I have always loved traveling, but nothing prepared me for the amazing experience of visiting Barbados with my son. My first visit was in 2010 with my partner, who was born in Barbados. I was so excited to see the island that he had told me so much about.

After departing the airport, our friendly driver was kind enough to give us a tour of the attractions on the way to the hotel. He pointed out the historic buildings, such as the St Michael’s Cathedral and the George Washington House, and the vibrant street art, such as the murals and sculptures. He also gave us some tips on where to eat, shop, and have fun.

We stayed at the Coconut Court Beach Hotel, which was right on the beach. The view from our room was breathtaking. We could see the turquoise water, the white sand, and the palm trees. We could also hear the waves crashing and the birds singing.

The hotel had a surprise welcome for us that night. They had arranged a live band to play some local music, such as calypso, reggae, and soca. They also had a buffet of delicious Bajan dishes, such as flying fish, cou-cou, pepperpot, and pudding and souse. We danced, ate, and mingled with other guests and staff. Everyone was so warm and welcoming. It felt like we were part of a big family.

The next day, we decided to explore Bridgetown, the capital city of Barbados. We took a bus from the hotel and enjoyed the scenic ride. Bridgetown was a bustling place, full of shops, restaurants, museums, and monuments. We walked along the boardwalk by the sea and admired the boats and yachts. We visited the Parliament Buildings, which were impressive examples of Gothic architecture. They were also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that included other historic landmarks in Bridgetown. We found a bargain store called Woolworths, where we bought some souvenirs and snacks at reasonable prices. They had everything from clothes and accessories to books and toys.

My partner wanted to reconnect with some of his old friends from Barbados, so he called them up and arranged to meet them the next day. They were happy to hear from him and invited us to join them for a local experience. We met them at a rum shop, which is a small bar that sells rum and other drinks. Rum shops are very common in Barbados and are often found at street corners or near bus stops. They are also places where people socialize and play games. There, we played dominoes with his friend Gibbo, who was a master at the game. He taught us some tricks and strategies, and we had a lot of fun trying to beat him. I guess I was a good student because I won most of the games. We also drank some beer and sampled some of the local rums, which were smooth and strong. Some of them were flavored with spices or fruits.

The following day, we met another friend of my partner, Campbell, who offered to drive us around the island. He had a spacious car and knew all the best spots to visit. He showed us some of the island’s attractions. We visited Bathsheba Beach, which is a surfer’s paradise with huge waves and rock formations; Hunte’s Gardens, which is a beautiful botanical garden with exotic plants and birds; and St Nicholas Abbey, which is a historic plantation house with a rum distillery.

At Bathsheba Beach, we met a friend from New York, who had relocated back to Barbados. He invited us to his home and treated us his home cooked food and of course a couple shots of his favorite rum.

On my second trip to Barbados in 2012, we met up with Campbell again. He took us to another part of the island, the South coast. There, we went to Oistins, which is a fishing village that hosts a popular fish fry every Friday night. Thousands of locals and tourists flock to Oistins to enjoy fresh fish cooked on charcoal grills by local vendors. They also have live music and entertainment on stage. We ate some of the freshest fish I have ever tasted, along with macaroni pie, coleslaw, and salad. We also listened to some live music and watched some people dance.

We also went to St Lawrence Gap, which is a lively strip of bars, clubs, and restaurants. It is also known as “The Gap” or “Party Central”. We had a drink at one of the bars and enjoyed the atmosphere. We saw people from all walks of life having a good time.

We also went to Dover Beach, where we sang karaoke. They had a large screen and a microphone, and we could choose from a variety of songs. We had a blast singing along to some classic songs and laughing at our own mistakes.

We were also entertained by the Barbados Land Ship. This is a unique cultural phenomenon that has sailed through generations. This traditional performance art form combines history, music, dance, and theatrical elements to create a captivating spectacle that reflects the island’s rich heritage.

The Barbados Land Ship has deep roots in the island’s history, dating back to the 19th century when Barbados was a hub of sugarcane production and trade. Inspired by the grandeur of naval ships that frequented the island’s ports, local communities developed a cultural expression that mimicked the movement and structure of these vessels on land.

It is said to have originated in the parish of St. Lucy, with the first recorded performance dating back to the late 1800s. Initially performed by African slaves, the Land Ship evolved over the years, incorporating elements of British naval traditions, African dance, and local folklore.

It is a mobile structure that typically consists of a central “ship” and various characters representing sailors, officers, and other naval figures. The ship, often mounted on wheels, is paraded through the streets with a crew of performers showcasing their talents in dance, drumming, and singing.

The performance is a lively and rhythmic affair, with participants dressed in elaborate naval-inspired costumes. The characters playfully interact with the audience, creating an immersive experience that brings the community together in celebration. The Land Ship often features a “captain” who leads the procession, ensuring that the ship maneuvers skillfully through the streets.

Music is a vital component of the Barbados Land Ship, with drumming and percussion instruments providing the heartbeat of the performance. The infectious rhythms inspire dancers to move with grace and energy, captivating onlookers and creating a festive atmosphere.

Dance forms in the Land Ship are a blend of African, European, and Caribbean influences, reflecting the island’s diverse cultural heritage. Performers execute intricate footwork and movements that tell stories of the sea, the struggles of the past, and the resilience of the Barbadian people.

It holds immense cultural significance as a living testament to the island’s history and the strength of its people. It serves as a bridge between the past and the present, preserving traditions while adapting to the evolving cultural landscape and we were happy be part of this cultural experience with our friend, Loreto, who had joined us.

Since then, we have traveled to Barbados on other occasions. The experiences never grow old. Every time we go there, we discover something new and exciting. We also meet new friends and reconnect with old ones. Barbados has become our second home. We love it there.