Bridgetown , General info:
10/10

The coral island of Barbados colonised over 380

years ago is 20 by 14 miles across and is the

most easterly of the Windward Islands (50 miles

from St. Vincent). The wettest month is October

the driest is March and mean temperature is

85ºF(29ºC). English is spoken by the

quarter-million population.

Bridgetown , Different stuff:
9/10

Barbados boasts the purest water supply you will find anywhere. Rainwater is filtered naturally through natures own coral filter system, and eventually collected underground. You can drink water from the tap anywhere on the island.

Bridgetown , Don't miss:
8/10

The Holders Season is established as the premier cultural event in the Caribbean. Acclaimed nationally and internationally, the season is a celebration of opera, music and theatre. The production always plays to capacity houses and it's high artistic standard draws audiences from around the world.

Bridgetown , Food:
9/10

Bridgetown and Barbados truly offers a full array of culinary experiences, from the local fish fry at Oistins to breathtaking gourmet ocean front dining. From upscale restaurants to fast food eateries you will sample the local ingredients, delicacies, Bajan culture and obtain the true taste of the Caribbean.

Bridgetown , Hotels:
9/10

There is little, if any, accommodation in Bridgetown itself. Most visitors stay either on the small towns on the South coast or at one of the resorts near the west coast.

Bridgetown , Safety:
9/10

Crime rate is low like in all Caribbean area.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Cheap stuff:
1/10

The local market survives - just, given the competition it faces (see above). In the markey one may buy artfully camouflaged poor-quality fruit and veg (that's produce), dodgy electrical goods, replacement hoses for old washing machines and, an exciting addition to the local retail experience, Polish foodstuffs.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Different stuff:
5/10

Stafford has in recent years become home to a large number of mostly young people from eastern Europe. They are quiet, polite, hardworking, healthy and attractive, and perform sterling service in local shops and farms. This failure to blend in with the locals has caused some comment. Mostly appreciative.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Don't miss:
6/10

Um. The open-air Shakespeare at the castle at the end of June is fun. Unless it rains. The park alongside the river has been replanted and developed and is rather pretty in the summer. Unless it's flooded.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Food:
2/10

Don't ask. There are no decent restaurants in Stafford. Although the cafe in Marks is OK.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Hotels:
3/10

The Swan, an old coaching inn, on the main street. There are others, but none that I'd consider. There's a more upmarket one in the village of Acton Trussel, a few miles out of town.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Safety:
7/10

If you're in any way vulnerable (ie. aged, young, drunk or drugged, lost), best to avoid walking around the small areas of suburban low-income housing on the outskirts of town. Gangs of amateurishly unpleasant children and youths might well give you a hard time, in between smashing the glass in bus shelters and gobbing on the few remaining public telephones. Also, the town centre after 8pm on a weekend evening is the rightful domain of the drunken British young adult. There are drunken assaults, there is vomit, there are loud and ugly voices. It's not pleasant. Other then that, no probs.