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BARBADOS GEOGRAPHY.
Barbados is one of only a few true coral islands within the Caribbean. Barbados is divided into 11 parishes. The small and mostly flat terrain is 21 miles long (34km.) and 14 miles wide (22km) and its area is 166 square miles. Barbados is the most easterly island in the Caribbean's Windward Chain. The island benefits from warm and sunny weather year round and is surrounded by beautiful white sandy beaches and warm turquoise waters.
BARBADOS GOVERNMENT.
Barbados achieved independence in 1966. It has a Governor General and a Prime Minister. The island is a member of the Commonwealth. Barbados also has two Parliamentary houses - The House Of Assembly and the Senate. Barbados has the third oldest Parliament in the Commonwealth.
BARBADOS BANKING HOURS.
Barbados Banking opening hours are normally from 8.00 am until 3.00 pm (Mon. - Thur.) and on Friday 8.00 am until 5.00 pm, however for added convenience they are several ATM's in Bridgetown and on both the South and West Coast. Stores normally open from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm or from 9:00 am until 5:00pm Mon.-Fri and on Saturdays from 8:30 am until 1.00 pm or 2.00 pm.
CURRENCY.
The Barbados dollar is tied to the USD at the rate of US $1.00 = BDS $1.98, however other currencies fluctuate so check with a banking institution. The USD is therefore accepted island-wide and most restaurants and stores accept the major credit cards and traveler's cheques.
TAX.
Barbados departure tax is BDS $25.00, there is 15% VAT that is usually included in quoted prices. There is also 7.5% VAT and 10% service charge that will be added to your hotel bill.
TIPPING.
Usually 10 - 15%.
POSTAL SYSTEM.
The General Post Office is in Bridgetown in Cheapside and there are seventeen district post offices around the island. Stamps can easily be bought at most hotels and in a variety of stores. They are also several post boxes located around the island.
BUSES.
The Barbados government owned buses are blue with yellow stripes BM on the licence plates. |
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POPULATION.
Barbados' population is approximately 270,000 with an ethnic mix of approx. 93% African descent, 3% European descent, 4% Indian and Asian descent and mixed races.
CAPITAL.
In the Parish of St. Michael is Bridgetown the Barbados' Capital.
EMERGENCIES.
In the event of an emergency the contact numbers are Police - 211 / Ambulance - 511 / and Fire - 311. Also the FMH Emergency Medical Clinic in Belleville can be reached on Tel: 228-6120. Or services can be rendered at the QEH Hospital (24 hours a day) available at 436-6450 or 429-6739 also located in St. Michael.
WATER.
The water supply is extremely clean, and is safe to drink from the tap.
TIME.
GMT minus 4 hours in the winter and minus 5 hours in the summer.
TEMPERATURE.
Generally ranges between 27 degrees and 31 degree's Celsius.
LANGUAGE.
English is the official language.
ELECTRICITY.
115/230 volts AC, 50 cycle.
RELIGION.
Mostly Anglican, but over 100 different religions practicing in accord.
POSTAL SYSTEM.
115/230 volts AC, 50 cycle.
SAFETY.
Serious crime is not the regular in Barbados; nevertheless do not leave your valuables unattended whether left in a car or left in clear site in the apartment. Stay in well lit and familiar areas at night. Always lock your hotel room door and keep valuables in a safe if one is provided in the room. On a majority of Barbados west coast beaches Manchineel trees can be found, these trees bear a poisonous green fruit that resemble crab-apple. If the fruit is touched it will blister your skin also avoid their shelter when there is rainfall as water running from the leaves can cause blisters..
DRUGS.
The penalties for the possession or usage of illegal drugs are severe, even for "softer" drugs such as marijuana. |
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St. John's Church
A classic Gothic church situated on a cliff overlooking the incredibly scenic East Coast Of Barbados.
Built in 1836 to replace the previous church which had been destroyed by a hurricane in 1831 this magnificent old church features highly attractive architecture, a spectacular view, and an interesting history. In the Church Yard rests the remains of Ferdinando Paleologus, a descendent of Emperor Constantine the Great, whose family was driven from the throne of Constantinople by the Turks. Ferdinando died in Barbados in 1678, after being a resident here for over 20 years..
The East Point Light House.
The East Point Lighthouse, situated at Ragged Point (the most easterly point of Barbados), offers a fantastic sight of the rugged coastal scenery along nearly the entire East Coast of Barbados. On a clear day you can see all the way up the shoreline to the northern points of the island such as Pico Tenerife.
Off the coast of Barbados lies Culpepper Island, a tiny island tucked in the coast line about 100 yards from the mainland it can be easily reached at low tide.
Hackleton's Cliff
Hackleton's Cliff is in the parish of St. Joseph, and rises almost perpendicularly within a few miles of the coastline. It reaches a height of one thousand feet above sea-level. According to a tale the cliff is named after a man who committed suicide by riding his horse off the cliff. As expected, this cliff offers one of the finest views of Barbados' east coast. Be sure to walk with your camera!
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Codrington College
Codrington College, sits high on a hill in St. John, Barbados, and overlooks the Atlantic, it offers one of the most magnificent views of the East Coast of Barbados.
 Codrington College, is the oldest Anglican theological college in the Western Hemisphere, and was built in 1743 after Christopher Codrington had bequeathed the estate and considerable money at his death in 1710. Many West Indian priests have trained at Codrington and the College continues to play an active part in education and theological teachings in Barbados, working closely with the University of the West Indies.
The setting of Codrington College is especially beautiful with a magnificent lily pond and a driveway lined with Royal Palm trees lining its grand entrance way.
 Cattlewash- In Scotland District
Cattlewash beach presents a marvelous landscape. With its wholesome climate and fresh breezes, it is an area renowned as one of the best health resort areas in Barbados and undeniably the Caribbean.
Cattlewash beach is said to have derived its name from the cattle walking into the sea there!
This area is a very popular get-away spot for Barbadian's, particularly during summer months. Even though it is a very picturesque and relaxing area, there are strong beach currents in the area and swimming in the open water is extremely dangerous. However they are many pools, surrounded by rocks where one can bathe safely.
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The Crane Beach Barbados - South East Coast.
Just 10 minutes away by car from Ragged Point, whilst here you can enjoy one of earth's most magnificent beaches. This Barbados beach features great body surfing, as well as chair and umbrella rentals.The entrance fee to the Crane Beach Hotel is $25 barbadoss which is redeemable in food and beverage. They also feature fresh fish and lobster.
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East Coast Attractions - Include Bathsheba Beach- Advanced Surfing "Soup Bowl", Cattlewash, Bath, Martin's Bay, Andromeda Gardens, East Point Lighthouse, Codrington College, Chalky Mount Potteries, St. John's Church.
The East Coast of Barbados features huge Atlantic waves crashing alongside the shore. These beaches are better suited for walking and sunning, and along the way you’ll find plenty spots to take a stroll or to have a picnic in this very scenic and picturesque area of the island. They are a small number of good places to take a splash along this coast as a few small pools are formed close to shore creating natural swimming pools! However swimming along the general coast is not recommended!
The Andromeda Botanic Gardens- Situated on a cliff overlooking the coast, is six acres of thoughtfully landscaped grounds, abundantly and colorfully covered with, orchids, palms, shrubs and exotics. Initially developed in 1954 by the late horticulturist Iris Bannochie, it was for her a retreat, which later expanded into a full-fledged garden which she, in due course opened to the public. As she attained more exotics plants and blooms from around the globe Andromeda became a major tourist attraction. She eventually left the property to the people of Barbados subsequent to her death in 1988.
Chalky Mount Potteries Barbados- On the western side of Chalky Mount (near the East Coast) you will see local potters at work creating their wares as has been done for centuries.
There are also superb views of the hills and valleys from this village.
Bath Beach in St. John is the safest and one of the most well-liked beaches along the entire Atlantic side of Barbados. This is the perfect beach for a refreshing sea bath followed by a picnic lunch under the shade of Casuarina trees.
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