Weekend Of Christmas Festivities

It's the second weekend in December and it seems that they are getting busier and busier with festivities! On Saturday 10th December starting at 9.00 PM will be the annual Snow Ball at Lion Castle! Snow in Barbados?..No think again. The hosts actually have acquired a snow machine which produces a snow-like substance. This is pumped all night while everyone mingles, dances and enjoys a few. This ball also acts as a charity, everyone who attends is required to bring a gift for a child in need which is then presented to them on Christmas Day! For more general and ticket information please call (246) 826-4304.

On Sunday the 11th starting at 5.00 PM will be Carols By Candlelight. The Rotary Club of Barbados hosts this event yearly as, again a way to raise money for the poor at Christmas. Locals and visitors gather in the garden of Illaro Court (the Prime Minister's House). There are performances by local and international talent (Sir Cliff Richards will be performing), plus as the sun sets and the night falls everyone lights a candle. By about 6.15 PM the entire courtyard is beaming with beautiful candlelight and everyone is singing along with the artists. Usually each individual will bring their own treats and drinks and enjoy the simplicity of it all. If you decide to come don't forget to bring a gift for the poor! For more information please email rotarybarbadossouth@gmail.com.

Hope to see some of you there!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Glitter Guide, Pinterest

A North- Eastern Sight to See in Barbados - St. Andrew Parish Church

One of the most prominent churches on the North- East coast of Barbados is St. Andrew Parish Church. This church was first built from wood in 1630 and then reconstructed as a stone structure in 1846 after being destroyed by a hurricane in 1831. The present church which sits among lush Casuarina trees is of Georgian architecture. It was built from sawn stone and has a tower and gallery running on three sides of the building.

St. Andrew Church, Barbados

St. Andrew Church, Barbados

This church is a definite stand out as you venture through the parish of St Andrew!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Loop Barbados

Off The Beaten Track- Little Bay

Located on the North-East coast of Barbados this untouched bay is definitely considered "Off The Beaten Track". Set among the rugged cliffs are shallow, crystal clear pools which just scream your name. As you make your way to the cliffside, the stunning Northern coastline is set right in front of your eyes to admire. Little Bay is a place of peace, with just the sounds of blowholes and the waves smashing into the rock formations which make up these natural pools.

Little Bay, Barbados

Little Bay, Barbados

Little Bay, Barbados

A treasured seaside place to visit when in Barbados!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Loop Barbados

Barbados Events- December 2011

Take a look below for some of the great events happening in Barbados in December, 2011!

December Event 1. Tennis Pon De Rock- This exciting tennis tournament will take place on the 10th and 11th of December and features four world class tennis players (Venus Williams, Victoria Azarenka, John Isner and Gael Monfils). For more information on this event, you can take a look at their Facebook page.

December Event 2. Seventh Annual Barbados Music Awards- This red carpet affair will honour many Barbadian music artists for their contributions in the previous year. This event will be held at Kensington Oval on the 18th December, 2011 from 8:00 PM. Some featured performers will include Alison Hinds, Simon Pipe, John King, Vivica Fox and Deborah Cox. For more information on this event you can take a look at their website.

December Event 3. The Classical Best of Youth- This classical music concert features the Barbados National Youth Symphony Orchestra and The St. Leonard's Boys Choir with a special guest feature by opera singer Amanda Fields. This event is presented by the Rotary Club of Barbados South and will be held at the Frank Collymore Hall on the 10th December, starting at 7:00 PM. For more information please email rotarybarbadossouth@gmail.com

December Event 4. Carols By Candlelight- This festive event is being held on 11th December in the gardens of Illaro Court (the Prime Ministers house) at 5:00 PM. There will be many performers such as the Mustardseed Kids, Derek Fields, Sir Cliff Richard and Alison Hinds to name a few. As the sun sets and the night falls everyone lights their candles and sings carols along with the performers. For more information please email rotarybarbadossouth@gmail.com

December Event 5. Ursuline Convent Pantomime Production- This pantomime which is presented every two years has returned with great enthusiasm - this year's production being Nanny McPhee. The 5th December was the Gala night and the pantomime runs from the 9th- 11th, 14th-18th and the 20th- 22nd December. All shows start at 7:00 PM except on Sundays which start at 6:00 PM.  Tickets are available from Supercentre Big B and Warrens. For more information you can contact (246)  426-5571

December Event 6. New Years Eve AKA Old Years Night- In Barbados there are many options to choose from for New Years  Eve. There is Harbour Lights New Years Eve Party at Black Bess, St.Peter featuring the Trinidadian band, Kes (Please contact (246) 436-7225 for more information). Second Street, in Holetown is another option where all the bars are open and you can hop from bar to bar. The Cruising Club is also hosting an new years eve party called Sparkle by the Sea which is held right on the seaside (Please contact (246) 426-4434 for more information). St. Lawrence Gap on the South Coast is another option which has many restaurants, bars and clubs to choose from. So wherever you pick, take the time to enjoy yourself and ring in the new year in Barbados!

Enjoy!!!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Pinterest & Glitter Guide

Ancient Beauty Still Standing Strong

The Nidhe Israel Synagogue is the only synagogue located in Bridgetown (the capital) of Barbados and is one of the oldest synagogues in the Western hemisphere. The synagogue is proudly a Barbados National Trust property and was originally built in 1654 by the Jews who came from Brazil to pass on their expertise in the sugar industry. Later it was destroyed by a hurricane and was rebuilt, restored and is now an active synagogue. The present synagogue combines Jewish, Gothic Renaissance and Barbadian architectural features and adjacent to the synagogue is the 17th century cemetery. This building stands amongst what is recognized as one of the first major Jewish communities in the Americas. If you are interested in observing Jewish life in Barbados, the Nidhe Israel Synagogue invite visitors and locals alike to attend the Shabbat Services starting December 9th at 7.30 PM. For more information feel free to contact the Synagogue at (246) 436-6869.

Jewish Synagogue, Barbados

Jewish Synagogue, Barbados

Bench outside the Jewish Synagogue, Barbados

Also, accompanied along side the synagogue is an interactive and very well presented museum which displays the history of the Jewish community in Barbados from the time of the extrusion of the Jews from Brazil in the mid 1600's to present day. 

The Nidhe Israel Synagogue is open from Monday to Friday, 9AM - 3 PM. The entrance to the Synagogue itself is free of charge and the admission to the museum is as follows: 

• Adults: $12.50 USD per person
• Children: $6.00 USD per person (5YRS-12YRS)
• Children Under 5 YRS: Free

We hope you can make it to this beautiful piece of history on your next stop in Barbados!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Loop Barbados

Happy Friday

Hope everyone out there has a Happy Friday! Take some time to enjoy the weekend and any festivities you may be taking part in!

Here comes the start of the Christmas Season!

Melanie & Kimberly*

 

The One And Only Barbadian Conkie

Since yesterday was Independence Day here in Barbados,  Loop Barbados has decided to feature a post on the one and only conkie. These traditional corn based Barbadian delicacies are made during the month of November so as to celebrate our very special Independence. Just to give you all a little history the Ghanaian “kenkey” is probably the origin of the local word, conkie. In Ghana, "kenkey" refers to similarly prepared corn meal dishes. Prior to independence, the eating of conkies were associated with the British Colonial Celebration - Guy Fawkes Day. This sweet dish can be eaten as a meal or a snack and its main ingredients are pumkin, cornmeal, coconut, along with various spices. Once prepared, the conkie is then wrapped in a banana or fig leaf and steamed.

So if you are in Barbados around Independence time, you must try our celebratory Bajan delicacy- The Conkie!

Melanie & Kimberly*