Comets Mom

I feel a little like a fraud here as I live in the US, but this has been the most helpful and informative site I've come across.

My husband's employer is transferring us to Bridgetown in June and I am hoping to take a little of the 'unexpected' out of our arrival. While his employer will be taking care of securing housing and whatever IDs will be required, they don't really tell us much more. I'm not sure but I believe I will be allowed to work at the US Embassy during our stay (three years), in which case they would take care of any permits/legalities required.

I would like to get involved with local social groups and organizations that I can volunteer with - hoping it will make the transition easier if I get involved at the start. I wonder if anyone has any suggestions that might help us to settle in and become part of the community. We also like to experience as much as possible about the culture and traditions of the places we are posted - that's one of the best perks of his job.

Serendipidy

Hi Comets Mom and welcome..all are welcome here wherever we can help...and we are thankful to those who benefit from the forum and then give back to others so hopefully your journey with us will be part of your social connections...ill leave others to give you ideas as im not up on the socialising side..stay in touch on your journey

Sunniebgi

no worries, Coments Mom.. there are a few us of Frauds on this message board.. but it's all good.. everyone helping everyone..

I'll be the first American Women to say.. yes yes.. please come and join the American Women's club of Barbados. We meet the 2nd Tuesday of every month at the Main Guard, Garrison, Hastings, Christ Church. We don't meet in July and August, so you have the summer to settle in and get used to the island. We do volunteer work around the island and our mandate is that of service and fundraising for those in need. (been going on for over 60 years). and yes, you will be told.. we are a bunch of old women.. there are a few of us under the age of 55, but not too many.. however.. don't let that scare you off.. please..

Yes, you are allowed to work at the US Embassy at positions that are available for spouses of employees (The Community Liaison Officers position is one of them.. which is something I've always felt should have been better served by an American actually living here for longer than 3 years.. but that's my own opinion and unfortunately, even knowing some of the Ambassadors and Deputy Chief of Mission personally, it never helped get me that job..)..

You have a family?? if so, once your child/children get involved with something, you will be come part of the community, both local and expat.. especially through schools and extra curricular activities.

if it's only the 2 of you, there will still be plenty of opportunities to see and be apart of the island that you will call home for the next 3 years..

See you soon..
Sarah

Comets Mom

Since this will be the place I turn to with most of my community questions, I thank you both for the warm welcome! A lot of my questions will involve everyday kinds of things (imagine my surprise the first time I went food shopping in Germany and found out I was required to bring my own bags! Is that something I should prepare for in Barbados?) and cultural things (so I don't accidentally insult someone).

We do not have children, so getting involved requires a little more effort on our part. My husband will be working at the Embassy so I imagine the CLO will be contacting me at some point.

The American Women's Club sounds great! I'm in my mid-fifties, so I should fit right in (lol).

Again, thank you so much for the welcome, and I look forward to meeting you.

Comets Mom

We have arrived!! I'm so excited to get to know my new home! The Embassy provided us with a beautiful house in a very nice neighborhood. I like to walk to learn new places, makes me a little nervous though as there are no sidewalks.

I have a couple of quick questions:

1. Our landlady has stopped by twice (we have only been here a week) and makes requests to enter the house. I don't mind right now, since our household effects have not been delivered. But, when our things are here, I don't want to make waves by refusing her. It just seems like she is checking out what we are doing with her house (which I can understand) and examining what we have brought in (which, at this point, is only the luggage we arrived with). Is this a normal thing here?

2. After the rain this past weekend, there are small snails on the patio. Should I be concerned about them? Can I just pick them up and relocate them, or should I just leave them alone?

Looking forward to getting settled and exploring a little more.

Cheers!
Carrie

Sunniebgi

Welcome to Barbados Carrie and Family.

Re the landlady.. I'd check the contract .. She shouldn't be stopping by twice in a weeks.. I'd kind of let it slide for now, but.. when your items get in, you need to make sure it stops..

Are the snails white/grey or a brown swirly shell..?? either way.. you need to get some Snail Bait and put it around in house. Try Carters General store for that.. Be aware that we have had a drought for the last 6mths or so.. The rain is going to bring out all sorts of things you might not be used to.. I'm sure you probably have a pest control company, but I'd recommend a few cans of BOP or Baygon (bug spray) to have on hand.

Not sure if you will be at the Embassy function on Wednesday evening but my hubby and I will be there.. it would be great to meet you.

Comets Mom

Thank you! We will pick up some bug spray the next time we go to the store. Better to have it and not need it.

Not sure if we will be attending on Wednesday, but I sure would like to. Need to convince my introvert husband that he wants to go.