We’ve been living and pet sitting in Barbados for nearly a month now and are really enjoying the island. There are tons of things to see and do, so we’re making the most of exploring.
We can’t help but compare it to our previous home in Grenada, though it’s a different destination altogether. Despite the comparisons, both islands share a laid-back vibe, funky music, friendly people, English language, and stunning white sand beaches. However, Barbados feels entirely unique, which we love.
One noticeable difference is the flat landscape of Barbados, dotted with large sugar cane plantations spread over gentle hills with no mountains in sight. We haven’t yet visited the more rugged and rocky eastern side of the island, which contrasts Grenada’s mist-shrouded mountains and lush jungles.
The locals here are very friendly and polite. They greet everyone with a smile, making us feel very welcome. Customer service is also a notch above what we’ve experienced on other Caribbean islands like Grenada, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, and Cuba.
There’s a significant local Caucasian population here, and it’s interesting to notice that the white-Bajan accent differs from the black-Bajan one due to Irish and Scottish influences. This stems from the history of Irish, Scottish, and Welsh people brought here as indentured servants in the 1600s. Both accents have a lovely melodic tone, and we enjoy listening to the locals speak.
Barbados has a noticeable caste system, and we’ve learned about the “Redlegs,” a poorer underclass of white descendants from Scottish and Irish servants, typically residing in small shacks on the east coast. Though we haven’t delved deeply into their history, there’s some information available through documentaries.
The local music scene is fantastic with a lot of soca and calypso on the radio. Interestingly, American country music is also popular here, which is quite surprising. Steelpan bands perform country covers at local restaurants and bars, though we usually prefer the local Caribbean tunes.
Recently, we experienced Independence Day celebrations, which were vibrant and filled with parades and decorations in ultramarine and gold, the national colors. Coming from Canada, where independence isn’t celebrated, it was great to see the level of national pride here.
We’ll be here for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and the island is already decked out for the holidays. We plan to enjoy a traditional turkey dinner, lots of wine, hit the beach, and exchange gifts.
Barbados’ roads can be pot-holed, but there’s an efficient 4-lane highway running almost the entire length of the west coast, making the island seem smaller and easier to navigate. Driving is calmer compared to what we’re used to, despite occasional reckless drivers and speedy buses.
Beaches here are abundant, with the south and west coasts offering great spots for swimming, while the eastern coast has rougher, unsafe waters famous for surfing. Carlisle Bay is our favorite so far, with its powdery sand and calm, clear waters – ideal for beach-bumming.
Living costs are higher, with groceries averaging 20% more than Grenada. We found a reasonably priced veggie stand nearby, which helps. Restaurants are slightly pricier too but have many upscale options. Comparing prices can be tough since we always find local spots with good deals over time.
We enjoy the local cuisine, which is flavorful and generous in portions. BBQs are popular, and Chefette, a well-known local fast food chain, offers tasty rotis, hamburgers, sandwiches, and fries. Unlike McDonald’s, Chefette dominates here due to its local roots.
Our routine involves walking the dogs, working a few hours, and exploring the island. We joined a nearby gym to stay fit after indulging in heavy Canadian food. When not working out, relaxing at beach bars, or exploring, we are producing GoatLife TV episodes to share our experiences.
Overall, our first impressions of Barbados are highly positive. We love the relaxed atmosphere and easy-to-navigate roads, and it’s wonderful to travel the island in less than 45 minutes. The friendly people, delicious food, stunning scenery, and beautiful beaches make our stay enjoyable. We’re excited to discover more of the island’s history and interior in the coming weeks. Being house sitters and travel bloggers in such a paradise truly feels like the best job.
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