My Barbados Blog

Okay, I'm a week late posting answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, but here we go:

Barbados Vacation Prices, Best of Barbados Program, and Long or 2nd Day Flights are discussed in detail in the previous posting

EasyCruise - Barbados Schedule

Although we posted about the 2006/2007 EasyCruise Barbados schedule, we still receive lots of inquiries.

Unfortunately the cruise line decided on St Maarten/Antigua because of cheaper airfare and air flight connections. EasyCruise has not ruled out returning to Barbados in the winter of 2007/2008, so we will keep you posted. Here's all the information from our previous posting: Barbados EasyCruise Schedule

Barbados Dive Guide

Many divers have asked where they can find the Barbados Dive Guide on the island. The guide sold at Atlantis Submarine store in Bridgetown, and in all the Ganzee retail stores on the island. The guide is goes into detail about every major coral reef around Barbados. 

"What exactly is Cou-cou, and How is it Made?

I've only seen this made once, so there are obviously be more recipes -Cou-cou is made of cornmeal and okra. The okra is thinly sliced, and boiled. The corn meal is mixed with water (same part corn meal to amount of water). Bajan cooks use a cou-cou stick to stir the corn meal/okra mixture on low heat, and there can be no lumps! After the cornmeal and okra is sufficiently mixed, the texture becomes rather stiff, and the mound is put on a plate. A spoon is then used to puncture the center, and gravy is then poured in and around the center. It's quite good, but the secret seems to be getting the mixture just right. It is usually served with stews or fish. Another variation I saw online used butter instead of gravy. Cou-cou can also be made with breadfruit and green bananas, but I'm not sure what the procedure is, and I've never tasted this recipe. Maybe a blog reader can enlighten, or better yet a Bajan.

What is The Crane Really Like?

The Crane Hotel has many good reviews, and bad reviews on the Internet, especially sites like Trip Advisor. This is a question that comes up quite frequently.

I always tell potential visitors that The Crane is located on a high cliff, in a rather remote part of the island. To get around and see Barbados, you will either have to rent a car, get a taxi, or arrange for an island tour.

This is a luxury property, and is divided up between the 1887 Hotel and The Private Residences. The Hotel has limited rooms, offers luxury accommodations with antique furniture and modern appliances. The Private Residences are owned by timeshare owners, and these units offer the best in modern, contemporary luxury accommodations.

There has been a lot of construction of Private Residences on the property, and this has been a matter of contention with some visitors, due to the noise and dust. Some visitors have experienced no problem, while others are been bothered by the construction. It all depends on where your particular room is located, and whether you occupy your room in the daytime. 

Another question that comes up a lot is Crane Beach. This beach was named by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous as one of the best in the world. It is a simply beautiful beach, however it does have an undertow, and the water is not smooth as glass as on the West coast. The Crane Hotel sits on a cliff, and to get to the beach, you have to climb down steps. 

What's so great about The Crane?

Luxury accommodations, wonderful views of the ocean from just about every angle, two on site restaurants, a private pool in some units, family friendly with 2 & 3 bedroom/2/3 bath apartments, the most photographed swimming pool in the Caribbean, free Internet service, free transportation to the grocery store, sunning on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and a great, romantic place to get away from it all.

Should I Change American Currency into Barbadian Currency?

I advise travelers to convert their currency at one of the local banks, or hotel upon arrival. In any transaction on the island, you will receive Barbados currency, not American dollars in change - so you will end up with Barbados currency in your pocket anyway. American coins are not accepted in Barbados, and the Barbados dollar is a coin, not paper money. All other bills are clearly marked in the domination. ATM machines are located throughout the island, however you should be aware of any additional banking charges when using the ATM. When converting American dollars, it will appear that you have twice the money, however that is quite deceiving. A Barbados dollar is equal to $1.98 in American dollars, but you will NOT have twice the spending power.

Prior to leaving the island, you can change the Barbadian currency back into American dollars, however if you are taking a cab to the airport, you need to keep enough Barbados dollars for the ride. There is a bank at the airport, however if you have an early morning flight, the bank will not be open.

What About Hurricanes in Barbados?

Barbados has been extremely lucky during hurricane season. Hurricanes are formed off the coast of Africa, and then head to the Caribbean. The normal pattern is to swing in a northernly route, which puts the storm over 100 miles from the coast of Barbados. We posted an article back in September on Hurricane Prepardness in Barbados.

 Can I Use My Cell Phone in Barbados?

The Barbados network operates on a Digital TDMA Network. You can rent a phone through various services on the Internet, and the local service in Barbados is handled by the Cable and Wireless Network. Other alternatives are the new VOIP (Voice Over Interent Protocol) services. Note: Placing a call through the hotel from Barbados to the U.S. is extremely expensive.  

Is Bus Transporation Reliable?

There are two types of bus service (1) Blue buses with yellow stripes are government-owned (2) Smaller, yellow and blue-striped are privately-owned. The bus fare is $1.50 BDS, which equals $0.75 U.S., and exact change is required. Remember, no American coins are accepted on the island. Buses run frequently, so visitors will have no problem getting around the island. Buses run on the average of every 20-25 minutes, and tend to be crowded, depending on the route and time of day. You will need to know which particular bus to take (ask the hotel, or any of the locals). Flag down the bus, even if you are standing at the bus stop, since many bus route destinations will pass by your stop. This is an inexpensive way to get around the island, and also an opportunity to interact with local Bajans. Hold on tightly, the buses travel at a face pace!

What Am I Prohibited Bringing to Barbados?

(1) Prescription drugs must be accompanied by an official prescription. (2) You may bring up to two liters of alcohol and two cartons of cigarettes to Barbados. (3) You can also bring a "reasonable" amount of duty free goods for personal use - anything Barbados Customs deems to be "unreasonable" may be liable for tax, or confiscated (4) Firearms and recreational drugs are not permitted.

Bringing food to the island is something long term visitors have done for sometime. You are prohibited from bringing meat to Barbados. Several visitors with special diets have applied to the Barbados Embassy here in the U.S. for a permit to bring some prohibited items to the island - these requests are handled on a personal basis.  As a visitor who stays longer than one week, I've always brought snack items, and items such as peanut butter, jelly, salad dressing, cereal, paper towels, paper plates and any other condiment. Purchasing these items on the island is quite expensive. 

A word of caution: With the new security regulations regarding locks on your luggage, we've had several reports recently of theft in U.S. airports with passengers heading to Barbados.  

Many of you have asked me to post my favorite restaurants/bars. I will devote the next posting to that subject. Linda