AROUND THE ISLAND
Silver Rock is an awesome place to stay in Barbados and living in such close proximity to the water was amazing. Just to hear the sound of the ocean at night and to sit on the balcony with an icy cold at sunset was bliss. Under Brain’s instructions we set out to explore the island both to the east and west of Silver Rock, which is pretty much at the southernmost point on the island. As the coast wraps around towards Oistins, the winds swing offshore making for some world class turquoise and flat water beaches, ideal for the family and cruising around on Stand Up Paddle boards. We spent quite a few days at Enterprise beach and were able to take inflatable SUPs with us, which were great fun for all the family. Down by the jetty at the fish market, the water was rife with turtles and we scored some beautiful snorkelling in the crystal clear water, which the kids loved. We caught the local buses into Oistins for a mere $2 a head, and if you don’t mind packing in with as many locals as the driver can cram in, the bus rides were quite amusing to say the least.
As for grinds around the area there are plenty of awesome local options. The Oistins fish market is a must and you can fill your plate with fresh fish, salad and potatoes for around £10 a head. Personally, I think the fish market is best avoided on a Friday when all the tourist buses roll in and swarm the place. Closer to Silver Sands is Chicken Ritas, a local shack that has become quite an attraction for its simple menu of chicken, chips, beer and local rum! If you have not booked here then expect at least an hour or so wait while they muster up your order, but that is not a problem when you are sitting out on a balmy evening with a few beers to pass away the time. Brian’s deAction centre is great for lunch and also caters for evening meals if you let them know in advance. West of Silver Sands the road leads to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean and we hired a car for a day and cruised to Bottom Bay, Crane Beach and then onto the famous surf spot Bathsheba to check out the waves.
WINNING
Out of our three trips to the Caribbean so far, the consensus from the family was in favour of Barbados. We had stayed at all-inclusive resorts before, but staying at Brian’s place was very relaxing and we ended up being a little more adventurous and were able to experience the island from more of a local’s point of view. As for Downwind Dave and De Action man, it seems they both hit it off once Brain realized Dave wasn’t a major threat to his own coverage! We flew with Virgin Airlines who unfortunately have stopped their offer of taking free windsurfing equipment. I’ll make a point next time I am on Necker Island with Downwind Dave that we persuade Branson to bring that deal back!