I've lived on the island of Barbados since 2001, and from a (maybe not so) objective standpoint, I can definitely attest to the fact that there is no other place like it on Earth. I've compiled a list of 11 perfect reasons why Barbados is actually the best place to live.
1. The Weather - Barbados' temperature stands at an all-year round average of 86ºF... that sounds like paradise to me. No need for a change of wardrobe every new season, oh guess what? Seasons? We have two. Rainy season and dry season.
2. St. Lawrence Gap - Ask any Bajan when and where is the best time to party, they'll say "Gap pon ah Thursduh!". There's nothing like "wukkin up" all night in the (then) Reggae Lounge, or Old Jam Inn and then waiting in line for a juicy Gap burger.
3. Beaches - Accra, Carlisle Bay, Miami, Crane, Bathsheba, Bath and on and on and on. Nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing can compare to the beaches in Barbados. White sand, crystal clear water... what can compete? And the fact that the beach is usually a 5 to 15 minute drive away? There's no debating the fact that we have the best beaches.
4. Proximity - A Bajan who lives in Rockley will tell you "it's too far" when you ask them to pick you up from Silver Sands, when really it's a 10-minute drive. Barbados is 166 square miles, so basically nowhere is far. But, try telling a Bajan that.
5. Crop over - Crop Over is a festival celebrated between late June and ends the first Monday in August known as Kadooment Day. This is basically just partying on top of partying, but there is nothing sweeter. Soca and calypso music, the atmosphere, and Kadooment Day when everyone parades in their costumes, it's a unique experience.
6. Oistins - Oistins is one of Barbados' four towns. It is a must for all tourists to go to Oistins on a Friday or Saturday night and eat fried dolphin (we don't eat real dolphins) and breadfruit chips while downing an ice cold Banks Beer. It's necessary. Trust me.
7. Catamarans - Cata-mah-whaaaaaaat? Catamarans! I don't think I've heard anyone effectively describe this, but just know it's a sailing cruise thing that will ultimately change your life. You get to spend a day at sea drinking endless amounts of rum punch, dancing to Lil Rick, and swimming with turtles. Pretty life-changing to me.
8. Chefette - The only country in the world with a Chefette. This is the mecca of fast food in Barbados. Chicken tenders, wing dings, roti, pizza, ice-cream... it goes on. If you're going to be there during the "tenders" or "wing dings " special, take advantage of it. Please.
9. The Talent - Barbados has an abundance of talent. From our international superstar Rihanna, Shontelle, Cover Drive and Kristen Walker in the music industry to Shannon Harris, Zoe Allamby and others in the modeling industries. We have Kesia Estwick, designer of KISS, Rotchelle Parris, designer of Pink Lemonade, Renee Ifill of Next to Natural Makeup and photographers like Shane Leacock, Kamilah Ellis and so much more. I could write an entire article on this.
10. Duty-free shopping - A.K.A. no taxes. Once you hold a foreign passport, you are eligible to shop tax free in some locations. I personally would head to Cave Shepherd in Bridgetown (the capital city) or Limegrove in St.James and take advantage of tax-free shopping!
11.The People - cliche, but so true. I honestly mean this when I say it. Bajans are some of the nicest, friendliest, funniest, happiest people in this world. From the men selling the can't-live-without coconut water on the highways to conductors on the minivans to the people in offices, you will always get the best laughs with a Bajan. Plus, that accent, though.
