Hoping Your Week Ahead is....

Whether you be in the rain, sun or snow, we hope your week is simply fabulous and full of happiness, health and humor!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Affogato edited by Loop Barbados

A #1 Beach Among Locals

Yes, we know there are many many beautiful beaches in Barbados, I mean the island is surrounded by white sands and turquoise waters, each of which are calling our names year round. So, we decided today to talk about a south-coast beach which is one of the most popular beaches among locals - Accra Beach. Its either (1) its to die for warm and blue waters (2) its white sands or (3) its convenient location with many restaurants around. What ever the reason(s), what we know is that the locals just keep returning to this magnificent beach. Take a look for your self and maybe you can decide why its so famous.

Accra Beach, Barbados

Accra Beach, Barbados

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

A Real Stunner - Beautiful Bougainvillea

Throughout Barbados you may have noticed the vibrant tropical vines which line the roadside or adorn the small chattel houses on the island. They are made up of colourful bracts (leaves) and flowers. These bracts are actually mistaken by many as the flowers of the plant, but actually the flowers are small, white and trumpet-like and they are surrounded by the vibrant coloured bracts. Bougainvillea can come in a variety of different tropical colours such as deep fuchsia, white, peach, coral and a combination of white and soft pinks.

Bougainvillea is considered a popular tropical plant which partners well with the hot, sunny climate Barbados has!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

Have A Great Week Everyone!

It's the start to another week so ...

Royal Palms at Fisherpond Great House, Barbados

The above photo is of Royal Palms, a native to many Caribbean Islands including Barbados. These palms are often seen lining the driveways to many plantation homes on the island as they hold much grandeur and style.

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

Have You Seen This Bit of History in Holetown?

As you drive or walk through Holetown in Barbados you may notice a tall standing coral stone building surrounded by lush greenery- well this is the famously known St. James Parish Church. This church is located in the Parish of St. James and is a stone's throw away from the ocean. The first settlers landed in Holetown in 1626 and it was decided that a place of worship should be erected as the settlers community was growing at a rapid pace. In 1628 a wooden building was constructed on this site and then replaced by a coral stone building in 1683 which is now still in use. St James Parish church has been restored in recent years and has been honoured by the Barbados National Trust for their restoration efforts.

St. James Parish Church, Barbados

St. James Parish Church, Barbados

There are many interesting features about St James Parish church such as the The Old Church bell (the oldest church bell in Barbados), the original baptismal font which is 300 years old, stained glass windows and objects of art namely sculptures and murals.

St. James Parish Church, Barbados

St. James Parish Church, Barbados

If you do pass through Holetown, be sure to stop at St James Parish church and take in a bit of history while enjoying the stunning architecture and surroundings.

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

The Famous Oistins Fishing Village

Oistins Fishing village is an absolute must see (by day and by night) when you visit Barbados. This small village, located in the parish of Christ Church is one of the major fishing communities in Barbados. Watch the Barbadian fishing boats as they float on the crystal clear water, relax on the pier and watch as the fishermen bring in their catch of the day, or buy some freshly caught flying fish, local staples such as bread fruit, sweet potato, yams, etc and take them home to prepare your very own Bajan meal.

Fishing Boats at Oistins, Barbados

Oistins Pier, Barbados

Vendor at Oistins, Barbados

Boat set to Repair at Oistins, Barbados

By night, experience Barbadian culture at its finest and enjoy a true Bajan meal at the Oistins fish fry. As the music beats, mingle with locals (who think the food served here is some of the best on the island). Different kinds of fish (depending what was caught that day) grilled or fried, coupled with sides like macaroni pie, sweet potato pie, yam pie and salad is on the menu.  After dinner, with a Banks beer or rum punch in hand, stroll the area and just simply live in the moment.

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

Monday Morning Update

Okay, so we realized we have not given our Loop readers an update on the progression of our website in about....forever! So where do we stand now? Well, the site is basically ready, however we are doing the task of not only entering, but also creating all of the content to go on the site! Our official launch date right now is April 1st 2012!

And for the launch we have an amazingly incredible surprise for all of you! In about 2-3 weeks we will announce this surprise but for now, lets just say someone and their guest are going to be very lucky! So stay in the Loop and you won't miss out!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Pinterest

Snow in Barbados?

Well not quite, however it is very likely that during your visit to Barbados you will either see a child or an adult buzzing by with a snow cone in hand. Nothing is better than this icy and sugary delight in a hot and sunny climate like Barbados. Usually, you will spot a gentleman (snow-cone men they are called) riding the streets with their shaved ice and flavoured sugar syrup enticing people of all generations, they certainly entice us!

Snow Cone Man Making our Delicious Snow Cones

Snow Cone

 Snow-cones are engrained in Barbadian culture and like ice-cream cannot be resisted by many.

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

The Capital of Barbados - Bridgetown

Known by all locals as simply "Town",  Bridgetown is the largest, most popular and not to mention the commercial hub of the cities in Barbados. It was originally named "Indie Bridge" for the rude bridge which was constructed over the river (now known as the Careenage) by Indians. It was then named "Town of St. Michael" in official documents before it was given the name that stuck - Bridgetown. In the past, the Careenage was a main meeting and trading point for inter-island trading vessels, however in recent times it has become a hub for pleasure crafts such as catamarans, yachts, and power boats.

Overlooking the bridge in Bridgetown, Barbados

Part of the Careenage with a few boats in Bridgetown Barbados

The Parliament building, located at the top of Broad Street is a main sight to see. The Barbados Parliament was established in 1639 making it the third oldest Parliament in the entire Commonwealth. In 2006 the west wing of the Parliament building was refurbished and transformed into the Barbados National Hero's Gallery and The Barbados Museum of Parliament.

Parliament Building Bridgetown, Barbados

Tower of the Parliament Building in Bridgetown, Barbados

With the buzz of activity and so much to do, see and explore your trip to Barbados is not complete with out a visit to Barbados's main city, Bridgetown!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

"Life Doesn't Get Much Better Than This"

Happy Monday to all our Loop Barbados readers! How was your weekend? I hope absolutely stunning whether you were in sun or snow! Okay, so this weekend we spent lounging at a recently discovered fabulous West coast beach and bar/rumshop - Ju Ju's! Usually, as many of you may know (especially in the Winter Season) the beaches can be packed and crowed, so much so that sometimes you may forget you are on the island of Barbados - yes, it even happens to us locals. Well this beach is ideal, although still slightly crowded the beach bar/rumshop pulls back in the local and cultural element many of our brilliant beaches are missing. The food is delicious mainly focusing on seafood like Bill Fish, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Shrimp etc. Plus,  let's not forget the rumpunch which goes down like a dream but after a few you may be wobbling back home.

Ju-Ju's Beach, Barbados

Yes, this was the view from our sun beds! As we were lying there one of our friends just happened to mention "life doesn't get much better than this" and I thought..how true! Enjoy the rest of your day!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

Cooking Bajan Style: Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet Potatoes are tuberous root vegetables belonging to the Morning Glory family and were first discovered in Peru around 8000 BC.  Since sweet potatoes thrive in tropical and subtropical  moist climates, Barbados is a known home for them. As a result, sweet potatoes have grown greatly in popularity among locals, who now consider it one of their staples. Their rich creamy taste and texture make sweet potatoes a very "hard to resist" dish at the dinner or lunch table. Sweet Potatoes can be cooked many ways including fried, pickled, candied etc. But their most famous method of cooking in Barbados is sweet potato pie. See below for the great recipe!

SWEET POTATO PIE
  

3 lbs white-flesh sweet potatoes,peeled, boiled and mashed

1 cup crushed pineapple, drained 

2 Tbsp salted butter, room temperature 

1 Tbsp chopped sage (optional)

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 

1/4 tsp grated nutmeg 

Salt and pepper to taste 

5 - 6 slices pineapple rings (optional) 

5 - 6 stemmed maraschino cherries (optional) 

1 Tbsp melted butter (unsalted)

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Combine mashed sweet potatoes, crushed pineapple, room temperature butter, sage, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly. Transfer mixture to a greased 8 x 8-inch casserole dish. Arrange pineapple slices on top of mixture and place a cherry in the center of each pineapple ring. Brush the entire top of the pie with the melted butter and bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown.Let pie cool until warm or room temperature before serving.

Enjoy and let us know how it turns out!

 

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Honey and Jam

Barbados Events- January 2012

Take a look at some of the happening events in January, 2012. Here's to a great start of the New Year!

January Event 1. Mount Gay Rum Round Barbados Race- This regatta races around Barbados (about 70 miles); starting and ending at Pebbles Beach (next to the Cruising Club). It is promoted by Mount Gay Rum, Barbados Cruising Club and the Barbados Tourism Authority and will be held on the 21st January scheduled to start at 7:00 AM. For more information on this event, take a look at www.mountgayrumroundbarbadosrace.com.

January Event 2. Barbados Horticultural Society Annual Flower and Garden Show- There will be a large variety of plants on sale as well as other local vendors and artisans offering pots, jewelry and crafts. This event will be held at the Barbados Horticultural Society, Balls, Christ Church on the 28th and 29th of January from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For more information on the Annual Flower and Garden Show, please see their website.

January Event 3. Holders Farmers Market- This organic farmers market will offer organic produce, cheeses, plants, herbs and also holistic massages and reflexology to customers. The market takes place every Sunday from 9AM to 2PM at Holders House, Holders Hill, St. James. For more information on the market you can take a look at www.holdersfarmersmarket.com.

January Event 4. Gun Hill By Moonlight- The Barbados National Trust has put together a cocktail party at Gun Hill Signal Station, St. George where you can enjoy a relaxing evening with the breathtaking views of the south coast while admiring the sunset and moonlight to follow. This event will be held on the 6th of January from 5:30 PM to 8:00PM and continues once a month on Friday nights that are closest to the full moon. For more information on this event, please contact the Barbados National Trust.

Hope you can make it to some of these fabulous events!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: theswrd, johner, dreamstime, pinterest