Situated some 13º north of the Equator and 50º 32` west, Barbados is the furthest East of any of the Caribbean Islands. Unlike the other islands in the West Indies, Barbados was formed not by volcanic activity, but by the tectonic plates of the planet pushing the land mass above sea level.

        With a population of just over 284,000 Barbados has gained a reputation as a celebrity hotspot. Politicians, filmstars, supermodels, popstars and even footballers have all acquired luxurious private villas and resorts along the West coast. Perhaps because of this the island has a slightly different feel to it than the other Caribbean Islands we have visited. Even in the west Coast town of Holetown, exclusive top-end shops like Louis Vuitton are being built to appeal to the super-rich which go on holiday to this area.

         But go further north and east, and you can still find a more authentic Barbados with its wild Atlantic Coast and beautiful beaches, such as at Bathsheba. Also a lot of the traditional houses are being transformed, with the wooden structures being replaced by stone, brick or prefabricated panels. Usually a half at a time!! The rear half is demolished, replaced by more modern materials, and then the front gets the same treatment. A shame in a way that these traditional style dwellings will soon disappear, but who could deny the Bajans the right to improve their lot? Links to the Colonial past, such as Sunbury Plantation House are sympathetically preserved, whilst fairly recent discoveries, like Harrison`s Cave are developed for the Tourist Industry.

          Like all the Caribbean Islands we have visited, you will find beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise-blue sea.

          There are moves away from the Colonial past, with Trafalgar Square in the capital Bridgetown likely to be renamed National Hero Square, with Nelson`s Statue probably being relocated elsewhere.

           The home of West Indian cricket the new Kensington Oval Cricket Ground is truly spectacular, and you will find that most, if not all the roundabouts have been named after famous cricketers!

          We had a fabulous holiday there and enjoyed riding on the yellow buses to various destinations on the Island with reggae music blasting out, and a flat fare to anywhere (single trip) of just Bd$2 (approx US$1 or 68 pence).

          The people are really friendly and also very welcoming.

          It is a good idea to go on an All-Island tour, and I cannot not recommend highly enough "Ted`s Tours".   Ted is a real character and his double act with his "twin" brother at the stop at Cherry Tree Hill deserves an Oscar!!

          Below is the link to the video I took. Go soon and enjoy!