You’d have to hear it for yourself to understand #1– The accent of the Barbadians! Yes, they speak English (so they say) but upon arriving and listening to locals socialize amongst themselves, you’ll quickly find out that there’s a separate language here.
– They put the emphasis on the second syllable. For example “Dis weekEND I goin to de marKET”.
– To really stress a specific thought, they repeat it three times.
“It be hot-hot-hot… or …sweet-sweet-sweet”.
“Boy yuh betta be quick-quick-quick”!
– Most words and/or sentences are cut short.
“I think she is cute” = “She cute”
“I don’t know about that” = “I ain kno bout dah”
-They use the word please in unusual places.
Me: “Do you have soda water here?”
Them: “Yes please”.
(What do you say to that? I just awkwardly smiled until they asked if I wanted one).
Me: “Are you guys still open for business.”
Them: “No please”.
Me: Confused
Fun phrases you may hear around the island:
-“Gol’ (gold) teet (teeth) doan suit hog mout (mouth)” = Fancy things don’t suit those that aren’t accustomed to them.
-“Ef greedy wait hot wud (would) cool” = Patience will be rewarded.
-“De higha de monkey climb, de more he show he tail” = The more you show off the more you show your faults.
-“Wuh ain’ see you, ain’ pass you” = Just because you got away with something so far does not mean that it won’t catch up with you later.
Not so well known fact #2 – You wouldn’t experience this by staying in a luxury hotel or massive bed and breakfast, but in your typical home, an iphone or rooster isn’t needed for an alarm clock. When the sun is just rising, you’d think there’s a team of monkeys practice gymnastics on the roof. Well there is! Directly above your bed, a family of monkeys are playing games and taking into no consideration that some of us sleep beyond 5am. I dare not complain though, as it wakes me with a giggle every morning.
Remember these guys from last year?
They’re still here!
Neat find #3– The Government had originally installed over 400 stand pipes where people could go to collect free water for their household. The stand pipe naturally became a busy common area of activity for social interaction – from gossip, to courtship, to political discussion, to confrontation. With the introduction of running water to virtually every Barbadian home, many of the stand pipes are no longer in use. However, there are still a few in operation to stop off for a drink while out and about.
Fun fashion fact #4 – You may know the fashion here in Barbados ranges from typical surf wear to high heels and suits. One thing extra that has been a common sight for my eyes, is no matter what the age or genre, they love to match! Shoes to purse, hat to pants, they’ve nailed it! I sat curbside during this street market and take a look at what I captured in just 30 minutes.
Little known fact #5 – During the period 1841-1845, Barbados was considered the healthiest place in the world to live. With having 1 death per 66 people, compared to world averages of approximately 1 death per 35 people. Curious why? I’m not.
Some photos above curtesy of my dear friends Ryan and Jason… Love you boys!
Her Happy Trails 