Go Local in Barbados is the latest blog by Avid Traveller, Calum Glenny. Calum has recently produced numerous travel guides for Europe, North America, Oceania and now revisits Barbados in the Caribbean while escaping the Scottish winter weather.
Calum’s travel review highlights local people, mainly vendors who despite the pause to business created by Covid have burst back onto the scene. The highly successful vaccination programme delivered to the Barbados population by Major David Clarke is also acknowledged.
Miami Beach & Janelle Natural Fruit Drinks
GoLocal with Dancing Moon Cruises from Miami Beach
Calum first visitsJanelle at her pop up stand near Miami/Enterprise Beach. Sampling her chilled homemade natural juices on the beach sent the taste buds tingling. Calum highlights the intriguing combinations of local flavours available and links the theory behind making the natural juice drinks to a London family who have taken the idea from Barbados to London and set up their own business, OTC Beverages making Caribbean natural fruit juice drinks in the UK.
Calum then moves onto the lady Alisonwho makes the most delicious fish cakes from the back of her old white car adjacent to the Enterprise Beach Facility. Alison is a delight to speak to and often has several people waiting on her mouth watering produce and hot sauce.
Next is an early morning visit to Brighton Farmers Market for the best breakfast sausage and egg cutter from Liam’s Cottage Meats stand. Calum’s favourite take away breakfast on the island.
While at the market Calum also samples Neil’s superb fish pate and to go with his sausage breakfast, a lovely coffee from Pilebucks.
After breakfast Calum checks out and makes a purchase at the hand crafted jewellery stand of Kimberley White at Summergems. Kimberley is a talented young local jeweller.
On a sightseeing drive North, Calum bumps into the gregarious Andrew Kellman. Andrew’s local knowledge very quickly becomes apparent, and all of a sudden, the chance encounter leads to an unofficial tour of the stunning sights at Cove Bay and Little Bay. A very worthwhile and educating 45-minute, unplanned tour, including links to Tenerife and Billy Ocean!
Calum then moves to Oistins where on a Friday night, the Fish Fry sends the town into party mode! Oistins is a historic town of Barbados as it was the scene of the planned Barbados Civil War; a war that ended without a shot as the leader retired to the tavern to write what became the charter of Barbados. Way ahead of its time, it laid out rights and a form of self goverment unheard of in the region.
Oistins Bay where the civil war that wasn’t almost happened. See story in Rogues
Calum highlights his favourite restaurant, ‘Chillin & Grillin’ in Oistins Bay Gardens. Food, service and location for people watching is second to none thanks to Lana who is assisted by Shonte, Phillip, and Allan, among others
In a previous trip Calum met local author Ian R. Clayton who gave him an advance copy of his unpublished bookRogues in Paradise.
He says Ian’s Book is fascinating. It is funny and solemn and guaranteed to amuse and enrich the reader’s knowledge of Barbados. Calum notes that with every visit, he recognises similar characters (rogues) when wandering the island. Calum’s theory that ‘The people make Barbados and Barbados is its people!’ is confirmed in Rogues in Paradise.
Concluding, Calum mentions the respect shown on the island to all people, whether locals or visitors. One incident In Barbados stands out as a prime example and shows Bajan people at their very best!
Seville Andalusia Spain – A Stunning Spanish City with Sensational Sights This personal guide by Calum Glenny provides a treasure trove of insight you don’t find in travel guides. It is a deeply personal experience of places and people. Join Calum as he chats with the local proprietors, sharing what he loves about the food, wine, and ambiance of the unique hotels, restaurants, and bars in historic settings.
Arriving From Malaga
Arriving by train at Seville’s impressive Santa Justa station from Malagathe first thing we noticed was the sharp increase in temperature.
A short taxi trip to our accommodation in Santa Paula Pool & Luxury apartments. Sounds very grand, and to be honest, for an Airbnb, it wasn’t far off it, first-class accommodation with a decent-sized bedroom, shaded patio, and pool area plus a large roof terrace with every requirement covered.
The apartment was in a very quiet area of the city near several impressive churches and monasteries.
It’s also steps from Plaza San Marcos, which is like a little village in the heart of Seville. Everything you might need can be found at the square. Leon de San Marcos (Tapas Bar), El Nomada (Pizza etc), and Lo Que Diga La Sol (Tapas Bar) are complemented by a chemist, convenience store, outstanding bakers, and El Rincon Sagrado, an up-market deli. It also must be said that the prices charged in the square are very much less than that in the tourist spots within the city.
The main monuments and attractions are a good 15/20 minutes walk from the apartment but with some interesting areas and sights to be found as you meander through the exceptionally narrow streets.
The square at the head of Calle Sol and Calle Bustos Taveras again houses some great restaurants and bars where you can have breakfast, lunch, or dinner. La Huerta 9, Los Caveles, and Taberna Manzanilla are all recommended. Taberna Manazilla was a great spot for a nightcap on the way home. Staff were incredibly friendly, under the watchful eye of the old lady owner from her seat at the door of the bar.
Just around the corner is the world-renowned El Rinconcillo.
El Rinconcillo
This 17th-century restaurant and tapas bar is always very busy, and people often queue to get in on a one in one out basis. We had a local fino sherry with Iberico ham and local cheese! As Rick Stein said, ‘ the sharp dry Jerez (sherry) just cuts through the ham!’ Some reviews suggest the waiters and bar staff are a bit offhand, but our impression was they were under pressure, always busy, but did their job efficiently. The experience was worth it, and to have the cost of your order chalked on the bar in front of you just added to the buzzing atmosphere. If you’re booking the restaurant, do so well in advance.
Mushroom of Seville
Walking along Calle Imagentowards the Plaza de Incarnation, you will be taken aback by the Setas of Sevilla, more commonly known as the Mushroom of Seville. It’s an amazing wooden structure covering all of the Plaza and includes a rooftop walkway where at night, there is a light show with music. The structure is a very cool architectural landmark in Seville and one which we used regularly to find our bearings and location.
Cathedral of Seville
Keep walking through the narrow streets, and you will eventually burst out into the sunlight and the striking Cathedral of Seville, which is an impressive gothic cathedral containing the tomb of Christopher Columbus. You could spend hours, if not days exploring the cathedral and surrounding area.
Although Italian by birth, Columbus has been adopted by the Sevilanos as Seville was where he studied navigation and was from where he started his expeditions, sponsored by Spanish monarchs. These expeditions resulted in the first known European contact with the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
Walking further through courtyards and exceptionally narrow streets, we came across Rosina’s Balcony, which is legendary as being the inspiration behind the iconic opera ‘The Barber of Seville’.
Next is the beautiful gardens and the Royal Alcazar of Sevilla.
Another landmark, this time a Moorish royal palace with fountain-filled gardens, ornate arches, and 16th-century tiles.
Let’s head for a drink and some food while resting these weary legs!
Just outside the gardens is Vineria San Telmo serving some fantastic food and drinks in a great setting with wonderful service by our South American waiter. Unfortunately, I didn’t catch his name. My recommendations are the hummus to start and the Argentinian steak. Just outstanding and a house specialty!
A slow wander back through the narrow streets sheltering in the shade of the high buildings from the intense October heat to Plaza San Marcos, ensured the necessity for a cool beer at Leon de San Marcos.
On checking my steps, it becomes apparent that exceeding 20,000 steps in this stunning city is going to be a daily reality rather than a stretch target!
Plaza de Espana
After a lovely breakfast at La Huerta 9 we wandered through the streets to the very impressive University of Seville and thereafter to the quite incredible and stunning Plaza de Espana.
If you’re in Seville, this is a place you’ve got to visit. The majestic semi-circle curved building is very impressive and well-maintained, no wonder it’s been used in so many movies. Spend some time exploring the huge site; the buildings are accessible by four bridges over the moat, which represent the ancient kingdoms of Spain. In the centre is the Vicente Traver fountain. Many tiled alcoves feature around the plaza, each depicting the 48 different provinces of Spain. Quite simply stunning and a photographer’s dream location.
Parque Maria Luisa
After the Plaza, we moved on to the welcome shade of the Parque Maria Luisa. Strolling through the large park, which features scenic plazas, landscaped gardens, fountains, and numerous monuments. It’s simply a perfect place to relax away from the bustling tourist areas and a breathtaking contrast. Again a perfect location for filming with a movie being filmed as we walked by.
Torre del Oro
A slow walk back towards the Guadalquivir River finds us at the Torre del Oro, the 13th century military watchtower. If you’re a history buff, you’ll enjoy the small but great museum inside, which offers a lot of information about the history of the city and the navy.
Sevirama Bus Tour
Trying to get a better idea of the city layout and a good view of the sights, we took the open-top Sevirama Bus Tour (Green Bus). Tickets were valid for 48 hour and included options to hop on and off wherever you want, a ‘romantic’ bus tour at night and a guided walk across the river.
The advert offered 15 sights with headphones providing commentary. To be perfectly honest most of the attractions were viewed from afar but the option was there to get off and walk to the sight if you wished. On some occasions the commentary was out of sync with whatever sight the bus was passing at the time! However, it gave us a good insight into the layout of the city and more confidence in working out our location as we explored. Near the end of the tour, the bus visits the 1992 Expo site which was a waste of time and really not necessary.
The Bullring
The Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla is the very impressive grand royal bullring dating to 1761, still used for bullfights today, plus it hosts the museum of bullfighting art.
A very well-preserved bullring and apparently the biggest bullfighting arena in Spain still in use. The season lasts from April until October. Tickets range from 30 to 130 euros, depending on the seat and the toreador (more famous means higher price). Tours outside of the ‘show’ times are guided and informative. Essentially another historical and classy sight but not one for everyone.
Triana
We walked across the Puente de Triana, which is a historic metal arch bridge connecting the Triana neighborhood with the centre of Seville. It crosses the Canal de Alfonso XIII, one of the arms of the River Guadalquivir that isolates Triana as nearly an island.
Residents of Triana have been called trainers and identify strongly with the neighbourhood, they consider it different in character from the rest of Seville. Triana has a traditional pottery and tile industry, a vibrant flamenco culture, and its own festivals. Cafe culture is king here.
Mercado de Triana
First stop was the Mercado de Triana. Since 1823 there has been a market here, but the current facility dates from 2001. This fantastic indoor market had absolutely everything you could want food-wise. Fresh produce, fresh meats, desserts, etc, and small restaurants scattered around the market serving great food. Really interesting and colourful, too. I would recommend a visit!
Bar Triana
Not the most aesthetically pleasing bar from the outside but the food and service was outstanding! Busy with locals, which really says it all. The staff were friendly, and the food was cooked to perfection. We had the Tomato & Caballa (mackerel) salad and the croquetas. We also tried the Sangria, which was lifted to new levels with the addition of some cinnamon. Highly recommended for lunch or evening meal.
Prior to our Seville visit my ‘assistant’ compiled some excellent research on the sights, restaurants and tapas bars we wanted to visit. This proved of utmost use although our problem was finding some of them, having to navigate around the very narrow streets of the historic areas. You will not feel alone wandering with your phone in your hand, seeking directions!
As a result of this research, below is an honest compilation of the restaurants we visited on our travels.
SedeMexici La Cantina
We didn’t expect to find such a great taste of Mexico in Seville, but somehow we did. To be honest, if it wasn’t for Google maps and some patience, we would have struggled to find this great restaurant tucked away in a corner of the beautiful Plaza de la Alianza.
Some cool drinks on arrival and a table visit and a quick chat with the restaurant owner, who welcomed us and genuinely made us feel valued on our first visit.
A browse through the menu while sipping a very good mango margarita allowed us time to choose starters of pork and octopus tacos plus roasted onions which were incredibly simple but very tasty. We shared a main of chicken and verde sauce with rice which was also good but certainly didn’t beat the taste of the starters. An unexpected and unusual selection of Mexican wines and beers are also on offer.
A nice restaurant in a lovely setting with attentive staff. Worth a visit, even to simply have a night off from Spanish tapas dishes.
La Cacharreria
We had the best breakfast here and really liked the food and service. Essentially you choose your bread and toppings from a massive selection to make your own breakfast dish. They also have some good ‘combos’ as specials which combine the breakfast sandwiches with coffee, juice and smoothies, all fairly priced.
Overall lovely food, not too expensive, courteous and helpful staff, busy with locals and in a good location near the ‘Mushroom’. We would highly recommend for breakfast.
Casa Paco
On our visit, we only stopped for a pre-meal drink, it was busy with locals and the food looked so good so we changed our minds and ordered a meal. We ate outside in what was a perfect evening temperature. Over our two visits, we were served by the same staff, who were pleasant, helpful and obliging.
We agreed that when we return to Seville, we would definitely go back to Casa Paco. It’s casual, relaxed with good food and great service.
Based at Plaza de Hercules, this is perfect for people-watching and a chilled location.
El Disperate
Again on Plaza de Hércules, but more upmarket and undoubtedly the best meal we had in Seville. Very attentive and professional staff, the restaurant is a step above all others we visited.
My vermut as an aperitif was just sublime, and the use of a retro soda syphon typified the lengths the staff go to, to make the step up to perfection.
Our food was just as impressive, a starter of foie gras, which was rich and creamy, two mains of sea bass and lamb with hummus, washed down with a bottle of Marqués de Murrieta Reserva 2017. Only one word can describe our meal – delicious!
It was slightly more expensive than the other nearby restaurants but won’t break the bank, a brilliant and memorable experience which can only be highly recommended.
It also has a stunning roof terrace where you can enjoy a drink in the roof before or after dining.
No wonder it has a Michelin star!
Pelayo Bar de Tapas
We stumbled across this bar and only stopped for a drink as there was a free table for two at the window. Quick service, great atmosphere, and the food looked fantastic; unfortunately, we had a booking elsewhere. From a look at the menu, the prices were very reasonable for a really nice tapas bar metres from the Cathedral, and as you exit a brilliant view of the Giralda – the stunning bell tower of the Cathedral.
The couple next to us had the works! Paella, prawns, cuttlefish, octopus, Iberico ham, croquettes, and baked cheese with jam. It was all well presented, and surprisingly with the amount they ordered, all plates were finished!
Next time we visit, we will certainly try the food.
Overview
Our 6-night visit to Seville was certainly an eye opener, from the very comfortable train journey to excellent accommodation, lots of walking (which allowed some extra tapas!), to the stunning sights within the historic city certainly appealed to us. The city was especially busy at the historic areas, but not once did we feel at risk. The local people were extremely friendly and helpful, our taxi driver from the station even asked for the accommodation phone number, as it was difficult to find and he wanted to make sure he dropped us off at the front door.
My only negative observation is common to a lot of larger cities, where graffiti can be a problem. Some local shops and bars have countered this problem by contracting local artists to use their shutters or shop fronts as a canvas, this has ensured that graffiti is targeted elsewhere.
Seville – a stunning city with sensational historic sights and sumptuous tapas bars and restaurants. Highly recommended – but make sure you avoid the extreme heat in the months of July and August.
A Spanish treat Malaga Andalusia. In this travelogue, Avid traveler Calum Glenny takes us through the site, sounds, and tastes of Malaga. You may also enjoy his previous story of Frigillana.
Having spent several holidays (including hosting his daughter’s wedding in September 2022) in Frigiliana, Gourock’s ‘Avid Traveller’ revisited the Malaga area and ventured into the Andalusian capital Seville, seeking the warmth of late summer sunshine and an escape from the damp and cold Scottish autumn. Looking to escape the Scottish autumn with its wind, rain and dark nights, a trip to Malaga promised sunshine and warmth.
Flight to Malaga Old Town
With most people flying into Malaga and then travelling on to other parts of the coast, the beauty of the ‘Old Town’ is a surprise to most who step out of the norm and visit Spain’s 6th largest city by population.
Our latest visit found Malaga to be a clean, friendly, and very impressive place. It has everything you’d expect of a city, plus fabulous beaches, a stunning cathedral, and a bullring. Also, sitting above the city adjacent to the cathedral is the Alcazaba which is described as a palatial fortification built during the period of Muslim rule in the 11th century. It was rebuilt numerous times up to the 14th century and is one of the best preserved and partly reconstructed Alcazabas in the world. This area also houses remnants of a Roman Theatre dating back to the 1st century AD.
Alcazaba de Málaga
I guarantee you will enjoy a walk around the ‘Old Town’. Below are some other highlights of our recent visit.
Malaga Port
We have been visiting this city for many years, there is no doubt the regeneration of the port area has added a lot to it.
The port often hosts several cruise ships at once, which is impressive to see but can create the downside of large groups of tourists being marched about the city on walking tours. The port has a whole host of new restaurants, most of these are modern chain types and can be very expensive simply given the location. These restaurants are very popular but give me a tapas bar in the city centre anytime.
There are beautiful walks and parks around the harbour which hosts mini markets with numerous stalls, walk along this area as it is well worth coming out of the city to visit at least once.
Various harbour and bay cruises are also available here and are a pleasant way to see the coastline from a different perspective. Recommended, but enjoyment can depend on the swell outside the harbour!
Malagueta Beach
This goes on for miles and merges into other beaches along the coast, it starts very close to the city (other side of the Port and the historic centre). A popular choice to visit if you have a limited time to spend in Malaga and comprises a fantastic beach promenade to walk, run, cycle or even segway while taking in the views.
These are public beaches and you can easily rent sun beds etc. The beaches all have toilet facilities and several have children’s playgrounds.
The chiringuitos along the length of the beach provide very good food and drinks, sometimes slightly more expensive than in the city but recommended even just for the view and cool breeze. We visited during October when the beaches were almost completely empty and very clean.
Spectacular Rooftop Pool and Bar
If it’s great views, sunbathing, food, and drink along with a dip in a pool you’re after, then head to the rooftop bar at hotel Roommate Valeria, it’s amazing at all times of the day and a lot quieter (sshh) than others such as the adjacent AC Hotel Marriot. The 5th-floor facility is very comfortable, with several large double sunbeds and a mini pool to cool off. The views are spectacular across the port and towards the Alcazaba. A venue perfect for meeting friends.
That’s the ‘Old Town’ attractions, beach, and sunbathing sorted, now let’s look at some recommended bars and restaurants.
Restaurant – La Barra de Zapata.
Somehow this restaurant is somewhat of a secret in Malaga, but probably not for long. We twice visited Rafael (owner), Evelin, Rafael (chef) and Jonathon at La Barra de Zapata. They are an excellent team who work in harmony and nothing is a problem.
The menu is in Spanish and is compact. Still, Rafael takes the time to explain the various options to each table, seek out any allergies or specific ingredients that should be avoided, while providing his expertise on what dishes complement each other and, on occasion, how best to eat the dishes to get the utmost experience.
Over our two visits, we tried 8 different dishes, each one being a true gastronomic experience. The bao buns, beef carpaccio, and key lime pie were standouts for us. As was our introduction to Ronda wine. Even after our meal, Rafael managed to make my rum & coke taste extra special, although I won’t disclose his secret!
When we return to Malaga, we will most definitely pay another visit to Rafael and his wonderful team at La Barra de Zapata. I’m already looking forward to checking out his next menu of delights!
Bar La Tranca – a True Spanish Treat Malaga Andalusia
Bar-LaTranca
Listening to a local for recommendations on a great Spanish tapas bar experience, we visited La Tranca on Calle Carretería.
It is, without doubt, one of the best Vermut bars we have been to on any of our Malaga trips, and we will return. This fun-filled bar has a fascinating interior with really interesting fixtures and features. Typical Spanish decor is complemented by various record covers and other wall decorations, which all customers will find of interest.
This brilliant tapas bar was extremely busy when we visited, and you could immediately sense the amazing atmosphere, the loud Spanish chatter and traditional music. Thankfully the very observant bar staff guided us through the crowd, and we were served virtually straight away! Our tapas and drinks were superb and really well-priced. This was the best tapas bar in Malaga we visited and the most traditional, it’s a truly unique experience and well worth a visit if you’re in Malaga, it is fairly simple to find, just look for the crowd outside and listen for the conversation buzz and singing from inside.
Excellent Small Malaga Restaurant and Bar
Gloria Hoyos Restaurant Malaga
Just diagonally opposite La Tranca is a small but great restaurant and bar called Gloria Hoyos, again on Calle Carreteria. Being new to us it was an excellent experience offering a superb range of food and is located in a locally popular area of Malaga just in the outskirts of the main tourist drag. We visited in the evening and the food was excellent. We hadn’t reserved a table but this should be considered if visiting in the busier summer season. I’d recommend the mushroom croquettes and slow cooked rib of beef, both delicious.
Bar Malaga
This is a very small bar with great tapas downstairs and a more formal restaurant upstairs. Situated in Calle Santa Maria just off the Plaza de La Constitution.
An ideal location to shelter from the elements whether it be sun or rain! We sat here a few times and the bar was very friendly with good beer and wine. Tapas options are numerous with some typical Spanish dishes such as caracoles (snails) which certainly makes the uninitiated think twice! People from all walks of life and from all over the world just seem to pop in for a drink and a tapas at all times of the day!
Mia Coffee Shop, Plaza Martires.
Mia Coffee Shop Plaza Martires
For a quick take away or to drink while you take in the lovely Church opposite visit Mia Coffee Shop. Basically a tiny shop front where you will be served at the window with great coffee and a sublime offering of homemade cakes. The fact a bride was entering the Church on her wedding day while we were there enhanced the experience for us and all the people who were drinking their coffee next to the cafe. The place is not far from the Plaza de La Constitution and a little out of the main thoroughfare but it is certainly worth the detour, very popular and a highly recommended way to start your day in sunny Malaga.
Fed and watered so now let’s look at our hotel accommodation.
Hotel – Vincci Seleccion Posada del Patio
Hotel POsada Del Patio Malaga
Despite having previously stayed in various Malaga hotels we chose Posada del Patio as we had had a fabulous experience at its sister hotel in Madrid.
We booked a room with a balcony expecting to be able to sit in the sun. However, this was simply a Juliet balcony looking onto a block of apartments. Very quickly we realised that the hotel does not have the best views!
The plus points far outweigh this as the hotel is very well positioned at the beginning of the pedestrianised historic area and minutes from Mercado de Atarazanas- a huge fresh produce covered market, which also contains numerous bars and tapas restaurants.
The newer part of town is easily accessed via a walkway across the dried river bed, with a large El Corte Ingles and nearby a pristine new shopping centre the main attractions. There is a taxi rank outside the front door of the hotel, so catching a taxi is no problem.
The interior of the hotel is delightful and quiet. There is a public lounge, a glass enclosed outdoor area with tables for smokers. On entry the hotel foundations are visible through a glass floor and display beautifully preserved original Roman city walls.
The roof top pool decking area is fairly small with limited numbers of sun beds and deck chairs, however the pool is large relative to other similar facilities in Malaga. We used it every day as our weather was fantastic and it offered excellent bar service just a phone call away or from a passing waiter.
Our experience was that all staff were extremely well turned out, ready to help and provide advice while very courteous.
The hotel offers a free late check out until 1300 hours where possible and we took advantage of this as it was perfect for our flight time of 1550. I would recommend this lovely hotel and make clear that what it loses in terms of views, it gains in internal appearance and the extremely pleasant staff! Well done to the staff as you certainly do make the hotel a 5 Star!
Overview -Hope you enjoyed our highlights of Malaga a Spanish Treat in Andalusia. I hope it interests you to pay a visit to what is a beautiful and fun filled historic city. I’m now off on the train to Sevilla in what is a two hour journey.
Rogues in paradise is the upcoming book on the History of the People of Barbados. The island was named by the Portuguese navigator Pedro A.Camposbecause of the magnificent Bearded fig trees that were abundant on the island. It means “the bearded one” in Portuguese. The Spanish also occupied Barbados for some time before it was claimed by the British.
Barbadians are extraordinary people; they are superb hosts, keen to please, unassuming, obliging, and witty. Barbados Innovations in Tourism result from its creativity and passion. This passion for innovation has produced a treasure trove of different and unique ways to explore and experience the island. Land, sea, underwater, underground, in the air, and up in the sky are the palette of their creativity.
Above the Ground and Into The Cosmos
Take the sky, for example, which is free and filled with wonder. On a clear Barbados night, you can see forever. Barbadian ingenuity has enhanced what you can see and how you can experience the wonders of the universe by the work and passion of the man who created a new way to understand the cosmos. He is cosmic pioneer Leo Branch.
Cosmic Pioneer Leo Branch
Renowned astronomer, Leo Branch, pioneered nighttime beach gazing at the stars. Small groups gather on the beach at night to explore the cosmos with his 10-inch portable telescope. He is filled with passion and has dedicated his life to helping people understand the cosmos. With fifty-four years of studying the stars, he is a walking encyclopedia with a profound knowledge of the universe. With humour and insight, he makes astronomy exciting and easy to understand. In addition to his signature beach events, Leo offers private lectures to groups in their homes and in other venues. Now in semi-retirement, he has been sought by major media including the BBC, and has entertained earthly stars with his knowledge of creation.
I looked through his telescope to my zodiac sign, Sagittarius, which he explained is the largest constellation in the Southern Hemisphere. Its many bright stars shining through the night are visible to the naked eye. The constellation was recorded in the 2nd century by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy, he named it Sagittarius, latin for the Archer. In the Sagittarius constellation, Nunki marks the vane of Archer’s arrow. He said Nunki is an important star nine times bigger than the sun. Pronounced as NunKee I heard Nookie and mused that it was more carnal than cosmic, which prompted a few giggles. Later, he explained to Anny that her sign, the constellation of Aries, the ram, is most compatible with Sagittarius. All eyes landed on me, they were eager for a confirmation of a budding romance: “Ah!” I said rather cheekily. “She just likes Nookie.”
Leo Branch Astronomer – leobranchbarbados (at) gmail.com
Telephone: land line (246) 420 6384 ,
Mobile ,whatsapp app (246 ) 230 0572
Underground Innovations
Underground are the caves. Harrison cave tour is one of the most popular activities on the island. The tour includes an educational video explaining the geological history of Barbados. A submerged coral formation that was pushed out of the ocean by volcanic activity, it is unlike any other Caribbean island in many respects.
Again Bajan ingenuity created a unique cave train that takes visitors up to a hundred feet below the surface, in comfort and style. The buggy carriages look like modified golf carts. The winds along the twisting paths like a snake, a string of rubber-wheeled carts pulled by a custom-built, non-polluting engine.
Underwater Submarines
Under the ocean, there are shipwrecks, corals, technicolor fish, turtles, firns, and sea plants. You can swim with the fish, in fact, swimming with the turtles is one of the most popular activities.
Specially built Catamaran sailing ships leave from the wharf in Bridgetown and sail to favorite picnic spots where guests dine onboard, as well as swim, snorkel, and relax.
You can snorkel or scuba dive right off the beaches in Barbados, many of the underwater features are within easy reach of the shore. Also, inshore reefs are within wading distance and are favorite spots for beach walks and interpretive tours. Local fishers cast their nets from the shore and fish with line and sinker from the rocks.
You can jump aboard the Atlantis submarine if you don’t want to get wet. This is a real submarine built in Canada as a recreational vehicle. The Barbados Atlantis operation has several vacation submarines which are piloted and managed by accredited Bajans.
Surfing the Wind and Waves
Bajans excel at surfing on the water, and the island has been called the “Surf Capital of the Caribbean”. The book Rogues in Paradise has an entire chapter about the wild sport of windsurfing and kitesurfing with wind hunters in the waves. In Rogues in Paradise, the true story of Barbados’ extraordinary-ordinary people, outrageous characters, rogues, heroes, places, and history, you will meet world-renowned windsurfer Brian Talma and some of his inspired guests who join him in hunting the perfect wind to jump the perfect wave.
See this and more about surfing with the Wind Hunters on the Barbados Blog Wind Hunters
Summary Video of Surfing with the Wind Hunters
Related Links
Leo Branch Astronomer – leobranchbarbados (at) gmail.com Telephone: land line (246) 420 6384 , Mobile ,whatsapp app (246 ) 230 0572
In a first of its kind interactive map application, Barbados is using advanced map technology to illustrate the story of Barbados in the soon-to-be-published book Rogues in Paradise. Mapping Travel Literature is a GEOCADDER application that tells a story visually and interactively to enliven the story and display content related to locations in the book.
Mapping Travel Literature Brings The Story To Life
It is traditionally used to map and visualize resources, people, business operations, farmings, sport, tourism environment, and land use. This latest application animates the story of Barbados Rogues in Paradise. The story is about people, places, and history in 38 chapters. The people places history and events noted in the chapters relate to locations on the island. By clicking on the Table of Contents in the online documents, readers can navigate the chapters and read a summary. The maps can also animate tours and trips of the island that include events, places, and characters mentioned in the book.
Maps and books about maps or mapping have been around long before the digital age. Before photography and television, printed and hand-colored maps told the story of exploration and discovery. Maps are no stranger to storytelling. Mapping America illustrates maps of the Renaissance and the American Revolutionary War. Yet one does not often see interactive digital maps as an aid to navigating a true novel. Static maps often help give location context to a novel, but navigating a book with a GEOCADDER interactive visualization has never been done before.
What is New In Mapping for Travel and Tourism
The interactive map in the book Rogues in Paradise is a new way to navigate the story. Every chapter is about the outrageous characters, rogues, and heroes of the book. Where they live and where the story takes place is mapped, and online readers can simply click a chapter to read the summary. History and events are also related to locations that are similarly mapped. You can do this with google maps, but the Rogues application is built on GEOCADDER, making it very fluid, fast, and fun to zoom around the island and navigate the story.
See the Rogue Interactive Map tours of Barbados – Click Here >>>>
Under the ocean, there are shipwrecks, corals, technicolor fish, turtles, firns, and sea plants. You can swim with the fish, in fact, swimming with the turtles is one of the most popular activities.
Bajans excel at surfing on the water, and the island has been called the “Surf Capital of the Caribbean”. The book Rogues in Paradise has an entire chapter about the wild sport of windsurfing and kitesurfing with wind hunters in the waves. In