Barbados in a Nutshell - 2022 - EBook

17 Activities caption caption caption caption Rum Shops There is always energetic discussion, with a variety of topics, although the most frequent are those issues currently occupying public attention, and especially local politics and cricket. Conversations are loud and often punctuated with expletives. Often a game of dominoes is going on in a corner, characterised by loud slamming and equally loud talking. The rum-drinking section is often separated from the rest of the shop, few women frequent these areas, and any unaccompanied woman is frowned upon. (That said, some of the most shrewd shopkeepers are women!). In recent years rum shops have undergone dramatic changes from the simple combination of grocery and bar, with some bedecked in the advertising colours of beer, rum, ice cream and biscuit manufacturers and some even offering free wifi! To survive and compete with supermarkets and the 24 hour automarts at service stations, many have “moved on” to become minimarts and successful small restaurants serving tasty Bajan food. Visitors can be assured of a friendly welcome and beastly cold drinks which are served with a separate container of ice - Bajan style. Check it out! Taken from A-Z of Barbados Heritage by C.M. Sean Carrington, G. Addinton Forde, Henry S. Fraser and John T. Gilmore. All photos Andrew Hulsmeier R.A. Mapp in Eagle Hall, St. Michael John Moore’s, St. James Sea View B r in Bathsheba Scotland View i St. Peter