LO N D O N EY E
CA R I B B E A N DR E A M S
Where is the only place that George Washington lived outside the USA? Yes – good old honest George was probably
the fi rst in the long line of the “rich” and/or “famous” to hangout in Barbados. Followed by the Beckams, Tiger Woods
and Mick Jagger. And Michael Winner - but don’t let that put you off , writes roving reporter Ross Owen.
hile people rhapsodize about the But long before tourism became the mainstay of the
W
Caribbean islands, it may be that what economy, sugar and its by-product rum were dominant.
could be the best of the islands isn’t And although the sugar mills have been run down, rum
actually in the Caribbean. At least not totally. Barbados is still part of the economy, and part of the culture as
is actually bordered on the East by the Atlantic Ocean can be seen by the rum shop. With 1,600 rum shops and
and on the West by the Caribbean. This split gives rise a population of 274,000, this means there is one rum
to two totally diff erent coasts and beaches. The western shop for every 171 people!
side is calm with beautiful sandy beaches for swimming The name rum shop is a slight misnomer. Usually
and snorkelling. Most of the tourist hotels are here. found inland or away from the usual tourist areas, they
The east is hilly, rugged, and windy, for surfi ng rather function as: a place to get a drink, a snack bar, a social
than swimming. club and in many instances a general store. In the laid
Tourism is of course the main industry, but in back, tropical culture, they are not just a place to have a
contrast to many other tourist destinations, Barbados is drink, but the neighbourhood hangout to play dominoes,
WEN
far from being a third world country - the literacy rate have some delicious fried fi sh cakes, or just chill out.
OSS O
is 97%. Unlike many countries that depend on tourism, And if you are interested in rum, a trip to the Mount
Y
; R
the people in the tourist industry are neither obsequious Gay Rum distillery is both fascinating and enlightening.
UTHORIT
nor condescending, and for a former colony totally non- There are tours that explain the history and production
hostile. Not only did I fi nd everyone friendly and full of of rum, with tastings of the various blends. The very
T
OURIST A
advice on where to eat and what to see, but they seem best are on a par with some fi ne cognacs.
ADOS
to have retained an “old fashioned” courtesy which has But Barbadians - or using the more popular
B
ARB
more or less disappeared from Britain. nickname Bajan’s, don’t just drink rum. Their cuisine is
Above Left and Right: A beach near Bridgetown. The view from the hotel.
Top: Ross Owen.
EX P A T R I A T E 9
Owen.indd 9 6/11/2009 10:47:01 PM
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