Probably my 15th trip there. A country with a 98% literacy rate and the lowest unemployment rate in the Caribbean because of it. Years ago when the world price of sugar plummeted educated cane cutters were displaced from their jobs, but because of their educations, they were employable. They were retrained into the tourist industry, light manufacturing, and computer jobs. It is rare to come across a tourist harasser here and therefore one has virtual free roaming of the country. This time (last week) I stayed at the Colony Club, a hotel property of suites on the Caribbean. Accommodations were first class and the staff was attentive and wonderful. I always rent a car in Barbados and freely drive to favorite haunts in the countryside including the rough unswimmable Atlantic coast where I surf fish and picnic, this time with my fiancee, a neat sheet, a picnic lunch prepared by a Franch patisserie and a cold 2005 Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc. We had at least a mile of gorgeous beach to ourselves, not a person in sight for 3 glorious hours.

The primo property is the Sandy Lane, the place Tiger Woods commandeered for his friends and his wedding. You can easily spend up to 3 grand a night here. 3 wonderful golf courses, the best cove in the country, and probably the best restaurant with the most innovative chef in the Caribbean. I dined here but once in my stay and it was memorable. I stayed here in 1974 and 1996. It has been made over since then and is the playground of British royalty when they visit their former colony.

Excellent meals were had at The Cliff (twice). the Tides, Josef's in St. Lawrence Gap, and Olives in Holetown. Bagatelle, an old favorite of mine, has fallen on more difficult times. Another place I used to love in Bridgetown is Brown Sugar, but I found their menu and preparation lacking. The Waterfront Cafe in Bridgetown provided a wonderful lunch of flying fish sandwiches and Coronas.

Wine lists vary and the prices are pretty steep. No BYO. Sandy Lane, the Cliff, and Josef's had good to excellent selections of French, Aussie, and South American wines. There is a little wine shop in Holetown with a good selection of wines to drink in your hotel.

Although taxi fares are steep, it is the only way to travel at night. The roads are poorly lit, narrow, and there are no sidewalks. Driving on the English side of these roads at night can be quite dangerous, especially after a meal and wine.

Entertainment varies. Plan on getting back to your room by 11 or 12. Most hotels have entertainment by the pool bars at night. While there, there was polo to watch and this week the World Cricket championships will be there. Nothing beats staring out on the Caribbean and watching the sun set. Day time temps 86 F.

Dick