Life in Barbados: A Year On A Paradise Island (Otherworld Travel)

I'd planned to experience life in Barbados, spending a year on a paradise island.

If you've been seeing any of the news updates from the Caribbean recently, you'll know that my plans have hit something of a stumbling block this week.

I've been spending a lot of my time this week, glued to this page.

Over Easter, La Soufriere volcano on St Vincent erupted, sending ash thousands of feet into the sky, and literally carpeting Barbados in its wake.

As a result, the lifting of Covid restrictions has been made null and void. We still can't go out, for a new reason!

The whole point of this show is to give you an insight into life in Barbados, from the point of view of someone who's actually living here. I wouldn't really be serving you properly if I didn't give you an on-the-ground insight into what's going on here.

So this episode is a little different.

We're not tasting any delicious local treats.

We're not testing any Bajan beverages.

We're not enjoying any experiences or activities.

What we are going to do, is bring you a flavour of what it's like for someone who's relocated to this beautiful paradise island, on the Barbados Welcome Stamp, and finds themselves in the middle of a fluke natural incident.

I'll be doing this with the help of some of my friends who have kindly offered their thoughts, and footage.

During this episode, we cover:

The views of a couple of my new friends here who are also experiencing this alongside me.

My possible emergency escape contingency planning with my friend, Marie.

What the people of Barbados went through last time this happened (back in the 70s) with Vic Fernandez.

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**For the benefit of any news agencies or journalists who'd like to reach out for on the ground correspondence from the paradise island, I have limited availability for both live and recorded two ways. You can contact me via the email button (fourth button down) on my show page here! 

I've added a full transcript of my report from the episode in these show notes below for your reference.

Please do not use any section of the content without prior permission from me. I'm regularly checking my emails so will be able to get back to you within minutes not hours!**

Yvonne: [00:00:00] Hello and welcome to this week's episode. Well, this was not the episode that I had planned to be sharing with you this week. I was meant to be out trying beach tennis at the weekend on Brian's beach, but that is going to have to wait another time because this week this happened, my thoughts are with those people in St.

[00:00:18] St Vincent, who are affected by this much more than us here in Barbados. There's a certain radius around the volcano that has been evacuated as according to the university of the West Indies, the volcano continues to erupt quite explosively and has now begun to generate what they call pyroclastic density currents.

[00:00:39] So these are really hot currents of between 200 and 700 degrees Celsius. The ground hugging flows of Ash and debris that are coming down from the volcano to the surrounding areas. So essentially impacting on everything in its path. The last eruption was in 1979 and the one before that was 1902 at this stage, it is far too soon to be telling how bad

[00:01:03] this one's going to be so, you know, we're dealing with unpredictable mother...

**Contains details of a fantastic exclusive "Life in Barbados" prize! Listen until the end to hear how to enter.

You may well need this email.

Clue - you can use Control and Print screen to screen grab on a computer. Please Google how to do it on your mobile device!**

This episode is all about where to find the best rum punch in Barbados and how you can make it at home if you can't get out here.

Imagine if it was your job to spend your days by the beach perfecting the ultimate Bajan rum punch recipe? That's not a bad 9-5 if you ask me!

Don’t believe that it’s possible?

Well, Kim and Rodger, owners of Cutters of Barbados, will tell you otherwise. 

The pair ditched their big-city life and moved to the stunning Caribbean island of Barbados to slow down and enjoy life.

During that time, they’ve opened up a thriving deli and an uber cool hammock garden.

They also run mixology classes for people wanting to nail down their own rum punch recipes. 

This week, I went along to try out my bartending skills at the beautiful Harrismith Beach location.

Let’s just say I took full advantage of the opportunity for a lot of taste testing and I think I’ve since managed to get my measurements down pat. 

I have a fantastic rum themed prize for lucky listeners to "Life In Barbados".

You will need to listen to the end for instructions on how to do it.

By the way, if you can't carry out the instructions because you had already done so, feel free to undo the action and then redo it. You'll still be eligible!

Here's the email to send it to...

By the time you hear this, the first round of judging will have been carried out at the British Podcast Awards, in which this show is nominated. 

I will update you on this show once I have news , but in the meantime please follow my social channels for more frequent updates!

You can find ALL of my links here.

During this episode, we cover:

How I spent my Easter weekend on the paradise island.

The origins of Cutters.

How to get the perfect Bajan rum punch.

My attempts at making an authentic Barbados rum punch.

Roger's breakdown of Bajan rum.

Details of my special exclusive "Life in Barbados" prize.

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**This episode contains a special offer for regular listeners. Here's the link you'll need in order to claim it!**

I'm delighted to announce this podcast is up for a prestigious award at the British Podcast Awards. I'm proud to be nominated in the category of best documentary.

As part of the submission process, I had to provide the judges with thirty minutes of my favourite bits from this, which wasn't easy. I've enjoyed every second.

Listening back got me in the mood for revisiting some of the key moments, and I hope you'll also enjoy the opportunity to take another taste of Bajan life, with me.

In this episode, I make reference to my photos on instagram. Please do follow it if you haven't already, as you never know if you'll need a handy quick grab of photos for creating your own dream travel plan.

If you're new to the show, once you've heard this episode, you might want to go back and catch up with episodes you've missed.

You'll be able to do that here.

We cover:

My journey's start, catching the news in Belfast.

Meeting the Bajan Warrior Nicolas Deane.

Taking in a food tour of Bridgetown.

Exploring the surf with surfing champion Alan Burke.

The badass women of Barbados.

And, planning the perfect Bajan wedding.

If you're new to this show, I'd really appreciate it if you would please follow or subscribe! You can click this link to do so in your favourite app.

By the way, sometimes the team quietly and secretly post bonus content that you'll only find out about if you're subscribed. 

Did you manage to check out this one (all about weddings in Barbados) which we posted as a special Valentine's Day treat?

There was also this one which featured the full length chat with local surfing legend, Alan Burke.

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For this episode I decided to take in the history and mystery of Barbados. I booked myself of a walking tour of Speightstown.

I was shown around by Carlos Goodman, one of Barbados’ most knowledgeable tour guides. During the tour he pointed out a lot of the sites that will be eventually making their way on to my instagram. If you can't wait, you can check out some of the wonderful photos on his Facebook page here.

We cover:

• The significance of the Dutch influence on the island.
• Why if you go for a visit, you might want to head to Bristol.

It's not just the streets of Speightstown I toured in this episode though.

I also took in a tour of Coral Reef and Sandpiper to get an idea for what's on offer for you and other holiday loving listeners, if you decide you'd like my help with booking a trip out here on the paradise island.

If you do want to talk to me about anything you've heard covered on this Barbados podcast, you can book it right now, here.

Useful links:

• https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g666623-d13010370-Reviews-Historic_Speightstown_Walking_Tours-Speightstown_Saint_Peter_Parish_Barbados.html
• Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HSEBarbados/
• More info on Speightstown: https://barbados.org/spght.htm#.YFQvWxMza3I
• Speightstown Archaeology Research Project: https://speightstownarchaeology.wordpress.com/

If you're new to this show, I'd really appreciate it if you would please follow or subscribe! You can click this link to do so in your favourite app.

By the way, sometimes the team quietly and secretly post bonus content that you'll only find out about if you're subscribed. 

Did you manage to check out this one (all about weddings in Barbados) which we posted as a special Valentine's Day treat?

There was also this one which featured the full length chat with local surfing legend, Alan Burke.

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If you listened to the Barbados episode of my previous podcast, "The Bucket List", you probably heard my conversation with Visit Barbados' Marc McCollin.

We discussed how to get the best out of a visit to this beautiful paradise island, and that chat uncovered the reason for the incredible crystal blue sea.

I've been listening back to that episode myself, for reasons that I explain during the episode.

Hearing that mention of the unique island formation reminded me that I wanted to learn more about what lies beneath.

So this episode is all about exploring the ocean life, and covers all aspects including what lives down there, and how we can keep it down there, by applying sustainability practices.

I'm joined for a chat by marine biologist Nikola Simpson.

We cover:

• Some interesting facts about the waters that surround the island of Barbados!
• What we can find under the sea?
• Interesting ways people engage with and experience some of these including the sea turtle project (linked below).

As well as exploring everything there is to know about the beautiful wet stuff in Barbados, I have updates on a brand new Netflix show that's being filmed here and a huge sound upgrade I'm making! 

Thanks to West Riley Electronics for their help!

Useful links:

• UNDP Accelerator Lab Barbados & Eastern Caribbean: Accelerator Lab for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean | UNDP in Barbados & the Eastern Caribbean @undp @acceleratorlabs
• Sargassum Outlook Bulletin
• Slow Fish Sustainable Seafood Guide: Resources | Slowfood (slowfoodbarbados.org) @slowfoodbarbados
• The Barbados Sea Turtle Project : The Barbados Sea Turtle Project (barbadosseaturtles.org) @barbadosseaturtle

If you're new to this show, I really appreciate you giving this a read, and I'd love it if you would please follow or subscribe! You can click this link to follow the show in your favourite app.

By the way, sometimes the team quietly and secretly post bonus content that you'll only find out about if you're subscribed. 

Did you manage to check out this one (all about weddings in Barbados) which we posted as a special Valentine's Day treat?

There was also this one which featured the full length chat with local surfing legend, Alan Burke.

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Barbados has some quite incredible and inspirational women and we decided they're so inspirational, they deserved more podcast time! 

I chatted with three different women with three very different backgrounds, and I'm so delighted that I get to shine a spotlight on these 'bad ass' women of Barbados during this bonus episode.

Please note, this episode is the full 'raw' conversations, and has only had very minimal editing.

Please excuse any audio glitches you might hear.

We have, a philanthropist, a long-listed novelist, and a passionate equestrian Olympic hopeful.

Firstly I chat with Dr Barbara Trieloff-Deane. She's very passionate about helping young Bajan women get started off with the best possible opportunities as early as possible and has her fingers on the pulse of many good causes.

Cherie S.A. Jones is waiting to hear if she's going to land a very prestigious literary award. She's also a lawyer and a mum!

Also, Monique Archer, who is a gifted equestrian and is very keen to do her bit to raise awareness of a cause that's very close to her heart. 

We really hope you enjoy joining us in celebrating these truly spectacular Barbados women.

If you're new to this show, please do make sure you now subscribe! You can click this link to follow the show in your favourite app. Sometimes we quietly and secretly post bonus content just like this, that you'll only be notified about if you're subscribed. 

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Barbados has some quite incredible and inspirational women. 

I know this, because I researched them during my plans for this special episode celebrating International Women's Day earlier this week.

I wanted to find three different women with three very different backgrounds, and I'm super excited to announce that I've pulled it off for this very episode.

I'm so delighted that I get to shine a spotlight on these 'bad ass' women of Barbados during this episode.

These Bajan ladies all left me feeling really positive.

We have, a philanthropist, a long-listed novelist, and a passionate equestrian Olympic hopeful.

Firstly I chat with Dr Barbara Trieloff-Deane. She's very passionate about helping young Bajan women get started off with the best possible opportunities as early as possible and has her fingers on the pulse of many good causes.

Cherie S.A. Jones is waiting to hear if she's going to land a very prestigious literary award. She's also a lawyer and a mum!

Also, Monique Archer, who is a gifted equestrian and is very keen to do her bit to raise awareness of a cause that's very close to her heart. 

If that's not enough celebrating of spectacular Barbados women for you, we also have a few special shout-outs, from some of my paradise island listeners, for the ladies that are truly inspiring them over here.

Here they are.

Cheryl Carter

Mia Mottley

Dr Drake

We really hope you enjoy joining us in celebrating these truly spectacular Barbados women.

If you're new to this show, please do make sure you now subscribe! You can click this link to follow the show in your favourite app. Sometimes we quietly and secretly post bonus content that you'll only find out about if you're subscribed. 

Did you manage to check out this one (all about weddings in Barbados) which we posted as a special Valentine's Day treat?

There was also this one which featured the full length chat with local surfing legend, Alan Burke.

Follow the show on Podchaser

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Barbados is paradise.

This we already know.

But is it also eco-friendly, with consideration for sustainability? This is what we intend to find out during this episode!

During this episode, I, Yvonne Campbell, Barbados expert and travel agent, get investigative and try to discover what the options are for eco-conscious tourists.

I chat to Kyle Taylor, the owner of the Eco Lifestyle and Lodge and farm, who has has a business that produces water out of thin air!

I get the lowdown on the UN development programme, and the Blue economy, and tell you all about a very fruitful coffee morning I attended that introduced me to some fascinating locals who are involved in this very sustainability hot topic!

It's not all serious stuff though! It was my birthday last weekend. I'll share with you what it's like experiencing an anniversary away from home, on this Bajan paradise island.

Oh, and I got my first ever Barbados post! What a lovely surprise!

There's a special exclusive update from The Crane beach house, regarding testing, so I was excited to be able to bring you that news before anyone else!

We also hear from Sea Breeze hotel, about what they're doing to make sure they're considering sustainability at their resort.

Have you subscribed yet? You can click this link to follow the show in your favourite app. It's worth doing so, because sometimes we quietly and secretly post bonus content that you'll only find out about if you're subscribed. 

Did you manage to check out this one (all about weddings in Barbados) which we posted as a special Valentine's Day treat?

There was also this one which featured the full length chat with local surfing legend, Alan Burke.

Follow the show on Podchaser

Follow the show on Instagram

If you listened to the latest full episode, you'll know it was all about surfing on the beautiful beaches of the paradise island of Barbados.

As a regular follower of subscriber, I wanted to offer this token of my gratitude - a special bonus episode.

This features the full length version of the chat I had with Alan Burke. Alan's a Bajan former national and international surfing champion, and he runs Burkie's Surf School.

Please note, this has not been tightly edited, and is the raw original conversation.

If you ARE planning on heading to Barbados to do some surfing, you should definitely listen to this episode. Alan offers some incredible tips and advice on catching the Bajan waves!

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By the way, this isn't my only podcast. If you're enjoying Life in Barbados, please check out my other travel themed podcast, "The Bucket List".

That podcast features guests talking about a wide range of experiences, and should give you plenty of inspiration for when we're all allowed to travel again soon!

Barbados is the place to be if you want to surf. There's no question about it. Due to its unique position in the Caribbean seas, it generates some seriously good conditions for anyone wishing to catch a wave.

But what if you're not an experienced surfer? Can you still consider going to Barbados as a viable destination for learning to surf. 

This is the exact question and topic we're covering in this episode.

If your experience of 'trying to surf' has so far been limited to falling off of your board on Fistral Beach in Newquay, then you definitely want to listen to my chat with Alan Burke.

Alan's a Bajan former national and international surfing champion, and he runs Burkie's Surf School.

From Barbados surfing legend to Bajan surf beginner, as I have a quick catch up with Craig Bulow, a person I met a month ago when we was starting his lessons.

I also talk about my exciting moment appearing LIVE on television on the UK's Sky News. 

Oh, and if that's not enough, this episode contains swimming horses!!! Yes, seriously!

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why you might get to see horses in the sea if you're on the right beach at the right time!
• My moment of national television news coverage thanks to a Sky journalist stumbling across this podcast on social media.
• Barbados surfing legend Alan Burke from Burkie's Surf School telling us all about learning to surf in the Bajan paradise.
• Craig Bulow on his experiences learning to surf in Barbados.
• If you want to check out the film "Box, Bowl and the Burkes" that Alan mentions, you can do that, here.
• Alan mentions his favourite beach. (Spoiler alert: it's Brandons Beach). This is a short video of it that I've found so you can see what it looks like.

Have you subscribed yet? You can click this link to follow the show in your favourite app. It's worth doing so, because sometimes we quietly and secretly post bonus content that you'll only find out about if you're subscribed. 

Hint! There might just be another bonus episode coming your way in the next few days!

Did you manage to check out this one (all about weddings in Barbados) which we posted as a special Valentine's Day treat?

Follow the show on Podchaser

Follow the show on Instagram

Although people are loving following along with my Barbados journey, this isn't my only podcast. If you're enjoying Life in Barbados, please check out my other travel themed podcast, "The Bucket List".

That podcast features guests talking about a wide range of experiences, and should give you plenty of inspiration for when we're all allowed to travel again soon!