Happy Independence Barbados!

Today, the 30th November, 2011 marks 45 years of Independence for Barbados! Here is a little history of Barbados for you - The English first settled in Holetown in 1627 and Barbados remained a British colony for over 300 years until achieving Independence from Britain on the 30th November, 1966. The first Independence ceremony was celebrated with the raising of the Barbados National Flag and the playing of the Barbados National Anthem!

So cheers to 45 years and many more as being an independent nation!

Melanie & Kimberly*

 

The Christmas Season is Here - What are your kids doing?

Are you planning on visiting Barbados between the dates of 15th December and 30th December? Well, if so and you wish to entertain and engage your kids in creative, interesting and festive ways then take a look at the Jingle Bells Camp. Gina, who co-organized the former well received and popular Art and Adventure Summer Camp last summer, decided to partner with Dillon this season to host and manage the Jingle Bells Camp.  This one of a kind Christmas Camp is filled with magical Christmas fun for your little ones. There will be tons of activities- visits from Santa and his elves, Christmas cookie baking, Christmas craft making, Christmas plays, Christmas tree decorating and of course the Merry Christmas Party!

 Take a look below for the details of the Jingle Bells Camp!

So whether you are visiting Barbados or live on the island and are looking for captivating and intriguing Christmas activities for your kid(s), you can definitely contact the Jingle Bells Camp and get your kids signed up and ready to jingle all the way.

Melanie & Kimberly*

 
Images: Pinterest

Explore. Dream. Discover.

We are going to start this Monday morning off with a little bit of inspiration by Mark Twain. Take a read and listen to what this brilliant man has to say, then reflect on your own life and - Explore. Dream. Discover.

 Enough said!

Melanie & Kimberly*

 

Image: Apartment Therapy edited by Loop Barbados

The Pros Hit Soupbowl in Barbados

Today marks the beginning of the Independence Pro and Soup Bowl Junior Pro 2011! Come and watch as the best in the Caribbean compete for the noble prize on one of the most premier surfing breaks in the world - Soup Bowl Bathsheba!

Soup Bowl, Bathsheba

The event starts at 8 AM  today (25th November) and continues through until Sunday 28th. See you there!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

A Day To Give Thanks

To all of our American friends and travel buddies - Happy Thanksgiving!

No matter where you are in the world, let us all take a moment and remember what we are thankful for. Amongst many things we at Loop Barbados are thankful to call this beautiful island our home, and thankful for our readers and travelers who share a love for and interest in Barbados! Have a great day and night everyone - and remember too much turkey never hurt anyone! :)

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Everything Fabulous

Brandons Beach, Barbados

Brandon's beach  also known as Drill Hall beach, is situated on the South coast of Barbados. It is a very popular beach amongst the locals for both surfing and beach picnics. This beach is a top ranking surf break because of the shallow reef which creates epic waves! A few rock pools are dispersed along the shoreline in which you can relax and soak up the sun; or you can lounge under the casuarina trees while the salty breeze refreshes you and take in all that surrounds you - pure bliss.

Brandons Beach, Barbados

Brandons Beach, Barbados

Sea Fan on Brandons Beach, Barbados

So whether you decide to stroll along the beach and take in the magnificent sunsets, picnic with friends and family, or take a surf, Brandons beach is a definite option when you visit Barbados!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Loop Barbados

Coconuts - A Barbados Favorite

The English name coconut, first mentioned in English print in 1955 comes from a Spanish and Portuguese word, coco meaning "monkey face". The actual coconut fruit was said to resemble a monkey's face and hence how its name came about. In Sanskrit, the coconut palm is known as "the tree which gives all that is necessary for living"; and so this may be true in Barbados as well! The fruit itself has many food uses for its water, milk, meat, sugar and oil. The seed fibre called coir can also be taken from the husk and used to make mats, brooms, brushes, fishnets and ropes.

In Barbados, with coconut palms lining the island and blooming up to thirteen times a year it is no wonder that on every highway in Barbados there is about three - five coconut vendors! So whether you are making the cocktail - rum and coconut water or  purchasing some sugar cakes (a local coconut candy) or coconut bread - its use is abundant and very satisfying for locals and visitors alike.

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Loop Barbados

Monday Morning Update

Good Morning everyone! How was your weekend? I am sure great! It's Monday again and Christmas is readily approaching us! Lots to prepare for and lots to do over at Loop Barbados. This past weekend has been non stop + we got to attend the Food & Wine and Rum festival on Saturday night -which was fabulous to say the least. I mean how could you go wrong with great food, great wine and great people. 

Now on to the Loop Barbados website - our Sample is about ready and it is time to test test test {oh} and did I mention test! The whole unique functionality we are designing for you has to be tip top and the layout and design immaculate! Loop Barbados is designing a preliminary experience of what Barbados has to offer; so patience is a virtue. At least that is what we are told. We are just so excited to share what is coming and want it to be ready now! Well enjoy the rest of your week my fellow travel buddies!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Castles Crowns and Cottages

It's Here! Barbados Food Wine and Rum Festival

Well its finally here, as mentioned before on our November Events post, today kicks off the start to the Food Wine and Rum Festival in Barbados! It will commence today right through till the 21st of November, with talented chefs, connoisseurs and industry experts from overseas and Barbados. There will be eight international chefs along with seven Barbadian chefs creating sumptuous dishes which will entice your taste buds. Get ready to wine, dine and rum taste in Barbados!

Let the festival begin!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Pinterest

"Baby Bananas"- Bajan Figs

Not to be confused with the figs that have the vibrant pink flesh and deep purple skins, Barbadian figs are family to the banana. They are referred to as baby bananas because they are only about three to four inches long! Barbadian figs are grown in the same way as bananas but on a fig tree and develop in a group which we call a hand of figs. The fruit is similar tasting to the banana but slightly sweeter and it is immensely enjoyed among locals. Usually this fruit is eaten when ripe as a tasty healthy snack or combined with other fruit to make a fruit smoothie.

Melanie & Kimberly*

Capturing Moments The Right Way- Sheps Photo Centre

If you are visiting Barbados or simply live on this magical island, capturing moments with your camera is an obvious way to go. Whether it be developing prints for a scrap book or photo album, designing photo book gifts, or stocking up on some camera accessories, Sheps Photo Centre has all your camera and photo solutions in two convenient locations!

There are tons of great services that Shep's Photo Centre can offer you! They can print and enlarge photos, aid you in sharing and organizing your photos, create calenders and cards, build photo books, design photo gifts, and allow you to add features such as borders and text to photos. Sheps can also provide you with any camera accessories you need such as memory cards, batteries, films, chargers, disposable cameras, frames, albums and lamination.

So now for the logistics of it. Where can you find a Sheps location when any of your camera and photo requirements need to be met. Well..

Also, remember if you make any print orders online from Sheps you get a 20 cent discount on each photo. So what's stopping you? Sign up and order at Sheps Photo Centre today or contact them at shepsphotocentre@gmail.com!

Melanie & Kimberly*

  
Images: Sheps Photo Centre, Pinterest

The Chattel House

The Chattel house is the Barbadian word meaning 'moveable property'. The type of home came into play when plantation workers decided they wanted to live on the estate and simultaneously own or rent their own house. It was particularly logical to develop the house in a way that it could be transported to another location in case a tenant-landlord dispute erupted.

Chattel houses are built of wood and set on blocks of coral, without a foundation so that they can easily move. Many have steep corrugated iron roofs which help protect the houses from heavy rain and high winds that may accompany a hurricane. in addition, they often show remarkable designs of ornate framework, carved wooden banisters and miniature jalousie windows.

 

It has been customary for persons in Barbados to build additions onto their chattel house occasionally. As such, the house may look as though different sections are at slightly different heights or in a different pattern due to each part being constructed at different stages. 

Today, majority of the working class locals within Barbados live in these beautifully ornate chattel houses that are still designed with no foundation so they can be fully mobile.  
 

Melanie & Kimberly*

 

Images: Loop Barbados

The Rugged Coast of Bathsheba

On the rugged East coast of Barbados is the stunning beach called Bathsheba. As you inch closer and closer to the seaside you can smell the salt air and hear the waves of the Atlantic ocean beating onto the shore and enormous rocks. Bathsheba is known for its epic surf spot called "Soup Bowl" and according to the famous surfer Kelly Slater- Soup Bowl is one of the top three waves in the world! Bathsheba has a dramatic coastline made up of many rock formations, small caves and pools to wade in when the heat is up and you want to cool off. There are many small Bajan restaurants, hand made jewelry vendors and local rum shops in the Bathsheba area that you can visit. Or if you prefer just make it a day to relax, bask in the sun and catch a wave while taking in the impressive views the East coast has to offer.

How could you pass up visiting such a serene beach full of character? Loop Barbados certainly could not!

Melanie & Kimberly*

 

Images: Loop Barbados

Great Things Come In Small Packages: The Bajan Cherry

This little 1/2"-1" in diameter fruit commonly known as the 'Bajan Cherry' holds great popularity in Barbados. The cherry itself comes from a bushy shrub and has a bright red, thin glossy skin and orange-coloured, very juicy pulp. It can be made into juice, jellies, jams, stews, ice creams, sweets and various other desserts!

Lets not forget to mention its rich nutritional value and fabulous taste! The Bajan Cherry contains 15X the amount as Vitamin C as an English Apple and a glass of Bajan Cherry Juice contains 7X the amount of Vitamin C as a glass of orange juice. These cherries, loaded with all this goodness and nutritional value will definitely ensure you are flourishing and fresh for your stay here in Barbados!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Fort Bend County Master Garden

Speightstown- A World of Wonder in Itself

The North-Western town of Speightstown is one of the four small towns located  in Barbados. It was settled in 1630 and named after William Speight who owned the land at this time. In the 17th century, the town was a major port with ships arriving regularly from England. As you walk through the streets of Speightstown, it is definitely a world in itself. There are remnants of colonial architecture existing with modern buildings which gives you an old world feeling with a dash of the present day intertwined. Splashes of colour  and cackles of laughter lighten up your day as you stroll through this iconic town. 

 

Loop Barbados suggests you take a day to pay Speightstown a visit. Enjoy the great art galleries, have a drink in one of the rum shops, indulge in some Bajan cuisine and visit the quaint antique shops! This is one day in Barbados you will never forget!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Loop Barbados, Maisturismo, John Steedam Flickr

Off The Beaten Track: Cove Bay

For Loop Barbados's third feature in our Off The Beaten Track segment, we decided to take some time to introduce you to Cove Bay. To get to the North-East Bay of Cove Bay, it is quite a trek and can be tricky to find as you must make your way through a pasture of cows, sheep and goats! You are initially greeted by a 'once working' windmill and as you follow the cart road to the cliffs of Cove Bay itself, pure magic lies in front you. Take a look below and indulge yourself in what Cove Bay offers.

As you can see, Cove Bay is definitely worth the journey as at the end of the pasture stands a ragged and majestic looking cliff which the waves pound against with all their might. Cove Bay offers a stunning view of the coastline, one you can admire under the shaded coconut trees that line the cliff side.

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Loop Barbados

A Market to Visit!- Holders Farmers Market

Holders Farmers Market which commenced on Sunday came off brilliantly! It was fabulous, full of different vendors catering to everyone! There were organic produce, homemade jewelry, clothing, locally made preservatives and much more! Take a look at some snapshots from Holders Farmers Market in action!

What is great is that Holder Farmers Market will be held every Sunday 9.00 AM- 2.00 PM at Holders House, Holders Hill St. James.

Melanie & Kimberly*

 

Images: Loop Barbados