A Taste of Great Grandpa's Early Days

Wake up in the morning, yawn and stretch

Turn up the radio, fix that morning breath

Pop that pastry in the microwave or make a bowl of flakes

Hop right in the shower 'cause I can not afford to be late

Grab my jeans, plug in the iron, pop it out- forget that

My clothes will keep their wrinkles, stuff my books in my back pack

Wake my computer up, check what Facebook notified

Check my BBM groups, see what happened last night

Glide into the Toyota or take the bus if the car gets me annoyed

Yes, this is a typical morning in the life of crazy Lloyd.

            An extract from "Crazy Lloyd": story written by Jaci Jo

I'm sure, thanks to the many new technologies that surround us, that Lloyd's morning is pretty similar to that of many other people. However, as you may know, in earlier years waking up to a radio or checking your Facebook was unheard of. Heck, even taking a shower was out of the question.

Barbadians at one point were very poor and the average man could not buy a bicycle far less a Toyota (I don't think they were even created yet). Indeed, times were very different some four decades ago.

Like Lloyd, children went to school however, they weren't...fortunate enough to be able to just get up and go. They often had to wake up early with the rest of the household and do chores such as feeding the chickens, fetching water or cleaning the chimney (yes, some houses had chimneys then).

Breakfast wasn't taken lightly either. After chores, there would be "bakes" and porridge to chow down on or maybe tea and biscuits. It was a must to have something filing and warm in your stomach before you left home on mornings.



A Man Washing At A Stand Pipe

Of course people didn't shower but they did clean themselves. They would sponge bathe. The water that was brought in from the stand pipe on mornings would be boiled (or maybe left cold) and poured into a basin and a piece of cloth or sponge would scrub the morning's work away. The stand pipe was a very big part of Barbadian communities and not just because it provided a means for people to stay clean. It was a place of gathering, where people would line up with their buckets and basins waiting to catch water and gossip or quarrel.  It was also used to wash clothes and pots and pans. There was one in every neighbourhood.

A Chattle House

Another aspect of our past that was found in every neighbourhood was of course the Chattle house. These houses were built to withstand the heavy winds that come with hurricanes and was home to many a person during those days.

A Sculpture of a Donkey and Cart

Now I know for a fact that if I were to ask you to come with me and walk all the way to St. Lucy you would ask me if I am crazy. Truth is, that's what happened in Barbados decades ago. People walked every where! As I said, not many where able to afford a bicycle or car. However, those who were fortunate enough to have a donkey would hook a cart onto him and go about their ventures. A donkey and cart were a blessing, especially for those who had to carry produce to and fro.

Hopefully, by now you would've gathered that times were pretty rough back then. They earned little (well in this day and age we would call it that) and paid little as well. If you had five dollars as a child you were rich because fifteen cents alone could buy you enough sugar cakes and 'rolly pollys' (a sweet) to feed a whole army of friends! Sadly, that wouldn't occur because at the end of the week 5 dollars (give or take a couple cents) was all that was earned and it had to feed the entire household.

People in those days had none of the luxuries that Lloyd (and many others) consider to be part of every day life. Ironing clothes meant heating up the stove and leaving the iron on it to get hot; no plugging in and plugging out then. Radio eventually did come about,(Redifusion) however there was only one station and it was more an element of entertainment and not so much morning company.

They're so many interesting and lovely things about the lives lived by our great grand or grandparents that one blog isn't enough to share it in. I do know however, that our hearts and minds as Barbadians would be great places to store and document the beauty of the life past. The communities were like no other, they were full of sharing, hospitality, unity and peace. The way of life for those in the communities is one that shouldn't be forgotten. It's full of life lessons, humor and history that has caused Barbados to be the way we know it.

*Picture Of Man At Stand Pipe taken from courses.vcu.edu
  Picture of Chattle House taken from worldatlas.com

"We Rhythms"

   ♪"Soca in meh body, soca in me head, soca all around meh, soca in the fete"♪

"Soca Queen": Alison Hinds

    The lyrics of Alison Hinds’ song “Soca in meh body” speak of a feeling many Barbadians can relate to, that is being lost in the sweet rhythms of soca and enjoying the mood it brings.

Soca is popular across the Caribbean. Many Barbadians define it as the music you “chip down the road” to during the Crop Over festival, however it isn’t the only genre we have that plays a big role in our musical culture.

    I’m sure that many citizens, who went to primary school in the island, can recall singing and doing movements to many folks songs such as “Jon Belly Ma Ma”, “Sweet Sweet Flying Fish and Cou-Cou” and “See muh lil brown girl”. Folk music is said to have been fully developed by the end of the 17^th century and was used by the slaves to past time or for recreation.

    The comical lyrics and dances that come from folk songs aren’t the only music related aspects we were taught or have been seeing since childhood. The Tuk Band and Landship are a major part of our musical culture! It is always a joy to see the Captain calling out orders to his crew as they “raise the sails” or “scrub the deck” to the rhythm of the pennywhistle, kittle triangle and a snare and double-headed bass drum.



Creator of Spouge



    Spouge, along with the Landship, is indigenous to our island. Created by the brilliant mind of Jackie Opel in the 1960’s, Spouge music was a combination of a cowbell, bass guitar, trap set and various other electronic and percussion instruments. This genre brings that bounce and rock melody that makes you just want to wine and have a good time!   ♪"Gimme Music…to rock my body and soul!"♪ 



    Of course I wouldn’t be in my right mind if I were not to mention calypso! Man, those rhythms hypnotise the brain; taking control of the waistline and bumper causing one to “do a number” almost anywhere. Of course you cannot mention calypso without the powerful voices of Alison Hinds, Rupee, Blood, Edwin Yearwood and younger artistes such as Mikey or Pong coming to mind. Calypso is King during, before and after Crop Over time; in fact people both here and across the globe identify it as part of who we are.

    With mentioning calypso, Kaiso (a type of calypso: social commentary) comes to mind. Many people can be seen flocking to events just to hear what and who Red Plastic Bag, or the Observer would be “discussing” in their…entertaining and sometimes double entendre lyrics.   



    When ever I hear the captivating melodies of my gem, my blood bubbles with excitement, my fingers tap to the beat and I have the irresistible urge to move to the sounds. After all, like Rupee sings “I am a Bajan!”

Questions to the Forum:

What’s your favorite genre of Barbadian Music?

                                           

 Who’s your favorite Barbadian Artist?

                                            

What is another form of music that is special to our home?

                                    

Barbadian Scenery

       There’s no doubt that many people on this beautiful island of ours take our home for granted. Sadly their minds are more captivated somewhat by the negative elements of our country, so much so that they constantly chastise their own home, often saying that they prefer or would like to live some where else.

     “Mum”, the very wise woman that she was, would always say “Bajans ain know wa dah got.” This statement is undoubtedly true. This little island in the sun has so much to offer, not only to visitors but to those who live here!

      Across the island, at any time of the day or night, breathtaking views enlighten the hearts of many who take the time to become immersed in them.

     Beaches, when calm and serene are irresistible; inviting you to waltz amongst the shimmering waters. Lady Ocean isn’t always quiet however, when her seas are rough, you are fascinated with her enchanting display of power as she crashes against the shore. At night her soft moans lull you and are the perfect love song; fueling romance for the lovers that take a late night stroll along the boardwalk.

    When given the opportunity, I love to go into the country side and let my thoughts sway with the breeze. Watching the view as I make my way down or sit on the top of a hill is always fulfilling. The hustle and bustle of the far off streets is lost in a somewhat misted view. It seems as though the clouds stop just to take a peek.

    The spectacle of the coast must not be forgotten. The shoreline and the waters are as if one could not do without the other, as the waves slide ashore to get yet another touch of the sand, and their lover, who finds them irresistible, glides away with them in little bits or sits awaiting their touch. In addition, we are blessed with some of the most stunning sunsets and sunrises.

    The beautiful scenery of our home isn’t only seen around beaches and hills. Our city is also captivating. I’m sure that when one sits near a window upstairs in one of the popular fast food restaurants, you find yourself looking out upon the wharf or the many people scurrying through Broad Street. Relaxation takes over you.

   I can’t help but to smile when I hear the many vendors yelling out what their produce and prices are. Not to mention when some decide to call at the ladies instead. I always find this amusing, especially when they’re shot down with glares, “stupses” or comments aimed at damaging their egos. Poor Souls!

   How can one not feel their heart expand with love and appreciation when they catch nothing but a glimpse of this haven!? Barbadians need to realize that this land is ours. Don’t leave it up to the tourist to enjoy! Make the most of your beautiful home, there's no where else quite like it.

Questions to the Forum:

What do you like most about the island's scenery?

                                       
Why do you think some Barbadians see Barbados as second to other places in the world?