One of my favorite past times is watching the tourists as they are walking on the roads with NO sidewalks. Either they have a look of TOTAL fear or they are just rolling with the punches. That pretty much describes anyone that ends up living here.
It’s a beautiful island with breath taking beaches and many friendly locals. It’s a wonderful place to visit but for those that are living here, it does have it’s drawbacks (like any other country that is not your own).
Are you moving to Barbados? Allow me to prepare you…
There is such a thing as “island time”. Rarely will you get someone to keep their appointment. Being 30 to 40 minutes late is common and don’t expect an apology. It’s “island time”.
Customer Service does not exist here. I wish I could say it was just me and people here didn’t really like me, but it’s with almost everyone. The ladies (some) at the grocery store won’t even turn to look at you as they are ringing up your items. Just stand their quietly and hope that you don’t get overcharged.
Want to pay your bill at that little kiosk (as is common place here)? Good Luck. If they tell you it’s down it’s more than likely they just don’t feel like taking any more customers.
Keep your doors locked. Although many times it doesn’t get reported, crime DOES happen. Mostly crimes of opportunity but they do happen. Be careful.
Be prepared to pay TRIPLE for your products. Yes, it’s an island and it takes money to get things here but seriously, $15 for cereal. Give me a break! Or give me fresh fruit and/or veggies! Another luxury. Last week hubby paid $15 for avocados…OUCH!
Roads are TERRIBLE here! ZOMG!!!! It’s just looked like patched up artwork.
Don’t get me wrong, there are some pretty awesome things about the island too.
Talk to any older person who has lived here their entire life and they will give you the shirts off their backs. Perhaps the younger generation are losing what Barbados truly is about?
Get lost in the cane fields and there is always a friendly guide at the corner ready to direct you home…and you WILL get lost!
Rum shops are at every corner and someone is always there to engage in some friendly conversation (brush up on your US politics). Barbados also have one of the Best Rum..yummy!
The local cuisine is not my particular cup of tea (I don’t like the fishy) but if you are a fish eater, welcome to paradise.
Well, yeah. So when people ask me how do I like Barbados (which is all the time), I’m just going to refer them to my blog. I like it and then sometimes I don’t.
I must however say, I do LOVE the friends I’ve made here. They are some pretty amazing people who have supported me in the many life changes that have happened in the past year. They keep this place awesome (and me sane), so for that, Thank you girls!!!!!!
Peace out!
♥Michelle♥
