Fashion, Food, and Stuff Barbados Style

I'm in the sweating phase of my life and the tropical temperature in Barbados had me going every so often. The good thing is that the temperature was about 81 degrees, but felt like 87 with the humidity, unlike D.C. in the summer where you could choke as you pass out from the humidy.

My clothing of choice was sleeveless shirts and shorts or Capris. I didn't use hats, but used lots of sunscreen. There is always a breeze to cut that stifling effect. But when I saw an air-conditioned shop or restaurant, I ran for reprieve.

Now if I ruled the land, everyone would be dressed like me. Instead in the business and government segment in Bridgetown, I saw women in suits (not always short sleeved), hose, heels going to work. I can't tell you the last time I've worn hose. I'm on strike with the hose. I'll wear knee-hi's and only under duress. Looking at these smartly dressed women made me sweat on their behalf. The men weren't far behind in their shirts and ties.

Cashiers in the supermarket wore uniform and had chairs at their cash registers, and had the person who bagged the groceries to help. That's how it used to be in the States. But those chairs are long gone and the baggers are only there if the line is long. Like New Jersey, you didn't pump your own gas.

Hairstyles were a mixture of braids, chemically relaxed, and dreads. I noticed that some women wore their hair very short and dyed. Not that this is unusual. But, for instance, the styles and dyes used or not used in the DC area is so different from Atlanta (where my brother lives).

Now onto the food - OMG! Caribbean food is the best. I can't wait for one of these cooking contest shows to highlight Caribbean food. There is such a rich history of ethnic influences that everything begins with the seasoning. And I had a blast that would disqualify me from any advertisement for the many weight management programs.

Hilton - breakfast buffet was great. Omelettes freshly made. Wide array of hot dishes. Muffins and the custard danish were to die for. They had the fresh fruit salad area, but that only got a quick glance from me.

Brown Sugar Restaurant - Expensive, good food, slow service. But we were cranky because we sat next to a pond/waterfall thing that was great for ambience. However at night, the mosquitos were stinging us like crazy. My sis-in-law went to the car with the kids and sprayed the repellent. You could smell them as they walked through the restaurant back to the table. And then the mosquitos left them and zeroed on the rest of us who didn't spray. I'd give it another shot though because many people recommended it.

Quang Dong Restaurant - Chinese food resturant that also served great curry.

Chefette - We went on strike with Chefette because we got tired of eating fast food. But I did enjoy their curry chicken and potato & roti. Kids went for the greasy pizza.

The Cliffside Restaurant - Another OMG experience. The key here is not to order the appetizer and then the special. Fantastic appetizers included vegatarian and chicken samosas and the fish cakes with a pepper sauce. The special was enough to feed three people: macaroni pie (baked macaroni and cheese), peas and rice, lamb stew, 2 pieces of bbq chicken, fried flying fish, potato salad, salad. We tried to get the food wrapped to go but because of the food standards, they didn't allow that. So we then tried to shove all that food into our bellies.

Sunbury House Plantation - If you like scones, then you've got to stop here. The scones were like my mom's. And they serve this whipped cream and marmalade. Fantastic. They also have lunch buffet - another yummy moment.

I got back home and the treadmill is calling my name.