Barbados is an eastern Caribbean island and an independent British Commonwealth nation. Bridgetown, the capital, is a cruise-ship port with colonial buildings and Nidhe Israel, a synagogue founded in 1654. Around the island are beaches, botanical gardens, the Harrison’s Cave formation, and 17th-century plantation houses like St. Nicholas Abbey. Local traditions include afternoon tea and cricket, the national sport. [Google]

Location: Atlantic Ocean

Population: 277,821 (2010)

Ethnic Groups: Afro-Barbadian, White Barbadian, Multiracial, and Indians.

Capital: Bridgetown

Language: English, Bajan Creole

Currency: Barbadian Dollar

I came across this interesting and informative sign as I entered Barbados. I took the liberty of writing it out just in case the words were too small to be read.

This new world liquor popularized under the name of rum originated in Barbados. The substance distilled from the molasses, a byproduct of sugar cane was originally known as kill devil.

How the name came to be rum is shrouded in mystery. But many believe it starts with the aged liquor stored in a barrel being sold in a tavern owned by Captain Rumball. This unique liquor sought after by patrons took its name from the owner and was called Rum.

So there you have it. A quick history of rum. Lets check out some more of what Barbados has to offer.

If I am going to check out this beautiful island, I will need transportation to get around. I have a pick from different vehicles, which one should I choose? The driver of the Toyota motorcar is making a strong case for himself, but that minibus with the sliding doors and roomy cabin seems more appealing.

Minibus it is! Let’s see how much of Barbados we can check out in a day.

Follow the sign. We are going to Bridgetown.

Isn’t that girl that song ‘Umbrella’, ‘We Found Love’ and ‘Pour It Up’ from Barbados?

Whats her name again?

That’s right. Rih Rih.

This is Rihanna’s childhood house. It was vacated and restored and is being turned into a tourist attraction.

The neighbor’s were a little perturbed when we blocked the road to take photographs.

Welcome to Rihanna Drive! This monument stands at the corner of the street where she grew up.

The Government of Barbados has renamed this street Rihanna Drive in honour of the Barbados native, world famous singer, actress and entrepreneur Robyn Rihanna Fenty who grew up here. It was formerly called Westbury New Road.

If I didn’t know any better I would have thought this was Jamaica. The cars, the houses, the bus stop, even the conductor hanging off the bus is reminiscent of Jamaica.

This house at the corner of Black Rock Main Road has seen better days, but it’s still standing.

Kentucky Fried Chicken is king in the Caribbean. No other fast food franchise comes close. If Barbados is anything like Jamaica, this KFC on Black Rock Main Road should be jam packed on the weekends.

British and French navigators introduced this plant to the Caribbean during the late eighteen century and it’s been a stable ever since. The Breadfruit can be roasted, boiled or fried and eaten with meat or vegetables.

Corner shops are popular, they are the Caribbean’s version of convenience stores. These ‘mom and pop’ type establishments sell a variety of items, ranging from pills, to condoms, cigarettes, alcohol, calling cards, snacks and some grocery items.

What a cool sign? That guy is well dressed.

It’s sad that I had to visit Barbados to learn of this tragedy.

In the memory of those who lost their lives in the bombing of the Cubana DC 8 Aircraft flight CUT 1201 which crashed in the sea off Barbados on October 6th, 1976. May their souls rest in peace.

This property called One Sandy Lane is where Rihanna stays whenever she visits Barbados.

Holetown Police station in Barbados.

St. James Parish Church is one of the oldest churches in Barbados. It is located in Holetown. The original structure which was built in the 1600s was destroyed by a hurricane. It was rebuilt in the 1690 with a coral stone structure.

This is another section of the historic St. James Parish Church in Holetown, Barbados.

Shawn’s Fruit and Vegetable Shop is a hit with locals and tourists.

This fisherman was returning from sea when I saw him behind the Millie Ifill Fish Market in Weston, Barbados.

Here is a closer look at the fisherman’s catch. I think I see some Lion fish in the mix.

Saint Peter’s Bay in Little Battaleys, Barbados is a luxury beachfront resort.

Port St Charles located in Heywoods, Barbados is a luxurious marina and resort. It is recognized as one of the premiere Caribbean Marinas.

This picturesque roadside beach is located in Retreat, Barbados. It can be considered an extension of the Heywoods Beach.

I am not sure what I was doing in this photograph. Maybe I was contemplating taking a quick swim. It was a crime not to have gotten my feet wet.

St. Nicholas Abbey is a distillery in Barbados on a 1658 sugar plantation with a Jacobean-era mansion and museum. They offer daily tours and rum tasting, except on Saturdays. I so happened to be visiting Barbados on a Saturday, hence why I only have a photograph of the closed main entrance to the property.

Cherry Tree Hill is located in the parish of St. Andrew in Barbados. It is approximately 850 feet above sea level. It is believed that the hill was once lined with cherry trees. The cherry trees has since been replaced by mahogany trees. This lookout offers an excellent view of the Scotland District.

I had planned to get some great shots of the view from Cherry Tree Hill, but the rain and the fog wouldn’t let me be great.

This is a lady of my own heart. She couldn’t pass up photographs of the landscape.

The Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill is said to be the largest and only working windmill in the Caribbean. The windmill is the last of the Barbadian windmills used to produce sugar. The sugar windmill stopped operating in 1947 and was donated to the Barbados National Trust in 1962.

If the sign says it, then it must be true.

The Sleeping Giant is a rock formation seen along the East Coast of Barbados. When I took this photograph I had no idea what i was looking at. I just had a feeling that I was capturing something worth recording.

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw monkeys in the open frolicking in Barbados.

This monkey was deep in thought, probably contemplating the decisions he made in life. I joke, I joke. I kid, I kid.

The Soup Bowl is a world-renown surfing spot in Bathsheba, Barbados.

In the background of Dina’s Bar and Cafe and the souvenir towels is the fascinating Mushroom Rock in Bathsheba, Barbados.

Where to next?

It took a lot of searching, but I eventually found some vegan food for lunch. The meal consisted of seasoned rice, lentils, okra and vegetables.

I truly enjoyed my time in Barbados and I hope you enjoyed this post. Check back to see where I will visit next.