De Big Show

Yesterday I was supposed to attend an event I was looking forward to since seeing the CropOver 2013 calender called 'Pan Pun De Sand'. Bajan steel pan groups were performing as well as the familiar Exodus Steel Orchestra. However, since my chief company was not going, I could not attend the event as planned. Although my friends at work told me I should have gone by myself, which I probably should have done since I wanted to go that badly to the event. I was pretty upset that I could not attend, but something is always better in store.

Since I came to Barbados, I've heard some amazing music for the CropOver season; songs such as Rupee's ''Nothing Sweeter'', Biggie Irie's ''Need Ah Riddim'' and Mr. Dale's ''Fearless'' and a host of others that is quite catchy. I've wanted to see these artistes perform live since I heard these songs, and I got this opportunity yesterday at 'De Big Show'. This event was held at the Plantation Garden Theatre.

Entrance to the Plantation Garden Theatre

The only lame thing about this event, is that I could not take photos, but I did manage to snap ONE shot at the end when all the performers were on stage (except one very important performer).

De Big Show is basically a calypso tent, where calypsonians perform songs based on political, social and economic issues; it's a forum to basically expresssocial commentary with a musical background. Some of the calypsos were quite riveting. For instance Classic, sang a calypso about politicians using 'big' words to to fool citizens'. Through this song, he encouraged the audience to read between the lines, because 'de words big, but de meaning small'. Another that caught my attention was a guy named Serenader who sang about how many women dress these days, particularly about short clothing and how 'dey always pullin' dong'. What was hilarious was that he wore an extremely short multi-coloured skirt and a pink t-shirt with a wig. Lord, everyone was laughing. I could not get a picture unfortunately. Another young calypsonian was Miguel, who sang a song about everyone has to stand up for something.

Another highlight for me was the MC himself. His jokes were on point, and he had the crowd itching with laughter when he was on stage. He performed a couple of songs as well, which were so hilarious. I remember he asked members of the band to play individually at different parts of the event. They are really talented people.

Of course the highlight of the event for me was seeing Rupee, Biggie Irie and Mr. Dale perform live!

I've been a fan of Rupee for as long as I can remember, and it was such a blessing to see him perform live for the first time. He is such a fantastic performer, and I definitely enjoyed the show he put on for the time he was there. I always admired the work he did for HIV/AIDS awareness, and the fact that he is known as a humble person. Not many stars at his level of success remain humble, and I have much respect for Rupee for remaining grounded. He performed ''Tempted To Touch'', ''Jump'' and ''I am a Bajan''. He has a great Trini accent too ;) I did not get a picture of Rupee, but I have a good feeling I would see him perform live again in the near future.

After Rupee performed, another Bajan artiste named Mr. Dale performed his hit ''Fearless''. His hook for me is ''I doh care, we partyin' whole day''. Indeed. Finally, Biggie Irie closed off the show with his mega hit ''Need Ah Riddim''. His song is so fantastic for me because it is just about having fun at a party, and he describes how music can literally take over your body (combined with alcohol) and vibes to have a great time. The song is groovy and totally catchy. I hope he wins a major soca competition in Bim's CropOver season 2013. At the end of the show, all the performers lined the stage, and I got a photo, but unfortunately Rupee had already left.

Mr. Dale is at the extreme left, and Biggie Irie is in the middle with the hat and plaid shirt

There were a couple things I could not help but observe: while Rupee and Biggie Irie performed, they encouraged the crowd to get up and enjoy themselves, and most of the people sat there, making no move to dance in anyway. I was quite appalled by that, but I guess every culture is different. It kinda killed the vibes-y atmosphere I looked forward to from an event like that. It was as though they were afraid to loosen up; which was interesting to observe. Another thing that was off for me was for the first half of the show there were a group of calypsonians, and for the second half we got the same calypsonians singing different songs ... It made me wonder if calypso as an art form is being phased out.

But all in all I had a good time. I think it made up for not going Pan Pun De Sand. But I would definitely attend a Pan Pun De Sand in the future ^_^

Bridgetown

Bridgetown is just good vibes.

Firstly, we got some parking, and we walked to Independence Square. Some of the people sitting in the square looked at me all funny, taking pictures like a tourist. Well technically I am lol.

Independence Arc...well part of it

Even saw a statue of Errol Barrow, who was the first Prime Minister of Barbados #HistoricVibes

Statue of Errol Barrow, the first PM of Barbados

I saw a SIPS truck as I entered the city. SIPS makes one of the best milkshakes I've ever tasted with Dutch chocolate ice-cream, coffee, almonds and milk. I was this close to buying one, but since they come to my workplace to sell, I decided I would just buy another one then. One thing that struck me about Bridgetown is how clean it is. I was kinda amazed for a few minutes. Of course I walked on the Boardwalk, which I hear there will be steel pan performances this Saturday #TriniVibes

Somehow the boardwalk gives the city a very international feel

We walked through Cave Sheppard which has a lot of international brand items on sale such as Mac Cosmetics and Aeropostale shoes, all priced in US dollars and could have been purchased duty free (some stores) if you had your passport and plane ticket. Then we walked down Swan Street (which has a lot of history too), and did a little shopping there.

Swan Street

Swan Street seemed to be a street strictly for pedestrians, which i appreciated. I was told that cars would only drive there if there is some sort of delivery. DaCosta Mall wasn't to far away, and I had an epic lunch of split pea rice, scalloped potatoes and stewed chicken. It was so delicious and the Bajan lady there was so friendly, and she engaged me in a little conversation even #InterpersonalVibes.

After palancing through Bridgetown, we drove to the outskirts and I saw Carlisle Bay that had a lot of activities going on, and as we neared home, we stopped at Miami Beach for a bit.

Miami Beach

Later in the evening, we went to New Century Chinese Restaurant and Bar for dinner. The food was awesome too =)

Monday afternoon, Barbados was under storm watch, and my co-workers and I were hoping for a few days off. Work ended at 3:30 that afternoon and we were allowed to go home. Tropical storm Chantal was expected to make land fall in Barbados at midnight. And indeed it did rain most of Tuesday. Fortunately no flooding or major damage was reported. I enjoyed my day at home; slept a lot, watched some shows, read some books (reading five books at once) and slept some more. #RelaxDayRainyDayVibes

This weekend would be steel pan weekend for me, whether it's Pun De Sand on In De City.

But we'd see #PanVibes

BMEX 2013

Ah yes, another week in Barbados. Another week of work and back home on my laptop, and looking forward to the weekend because I know I would be able to visit somewhere I've never been to before.

So this weekend I went to BMEX 2013, which is the Barbados Manufacturer's Exhibition. Essentially some of the major manufacturers as well as up and coming entrepreneurs showcase their products and services, and members of the public as well as tourists are welcome to attend once you purchase your ticket. 

The time we went was closer to late evening, and there was a line to get in. 

The Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Barbados...where BMEX 2013 was held

After getting in eventually, it was jam packed! It was kinda hard for me to manoeuvre my way through the people, but all good vibes right? The first stall I spoke to was The Crane, who stated basically that they had Staycation specials until November. The prices were really attractive, but it's only for locals, but it was fun speaking to the representative, who was obviously exhausted, but still very pleasant nonetheless. As I walked on, there was Sagicor having a big promotion where you can win a trip for two to some island that I can't recall exactly. I remember one of their reps walked with me convincing me to enter, and I kept repeating that I honestly was not interested.

There was a new food product on display that served coconut pieces flavoured with sweet cinnamon, curry and hot pepper; all were interesting and I think it would make a delicious snack. The snack is called 'Organic Coconut Bites'. 

Samples of the awesome coconut bites

There was another room filled with only food products from Barbados and I saw one Trinidad-based company, Bermudez. I stopped at a chocolate stall, just because, and I engaged the entrepreneur in conversation about his brand of chocolate which I still have yet to try. I've been told the chocolate is exceptional, so I'm looking forward to trying it when I do.

Grenada Cacao flavoured chocolate from Agapey Chocolate Factory

Afterward I sampled soursop sorbet which tasted delicious compared to the soursop ice-cream I bought later. I also sampled conkies which I thought initially were pastelles the way they were packaged. But it's really an amalgam of ingredients like cornmeal, sweet potato, pumpkin, nutmeg, etc etc. It's sweet and has a pone-like texture. To me, it's pone with a pastelle shape. It's wrapped in fig leaves as well. 

And of course I go crazy when I see a cake stand, and I bought a slice of rum cake and apple cinnamon cake. I should have bought two slices of that rum cake...it was DELICIOUS.

The cake stand I went crazy for. The rum cakes are dark brown slices clear-wrapped at the bottom of the photo

The guy really told me it would be the best fruit/rum cake I'd ever have, and he did not lie. I also tried Mauby Milk and Ginger Milk for the first time. I remember the guy was telling me they use fresh cow's milk, and he was asking me if it was as creamy as he described. Lol, it tasted like part mauby and part milk to me.

Mauby milk!

I walked out of that room, and was welcomed by a Banks beer stand. Since I've arrived in Barbados I've seen Banks beer advertisements everywhere! Banks is the beer of Barbados, and I was told you can't leave Barbados without downing a bottle of it...lol I'm not a beer drinker, so there's a slim chance of me ever drinking an entire bottle of it. I sampled a new beer flavour the rep said is infused with honey. I tasted no honey, but the beer was aite. I got a picture of the stand but unfortunately it came out blurry. 

Blurry picture of Banks Beer's stand

Opposite that booth had a creative cake stand or specialty cake stand. But the cakes I saw were too cool. I even asked the owner if I wanted one in Trinidad if it would be possible, and she said just let her know in advance. She even told me her bestie is Trini! The name of the business is 'The Lady Caker'.

Creepy hand cake, burger and fries cake, did you see the popcorn one at the top? :O

I had to get a shot of the Phineas and Ferb cake.

Even tried some Mount Gay punch a creme

Bar tender pouring my Mount Gay punch a creme sample

Then I sampled Nfuze wine which was delicious... really delicious....I hope it goes worldwide!

Nfuze Wine

I saw some basket stalls, jewellery, clothing, a spa - I immediately went to the spa entrepreneur and asked her some questions and I got some great tips. I think I may visit her spa, once I have extra money.

There was a section for schools to showcase their talent, and I saw woodwork and soap making, it was just really cute.

Wood work by students ... amazing!

The only thing missing honestly was technological innovations, so maybe at BMEX 2014?