Barbados' National Flower - Pride of Barbados

Pride of Barbados

The national flower of Barbados is the Pride of Barbados or the Dwarf Poinciana. It is native to to Tropics and sub Tropics of the Americas but can also be found in India and the Phillipines. The Pride of Barbados flowers for most of the year.

In the Amazon region the plant is known for its medical uses by medicine men. Extract from the leaves can be used to help persons with high fevers, the juice from the flower is said to be a great cure for sores, the seeds are are good for bad cough, breathing difficulty and chest pains. It is also said that the root of the plant if ingested can bring on abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy.

http://www.barbadospocketguide.com/our-island-barbados/about-barbados/national-flower.html

Travel Options in Barbados

Are you going somewhere anytime soon? Well we have the perfect solution for you.

Going Places Travel is located in Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Bequia, Carriacou, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Trinidad and is the Caribbean's largest and leading travel management company offering clients cutting edge technology coupled with service second to none.

In total they have twenty-three (23) offices in fourteen (14) islands that will ensure you as a traveller have full access to their network in the Caribbean.

http://www.barbadospocketguide.com/visitors-to-barbados/packages-to-barbados/going-places-travel-agency.html

 

Music in Barbados

Steel pan players in Barbados

Barbados' early history speaks heavily of the cultural connection between African slaves and today's music. Slaves made themselves happy and hopeful through the very music they created. Music that lifted their sometimes daunting spirits and gave them new leases on the days ahead.

http://www.barbadospocketguide.com/art-and-culture-in-barbados/music.html

Donkey Carts in Barbados

Donkey carts in Barbados in days gone by

Ownership of a donkey cart in Barbados was mainly suitable to those who had no other means of transportation and used these carts as a means to transport for produce and whatever else needed to be transported. In some instances, the donkey cart also catered to those who just couldn't be bothered to learn how to drive. Not quite a regular scene on the streets of Barbados these days, donkey carts are running extinct and making their appearances mainly at fairs for the sake of rides for children or to simply help us tap into a piece of our past.

http://www.barbadospocketguide.com/our-island-barbados/history-of-barbados/donkey-carts.html

Stand pipes in Barbados

Typical Barbados Standpipe

The stand pipe in Barbados is seen as a fundamental aspect of our history. Its origin dates back to 1861 when Barbados had more than four hundred (400) stand pipes island wide distributing free water. This water was supplied by the Government so that villagers could collect free water for their household needs.

Today, most houses in Barbados are equipped with running water and as such, the need for stand pipe usage has declined somewhat. Despite the decline, across Barbados today, stand pipes are still used by some folk on the island who can be seen washing their hair, bathing and even washing their vehicles.

http://www.barbadospocketguide.com/our-island-barbados/history-of-barbados/standpipes.html

Barbados Railway

The Barbados Railway is an interesting story in Barbados’ history. The first proposal to build a railway came about in 1845 with a line envisioned to run between Bridgetown to the important trading town of Speightstown. However, by 1850 only a small amount of the capital had been raised and the project was stopped.

With funding in place the construction of the line began in 1877 on the 23rd of June. It is said that the construction process was a very slow process and there were many difficulties along the way with legal and financial problems.


While many have been removed there are still a few areas where you might be able to see a newer pole being anchored by a piece of steel that would have once been the old tracks of the railway system.

http://www.barbadospocketguide.com/our-island-barbados/about-barbados/railway.html

Barbados Museum & Historical Society

Barbados Museum & Historical Society

Historic in stature with a wealth of history and art are the products of a well-deserved trip down memory lane.

Be connected once you walk through the doors of the Barbados Museum and become exposed to Barbados' military history, geographic nature, rare historical maps, eighteenth century plantation house furniture, information on the lives and upbringings of 'Yesterday's Children', African Heritage and even artifacts from the Amerindians who were the early inhabitants of the Caribbean islands.

http://www.barbadospocketguide.com/art-and-culture-in-barbados/barbados-museum.html

Sugar Cane Club

Sugar Cane Club & Spa on Barbados' west coast

Nestled graciously on the exotic west coast of Barbados, is a boutique hotel by the name of Sugar Cane Club which enjoys a prime location in a secluded setting and tranquil tropical ambiance.

We really think it's about time you take some time off to enjoy a private and tropical home within the walls of cosy Mediterranean architecture.

http://www.barbadospocketguide.com/barbados-accommodation/boutique-hotels/sugar-cane-club-hotel-and-spa.html

Bridgetown Comes Alive

All reports indicate that Barbados' capital city Bridgetown recently received a rather overwhelming response due to the Bridgetown Alive Initiative hosted by The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).

As part of the initiative, Barbadians were afforded the opportunity to spend up to $1,000 on duty free items with the presentation of a valid Barbados passport.

Learn more about the many streets, buildings and historic sites that are home to Bridgetown and its outskirts. These include but are not limited to:- Bay Street, Belleville, Broad Street, Cenotaph War Memorial, Chamberlain Bridge, Heroes Square and Lord Nelson Statue to name a few.

http://www.barbadospocketguide.com/our-island-barbados/bridgetown.html

Vacation Types in Barbados

Nidhe Israel Museum, Bridgetown, Barbados

What type of vacation are you interested in? Your reasons for wanting to travel can vary but we are absolutely sure that whatever the reasons are for your trip, you are sure to find that explanation on the beautiful and intriguing island of Barbados.

Think of something unique & special, then find your way to Barbados.

http://www.barbadospocketguide.com/visitors-to-barbados/vacation-types.html

Barbados Beaches

Relaxing at Mullins beach in Barbados

Brilliant weather prevails in Barbados today, thus making it a perfect day for going to the beach. After all, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are found here.

The Caribbean Sea on the West Coast of the island offers calm turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, water skiing and glass bottom boat rides.

Barbados has become quite focused on the environment in recent times. As such, there seems to be an implementation of plans throughout the island embarking on cleaning up the island. Barbadians are constantly urged to keep  their surroundings clean as this negatively impacts on the environment in one way or another. As it stands, the workers of the National Conservation Commission already do an exceptional job at keeping our island's beaches clean. However, more work needs to be done by Barbadians to assist in helping with this effort. In the past, clean up campaigns have taken place that have seen many environmentally conscious Barbadians come out in their numbers to lend a helping hand with cleaning up our beaches.

Barbados Caves

Harrisons' Cave, St. Thomas, Barbados

On approach to the island of Barbados via plane, it is clear to see the extent of the water that surrounds this small island of ours. Just an aerial view of a mere touch of the beauty that abounds on these shores of ours. It should come as no surprise that this beautiful coral stone island has such natural and in some instances, rare phenomena such as caves.

From a surface level, it would be quite difficult to believe that Barbados has so many caves. However, it has been recorded that the island has thousands of caves that range in size from small pocket caves to the larger ones.

Though many of the caves throughout Barbados are not accessible by the general public, a few of them are open to the public for tours. These tours are simply breathtaking experiences that give you better insight into how the island of Barbados has developed over the years.

Barbados has a plethora of attractions to offer, all of which are brimming with history and wonder.

We welcome you to the caves of Barbados.

Island Safari in Barbados

Island Safari 4 x4 Jeep on tour through Barbados' East Coast

Island Safari prides itself as the pioneer in Jeep Safari 4x4 Island Tours in Barbados. Rugged in appearance but comfortable on the inside. That is what we offer when you step into one of these Land Rovers and taken around Barbados with a unique opportunity to see the island from amazing heights. Such amazing heights that it is highly recommended these places are accessed only by vehicles of this nature.

Island Safari takes you into gullies, Barbados' picturesque east coast and the great interiors of the island. There are also special offers that can be checked out by visiting their website.

http://www.barbadospocketguide.com/barbados-attractions/island-tours/island-safari.html

Barbados Military

Canon at Gun Hill Signal Station, St. George, Barbados

Barbados abounds with history. As one could imagine, early settlers to the island needed to find a way to defend themselves should the need arise. Once you were in good shape, you were expected to serve even if you were a free coloured man. 

Read up more on Barbados Military by visiting the following link:- http://www.barbadospocketguide.com/our-island-barbados/military.htm

Island Tours in Barbados

Adventureland Jeeps at Barbados' East Coast

The island of Barbados is filled with surprises. So many that it would be best for you to simply discover them all as opposed to being told of them. We've ignited you a bit here, now you need to make the descision on just how you will go about your own little island tour. Whether you take in an Adventureland 4 x 4 Tour, hire a car, book with Johnson's Tours or go on a scenic bus ride, all roads lead to the beauty and absolute intrigue the island of Barbados has to offer.

Check out our Island Tours here.

Christmas Time in Barbados

We're now into December and that time of year when we prepare for and celebrate Christmas. Visit our website and see just how Bajans celebrate this time of year.

Christmas in Barbados is certainly a thing to experience. Barbadians prepare for the coming of this day as if it was truly a cultural event. Not forgetting the highly important Christian beliefs of this holiday, many get very caught up in the preparation aspect of the Season.

Visit us here and learn a bit more about how we celebrate Christmas in Barbados. More to come soon.

http://www.barbadospocketguide.com/art-and-culture-in-barbados/culture/christmas-in-barbados.html

Car Rentals

Drive-A-Matic Car Rentals

For convenient and affordable car rentals, check out Drive-A-Matic Car Rentals. They accommodate you every day of the week handling your reservations, rental queries or providing emergency services in case of an accident. Driving around beautiful Barbados has never been this easy.

Visit the following link for more information:- http://www.barbadospocketguide.com/getting-around-in-barbados/car-hire/drive-a-matic-car-rentals.html

Montefiore Fountain, Barbados

Bridgetown Barbados, Montefiore Fountain

The Montefiore Fountain is a classically attractive architectural piece which has pride of place in the capital city of Bridgetown in Barbados. It is classified as a public monument and while its home was Beckwith place for over a hundred years, it has been in its present location of Coleridge Street  since 1940.

Learn more about this gift to Barbados' capital city by clicking here.

History of Barbados

Barbados Standpipe

The island of Barbados is located at 13.4ºN and 54.4ºW and is situated in the western area of the North Atlantic Ocean and 100 kilometres east of the Windward Islands and the Caribbean Sea. The island is seen by most scientists as geologically unique as it was formed as a result of an amalgamation of two land masses over a period of many years. More about where we came from and where we are at can be found by clicking here.

Welcome to Barbados

 Wharf Road, Bridgetown Barbados

Hi everyone. Welcome to Barbados Pocket Guide's blog. Here is where we share with you as many things as we can about our beautiful island Barbados. We've developed a comprehensive online pocket guide which we consider to be an interactive format that allows you to get a better idea of what our island has to offer. Kindly visit us at www.barbadospocketguide.com for more information.