Expert: Cathrin Mueller - 8/31/2006

Question
I realize this is awfully late in the asking, but we are leaving Sat. morning for a week in Barbados, and like to bring a little something when we travel to either give our caretakers or for the children there. I realize this is not an impoverished place, as many are that we have visited, but wondered if you had an idea of something easy to find here and htf there. (Or if that would be an insult, let me know that, too!)
Thanks!
Cat

Answer
Hello Cat,

I travel down about every six months and have quite a few Bajan friends.  I don't know enough about your relationship to your caretakers to really give you a perfect answer.

I always bring down decorative candles.  They are always appreciated and stupidly expensive on Barbados.  A small pillar candle the size of a coke can cots about $15!  A nice candle is always a good hospitality gift.  Potpourri is also always appreciated.

As far as children go, I like to bring orginal or goofy candy along.  They can get gum and chocolate bars.  I take gummi bears or flying saucers or wax lips or mini hamburgers.  You get the idea.  

If you know someone's taste in entertainment, CDs and DVDs are very expensive on Barbados.

If your caretakers are gourmets, olive oil or balsamico vinegar are absurdly expensive.  Don't bring alchohol as those that don't drink, don't drink and those that do drink, drink local rum with pride.  Unless you know a wine enthusiast, it is not worth the bother of trying to get a glass bottle down safely.

Have a great trip!
Cathrin