After suffering massive withdrawal from not traveling internationally for the past three years, I decided it was high time to take a little trip, and to celebrate my girlfriend's 30th birthday. A relatively last-minute decision brought us to the unique Caribbean island of Barbados.
Upon arrival at Grantley Adams International Airport in the southeastern part of the country, we thought we'd find out about rental cars rather than try to rely on the bus for our transportation needs. An hour and a half, $270 and two vehicles later we were on our way to the hotel classic Bajan style...in a "moke." This vehicle is like a jeep version of a compact car, with a canvas roof, no doors and no power steering! Of course driving is on the left side and the steering wheel is on the right which takes some getting used to! But it was the best decision we made!
The Allamanda Beach Hotel in Hastings was perfectly located between Rockley Beach and the outskirts of Bridgetown, the capital. Our room was upstairs and looked out over the water with beautiful palm trees strategically in view.
Our first taste of Bajan food was down the street at a cafe where we had flying fish sandwiches and a mug of the local Banks beer. We later drove around even through Bridgetown at night, and then had some delicious rum & coke in our room before retiring for the night after a long day.
