Barbados


 * Past PO Participants write about Barbados:**
 * A. DeSantis** (2012) - [[file:A. DeSantis.pdf|A. DeSantis.pdf]]
 * Newspaper Article (2012) - [[file:Barbados Article 2012.pdf|Barbados Article 2012.pdf]]**

> English is the official language of Barbados. Bridgetown is the capital and the principal port of Barbados. Barbados' airport, Grantley Adams International, is the only one in the Caribbean which can accommodate large airplanes. The people of Barbados are warm and hospitable and call themselves "Bajans".
 * Tips from D. Arts (taken from the internet):**
 * **Temperature**: It is generally warm and sunny all year round with an average daytime high of 75 - 85 F. The nights are usually slightly cooler. The prevailing northeast tradewinds blow steadily so that although it is bright and sunny, it is not unbearably hot. The rain usually comes in quick showers. The dry season lasts from January to June. Barbados weather is mostly sunny and fair with warm days, cool winds and cozy nights. Barbadians complain that the sea is cold when its 78oF !!! It rains most in summer and a good rainfall is refreshing and much needed. Rain is usually followed quickly by sunny skies and within minutes everything will be dry. Tropical rainstorms sometimes occur in the hurricane season which runs from June to October (as they say in Barbados - "June too soon, October all over!"). Tropical rains are spectacular but the island is very porous and the heaviest rains quickly drain off into the underground lakes or the sea. Hurricanes usually avoid Barbados. They arise off the African Coast and head to the Caribbean, swinging North about 100 miles from Barbados.
 * **Money**- Barbados Dollars is the national currency. US dollar bills (not US coins) are also accepted island wide. It is against the law for businesses to issue US dollars. This must be done at a bank or at the money exchange bureau at the Airport. Master Card, Visa and Discover Card are accepted on the island. In Barbados travelers cheques are accepted by all banks and most hotels. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, you are advised to take travelers cheques in US dollars.
 * **Accommodations -**
 * **Electricity**- 110 V - 50 cycle
 * **Standard of living -** Barbados is the easternmost of the windward islands in the lesser Antilles in the West Indies. Barbados is located about 270 miles northwest of Venezuela. Barbados is an island about 166 square miles, only 21 miles long by 14 wide. Barbados is hilly, but not mountainous, and mostly coral formation. Barbados is surrounded by 80 miles of white sandy beaches. Barbados is far enough south that it is rarely affected by hurricanes, only two in the last 200 years. Much of Barbados, especially inland, is under cultivation to sugar cane and bananas. The Barbados standard of living is the highest in the Caribbean. Often called the "Switzerland of the Caribbean", Barbados' principal industries are now tourism and off-shore financial services. Sugar cane and rum are no longer "king" but still bring substantial revenue to Barbados.
 * **Taxis**- Getting around - there are several options available. The local bus service is reliable and a very inexpensive option at just $2.00 (Barbados dollars) per person, per trip. Note in Barbados, they drive on the left! When traveling on the bus the first few seats are generally saved for those with special needs. Should you be in one of these seats it's proper to offer it if someone boards who is elderly, pregnant, handicapped, or has small children. One of the large department stores in Bridgetown also offers a shuttle service to Bridgetown, Mondays through Saturdays. One of the major supermarkets on the island also provides a complimentary round-trip shuttle every Sunday and Wednesday..
 * **Entertainment**- The west coast or Caribbean side of Barbados, is the most developed and populated. The wild Atlantic side on the east coast of Barbados, is home to the islands' most visited attractions, botanical gardens, unusual flora and fauna, animal reserves, potteries, and caves. The biggest and most famous festival in the country is the ‘Crop over Festival,’ which originated from celebrating the harvest of sugarcanes. The highlight of this festival is the contest of calypso dances and songs. It is usually held in early August. Cricket is very popular in Barbados. It is the national sport.
 * **Food -** There are many restaurants in Barbados ranging from fast-food to elegant dining.
 * **Etiquette** - Barbados is a popular destination for visitors and travelers. It helps, when in any foreign town, to know proper etiquette while visiting. This will not only help you to fit in but can also help you if you're traveling for business purposes. Dress as if you were going to the office. Suits and ties for men and dressy outfits for women, including pantsuits, are usually acceptable. Sleeveless numbers aren't normally chosen for office wear even though the climate can be very warm.
 * When in public casual wear is usually jeans or dress pants and tee shirts or polos. Walking along streets and visiting shops in swim wear is simply unacceptable.
 * General good manners when yawning, sneezing or coughing are used in public or meetings, followed by "Excuse me". Proper etiquette while passing someone on a sidewalk is to say "Good morning" or "Good night". It's not proper to simply go around someone but not speak.
 * The handshake is the proper greeting while being introduced, whether you're men or women. Never call someone by their first name, particularly if you are younger than they or if you haven't been formerly introduced.
 * **Teaching** -


 * **Other:** Barbados has no standing army. The country is so peaceful that the Prime Minister of Barbados is rare among his peers in the world: he goes about his official business and even shops for his own groceries without entourage or bodyguards. Shops are open from about 9 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m., depending upon what type of business it is. Souvenir and gift shops stay open later than some other places.