How are you guys doing back in New York? It's great down here in Barbados! It has many wonderful things that I'm eager to share with you! I enjoy basking in the sun, when it isn't raining, but I still look forward to rainy days for good reading time. Frankie, I challenge you to a game of Cricket! I'm finally getting the hang of it and I'll be glad to teach you how to play.

You will really enjoy yourself; everyone is so friendly once you get to know him or her. It's fun to play and swim here as long as you know what your doing and you're careful, because there are a few diseases to look out for. I hope you guys are really excited about coming here, I can't wait until you come! It's nothing like home, but it's fun if you like to try new things.

Mom, I know you are so paranoid about all these diseases, so here are a few to look out for. One disease is called Dengue Fever; this is a tropical disease caused by mosquitoes. Diarrhea is another disease to look out for so don't eat too many beans! Intestinal parasites, are common, so clean up your wounds quickly before they get infected. I know you're going to be worried but don't be! All we need to do is be careful!

A lot of people prefer casual clothing here and it is usually accepted everywhere, but on special occasions(such as fancy parties or church) more formal wear is required. Women wear tailored dresses or blouses and skirts to work. They dress very colorfully too. They wear their hair in small braids with beads on the end. Dad, here is how you will dress. Men dress casually wearing white, pastel or flowered shirts with lightweight pants. OK, so now you got the lowdown on how to dress and do your hair don't come here embarrassing me!

Although Barbados is very small, it can get pretty busy! There seems to be a lot of people, especially in Bridgetown! There are many cities, but there is a lot of rural land too. I think we should live in the capital, Bridgetown, since it seems like a nice place with a lot of nice people. It's a good thing that you guys don't really know any other language! English is the official language here. Most of the people here are black, and there is very little white. I made so many friends and I can't wait until you meet them!

You will feel so welcomed down here! Everyone is so nice even though they do act reserved around strangers. They are proud of their culture and heritage and enjoy sharing it with you. They will care for visitors, and will welcome them to their home. Their wonderful attitude brings a sensation of being welcomed. You can trust everyone down here! I guess the police feel the same way because they patrol unarmed! It brings such a wonderful feeling, and I can't wait to share this amazing feeling with you all!

Every time I turn around I see more plants and animals, that are all new to me! The land is very flat, the highest point is Mt. Hillaby, is only 1104 feet. We can easily pack our bags and head up the trails. Since the island only 21 miles long and 14 miles wide, this is the place to be, if you ever want a good bike trip! Wildlife here includes monkeys, mongooses, tree frogs and various types of birds. It's like having the Bronx Zoo in your backyard! I can't wait until you guys come down here. See the sounds I hear, see the sights I see!

The people down here really know how to have a good time! There are so many things to do! Cricket is the national sport, and is very similar to baseball. We can still have fun with a different sport. Windsurfing is popular with the winds we get down here! No wonder it's such a breeze! Swimming and surfing is another common sport, no wonder, we're surrounded by water! The beaches are wonderful, and the sunsets are beautiful in my opinion. The festivals and dancing remind me of the African heritage, it's great even though it is a little different. It's fun to try new things and I'm having a blast!

The climate here is very wet, be sure to extra rain gear! The rainy season is from June to October and hurricanes may strike occasionally. The weather is very tropical (85 degrees Fahrenheit), so I suggest you pack light clothing too! There is very fertile soil here, instead of growing sugarcane, which is Barbados's main crop, I think we should start a nice big garden. Now you see how much rain and heat we get down here compared to New York! If you like to curl up on the couch with a book this is the place to be!

Dad, I don't want you to get cranky about the government and economy (though you really never do), so here is some information about it. Barbados is a democracy, so we will have a voice in our government. Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state. Although Barbados is very dependent on sugarcane, they are trying to manufacture more things such as plastics, furniture, clothing and electronical equipment I hope you guys know Barbados has an well-organized government and there should be no problems to worry about.

There are so many cool facts about Barbados! Here are some I would like to share with you. Although Barbados is a Spanish name, most things reflect upon the British culture. Tea is an afternoon ritual and Barbados is also called "Little England"! Did you know that Barbados is the only Caribbean Island that never suffered an attack from its first settlement? Well you do now! It's pretty amazing that although Barbados is extremely small, it has the highest population density in the Caribbean! As you can see there are so many interesting things about Barbados and I am so eager to learn more! I'll see you guys soon! Have a great flight!

Love,
Nina

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