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I must admit, I'm not a big fan of cake (though my girth would suggest otherwise). These rum cakes are pretty good though. Must be the rum. Anyway, you can find them in just about any souvenir-oriented shop in the country, as well as in big supermarkets. They cost between BB$20 and BB$30 (waaaay less than the website below).Definitely a good gift for the office. The cakes have a moist texture and no, there's no hint of rum ;-)
The cheapest place I found in Barbados to buy souvenirs was at Kensington Oval, when I went to watch a cricket match. They have souvenir stalls selling Barbados-themed items and cricket merchandise. Generally Barbados is an expensive place so this was a nice surprise. There are also food and drink stalls. Shirts, key-rings, flags, books, magnets - all the usual stuff and a bit extra for the cricket fans. I paid BB$40 for a polo shirt that cost $BB120 at the airport. I bought a Bajan flag for BB$4. Pretty good value for everything. Even the beer was cheap.
If you like to spice up your food, or to take back as gifts, then Hot Pepper Sauce is a good buy.Shop around, because you can get it cheaper at some places, i.e. not in the duty free shops, or tourist outlet shops, go for the local shop and buy. it is inexpensive
You can shop tax/duty free in lots of shops. You need to show your passport and white immigration card and you will pay the tax free price. And you will have your item right away.The all you have to do is to drop some forms into a box as you leave the airport. The shops trust you to do this and it is important as the shops will have to absorb the loss (pay the tax or duty) from any customers who don't do this. You can shop for any imported goods and local or imported spirits tax/duty free.The only thing is that for spirits and tobacco, these will have to be delivered to the airport for you to pick up on departure. Barbados currency or US$. Traveller's checks or credit/debit cards.
This out of the way pottery shop is a must for any visitor to Barbados. Yes you may find a few bits and pieces at a Cave Shepherd's various outlets but you must head to Edghill Heights to see the full inventory available. You may also have free reign at walking about the facility and watch the various stages the pottery goes through to be made into fabulous pieces. The pieces available make for quality Barbados souvenirs. Don't worry if you go overboard and buy too many pieces for you to carry, they will gladly ship DHL for you. We were contemplating buying an entire dinner service for 8 but decided to pick two patterns of coffee mugs and try them out at home. I am very happy with our purchase and look forward to ordering the service for 8 in the future for our new home. $25BDS for ea coffee mug the service for 8 was going to be in the neighborhood of $600US.
If you shop at Big B Supermarket in the Rendesvous area of Christchurch, along from Hastings, Worthing etc., then you can get the free courtesy bus home. They transport you in a certain radius so do check they will go back to your hotel etc., when you enter the store.One word of warning, do not be in too much of a hurry, because if you miss one, you may have to wait about half an hour for the next. There are only about two mini buses that operate this service. It does save a long walk back to your lodgings with heavy bags, or trying to get them all onto a public service vehicle.I love doing this because it takes the locals home first, then the visitors, so you get to see some parts of the area you would never normally see. Usually visitors give the driver a $ he will help you out of the minibus with your bags of groceries.
Wherever you see a fruit stall, do go and purchase some of the exotic fruits and veg, especially if you are on a self catering holiday.The supermarkets always stock plenty of fruit and veg, but I like to buy from the local fruit vendors if I can.
There are vendors in these purpose built "shops" just off the beach, between the beach and the car park on Rockley Beach.They sell boogie boards, swimwear, dresses, shirts, beach toys for children, oh so many things.There is also someone who sells jewellery.photo joanj
If you like hot pepper sauce, then when you take some home, look for it in a plastic bottle, this saves weight in your suitcase.Look for a mustard colour, or reddish colour sauce. Beware though, it is HOT, use sparingly, until you are used to it.Barbado's own special pepper sauce consists of Scotch Bonnet peppers, fresh turmeric, shallots, dry English Mustard, onions and vinegar. Another good seasoning to take home as a gift, or to use it yourself is Bajan Seasoning., shown in picture It is made up of a paste of onions, shallots, clove, garlic, fresh Scotch Bonnet pepper, herbs, spices and lime juice. After opening, keep in the fridge, use for coating fish or meat half an hour before cooking. I always bring back a selection of the above for family, friends, I only bring back Bajan seasoning for me, as everything else is too hot.
Dont forget when you are duty free shopping to get the rum to take home.Now there are a couple of ways to do this, either go to the big department store like Cave Sheppard and they will have it boxed and sent to the airport/cruise ship terminal for you to collect prior to departure, or you can do like I do, buy it at a local shop, or supermarket (check them out prices do differ) and it is usually cheaper, wrap well round clothes and pack in your case, that way you may make a saving, and also less to carry when searching for your bags on the carousel.White rum happens to be my favourite tipple, with grapefruit juice and ice added, very cooling, and you know when you have had a couple. I have even introduced that combination to locals (friends of mine,) and they too like the white/grape.,go on, give it a try when you next order a rum, but grapefruit juice only goes well with WHITE RUM.
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Reviews and photos of Barbados attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Barbados sightseeing.
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Q: Has anyone used Drive Barbados for car hire? They have quite reasonable rates but can't find any reviews anywhere and aren't...
A: We had a car in Barbados but it was from Top Hat. Keep in mind that you have to get a Bajan license and that will be extra. Depending on the season you go, I wouldn't...
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