Paradise Perspectives
Welcome to "Paradise Perspectives," where island vibes meet personal transformation! 🌴
I’m Riselle, the Traveling Island Girl, and I’m thrilled to have you here. This podcast is all about helping you live your best life—whether that means traveling the Caribbean. starting a new business, shifting your mindset, embracing change, or simply finding the courage to chase your dreams.
Drawing from the beauty and inspiration of my Caribbean home, St. Maarten, I bring you real stories, practical tips, and a whole lot of motivation to help you step into your power. Every episode is designed to empower you to create the life you truly want, with a little bit of island sunshine and a lot of heart.
We’ll dive into topics like career pivots, entrepreneurship, personal growth, and travel—all from the perspective of an island girl who believes that every day is a chance to start something amazing.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a stay-at-home mom, or someone who’s just feeling stuck, this podcast is for you.
Join me on this incredible journey as we explore how to make bold moves, live authentically, and enjoy the ride. Let’s turn those dreams into reality, one sunny day at a time.
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Paradise Perspectives
Exploring Barbados Like a Local: Insider Tips and Cultural Insights with Bri from Bajan Lifestyles
Ever wondered how to navigate the exotic island of Barbados like a local and not just a tourist? You're in for a treat as we embark on a virtual journey with our insider, Bri from Bajan Lifestyles, who's going to reveal the secrets and tips on how to explore this Caribbean paradise to the fullest! From the best beaches to local dishes, and even onto Rihanna’s doorstep, we cover it all. If you’ve had burning questions about Barbados, stay tuned, we'll answer them all!
Follow Bri on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bajanlifestyles and watch her very informative videos on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@BajanLifestyles
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Join us in Saint Martin at the Island Awakening Luxury Retreat from June 4 to 8. Click here for the details. Release your fears, build your confidence, and have fun in Paradise.
Get over your fears and start creating the life you want with Riselle's Fearless Transformation 1:1 Coaching Program.
Visit the website for travel and life stories that will inspire, empower, and motivate you to step into your greatness.
Follow Riselle on Instagram and watch her YouTube channel for more travel and transformation tips.
Get in touch with Riselle at hello@thetravelingislandgirl.com. Send in your questions and topics, and be featured on the show.
Welcome to Paradise Perspectives, a podcast about Caribbean travel from the locals perspective, and get ready for some authentic Caribbean travel tips, recommendations and more from the people who live where you vacation, Straight from Paradise. I'm your host and island friend, rizal the Traveling Island Girl. Thank you for inviting me into your home, your kitchen, in your car or on your run, whatever it is that you are doing while listening to this podcast. I am truly grateful you chose to invite me along Now. Today we are boarding that plain big floppy, hat in hand and sunglasses on, and we are heading to Barbados, and to help us navigate this former British territory like a local is my guest and friend, the vibrant and beautiful Bree from Beijing Lifestyle. Now, bree is a deep Barbados insider. Her short videos and Instagram posts, as well as her YouTube channel, are all filled with great recommendations and insider tips, and she is going to show us today how to travel and experience her island like a tourist, but with the knowledge of a local.
Speaker 1:I, too, have some burning questions about Barbados, like what beaches we cannot afford to miss, or what the hell is a cutter, or should we really visit Rihanna's house, and how can we avoid landing in jail or, at the very least, get in trouble with the locals, and these are all very, very valid questions, right? So here is my very entertaining chat with the fabulous Bree from Beijing Lifestyle. Take a listen. Okay, so we're back with another episode of Paradise Perspectives and I'm so super, super excited. Again, i'm always excited, but this time in the show I have Beijing Lifestyle, bree herself is in the house. How are you darling?
Speaker 2:Hello, hello, i am wonderful. I am wonderful, i'm excited to be here. It's my first podcast.
Speaker 1:Oh, my goodness, i love your energy by the way, i know I have such an energy, but I think it's because this morning I woke up and I was like we're going to Barbados today virtually, but we're going to Barbados.
Speaker 2:And who?
Speaker 1:ordered to take us around then Beijing Lifestyle herself. I mean I've been following your adventures. I've been following everything that you do on Instagram. I mean your videos are just awesome. It's like every time I say I was like I wish I could do that.
Speaker 1:You know, it's like it's amazing, and I remember you and I I was supposed to actually visit you in May last year and then I got like super sick. I was in the hospital, in and out of the hospital for like three months, so it didn't happen because you and I were supposed to meet last year. but at least we're meeting virtually now and I cannot wait for you to take the audience on a trip of Barbados. So are you ready? I am ready. Good, because we're going to do what you do best and that is, show the beautiful Barbados around. Yes, awesome, all right.
Speaker 1:so, of course, barbados for those of you who don't know is the birthplace of Rihanna, but it also, way before Rihanna even decided to be born, it always was a very popular tourist destination. So Rihanna kind of like amped that, i think. So I think that's probably the number one question that you probably hear from visitors. It's like, do you know where Rihanna is, or have you met her, or have you seen her, or is like everybody has that, this notion that she's just traveling around Barbados, walking around, you know just.
Speaker 1:But what do you think about that when everybody actually asks you that?
Speaker 2:Well, that's actually a fun question to start with. I actually saw her in our most popular mall, just as her first.
Speaker 1:Oh my god, so you did see her.
Speaker 2:I did kind of see her.
Speaker 2:No, i've seen her once or twice around. When she comes back, she's really laid back. When she's in Barbados, to be honest, she's always like chill. She doesn't like she's this big upset celebrity, you know. But as years have passed, she's had to get more security. People are a little more pushy. No, trying to get up in her face. Yeah, i met her and I didn't meet her. I saw her and I had my daughter in my hand. My daughter is now like going 18 and she was a baby in hand.
Speaker 1:So literally, i could say the life's sweet, hold on, go back. Your baby was eight and now she's what She's 17. 17, going on, 18. You, you, you, brie the Beijing lifestyle girl has an 18 year old. There's just ridiculous.
Speaker 2:I do. I can't believe it. I can't believe it. She's actually. If you check my YouTube channel, she's on so many of the videos. She's hilarious. Honestly, she's a comedian of her own.
Speaker 1:I probably thought it was a friend of yours and I didn't even know that it was your daughter.
Speaker 2:Yes, it's my daughter. This is crazy. Yeah So we were amazing. Okay, so you look fabulous.
Speaker 1:By the way, i would have never guessed that you have an 18 year old. But continue with the story.
Speaker 2:Yes. So when she was a baby in hand and it was with her dad and we were like we should go see something and he was like, nah, it's okay. Because everybody was like, oh, she's just going to be a one hit wonder. And it was like, no, she's not going to be a one hit wonder, she is going to cheer the world. And then we realized, oh, we didn't have the camera with us because in those times you don't have like phones with cameras with them, you know really good cameras. I was like, damn, i missed opportunity for my daughter to be held by Rihanna, then she could like oh my gosh.
Speaker 1:Yes, rihanna held me when I was a baby and I was so disappointed.
Speaker 2:But otherwise now Rihanna is, she's my icon. She is beautiful, she's amazing. So, and what I love about her mainly is that she's true to who she is. Yeah, she hasn't allowed the, the fame to change her personality. Yeah, if she's going to be rough, she's going to be rough. She's going to be sweet, she's going to be sweet, and I think that's something we should all take from her.
Speaker 1:Stay true to who you are, absolutely, absolutely. I love that. I love how you say that Stay true to who you are. I love that. Yes, all right. so now, going back to why we're actually having this, this conversation is I want to know everything about Barbados because when I was trying to put together my trip last year, i have to say it was a little.
Speaker 1:I was a little nervous about visiting Barbados. It was going to be my solo trip and normally I love, i mean, solo travel is my way to go. So this is the way I like to travel. Yeah, i mean. yes, i do like traveling with others as well, but solo traveling is my thing. and then, but you know when? of course, i've traveled all over the Caribbean by myself, but it was something about Barbados that seemed like it was a little.
Speaker 1:I was a little nervous about it. I didn't know where to stay, i didn't know which area I just like, and I think it was basically because I don't know anything about Barbados, or I didn't know anything at that time. So when I found you, it was like, oh my gosh, this girl you know. so thank you for that, because you really introduced me to Barbados in a way that I feel much more comfortable traveling there by myself now. So let's just start with the basics. What are some of the things that you think any first time visitor to Barbados should know about, like what's the currency, how are you supposed to dress when you're there, or are you supposed to behave? Let's just talk about the basics so everybody knows. yeah, are you driving on the left or you're driving on the right? you know?
Speaker 2:those basic things. Okay, so the basics are. We'll just use a US currency as the standard 50 cents US is actually one dollar Barbados. So our value is pretty high. Or for example, let's see one Barbados dollars is two Barbados dollars is one US dollars. That's another example. So it means I don't know it works that how to say this? I'm trying not to, i'm trying to not sound bad for other Caribbean countries, for example, guyana is in the thousands, jamaica is in the thousands, like the ratio is so different. Yeah, but our value, barbados value, is really high. The Barbados value is really high.
Speaker 1:It really is.
Speaker 2:I do have to disclaimer. I think it's. I tried googling it and I couldn't figure out where we ranked, but it's relatively high.
Speaker 1:Actually, you know, here on St Martin we used the, we used the US dollar actually as well, but our main or our official currency on the Dutch side, on the French side, of course it's euros, but on the Dutch side it's the Antillian Gilder, and the Antillian Gilder is now at 1.8. So 1.8 is one dollar, so it's pretty much it's. It's not too far off from where you guys are, so yeah, but but yes, but like you said yeah.
Speaker 1:So yeah, we're at 1.8 standard in St Martin. But if you go to like Kurosawa, kurosawa takes it 1.76, 1.75, so it's always like in that range. But it's funny how you're saying that it ranked so high. I never really thought about that, but you're right. Like when you go to some of the other Caribbean islands it's like, oh my gosh, it's thousands and hundreds and two one. You know it's. It's kind of crazy and and makes it very hard to kind of you know in your head what is, how much is this in the US, or how much is this and that. so. But I think with you guys it's super easy.
Speaker 1:It's just too too pervading to write to one one, one dollar. Yep, so that's fantastic, love it super easy.
Speaker 2:What works is pretty much just go to google and type in your currency to the currency of the place you want to go to and it kind of gives you a quick idea as to how much you know the differences. So you can kind of budget on your spending perfect, and I do.
Speaker 1:I have this currency app on my phone too. That I love is one of my favorite travel apps and it actually just you just put in what the amount is that you see on in the supermarket or not, and then it tells you. It converts it right away and then tells you what it is. So that's that's my go-to app whenever I'm traveling somewhere. That's, you know that's not taking us or that I need to like recalculate whenever you know, especially in supermarkets. I think it's the same with you guys that when you're in the supermarket, is it double? do you see the US dollar and the pervades dollar?
Speaker 2:um judy free locations, for example, if you're shopping a souvenir shop or someplace that is predominantly for tourists, um then you will see both. You'll see local price, you'll see judy free price because we have judy free concessions for tourists, and then you'll see the US price.
Speaker 1:Okay, so wow, yeah wow, okay, so you have a whole list. Yes, i thought we were. I thought we were complicated with two. You know, i was like I've had so many so many visitors come to me and they're like, oh my god, your prices of groceries are high. Yes, they're high, but how much did you think? how much was it for so and so? and they'll sell them? and was like, okay, hold on. I think that's until you're in Gilder, that's don't gonna get too shocked you know, so you always have to pay attention especially in the supermarket, especially when you go to, like the little small local, local supermarkets.
Speaker 1:Usually have it in the official currency, so that's a good thing. But then continue. What else are you drive on the left to the on the right?
Speaker 2:yep, we do, because we um, obviously previously were um under the rule of the British um nation and we drive on the left hand side. Um, it can be a little bit tricky, especially when you have to go around the roundabouts we have. We have traffic lights around the boats to kind of help with the traffic flow. Um, but what people usually recommend, or what I recommend, is that you find a local or someone that is familiar with driving in Barbados, maybe a taxi guy, when you're coming from the airport and you recognize, hey, this is a little strange because imagine, you're a normal driver on the right hand side and this guy is driving on the other side and it's almost like you're, afraid, ready to press the brakes on the wrong side, pretty much you know, while you're in the car, say, hey, can you give me a few tips on what it's like driving on the left hand side? what are your recommendations?
Speaker 1:yeah, so that is something I definitely think yeah, definitely take a taxi to your recommendation and Barbados is relatively small too it's what sorry mm-hmm, small Barbados is relatively small, only 300.
Speaker 2:We're almost uh 166 square miles with about it's almost girl, don't, don't get me started on small you're guys, get me started on small.
Speaker 1:I was like no, no no, no, no, we are tiny we are tiny compared to you guys. I think that was another thing why I was so, you know, a little nervous about planning my trip to Barbados because it's so big compared to San Martín. We're 37 square miles 37, you guys are tiny. Barbados, 100 and something, you're like our big sister like you're humongous compared to us.
Speaker 2:I love that, i love to get this information. So it kind of gives you perspective, because I'm planning to travel to all the places I love so looking forward to it girl, i got you when you come to San Martín, you know that.
Speaker 1:So, um, but another way, you know. Going back to driving, it's very interesting, like what you said. It's like, um, it's, it's an excellent, uh, recommendation, of course, to take a taxi to take you to um, your accommodation, and from there. When you got the car, then one tip that I can give you, because, like, this is one of the islands that I like to visit a lot, is Anguilla. Anguilla is like my happy place.
Speaker 1:Um, this is because I haven't been to Barbados yet, probably so uh, barbados, so they're also British territory, so I, they drive on the left as well. And then one thing that I always take with me and now I'm an expert, uh, driver on both sides of the lane, so it doesn't matter. Um, but one thing I always remember is to keep if your steering wheel is on the right and you're driving on the left, then keep the line between you. Know the, that separation line on the road that?
Speaker 2:yeah, how do you call that the?
Speaker 1:ambulance orange. Right, it's like it's orange, but here with us it's white. So that white line in the middle. Keep that one to your right and then you're good.
Speaker 2:Ah right You got me thinking Yes, i tried, yes, so my steering wheel is right handed. Ok, so that's the thing, though.
Speaker 1:Now it becomes a little tricky, because if you're renting a car that is American spec, then of course it's going to have the steering wheel on which then you have to reverse it. OK, so maybe that's not a good tip at all.
Speaker 2:It can be hard but most of the cars are right hand right But there are a few left hand right vehicles.
Speaker 1:And I guess with rentals usually it will be on the steering wheel, will be on the right anyway.
Speaker 2:It will make it easier, right? There are a few, because I have a friend who came in. He did have a left hand right, but yeah.
Speaker 1:Yeah, i had that when I visited Dr Tola. Yeah, i got a trick of it really really fast. So it wasn't. But it could be really nerve wracking in the beginning. And what always still happens to me is when I'm just like, ok, speech day, let's go And I drive. And I get into the car I'm like, oh, i'm in the passenger seat.
Speaker 2:OK, sorry.
Speaker 1:I'll boop around, but, yeah, all right. So anything else that visitors or first time visitors need to know about Barbados, that is super important. One thing I want to know actually is it Barbadian, or is it Beijing, or is it both?
Speaker 2:So officially, as you, what would you call it? Because your nation is what is your like? for example, st Martin, st Martin. You are considered a St Martin, st Martin.
Speaker 1:St Martin.
Speaker 2:Or right. so we are considered, if you are. if to say I am from Barbados, i am Barbadian, but the slang it is just broken English. That is literally. our people call it Creole, but for me it's literally just broken English, it's just a twine. Is this a change of the English language? which is Beijing?
Speaker 1:So I am.
Speaker 2:Beijing and Barbadian yes.
Speaker 1:Right, okay, so I guess the official way of saying it is you're a Barbadian, But like if I'm going to pilot official farms, it's going to be Barbadian, Exactly, but otherwise you're in.
Speaker 2:Barbados, I'm Beijing.
Speaker 1:Yes, Okay, okay, fantastic. One of the questions that I myself living on a tropical destination or Caribbean destination or tourist destination, is, of course, what is the best time to visit? That is what everybody wants to know. What would be the best time to visit Barbados?
Speaker 2:Now, you see, i find that one is a bit tricky for me because it really depends on your personality, your age, your ability to get around. So I've got a couple options. So if you're young and you like activity and you like carnival and jump up in mass and all those different words that we use for carnival, then it would definitely be coming up now from June to August, which is called crop over.
Speaker 1:Yeah, you guys are prepping up for carnival right now. What do you call it in Barbados, by the way?
Speaker 2:It's called crop over.
Speaker 1:Okay, so it is crop over, that is crop over. Yes, yeah, which in pure soil.
Speaker 2:We don't actually call it carnival.
Speaker 1:No, you call it crop over, which is so popular. It's like wherever you type in Barbados, crop over is probably the one that pops up the first right Yeah, but yes, but it's funny that you should say that, because I think in pure soil it's also related to the crops. It was something that was celebrated after at exactly the end of crop time, so interesting, all right.
Speaker 1:so if you're young, you want to party, or if you're older, like me, you still want to party. then, yes, you go for crop over. Okay, and that's in June.
Speaker 2:But, as I said, it's not just the age, it's all in the mind. And then your physical ability.
Speaker 2:Because, I've actually had some people on my YouTube channel. They've said to me you know we need you, me, and me she would like, or he would like me to promote more slower, like easier-paced things, not just jet skis and diving and hiking and ATVs, like what are some of the things that someone who just wants to chill and you know they can't go as fast as everybody else that they can do. So for me I would recommend during the time of no, there's so much complexity to it, so you're not interested in crop over. Crop over is all the way, okay, but wait wait before we let go of crop over.
Speaker 1:Crop over is when again it's in June.
Speaker 2:So it's from June to the first Monday in August. That's then when we have Kaduman Day, which is our day Damn girl, you guys go all the way with your carnival.
Speaker 1:I mean like we thought we were longs, like, say, martin Carnival is like three weeks, maybe four weeks if we're lucky, and then you guys are just taking it on another level.
Speaker 2:No, the Trinidadians have lost it, this thing's going on all the way into August.
Speaker 1:The Trinidadians have it. Oh no, well, we're not even talking about the Trinidadians. The Trinidadians are like you know. It's like I bow down to the Trinidadians when it comes to carnival. They got their ish together. Yes, absolutely. But yours is, i gotta say, yours is very, very popular in the crop over in Barbados. I mean, i've seen so many influencers and content creators visit Barbados during that time, all in their funny or beautiful costumes and all of that.
Speaker 2:So we're gonna come back to exactly.
Speaker 1:So we're gonna come back to crop over after, but you're saying, and we're also gonna go back to, you know, some of the activities that are for the lesser active people. So, yes, so we're gonna go back to that as well, but let's continue with, like, some of the times to visit Barbados. So you said, crop over if you really enter the party scene. What if you wanna just relax, what would be a best time, like best time to actually just enjoy the beaches? It's like I don't know about Barbados, but here in Samaritan we have the hurricane season, And the hurricane season of course predicts or kind of drives the tourism economy as well, because when it's hurricane season, of course it's also known as our low season. Does Barbados have a high and low season as well?
Speaker 2:Yes, we do. We have our hurricane season and then the dry season, so pretty much the same thing, obviously the same. We're all on the same strip, so we all experience the same things around the same time. So people kind of said don't go during the hurricane season, are the hurricane season, but I'm sorry. There's a saying God is a Beijing, so I'm sorry. We have not had a major hurricane hit us in my entire lifetime, probably when I was a baby. I'm looking for what girl?
Speaker 1:knock on wood. We do not want that to happen either. We have not. We have not had it. It's like such good things.
Speaker 2:We're seeing Canadian Dominican, these places. They're constantly being battered And literally we'll get to till end. A little bit of wind, a little bit of rain, maybe some flooding, and boom, they're gone, they're gone.
Speaker 1:So for me, your location is really great. We're literally off of the strip. Your location is awesome Because you're a little bit a little outside of the Caribbean strip, right, so you're actually not even considered in the Caribbean. You're more in the Atlantic Technically.
Speaker 2:But we are a part of the Caribbean.
Speaker 1:Absolutely.
Speaker 2:So I would say September to November is an option If you don't mind a little bit of rain. But I have heard people complain. Oh, talk to God, we need this rain to stop. No, i'm sorry, it's just a little bit of rain, i'm sorry. Just deal with it for a couple of days and enjoy the rest of the sunny days. Otherwise you can come during February, march. No, i've kind of started doing some research. I actually need to do a video for my YouTube channel where I give people the best times based on actual facts, like I actually sit down and I pin down.
Speaker 1:Oh, wow, i am so signing up for that.
Speaker 2:Yes, so subscribe to my YouTube channel, bejalivesouth. I got you. Yes, so pretty much February to March.
Speaker 1:Oh, which, by the way, i'm going to link everything. all of the information how to get in contact with Brie from BejaLiveSouth will be in the show notes And if you're watching this on YouTube, of course it's going to be in the description box. So yes, brie continue that.
Speaker 2:Yes, february to March, which is just as the winter season ends, and then September to November, so kind of get in those pockets between when winter stops and when about to start. I think those are the cheapest flights. I've seen some flights from like $400 to $300, depending on your location, and probably even cheaper.
Speaker 1:Right, i got a ticket from Simarton which was a direct flight, which hasn't happened a lot for about 400, which, of course, we all know. traveling in the Caribbean from Caribbean islands to Caribbean islands is ridiculously expensive. But when I got one for 400, i jumped on it because I don't think I would ever get it for lower than that. So, okay, so those are the pocket times that you're seeing. Definitely take advantage of those if you're on a budget and if you want to save up on not only airfare. but what about the hotels? The hotels are around that area also in the lower The prices.
Speaker 2:Yep, okay, fantastic, they have the low season as well. So then the prices drop as well, because when everybody's coming for crop over or for the winter season, all the prices go up The prices literally double, they double.
Speaker 1:Okay. so summer months is definitely a time to visit Barbados, because you'll get well yeah, it'll be extra hot, which is the same for every Caribbean island, but and also the chance of hurricane. but, you know, get insurance. travel to the Caribbean in the summer, it cannot hurt. The prices are ridiculously low around that time. Another thing that happens here because we, of course, are also high in the hurricane belt And we just we got hit in 2017. We're just hoping it doesn't happen for another at least 10 years, but what would be like for us? for instance, our restaurants and some hotels will close for like the height of the off season, like September, october, and they open back up like first week of November. Is that the same case with you?
Speaker 2:Yes, we do have Not all of them. I'd say they all inclusive hotels will stay open, but, like boutique hotels that are really niche down, they only have like maybe 200, not even 200, 100 rooms. They will close for maybe like a month And during that time they will do their renovations. Exactly So if you're really particular in terms of cleanliness, in terms of fresh paint, in terms of new leaning, in terms of new furniture and everything, then a boutique hotel would suit you best, because I always try to tell people it's hard to tell someone what is the best hotel, what's the best place to stay. It really depends on your personality, exactly.
Speaker 1:I don't know. I don't know what you're into. It's very, very hard to say Yeah, and it depends on what you're looking for. You could be looking for a boutique hotel. You could be looking for a villa to rent, or an Airbnb or an all inclusive resort, as I can really. Really depends on your taste. So I get that question too, like you where should we stay? I have no idea. I don't know you, i don't know what you're looking for, so it's very, very hard. Thank you for putting some emphasis on that. That's super important. All right, so now that we've established a little bit of the best time to visit Barbados, it's just to move on to food, which is, of course, my everybody's favorite. Afford So food, beijing food, which of course everybody, or at least I have heard of flying fish and cougar. I'm going to say that, yes, you are. Yes, that would be one of your traditional dishes.
Speaker 2:It is our national dish, but I'm sure that's not all that you eat. It's our national dish.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:OK, it is. I think every Caribbean country has a version to it. Literally the essentials to it for a cuckoo is cornmeal and okras that have been mashed and creamed with seasonings into kind of a pack. So what's your version of cornmeal?
Speaker 1:Exactly So. we call it Fungi in the ABC Islands, a Ruga-Boneric Urus. we call it Fungi, and you hear it a lot here in Samartin as well Fungi. But other people would just call it cornmeal And some people call it I think. I've heard so many different variations of what it's called. Fufu, which cuckoo for me sounds a little weird, because cuckoo for us means something completely different which you really don't want to get into.
Speaker 1:But yes, cuckoo, i've heard, cuckoo I've heard. Which is basically for our American and Canadian friends, of those who are familiar with polenta. It's a form of polenta, it's a version of polenta, but you put okra and yours right. Yes, it makes it nice and creamy and smooth. Yeah, and it's yours like more. So yours is more like a polenta, so it's more smooth, it's more like kind of like more creamy, like ours is more like you can slice it like a cake, Oh no. So it's a little firmer.
Speaker 1:Right And then. so we slice it as a cake and girl, if you, if you, fry that up in some butter and add some duchies to it.
Speaker 2:So that's which I'm sure you can do it. You have to try it. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1:Try it. All right So, but it but of course you know fly fishing Coco is not the only thing on your menu, obviously. So so many other national not national dishes, but traditional dishes Like what would be something else that you would tell people that definitely need to try You have to try some macaroni pie.
Speaker 2:If you like mac and cheese, you have to try macaroni pie. It's literally imagine mac and cheese but as a casserole. There's much firmer and with a lot more flavor. So I like to have my mac and my macaroni pie with baked lamb or baked pork or some fried chicken. Listen, i think I think we all tie together when it comes to having some good soul food with some size. We like it with potato salad, some tall salad, some corn.
Speaker 1:Girl, you had me a potato salad and the place There's nobody can make a better Caribbean. I mean yes, yes, and what's like? nobody can make a good potato salad, and I'm sorry if I'm offending anybody, but nobody can really make it like a Caribbean person, I'm sorry.
Speaker 2:There, i said it Said done.
Speaker 2:It's the place best to get it from. The best place is to get that. All the options of Beijing food Again, i just used the word Beijing, yeah, i would say is you can get it from Fisherman's Pub. So specifically, fisherman's Pub is in Spice Town. Spice Town is actually our first town. That's where the first settlers came and established the Barbados. But Spice Town is this cute little quaint town. It's almost like it stood still in time. So if you like history and you want something quieter and you can just feel the warmth of the people and the culture, spice Town is the place to be. That's it.
Speaker 1:I'm writing it down. That's my spot right there, spice Town It is. I got to go.
Speaker 2:I got to go to Spice Town Fisherman's Pub. You can get all the Beijing versions of food. He will give you macaroni pie, you'll get the kukru and flying fish. You'll get sweet potato pie. Oh goodness, there's so many options And I'm telling you now I'm really picky with food and I'm not going to recommend anything that isn't good. And I love Fisherman's Pub. It's so friendly and it's right by the ocean. Oh my gosh, can't be done, can't be done. And you enjoy the view and you got the view.
Speaker 1:That is amazing. I have already have it on my list and now that I'm talking to you I'm getting like all excited for Barbados again. So I will make it happen, if not this year, then definitely early next year, definitely.
Speaker 2:Let me just see Also Oistings. Oistings is on the self-school.
Speaker 1:Oistings is where you actually have. Sorry, i was just checking like the levels. You know me, it's like just first time podcast, so I'm like checking so many things at the same time. But going back to Oistings, oistings is definitely. I had that on my list last year and it's highly recommended by anybody visitors and locals alike. So tell us a little bit about Oistings. This is where you can get the fish right. The fresh fish on Fridays, yes.
Speaker 2:Yep, actually, you can go to Oistings any night, but the most popular night is Friday night. I have to say, if you don't like crowds and you don't want to wait for your food, you're going to have to get there from like 5.5.5.30, if not, go on another night. If you want to see the crowds and you like to be in a hustle and bustle of everything, then you can go from 6.0 and on until like midnight. Yes, lord, wow, oistings is a place to be, and get fish.
Speaker 2:I mean, that's just fantastic, you get fish, lobster, chicken, anything But the main thing, obviously, because Oistings is a fishing community. So actually behind all of the stalls where you'll get your food you will actually there's actually the fisherman for sure, the boats. There's a jetty. I recommend going up to the jetty just before sunset And you can see the stingrays, you can see the turtles, you can watch the fisherman as they're bringing their catch. It's honestly, go early and you will get the full cultural experience. So enjoy the culture, the views, get some food with some turtles. You don't even got to pay a boat or someone to take you. You can see the turtles right there at Oistings Jetty. Then when you get hungry around 5.30, hop by one of the many stalls and get yourself some grilled fish And you actually see the fish grilled there in front of you. It is beautiful watching the flames and smelling the aromas.
Speaker 1:It is amazing. Okay, you see why I like to talk to locals about having a more authentic Caribbean experience. This was not in any of the travel guides. This was not mentioned about stingrays and turtles and sunsets behind Oistings. That was never mentioned in any of the research. And I did some research on verbatis when I was planning to go. So thank you so much for that tip. I mean, that's an insider tip right there. Y'all That's amazing. That's good, Okay so, But that's my goal, Yeah, good. So, guys, again, if you're interested in having more of an authentic Bayesian experience, then definitely follow Bayesian lifestyle. Bri here. My friend sends up in following you for so long And I can't believe this is the first time that we actually get to interact. It's like we've done some messaging back and forth before, but now I'm actually seeing you, Even though it's through a computer. It's fine, right, All right.
Speaker 1:So let's go now You know it's like yeah, this conversation is like so exciting and I'm learning so much, and I hope the audience is as well. Let's talk about a little bit of like this is what I like to do. I like to explore Bay or locally owned, bayesian owned businesses. So what would be to name a few? or are there businesses that you can highly recommend that people should visit, whether it's a hotel that's locally owned, or a restaurant or anything else?
Speaker 2:Okay, so side of Fisherman's Pub. When it came to the food there is, oh, i think we have that in another. There might be another question with that one, because it's also tied together and trying not to give up two minutes at one time.
Speaker 1:Oh no, please go ahead. We're just having a conversation anyway.
Speaker 2:Yes, so what? I've actually had a list of places. So I believe in, you know, supporting local, and when you go to souvenir shop, that stuff is not local. When you look at the back of it, it says Made in China, exactly.
Speaker 1:You want local, exactly, you want locally produced, locally made. Yes, absolutely.
Speaker 2:Exactly So some places I recommend for those who are on a layover or stop off at the seaport So you want to cruise and they give you like half a day to you know. Take a tour around Barbados Very quickly. You don't want to be late for when the ship leaves. I would recommend Pelican Village. It is literally outside of the port, the seaport, and in there you will find multiple little stores with handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, hats. You can pick up a conch shell That is amazing.
Speaker 1:I love to listen to this on the scene.
Speaker 2:If you're in the commas, in the, in these shells, there are a couple of restaurants as well, but that is definitely a quick and easy way to find local stuff. It's called Pelican Village. It's right outside the seaport. Now if you are here for a few days, i recommend these ones specifically. It's called My Collection, barbados. Now what they do is they make it easier for you. You don't have to go and find them, so you don't have to go trying to figure out where all of the places that sell local products. They are curators of local Beijing products, so they kind of sell them for the owners, so that's a good option. Then there's also a piece of Barbados. They also have a white section bags. There's also another. Oh my goodness, i went to break it down so I wouldn't forget, but these people will literally find the people are making bags. I mean, these bags are so beautiful, they're so well made, amazing. Oh my gosh, you want to have that piece of.
Speaker 2:Barbados. That's the best way to have it.
Speaker 1:So there's all sorts of crafts that are locally produced, locally made, that you can get, and I was really astounded when I saw this when I was doing my research. Barbados is really focusing a lot on locally owned, local produced. You know. This is one thing that a lot of people of course you're booking a Caribbean trip because you want to experience the sand, sand and sea, but that is not all that the islands are about, and Barbados, just like anybody else in the Caribbean, has so much more to offer than beautiful beaches. What are some of those activities that you would highly recommend?
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 2:So of course there is Harrison's Cave. Harrison's Cave is considered one of the wonders of the world in Barbados. Oh, look at she, and it is. Yes, she's like so proud. I'm very proud, very proud of Beijing. Good, good girl.
Speaker 2:The Harrison's Cave is this. I mean, i'm a Beijing, i'm a Barbadian and I don't get tired of my island. I don't get tired of Harrison's Cave, specifically because it is a natural phenomenon, the way that What is it? It's called stalagmites and stalactites. It's as Because we are We are not a volcano-based island, we are limestone-based and this is based on the tectonic plates pushing up the dirt together. So as the rain falls, it causes the water to filter tritical stone and within Harrison's Cave, because we're kind of cave-like, cave us. They're not like huge caves, you can just walk in, but they're few and we're finding more and more. But within Harrison's Cave, as the water filters in, it kind of creates these corn-like crystalline-looking formations, both going up and coming down. So as the water drips down, it creates up. As the water drips down, it creates these corn-like things coming down and they have these. Like the water is so clear and it's so beautiful. It's like you've gone into this magical world.
Speaker 1:Wait, there's water in that cave. There is water. There's actual water in the cave.
Speaker 2:There's water, there's little waterfalls, there's streams, all of it, and the tour is so beautiful. Harrison's Cave actually has opened up with many other options. They have ziplining now so you can zipline through the trees. They have an every. They have a nature area. They're going to have a pool. I know this because I'm working with Harrison's Cave, but there are so many things to do at Harrison's Cave.
Speaker 1:You can spend a day at Harrison's Cave, that's fantastic, and also, of course, while still taking care of the environment, i guess.
Speaker 2:Of course. that's why you're not allowed to go into the pool, The floor or a fauna. You're not allowed to touch them. You can't touch any of them because they're very delicate. They take years to build, so just view them Please do not touch.
Speaker 1:Fantastic, thank you for that extra tip too. Do not touch, which is so hard for us to do, especially now in the social media world that we find ourselves in. Everybody wants to take pictures with that fantastic stuff that you see all around, and that's why we're losing so much of it too. All right, so what are some of the other stuff? So we've spoken about the caves. Now is there anything else that you can do that you say, okay, you must experience this whenever it is Okay.
Speaker 2:Side of Carpover, outside of Parsons Cave, if you like horse racing. We actually host one of the larger horse racing events here during the month of March And it's called the Sandy Land Gold Cup. So you get to see thoroughbred horses from around the world race for some very hefty amounts of money. So I've been to it a couple of times and I love it. What I love about it is again they come rather watching all these people cheer on to see these horses win. That's beautiful. Some other options, or there are a few that aren't like. I think that's like you said. That's what makes working with me or watching my videos or following me, different. I'm looking for something different here in Barbados. So there are a couple of things that have not, that are not publicized, but I am working strategically to promote them. For example, how would it be to sit and chill with one of the fishermen when they've come in from fishing and you get to roast some fish with them? literally just roast them, no seasonings, nothing.
Speaker 1:That's amazing. Wait, wait, you're telling me that that is actually something that you can do as a visitor.
Speaker 2:Yes, And I'm working on it.
Speaker 1:I guess you just need to know who to go to.
Speaker 2:So unless you know these, fishermen, you wouldn't know that this is an option. So that's why I'm working with some of the fishermen from Oistings to create a tourism based tour, where obviously we have to. I'm going to take the tourists and the visitors best interest in mine. So until I have worked out the kinks to make sure the boats are safe, the people are safe. They're not just friendly, they're literally safe. You can trust these people. I'm not going to promote it, but it is something that I'm working on. There's also we have a few mountains. We're pretty flat, but I'm also working on repelling down a cliff as well. There's someone who does it here. No, he's a small business owner. He doesn't have the time to promote it, but he has it. So it's my job to find these people who have these absolutely different things outside of surfing diving snorkeling And driving past Rihanna's old house.
Speaker 2:I'm sorry, that is I'm sorry. I'm telling you it's nice, take a photo, but for me, i want you to, as someone who lives here, i want you to get the best, and that's okay. I'm sorry, i'll be honest. I'll be honest and I'm a bit bled. So, yeah, no, please be honest.
Speaker 1:We want. We know this is what the whole show is about is getting that more authentic Caribbean experience other than just what you find in the brochures. Go off to beaten path, go hiking I mean, i've seen a couple of videos where you've done a trail or two. I think that's another possibility. So there's so much more that you can do in Barbados other than just the beaches. But since we are talking a little bit about beaches, what are some of your favorite absolute must go to beaches that you're talking about? I got four.
Speaker 2:I got four. Okay, no, you got four or five.
Speaker 1:You got so many, i'm sure. Oh wait, wait. How many beaches does Barbados actually have? That's a very good question.
Speaker 2:I have no idea. I'm literally, i am literally trying to find out how many coals we have, like the little section where the land kind of dips in Okay, i'm like Yes, so that these bays and stuff.
Speaker 1:So no, i cannot tell you.
Speaker 2:I'm sure There are a lot.
Speaker 1:It's like we have we're 37 square miles, and so Martin promotes 37 beaches, but I sat with the map ones and I'm going after every single one of them And they're not all of them beaches that you can actually swim in. So it sounds like we have a lot, but it's actually an actuality. There's only a few of them that are actually great for swimming. Well, not a few more than half, but still, you know, there's a lot of these bays that you know you can't. It's too rough or it's too rocky or whatever. But yeah, so. So we don't know how many, but it's countless.
Speaker 2:I will try my best. Let's say countless beaches. I'm going to write that down and I'm going to take up that task.
Speaker 1:Yes.
Speaker 2:So we have four beaches as Barbados have Yes Challenge accepted Do it So four to four beaches. All right.
Speaker 1:So let's go with with your top four.
Speaker 2:So Haywoods Beach. So we're starting with the West Coast, which is considered the platinum coast or the luxury coast, So we have Haywoods Beach. I found this beach during COVID and at the time there was nobody there. I mean there's more people now, but it's still not packed with umbrellas and people harassing you to buy and sell stuff. That'd be wonderful.
Speaker 2:It's just it's like a pocket of of a beautiful beach, away from everyone, and there's a jetty, because they've put some rock barriers out into the ocean. It's created these little pools of perfectly clear and calm beaches. The water is crystal white. It is. I love it. Haywoods Beach is a place to be And it's again. It's a spiked stone, so you can kind of put everything into one visit.
Speaker 1:Spiked stone, oh mingle it all together?
Speaker 2:Yes, Local and coal. You can also visit the Orange Street grocer. They also are big on buy local.
Speaker 1:They're all in that same area. There's a beautiful little bakery opposite. Wow, fantastic, yeah, fantastic.
Speaker 2:There's a beautiful little bakery opposite.
Speaker 1:No, sorry, continue.
Speaker 2:There's a beautiful little bakery opposite The Orange Street grocer and it has all of the all of the old time Beijing pastries, so turnovers and jam puffs And, oh my gosh, ampone rock cakes everything's in there. So you have to view that.
Speaker 1:Speaking of actually pastries, do you guys also do Johnny cakes? We call them Johnny cakes here in so much of Beijing.
Speaker 2:What does it look like?
Speaker 1:It's a I heard them called fried cakes. It's like dope and you can get it like either fried or baked.
Speaker 2:I can't say I've never heard it.
Speaker 1:I've heard them be called fried cake. You have it called baked. Is it baked My chest?
Speaker 2:Is it? what's the ingredients? It could be baked. Flour sugar bacon powder, bacon syrup.
Speaker 1:It's flour, a little bit of sugar baking powder. It's not really sweet though It's more of a. You know you can we use it like a bread, So we put it with. You can stuff it with, you know, in the morning with what do you call it? Scrambled eggs, ham and cheese. You can put some I love it with Dutch cheese, It's amazing. Or you can eat it with some salt fish on the side, So yeah, so it's kind of like that And it's like a lot of people, of course, like it fried, but you can also get it baked, So it could be what you guys call baked.
Speaker 2:Yeah, we call it it's baked. Or if it's baked B-A-K-E-D baked, it would be a light sweet bread. If it's baked B-A-K-E-S, which is fried, that is just a little tiny thing, kind of like. I think the Trinidadians have a bigger version to it, like a ball version to it. I think they do.
Speaker 1:Yeah, okay, yeah, i think that's the one. Bakes is the one that I'm thinking about. That comes quite close to what a Johnny cake is. But okay, so you're saying again spell the name of the beach Hairwoods, so it's.
Speaker 2:H-E-Y-W-O-D. Hairwoods Beach. Hairwoods Beach in spite sound, quiet, clear waters And when you're done with your day at the beach, there is this place called Caboose, so you can write that down Caboose that sells beautiful fish cutters And he literally has this bowl on land and he's got all these little chairs and it is so adorable. No, honestly it's. Instagrammable. It's adorable, i love it.
Speaker 1:Oh my gosh. Okay, so I got you. So that's what you just called the cutters. Is that what you call them? Oh, sorry, forgive me.
Speaker 2:I'm thinking you would understand.
Speaker 1:I actually did a video on my Instagram about that You forgot to say. I saw that. Isn't that like kind of like what we call not okra, but we call it acra? Isn't that like the deep fried fish balls?
Speaker 2:Oh no, that's a fish cake.
Speaker 1:Is that what you call? That's a fish cake. That's a fish cake. Okay, okay, All right. So what is it that he has? what he's famous for? There's this guy with the boats.
Speaker 2:It is called a fish caboose. It's called a fish cutter. No, a cutter is just a bun, but we call it salt bread. So, yeah, it's getting complicated. So a cutter is salt bread with any kind of meat and dressings inside of it. A salt bread really truly is just a bun, but it's just called the Beijing bun is done or sandwich. So a cutter is a sandwich, but it's in a salt bread which is not salty. But it's not salty.
Speaker 1:Yes, And he does, he does an amazing fish cutter.
Speaker 2:Fish cutter. Okay, so it's like a fish sandwich, exactly. Yes, you can get it loaded with egg and everything.
Speaker 1:Okay, that said, it's like when are we? when are we? when's the next flight?
Speaker 2:to the latest. I am still on that flight.
Speaker 1:Oh my gosh, it's all about the food. Okay, so before, as I see, we're already like almost like an hour in this conversation, so let's go more over the. I know can you believe it, and we were having such a great convo We're not even looking at the time right, and I hope the audience is experiencing it the same way. If you guys are liking this conversation, you want to know more about Bree or about Barbados, please let us know in the comments. Let me know how you find in the show as well, and ask your questions. Which island do you want to see? What do you want to listen to about? next, which? what do you want to know about Barbados? about any of the other islands in the Caribbean that you're planning to visit? So, running down the list, bree's favorite dishes Okay, i'm going to make this quick.
Speaker 2:Okay, number two Pebbles Beach. Now, at Pebbles Beach, you can do everything. This is on the south coast, so that was the west. Hales Beach is on the west, pebbles Beach is on the south. Here, start at 530. Why start at 530? You get to see the horses swim, literally horses, those same horses from the Rear Strike. They're going to, with their trainers, they're going to go into the water and they're going to swim out to the distance of the ships. You get to see all of that. You get to interact with the horses.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's amazing.
Speaker 2:Some of the young guys will allow you to get under horses in the water just at the shore, and so I've done it. It's beautiful. I love horses. This is amazing. Now don't stop there. Then you can have a coffee with puck Pop up coffee. She's a personal friend of mine. She lives, she is from the UK and she loves Barbados so much. She packed all her shit up and she moved here. Okay, she moved all her kids to Barbados.
Speaker 2:Oh, my God man And her mother, because she loves Barbados so much And she's doing an amazing job of offering very simple but very good coffee, you know, to start your day. Then don't done there. You're going to then go with G fish, water sports Again. All of these things I mentioned I have experienced myself. G is an amazing guy for snorkeling and deep sea diving. I learned how to deep sea dive with him. Don't stop there. There's paddle boarding as well. That is so cool. Then there's coconut crisp And this is all on Pebble Beach.
Speaker 1:It's all beach. This is all on Pebble Beach, it's all goodness, enjoyment. It's a full day, so you can start with coffee by your friend's place and then keep on going and then till the sunset, when you can experience the horses, that's when all of them.
Speaker 2:And then there's Cuzz fish cutters, too. Amazing He's also. He's literally internationally known for his fish cutters. Very simple, the same thing as caboose, but it's amazing. Okay, quickly. Then there's East Coast, obviously, with the Bathsheba named after Bathsheba in the Bible. These waters are said to be healing. I don't know. I've never been in the water because it's kind of rough. I don't recommend you to go in unless you are a very experienced swimmer or surfer. Barbados also hosts international surf tournaments as well. And then the last beach is a new find for me. It is Worthing Beach on the South Coast. Why? Because, when the tide is low, you can literally walk out to your knees waters up to your knees and you can see the reefs. So yeah, those are my top four.
Speaker 1:No, wow, okay. so now going quickly back to number three, what you said is a little. It's got the healing powers, but it's also a little rough, so why would it be on your list of? recommended beaches to just look at it, because it's just stunning.
Speaker 2:Great, precise seeing. Also, if you like, picking up shells and rocks on a beach which, i go crazy, i literally carry so much home You can do that, but there are little pools when it's low tide. But because it's my job to make sure people are safe, i do not. Unless it's 100% safe, i do not recommend you go into the waters. It has to be low tide. We also have sea urchins, so if you don't have on the correct shoes and those are not jellyfish those are not fine.
Speaker 2:I do not recommend going into water unless you are experienced. So no, but it is beautiful to watch.
Speaker 1:So, again, this is only for this particular beach, but you have all of those other beaches that Brie has mentioned. That would be completely worthwhile your time getting in the water, swimming, snorkeling and just having a great old time. All right, so let's go quickly over. Something that I always like to ask locals about is I've done one of my videos that I've done on my YouTube channel This is one of the most watched ones is the eight don'ts of my Island, tomse Martin, which I think is like super important because people need to know it's your, it's your vacation destination, but it is our home And there's need you know we need to respect it, everybody needs to respect it. We have our traditions and we have, you know, our not rules, but what do you call that? We have our don'ts. It's like there are things that are definitely you know that we don't think it's either rude or so some of those, what would you say? your top four, since you like the number four so much, top four don'ts of the first one is.
Speaker 2:You cannot wear camouflage in any form No blue, no green, no red. Camouflage is the original camouflage. Green and brownish color is actually the uniform of did we fence force, so it is not meant for civilians. You will be arrested if you wear any form of camouflage bags, purse, shoes, shirts, pants. You cannot wear camouflage and Barbados at all.
Speaker 1:You're kidding. Even bags, shoes, it doesn't matter. So, even if it's just like a little bit on, no camouflage at all.
Speaker 2:Camouflage on your person not as a civilian note.
Speaker 1:Wow, okay, wow, that's that is so super important to know. Okay, guys, do not pack that camouflage swim shorts that you just bought for us. We're not taking that to Barbados, okay, good. Next. And also that cute little bikini and camouflage.
Speaker 2:We're not wearing that. No, my daughter usually has a tank top and camouflage and she cannot wear it.
Speaker 1:Oh my goodness, okay, all right.
Speaker 2:Next on the list of don'ts do not take pictures of locals are their art without their permission You will get cursed. You will get a big and custom. You must ask permission.
Speaker 1:And I'm looking at your face while you're saying this and I was like I don't think I would. I would really want to get. I've, i've been, i have done it.
Speaker 2:I have been to Oisings and started to record. You know you think you're doing good for them, you're promoting them. But look at it this way If it's a painter or craftsman who carved something by hand, this is something that is. It can't be crafted, it's in his brain. If you were to take a photo of it, you possibly can take that and manipulate it and reproduce it somewhere else. He's not going to get a benefit from that. So you need permission from them.
Speaker 2:So painters usually will say no, you cannot take pictures of any of their paintings because you can then go back and replicate it, make money of it, money off of it, and then he gets none of it. Then sometimes they just like you're taking a photo of me and then you're going to post it online and you're going to make money. Where do I get from that? So unless they are okay with it, do not ask permission. Hey, can I take a photo of your art? Can I take a photo of you? If not, i'm quite certain you're going to get a no, but ask If, by chance, they're far off This is such great.
Speaker 2:Yeah, maybe you'll get away, right.
Speaker 1:But this is such a great thing to say. It's like I think, personally, that we shouldn't just shove a camera in anybody's face. As YouTubers you and I are.
Speaker 1:YouTubers, you and I are constantly with cameras around, so it's so you need to ask for permission. I mean, it shouldn't only go for Barbados, it should go for anywhere in the world that you are. You can't just shove a camera in somebody's face. You need to ask permission. That's probably she's a big fan, all right, so what? yeah, of course. And of course now, with everybody wanting to create something for the social media, it's like we're getting so much of that. It's like you cannot just do that. So some people are still very uncomfortable with that, as they should, and they're right. If you're going to go and make money off of it, then why can't they get a little bit of the action? So, absolutely All right.
Speaker 2:So, number three on your zones. This is a personal one And again I am being authentic. We have, we are increasing. I want to say increasing. Previously, when I was growing up, you could name the amount of vagrants in Barbados. Literally they have names. Now there are more.
Speaker 2:I do not advocate giving vagrants money. If they're going to beg you and you're nearby someplace that has food, give them food. Please be careful with just giving people random $2, $5. Because if they mark your face, they're going to find you the next day on the beach. Yeah, there's sometimes guys. They will sell necklaces and stuff And yes, i know they're trying to sell their stuff. But please be honest and say I'm sorry, i cannot help you, i'm sorry I do not have any money. Because what is going to happen? you're going to put yourself into a pocket of being a target to get money when you're lying down on the beach, when you're in your hotel area. So unless you can really tell that this person deserves the money like you can get, you know you can get that energy. This person really needs it. Otherwise, if they, every day they beg you for money, no sorry, i'm sorry, sir, i do not have any money. Be kind, but very stern, which?
Speaker 1:is really tough actually. Yeah, of course, but also we've been talking about, you know, the all of the handmade stuff, like you're just saying. Now, these guys that are selling necklaces, are these necklaces that they're making themselves? No, no, okay, okay. So there's a way of knowing when somebody is legit trying to sell you something that they handcrafted and made themselves, versus somebody who's just trying to get a little pocket change because they're in a horrible situation.
Speaker 2:Not necessarily, because some of them are drug addicts. Yeah, so you're feeding and addiction, right?
Speaker 1:So that which is where.
Speaker 2:So that's my problem. I'll buy you food. I'll buy your authentic craft. For some for example, some you probably know people make birds out of coconut shells Exactly.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's okay.
Speaker 2:If you're selling me a necklace that probably got imported from China, i'm sorry. I mean there are a few. It's really down to your discretion as a person. But for someone, if you're very private and you just want to be left alone on the beach, say I'm sorry, sir, i cannot help you. Very simple.
Speaker 1:And be very stern with it, so that you don't get targeted after again Exactly Good, yeah, good, that's a good recommendation. All right, so you're number four of a big don't on Barbados.
Speaker 2:Ooh, i don't. I didn't have a lot. To be honest, i don't. We're all kick with. We don't have any nude beaches. I can say that.
Speaker 1:And that was actually going to be one of my questions It's topless sunbathing allowed?
Speaker 2:I've seen it in some hotels. In hotels It's frowned upon, it is. It's actually it's illegal to be, to to be naked. What's the word? There's a particular terminology. On public beaches, yes, it's illegal to go completely nude. Now, if you, with class on, strap your bikini and you lie down and then someone helps you to, you know, put it on before you get back up, yeah, but if you're going to be able to, they're all the girls out nude, no, no, that's a new.
Speaker 1:Okay, that is illegal, because I know, for instance, in Anguilla, which is also another British territory, of course, it's like a big no, you are not allowed to unleash the girls. Yes, i know, i know, i know it was like. This is before we know, it was very, like, very. I was one of those, those visitors to Anguilla all the way. In the beginning They didn't know much, i just knew I liked the beaches. So that's pretty much all I did too when I was there back in those days, and you know, i went with friends and this friend of ours is like oh, this is so great, and she's like bam, girls are out and out of nowhere. I think like 12 Angulians came out And I was like okay, so remember, the girls are not allowed to be unleashed on public beaches. Speaking of beaches, by the way, are your beaches public or all the public, or are some of them?
Speaker 2:All. not a single piece of that. I love that Private.
Speaker 1:Can you get to them? That's fantastic Yeah.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:This has been a wonderful conversation. just before I let you go. going back on the don'ts, i know that in St Martin and as well as some other islands, it is very, very rude if you start a conversation without saying hi or at least acknowledging the person's like we get this a lot with, especially Americans that it's just, of course. it's just how it is in the States. You don't really do that Not everywhere in the US, by the way but when you're going somewhere you enter a store. you don't just go do you sell this and this? You actually it's like here on St Martin. those people think that's super rude And that is one of my things. I'm always like good afternoon, can I help you, do you sell? good afternoon. So it's very, very important to either say good morning, good afternoon, good evening or at least hi before you ask or before you start a conversation. Is that the same thing in Barbados?
Speaker 2:I think overall, that's just if anyone think they can just walk into somewhere, even, you know, doing a sanitation, that's rude, so worldwide that it should be a norm. But on the flip, it is not. It's not from the point of view, don't, but because Barbados are said to be so friendly, they will already initiate a conversation. If you look at a Barbadian and you're a tourist, obviously if you have a certain complexion or certain dress, certain way, we'll be like hi, can I help you? So we're friendly, we're very friendly. But if you do us wrong we will cast you out, don't forget that. But we're very friendly. But on the point of salutations, good morning, good evening. It is a part of our culture. If you pass 10 people on the road, say good morning good evening, Good morning, good morning.
Speaker 1:good morning, good morning. It is a little exhausting.
Speaker 2:All right, let's hide.
Speaker 1:Yes, please.
Speaker 2:We have to have a phrase that will be like yes, we will say oh, what's the phrase? Oh, i can't remember it.
Speaker 1:There's a phrase we will say that kind of shortens it Okay Yeah tell me about it later.
Speaker 2:I can always add it into the short notes, so that everybody knows.
Speaker 1:So when you're a Barbados, this is the phrase that you need to say, so you can avoid to hold up and say good morning good afternoon.
Speaker 2:All right.
Speaker 1:Yes, it's all right all, right, okay, all right.
Speaker 1:I love it. All right, all right. You know one thing that we forgot to talk about, that we just must, and I know we're a little bit over time. I wanted to keep this a little bit as close to an hour as possible. We're having so much fun on this episode is that I did want to ask you about rum, which to me is super important, and Mount Gay rum. My favorite rum of all times is from Barbados. Now, is this rum actually made on the island of Barbados? And I think it's not the only one, right?
Speaker 2:No, so actually that was one of my things. I was going to mention that if you are looking for something a little more relaxed to do, you can visit one of the. There are probably five rum factories here, four of which I can vouch for Four. So there's Mount Gay, there's Four Square, there is St Nicholas Abbey and there is Plantation Rum. But for me, my favorite rum is Four Square because it don't give me no headache And I can use it.
Speaker 1:Oh yes, that's super important, very good.
Speaker 2:And Four Square has a beautiful plantation. The owners are amazing. Mount Gay is beautiful too. They are a little more curated for tourists. I love the tour at Mount Gay. In St Lucie. There are two different tours you can take, but St Nicholas Abbey is Instagrammable to all.
Speaker 1:Now you're going to visit St Nicholas Abbey. I think that's the one that I think you did a video about. That one too, right? Yes, I did see it. It looked beautiful. I mean like, forget the rum there for one second, It's just so pretty to look at.
Speaker 2:Yeah, absolutely Yeah because you can do a train tour, you can do a museum tour, you can do a rum tasting and you can see Cherry Tree Hills. So that's it.
Speaker 1:Amazing, beautiful, all right. So since we're on the topic of rum, real quick, what is one of those traditional drinks in Barbados? It's like a lot of people will say rum punch, but what is it? What would you say is like this is the traditional. Everybody's got to try this cocktail.
Speaker 2:There are a couple of them. I think it's called corn and oil, corn and oil What is?
Speaker 1:in it.
Speaker 2:I can't tell you, but for us it's the rum punch Very interesting. It's the rum punch and it is one sour, two sweet, three strong and four weak. If you want to see the recipe, you can check my credentials, as you will probably post for me because I'm going to put it on my website which is the recipe for our Beijing rum punch.
Speaker 1:Okay, and that is called corn and oil. Is that what you call corn and?
Speaker 2:oil. Corn and oil is separate to rum punch.
Speaker 1:Okay, that's a different drink.
Speaker 2:The concept to make a rum punch for Barbados is one sour, two sweet, three strong, four weak.
Speaker 1:I like the three strong part. I'm all about the three strong. Okay, fantastic. And the corn. The corn one is the one that you said. You're not really sure what's in it, but it's definitely one of those, one of those Barbadian drinks that you got to have All right Yeah, and I think we've covered as much as we could today.
Speaker 1:Brie, thank you so much for the time that you have actually put aside out of your very, very busy schedule to be here with me and the audience today and explain to us all a little bit about Barbados. I don't know about everybody else, but I am super, super excited to visit now And I am going to go check with that airline if, please, i could still have that ticket that I missed out on last year. So you will see me soon And you guys will see us on YouTube, for sure, filming together, if I ever you know when I get to.
Speaker 1:Barbados.
Speaker 2:So we're doing this Brie Yeah thank you so much again.
Speaker 1:Thank you so much. This was so informative and I will see you soon.
Speaker 2:Thank you. Thank you for having me and happy travels to everyone.
Speaker 1:Great. Once again. If you want any of the information that Brie has given us today and you want to know more about Barbados through her eyes, then definitely check out the show notes and thank you for listening.
Speaker 2:Thank you.
Speaker 1:Now, what a fun conversation. That was right Now. Here's what we learned from Brie today. Number one the best time to visit Barbados is in the so-called winter pockets, just as winter is about to end in February or March, and just before it begins between September and November. Number two crop over is a must experience, which is Barbados's carnival, but be aware that prices double around the months of June, july and August, which are, of course, the crop over months.
Speaker 1:Number three Fisherman's Pub is in Spites Town and is the best place to get all the local Bay Junditions like macaroni pie, flying fish and cuckoo potato salad and much more. Number four the popular night to go to Oistens the very popular place is, of course, friday night. Now try going around five before it gets too busy. If you are not into crowds or if you do not want to wait too long for your food, go in the back of the stalls, also where the fishing boats are lined up just before sunset so you can see the turtles and stingrays. Number five visit Palakken Village, next to the cruise terminal, for authentic Bay Jund handmade crafts. Number six Harrison's Cave is Barbados's natural wonder and an absolute must visit. Number seven one of the best beaches in Barbados is Haywood's Beach, for some calm waters and great fish gutters, which is a fish sandwich, and you can get that at Caboose. Number eight Bathsheba Beach is very recommended because it's supposed to have some kind of healing power, but it is not the safest beach to swim. Number 10, wearing camouflage is an absolute no. No, don't do it unless you want to land in jail. No nude swimming or topless on waiting either, and no taking pictures of the locals or their art unless you want to get cost out Bay Jund style. Number 11, the Mount Gay Rum Tour in St Lucie and the one at Four Square are some of the best rum tours on the island, but if you want the most Instagrammable rum tour, that is the one at St Nicholas Abbey. Now for more on Barbados. Please do yourself a favor and follow Brie from Bay Jund lifestyle. Her social media handle, name and link to her YouTube channel can all be found in the show notes.
Speaker 1:Summer is here, y'all, officially that is, even though it has been hot as fudge way before summer was even supposed to get here. If you are planning to visit the Caribbean in the summer months, especially my home island of St Martin and the surrounding islands like Anguilla, st Bart, st Kitts Neva, sabah and, of course, st DeSatius. You want to tune into the next episode of Paradise Perspectives because I'm going to give you the do's and don'ts of summer travel to the Caribbean, what to expect and what to prepare for, and that is all in the next episode of Paradise Perspectives. Now check the show notes for the exact date for that. Thank you for listening guys and for spending the time with me and Brie today. I really appreciate it. I'm Ruzelle, your host and island friend, sending you a very sweaty hug of from paradise.
