Beautiful Barbados

from http://74.52.200.226/~sefarad/lm/015/page26.html

 

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS W.I. 1654 Old Synagogue & Cemetery

 

The present Jewish community of Barbados continues to maintain and use the cemetery which surrounds this historic synagogue. However, with the sale of the synagogue in 1929 by the last remaining Jews from the original congregation, there was a lapse of three years before the first member of the present congregation, Moses Altman, arrived in 1932. By this time artefacts had been removed; some sold to visitors found their way into private homes and museums. The original eight chandeliers, wall brackets and several other items are in the Barbados Museum and two standing lamps were given to Moses Altman to be used by his congregation. At first, services were held at his residence; with the growth of the community to thirty families, a property was purchased and adapted to the use of worship. The original synagogue located in the centre of Bridgetown, had been converted into commercial space. Before 1983, several attempts were made to restore the cemetery, and a positive achievement was its improved maintenance. Sadly however, in the effort to tidy-up, many old tombstones (dating back to 1660) were moved from their original positions.

The acquisition of the Synagogue building was not contemplated before 1980. It appears as if the problems encountered in efforts to improve the cemetery discouraged any further plans.

By 1983 government had made plans to build a new Supreme Court building, acquiring the synagogue building and a number of properties surrounding it. A member of the local Jewish Community and grandson of Moses Altman, Paul B. Altman, was successful in obtaining governmental support for the restoration. Former Prime Minister, the late Tom Adams, had taken a personal interest in the restoration project. This interest has extended into the present administration. A local committee has been organized. Overseas organizations have offered assistance with main support coming from the Commonwealth Jewish Trust and from visitors have offered assistance and the project has become a reality. A restored synagogue will represent an important link in Jewish history as a reminder of the route of the original Jewish settlers took to North America. It will represent one of the two oldest synagogues in the Western hemisphere and will be a place of worship for Barbadian Jews as well as for many Jewish visitors to Barbados. It will have historical significance for all.

HISTORY OF THE SYNAGOGUE

The old synagogue, located about 200 yards from Broad Street, the main shopping street in Bridgetown, had its origins soon after the first British settlement in 1627 with the exodus of Jews from Recife, Brazil in 1654. A group of those who had fled Recife for Amsterdam, upon learning that Oliver Cromwell had opened British domains to Jews, applied for and secured permission to settle in Barbados. Among them were members of the de Mercado family. Aaron de Mercado died in 1660 and became the second Jew known to have been buried in Barbados. The prime organiser of the congregation Nidhe Israel (The scattered of Israel) was a Recife Jew, Lewis Dias, alias Joseph Jesurum Mendes and the earliest reference to the synagogue is found in a deed of conveyance of land adjoining, the Jewish property dated September 1661, and vestry minutes of that period also date the old synagogue to the late 1660’s. Public worship for Jews in Barbados came in 1654, three years ahead of London.

The old synagogue in Barbados can boast of being one of the two oldest synagogue in the Western hemisphere and similar in age to the synagogue in Curaçao which has become a landmark of that Island. (Of interest, two Barbadian Jews established the beginning of a Jewish community in Rhode Island, USA in 1677 and it was another Barbadian Jew who was responsible in 1682 for purchasing the plot of land that is today the oldest surviving Jewish graveyard in North America, at Chatham Square, New York).

The hurricane of 1831 destroyed most of our original synagogue and on 29 March 1833, the present building was dedicated, constructed at a cost of 4000 L. The moving spirit behind the rebuilding was Dr Hart-Lyon, a jeweller who together with ninety other influential Jews, raised the necessary funds.

The following extract is taken from the Barbados Globe of 1 April 1833 as reprinted in Mr E.M. Shilston’s work Monumental Inscriptions in the Jewish Cemetery, Bridgetown, Barbados.

“About three of the clock on a bright and sunny afternoon in the month of march 1833, the people of the Hebrew Nation in Bridgetown, Barbados, commenced to assemble in the courts and avenues of their Synagogue, and in the course of an hour, They were joined by a number of the most respectable inhabitants, the ladies of grace, fashion and beauty (admitted to the galleries) to witness the interesting and impressive ceremony before them. It was the day that would ever stand eminently distinguished in the annals of the Hebrew Community of the town prophesied the editor of the Barbados Globe.

“The building occupied an area of two thousand square feet, fifty feet long and forty feet wide. It was thirty-seven feet high and received considerable strength from the rounding of the angles, which were capped with large antique censers uniting a balustrated parapet all round, the roof being hardly visible.

The windows were lancet shaped and tastefully harmonised with the proportions of the building side, covered with a Gothic Hood, led to the gallery within; the whole of the exterior was lightly tinged of stone-colour, and scored in blocks, the appearance altogether was classical and chaste…

The interior correspond with the outer appearance; a light and tasteful gallery occupied three sides of the interior supported by neat Doric columns. The Reader’s desk in the body of the edifice was sufficiently elevated to give a conspicuous view of the person officiating. From the ceiling was suspended at each corner in front of the gallery a single brass chandelier of eight lights, and in the centre, one of similar kind containing twenty-four.

The area of the building was paved in alternate squares of black and white marble; and the ceiling, painted in relief produced a most pleasing effect, as well from artist-like manner in which it was executed as from the chasteness of its design. It was computed to hold about three hundred persons.

The cost of this building, L 4.000 in Island currency, was defrayed by the ninety influential Jews resident in Barbados. Mr Hart-Lyon, a Jeweller was the moving spirit in its rebuilding”.

A fall In sugar prices led to emigration of most of the Jewish community from Barbados and by 1900 only seventeen Jews remained. The synagogue was sold in 1929 by private treaty with only one Jew remaining. It was converted into offices and continued under this use until the end of 1993 when it was compulsorily acquired by government with plans to demolish it and erect a new Supreme Court building. The Jewish community, with the support of the Barbados National Trust and Caribbean Conservation Association were able to persuade government to accept plans for a restoration project.

(An attempt had been made in 1929 by Mr Eustace M. Shildstone a Barbadian lawyer and non-Jew, to purchase the synagogue for preservation as a national memorial to the Jews of Barbados and because of its historical and antiquarian connections).

Lord Bernstein

From http://ftpsurfer.com/09/19/beautiful-island-nation-of-barbados/

Located far out in the Atlantic Ocean, there are few places more beautiful than the island nation of Barbados. Featuring stunning island scenery and a rich culture, Barbados is worth a visit of its own merit. Surfers though will especially want to make time and save money for a trip to experience the world-class waves that form off the coasts of Barbados.

A coral reef stretches around Barbados, reining in the waves and allowing the swell to be more consistent than usual. Because of the island’s position in the Atlantic Ocean, waves can travel thousands of miles to finally break on the shore of Barbados. These two factors make surfing a possibility almost every day of the year, without too much difficulty in finding a spot. The east coast of the island is especially popular among surfers, because it has what many contend to be the best waves. The south coast is popular because a variety of surfing conditions from one side of the coast to the other allow you to decide what you want to surf and when.

Barbados is warm and sunny the whole year, with temperatures ranging from 75 degrees to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and not getting much higher or lower than that, except in rare circumstances. A wind coming from the northeast blows steadily so that the island is not unbearably hot. When it does rain, it is only in small showers and is usually in the later half of the year, so for the first part of the summer you can expect it to be dry. Water temperature stays in the mid-80s.

A popular surf spot on the eastern coast of Barbados is called the Soup Bowl, and its world-class waves are known far and wide among dedicated surfers. Even with this in mind, the crowds tend to be manageable throughout the week and the year. Parking is limited, but getting to the spot is fairly easy since Barbados isn’t too large of an island. It is generally recommended that the best time to go is from September to November in order to take advantage of the good weather and the excellent waves.

From http://blog.thecrane.com/zen-barbados-top-restaurant/

The Crane thanks all its valued members and guests for helping us making Zen the top restaurant on the island, as noted by the 2009 Zagat Guide to Barbados. Beating out traditional favourites, our Japanese and Thai signature restaurant was named Top in the Food category of all restaurants in Barbados.

Perched atop a cliff overlooking Crane Beach, Zen restaurant took the top rating in the Food category, of all restaurants on the island. The restaurant, which features classic Thai and Japanese cuisine, has a fantastic panoramic ocean view, traditional Grand Tatami room, an exquisite sushi bar and private rooms for dining. It’s no wonder that reviewers declare it is “worth the drive” for Zen’s delicious cuisine.

We are extremely proud to be the home of the top restaurant in Barbados!

The accolades were presented to The Crane at Zagat’s award ceremony held at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion in St. James on Saturday, September 13.

Both Zen and L’Azure restaurants were honoured with ratings in the ‘Top Ten Most Popular Restaurants’ and ‘Top Hotel Dining’ categories. L’Azure was praised for its “incredible Gospel Sunday brunch” and described by one reviewer as “heaven on earth.”

The Best of Barbados Guide is the only Zagat Guide for a Caribbean destination. Now in its third year, the 2009 Guide features 181 restaurants, night spots, attractions and golf courses stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Caribbean Sea. The ratings and reviews are based on the collective opinions of more than 1,500 savvy locals and frequent visitors.

About Zagat Survey:
Zagat Survey is the world’s leading provider of consumer survey-based leisure content. With more than 250,000 surveyors, Zagat Survey rates and reviews restaurants, nightlife, movies, music, golf, shopping and a range of other entertainment categories.

Zen Restaurant's Grand Tatami Room

from http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/NewViewNewsleft.cfm?Record=36870

Web Posted - Sat Sep 20 2008
By Alan Harris

BARBADOS will be represented at the International World Mind Games which are being hosted in Beijing China from the 13th-18th of October. Ronald Suki King, currently the number one draughts player in the world, Jack Francis, who is currently ranked fourth in the world, and the lone female competitor for Barbados, Wilma Branch, who is undoubtedly the best female draughts player in Barbados, will fly the Bajan flag high in China, as did the Barbados Olympic athletes did just last month.

Speaking to Barbados Advocate Sports, the threesome said that preparations are on track and they were in the process of pro-actively seeking out financial assistance from the government and persons in the private sector to aid them in their quest to bring glory to Barbados through the game of draughts.

The International Mind Games will see three styles of draughts being played which are 100 squares, 8 by 8 (Russian style) and three move restriction. The winner of the three move restriction will gain the opportunity to play Alex Moise for the three move championship of the world next year. King, who just successfully defended his world Go-as-you-please title, believes that this championship will return to Barbados after he demolishes the competition in China and wins a chance to play the champ.

This event is seen as an unofficial Olympic event with Olympic medals being handed out but no prize money attached to the victory. This event is also being viewed by the international draughts community as the launching pad for the addition of draughts to the Olympic line up. If this was to ever become a reality, Suki said There is a real chance of hearing the Barbados national anthem if draughts was in the Olympics. We are some of the best if not the best in the world at draughts.

The Bajan threesome took the time out while speaking to Barbados Advocate Sports to thank their sponsors who have already come on board such as the National Sports Council, Barbados Tourism Authority, Pizza Man Doc, Jordan's Supermarket, Professor Hillary Beckles and Mr. Lionel Weekes. However, they stressed the need for as much corporate sponsorship as they can garner, as the trip was estimated to cost $30 000 for the team and one manager who is yet to be named.

From http://cruise4cuisine.blogspot.com/2008/08/worlds-sexiest-beaches-2008-little.html

11. Site: St. Philip, Barbados

Bring the heat: It's only 21 miles long, yet Barbados has a bit of everything: Fine dining and bawdy beach shacks, cricket matches and Mount Gay Rum tours, the posh Caribbean Platinum Coast and the rough-and-tumble (and Highland-like) Scotland District up north. Gauge your partner's whims and go.

Select sands: Been fantasizing about pink-sand beaches while sitting in your beige work cubicle? Imagine waking up, running out of the hotel with your lover, and straight onto Crane Beach, backed by tall cliffs and baby powder–fine sands that glow pink. It's a primal place that might encourage a detour back to the hotel.

Hookup potential: Minimal. There are other tourists to check out, but Barbados is really about spiriting out of town for a week with somebody you'd like to know better.

Privacy rating: 8.3. The western coast packs 'em in, leaving your side of the island just as it should be: empty.

Pillow talk: Unless you're desperate to hang around the crowds, the Crane's remote location—on an east-coast cliff overlooking Crane Beach—is ideal for intimacy. You have a choice between the rooms in the original section (built in 1887) or the new private residences, which come with private plunge pools.

Crane Resort
Tel: 800 223 9815 (toll-free)
Tel: 246 423 6220
Doubles from $150

A good review of Island Safari.

Read the whole article and see the pictures at Island Safari Barbados - A WOW! Barbados Island Tour: "Island Safari Barbados!

This Barbados island tour goes off the road!

And takes you to the edge!

Explore places some us didn’t know about.

The Island Safari Land Rovers reach best kept secrets!

Early Morning Pick up

The day of the Island Safari Barbados tour all we did was wake up and relax! We showered in between but relaxed.

Our Island Safari tour guide came to pick us up in one of the festive, zebra stripped, out back, 4x4 Land Rovers , called Garfield - the fat cat.

Our guide for the day was Jordan, a cool guy! He’ll crack you up and crack the day wide open with a few jokes. Good ones too!

We joined other companions already on board.

All set, buckle up and we were on our way to meet the rest of the Land Rover fleet - Simba, Papa Smurf, Bugs Bunny, Elmo, Dino, Sylvester , Scooby-Doo and other cartoon Island Safari Land Rovers at the first stop of the day - historic … Gun Hill ."

Our experiences with the Concorde Museum can be found here: http://beautiful-barbados.blogspot.com/2008/08/wednesday-week-one-helicopter-day.html

This is from another blog, written September 12th 2008 by Ksue44

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From http://www.travelblog.org/Central-America-Caribbean/Barbados/blog-322563.html

Day #5 - September 6th (2008)

As they say, "all good things must come to an end". I got to go to all of the places that my little heart was content to go. There was an exception to that, and it was a BIG surprise for me. I found out that the Concorde was on display in Barbados! I was excited - I had always wanted to fly on the Concorde.

British Airways Concorde G-BOAE or Alpha Echo for short, was opened to visitors on April 16, 2007.
Studies began in 1959 to design the Concorde. The plane was developed in the 1960s by the French company Aerospatiale and the British Aircraft Corporation.

In the mid 1960's the first protoype was made, and the first flight took off in 1969.

The Concorde was retired in 2003 due to costs and the crash of the Air France Concorde in July 2000.

The Concorde flew to: New York, Paris, London and Barbados. Flying from London Heathrow to Barbados would be a 4 hour flight on the Concorde. Today, that same flight is 8 hours.
An excerpt about the Concorde that intrigued me "The sun is now climbing from the west. In winter it is possible to leave London after sunset, on the evening Concorde for New York, and watch the sun rise out of the west. Flying at Mach 2 at these latitudes will cause the sun to set in the west at three times its normal rate, casting, as it does so, a vast curved shadow of the earth, up and ahead of the aircraft."

Rear of the Concorde
The wings have an interesting shape.

There are 7 British Airway Concordes on display: four in Britain, two in the United States, and one in Barbados.

When entering the Museum you are treated to an impressive video/sound presentation telling about the plane itself and giving interesting information about some of its features: It can travel at twice the speed of sound (Mack 2.00) some 1380 m.p.h. or 23 miles per minute. This is faster than a rifle bullet. Since Barbados is only 21 miles long the Concorde could have travelled the length of the island in less than one minute! The Concorde’s “home” was in the stratosphere, on the edge of space, and it travelled so fast that it heated up, expanding the metal of which it was made and actually increasing the length

Front of the plane

When the Concorde takes off, the nose is up. When it lands, the nose is down.

The Concorde plane is really enormous, with landing wheels some four feet in diameter. Some other interesting facts about flight: the sound barrier, about 690 m.p.h., was first passed in 1947 and the first supersonic passenger plane flew 19 years later in 1976.

My favorite part: a video which simulates take off including vibration of the plane; the simulation also offers experience of the sonic boom during flight. Realism is enhanced when you are handed a “boarding pass” before “boarding” and when this is collected at the entrance to the plane by a “flight attendant”.

After you view the inside of the plane, you can have an "opportunity" to fly the Concorde on a flight simulator. It isn't as easy as it looks. I had trouble with take-off, then once airborne, the plane went straight up. I fully understand why I'm not a pilot! It was fun!

The Concorde exhibit is a great place to go, before catching your flight.

After leaving the exhibit, I caught my flight home. Interesting thing - on the flight going to Barbados, everyone was chatty, bubbly with excitement, and anxious.   Returning home, the plane was quiet and faces were long. Vacationer's "remorse".

Departure lounge
These chairs were luxury!

Eating in style
This isn't like the "peanut" gallery that some of the airlines of today now offer.

Wine list

Inside the cabin
The cabin is short and narrow inside.

Meal time
This is a little bit more upscale than that "Happy Meal", naturally, you'll want to have some bubbly.

Cockpit

Flight uniforms

Luggage conveyor belt
The luggage was a bit dated. There is very little room inside the Concorde for luggage, it isn't stored underneath the plane.

Long and narrow
The tires were about 4 feet high.

Engines of the Concorde

Rear of the Concorde

"Green" plane
This was cute!

Small
This plane was a dwarf next to the Concorde