SAINT PHILIP, barbados | Day 4-5 of 28
It was on the ride back to the Airport when I realised I had made a grave error in judgement… I forgot automatic cars existed. I passed my driving test in December 2019 and have had driven manual cars ever since. I would consider myself a quite confident driver but staring at the PRNDL gearbox left be completely bamboozled.
When I’d booked my AirBnB for the rest of the stay in Barbados, the couple running the place had suggested hiring a rental car since their property was in the countryside and the car would enable me to get around and see the sights easily. Finding a company that would rent to me was very difficult considering 1. my license was under two years old, 2. I was under 25, and 3. I didn’t have a credit card. I solved the third issue by applying for and being approved for a credit card and this certainly opened up more options. The majority of companies I’d spoken to were fine taking the payment itself by debit card but wanted a credit card for the security deposit, so at least that was one thing sorted. I could not, unfortunately, change my age or the age of my driving license.
In the end, I went with Indigo Car Hire who confirmed in writing that I was eligible to hire a vehicle with them. I paid a £10 GBP deposit and secured a twelve day hire. My transfer picked me up at the hotel to take me back to the Airport where I’d collect the rental car. I arranged it this way since it would then be easiest to drop the car back off when I got my return flight. Now, don’t get me wrong, I had thoroughly researched driving rules in Barbados – driving on the left, different speed limits, common road signs etc. – but it had just failed to occur to me that automatic card were a thing. I had about ten minutes to quickly google what each of the letters stood for and how on earth the car worked without a clutch – definitely not my finest moment!
With all the paperwork processed and deposit paid, I was off to a rather bumpy start attempting to pull the car away from the kerb. Once I got going it became far easier but I can’t deny that my first few times coming to an intersection I slammed the brake down and almost went flying into the windshield. Luckily, the AirBnB wasn’t far and no complicated maneuvers were required on the journey there.
Glenn was at the front of the house to greet me and introduce me to the two dogs, who were definitely one of the major highlights of my trip, despite their quirks. Goldie was a Golden Retriever mix and a brilliant escape artist. She could be nowhere near the gate and the moment it would open for you to drive out, she was off in a flash. I may have let her escape once or twice on my watch but she always returned eventually. Bee was a Jack Russell with an obsession of hunting monkeys and lizards – both quite a common site in the garden. I certainly missed them both when I had to leave.
The AirBnB comprised the downstairs of their property which was separated from the top by a locked door in the garage so there was plenty of privacy inside. I was slightly nervous knowing that we would share the garden and pool area, especially since of course I did not want them to see me swimming pre-top surgery, but they were both very respectful and I’d only see them around occasionally – Pat in the early morning for a swim and Glenn in the afternoon for yard work.
Once I’d unpacked, my first trip out the compound was to a supermarket to load up on groceries and other essentials. I definitely could not afford to be eating out for the entire trip so I focused on picking up supplies of cereal, sandwiches, and pasta to make some basic dishes at home.
A housekeeper came to clean the property a few times a week and Pat dropped off cookies and cinnamon rolls every so often but otherwise I was left to my own devices which I was very grateful for! I would definitely stop and chat with them when I was coming back to the house or watching the monkeys in the garden but it was nice to still have my own space, especially since I need to continue my work while staying there. A lovely peaceful countryside retreat.
USEFUL Links
All information on the latest Barbados COVID-19 protocols can be found here.
Some great information on renting a car and driving in Barbados can be found here.
Approximate prices
Twelve day hire of a Suzuki Swift or similar (plus security deposit) = 663 GBP (+375 GBP) || 883 USD (+500 USD) || 1782 BBD (+1010 BBD) (booked via Indigo Car Hire)
Twelve nights in an AirBnB = 702 GBP || 934 USD || 1887 BBD (booked via AirBnB)
Additional Information
This trip takes place from 11th October to 7th November 2021.
Keep an eye out for upcoming blogs on the rest of the trip “The Journey“.
For my GoFundMe to recoup surgery costs, visit this link.
T.A.G. World Guide 