
Barbados
An expat in Barbados talks about what it's like living on this beautiful island. Adjusting to a more laid-back lifestyle isn't always as easy as you'd think, but can be liberating. Friday nights at the Oistins fish fry are a must!
Hastings
No, we decided to move there on a whim. We had two young children and a third on the way a the time.
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The Barbadians (or Bajans as they say locally) speak English but with an accent that is quite hard to understand at times. We already spoke English.
We were leaving a European country that spoke a different language at the time so we figured the culture shock would be minor compared to our previous move. We were not completely right as we had a whole new set of things to get use to.
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Life is lived at a very different pace in Barbados. Do not expect things to be done too quickly or you will just become frustrated at the natural pace of things there. It is better to accept it and learn to slow down and go with their pace. It becomes much less stressful. Also once they see you are not so uptight they tend to help you out more as they are now not afraid to be around the foreigner who wants them to work faster.
In addition do not expect to have access to all the same things you did in your home country. This is an island, besides Rum, Beer and a few foods not much is produced locally so most things have to be brought in. As a result some weeks you can not find good steak and some things you will simply never find available locally.
We never went through an angry stage. The people are very friendly and they will accept you quickly if you adapt to their ways and are respectful. I found that most people will help you out given the chance and treated well.
As an example I had a mango tree in my yard that bore many fruits. I gave bags of mangoes to my friends when it got to the point that I could not eat them all. They appreciated it so much that soon they were bringing me all kinds of stuff and helping me on different projects.
I was never angry or depressed in Barbados. The people were just so friendly and the weather so nice that I could not be in any mood but a good one.
You do tend to drink more but its on a social level as you go to the fishmarket on Friday nights (a social gathering) and have a few beers with crab balls and sauce or take part in the cropover celebrations that include quite a fair amount of rum and dancing.
The friendliness, the openness, and the love of life. The Bajans enjoy life, they don't take work as seriously as we do in America or Europe which can be frustrating but also can be liberating depending on how you approach the change. If you learn to relax and live a slower paced life you will enjoy the island life here in Barbados.
Getting anything done in a timely matter. Do not expect quick service for anything from restaurants to building a new home. Everything takes more time then you would be use to in America or Europe.
My first time at the Oistins fish fry I saw "Dolphin" on the menu and was a bit upset at the thought of eating dolphin and went on a bit of a rant about saving the dolphins... only to find out that in Barbados "dolphin fish" is actually Dorado or Maui Maui and not a Dolphin at all!
I have lived in many different countries now. No matter where you go you are bound to experience some differences from what you are use to. The best thing is always to approach them with an open mind first and remember you are the visitor in their land and it is up to you to adapt, learn to live with or leave. It is not up to them to change to the ways you are use to.
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Guide to Living in Hastings, Barbados
Hastings, Barbados: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Hastings
Barbados Forum
Join our Barbados forum to meet other people living in Hastings, Barbados.
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Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Hastings.
An overview of healthcare and health insurance in Barbados including finding a doctor, emergency medical care and transport, medical evacuation, expat health insurance options, recommended vaccinations, common diseases in Barbados, quality of hospitals and medical care, having a baby in Barbados and more.
An expat in Barbados talks about what it's like living on this beautiful island. Adjusting to a more laid-back lifestyle isn't always as easy as you'd think, but can be liberating. Friday nights at the Oistins fish fry are a must!
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Expats, digital nomads and retirees talk more about what it's like to live in Barbados and offer advice to newcomers..
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Hastings, Barbados: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Hastings
Barbados Forum
Meet other people living in Hastings.
An overview of healthcare and health insurance in Barbados including finding a doctor, emergency medical care and transport, medical evacuation, expat health insurance options, recommended vaccinations, common diseases in Barbados, quality of hospitals and medical care, having a baby in Barbados and more.
Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Hastings.
An expat in Barbados talks about what it's like living on this beautiful island. Adjusting to a more laid-back lifestyle isn't always as easy as you'd think, but can be liberating. Friday nights at the Oistins fish fry are a must!
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