Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2017 | Page 98
The Bajan Rum Shop Experience
If you’re in Barbados wondering where you can get a taste of the authentic-Barbados, with no hint of the usual touristy-feeling, usually found in places politely geared towards creating pristine impressions for the visitor, I suggest you head to a rum shop. strangers can enjoy the light hearted banter, interspersed with intellectual discourse, story-telling or at-times nonsensical ramblings which marks a visit to the most sacred of social settings, the Bajan rum shop. Barbados is known for the prolific rum shops which dot its landscape from north to south. Being a part of Bajan culture dating back 300 years, over 1,500 of these iconic symbols of Bajan-ness provides a place for locals to congregate - to eat, drink, gossip and vociferously express their varied opinions on a wide range of topics. At one moment, it may be heated discussions about politics, then it may move on to cricket or some other sport. Then there’s the laughter. Friends as well as But you won’t find only rum in the rum shop. While there, ask for cou-cou and flying fish, after all, what better place is there to find the island’s national dish but at a rum shop? There may be other local food there as well, just ask. And, as you sip on your rum punch while nibbling on local delicacies, you’ll realise that you have learnt a lot about the island and its people by just being in the rum shop. As you entered, you were warmly greeted, I’m sure. Your opinion was probably Photo Credit: Rufus sought as the lively discussions ensued. You may have shrugged, deferring your answer to the local gentleman beside you, suggesting he may be better suited to answer. You may have been nudged by an elbow or two, may have even endured a gruff hug or hand shake, but at the end of your rum shop visit, you will be glad you went. “Hop in, I’ll give you a ride to your hotel.” You look around, asking, “Me?” “Yes,“ you’re told. You smilingly accept - you’ve made a friend. You’ve just had a Bajan Rum Shop Experience.