House Museum offers a unique opportunity to experience life in a bygone era!





2. Barbados National Heroes Gallery:

The Barbados National Heroes Gallery and the Barbados Museum of Parliament are housed in the historic West Wing of the Parliament Buildings in the heart of the capital city of Bridgetown.




3. Cotton Tower Signal Station:

Cotton Tower signal station is located in the eastern parish of St. Joseph. It was built in the 19th century by the British Military and was one of several signal stations across the island.




4. Colony Club Beach:

: Located along the west coast, in the parish of St.James, is the "Colony Club" (also known as "Heron Bay") beach. Numerous water sports activities, including jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, and catamaran sailing are available from the beach and special areas are roped off to ensure your safety and comfort while swimming.




5. Nidhe Israel Museum (Jewish Museum):

The Nidhe Israel Museum is located next to the synagogue in the capital city of Bridgetown. The museum traces Jewish history in Barbados dating back to the arrival of the earliest Jews in 1628 and highlights their contribution to Barbadian society. Exhibits at the Nidhe Israel Museum include a timeline of Jewish settlement in Barbados, artifacts and interactive displays. The building itself is quite magnificent having been originally constructed around 1700.

05 Stars:

1. Hilton Barbados Hotel.
2. The Crane Resort.
3. The Fairmont Royal Pavillion .
4. Cobblers Cove.