Gaby’s first trip to Barbados immersed her straight into an authentic Bajan experience as she watched the cricket at Kensington Oval. With next to no cricket knowledge, it was a getaway of firsts. But certainly not lasts!
Cricket at Kensington Oval
So the legend Bob Marley sums it up when he sings “I say, I don’t like cricket, oh no, I love it”. Well, I haven’t always loved cricket. In fact, I never really knew what the fuss was about. But within minutes of finding myself at Kensington Oval, I’d relaxed into the Bajan spirit and was feeling the love I’d heard the legend sing about so many times before.
Despite my Jamaican roots, I’d never been to the Caribbean before. A getaway to Barbados was all I needed to understand the meaning of Caribbean livin’! The chilled out atmosphere hits you straight away and you instantly slide into the relaxed vibe. What better way to have a true taste of Barbados than taking the bull by the horns and jumping straight into the heart of the Bajan community: a local cricket match.
Not any cricket match, I may add. Barbados versus St Kitts. My cricket expertise is, well, limited to say the least. But an afternoon chilling in the sun with good company had me sold. I’d heard whispers that it’s best to stay in resort when in Barbados, but this experience soon but spate to those rumours.
Magical Musicians
The day was incredible. The Bajan community were so warm and welcoming. I instantly felt like a fish deeply submerged and happily swimming in its pond of water. The supporters sat together, enjoying an afternoon’s entertainment with nothing but joviality. I felt like I’d lived in Barbados for years and was part of their community. There was vibrant music with musicians taking it in turns to serenade us, chilled out spectators, and of course plenty of rum punch! It put a big fat juicy tick in the box of an authentic Bajan experience.
If you want to chill out in true Bajan style, I can’t recommend it enough. Even though I’m still not sure of the difference between a bat on and bat off, the atmosphere was incredible and one for even the non-sportiest of holidaymakers’ to do lists. All I can say is, hoowwzzzaaaat!
