Miss Universe 2016

I remember as a kid, watching this show with my family. I would never know when it was coming up but the day of, someone would mention it and everyone would gather around to watch. It was like the whole football season in one night for mom's. Picking a team, debating if they would win and being super critical of every move they make. I love the conversations that would come out of watching this international competition, "she doesn't even look (insert any country here)", "is that really what they wear over there?", "no way she can go home after saying that." Then debating the merits of the final winner.

One of the coolest things for me was seeing the amount of different countries. In the opening ceremony when all of the different contestants would introduce themselves, I was always tuned it completely. It was always a favorite of mine. I'm from a small country and geography was never really my thing, so I was constantly wondering if those were real countries or if someone was pulling our legs, hoping to see if someone would noticed. But it was never a hoax. There really are that many countries. I can only imagine what people think when a gorgeous lady walks across the stage claiming to be from Barbados.

This year, for the first time in many years, Barbados will be sending a candidate to the competition. Miss Shannon Harris is a lovely, 22 year old Barbadian girl, who will be representing the island at the pageant. Based on what I've been seeing, she's going to kill it. She's beautiful, smart and well spoken. The whole package. Which from what I hear, is exactly what the judges are looking for. However, its our job to continually support her. Showing her love, and letting everyone else in the world know we think she's already Miss Universe. To see more of Shannon, check out her Instagram and her Miss Universe profile. And don't forget to tune in on January 29, I bet her opening dress will be on point.

Not All Christmas' Need To Be White...

New Logo

I've introduced this new logo a few other places, but I'm finally putting it here. We are getting legit guys. Hope you like it. Let me know what you think of our new logo. 

Chasing Rainbows

Right place, right time. Happened to be filming what a rainbow magically appeared. Thought I would share it with you guys. Enjoy.

Chasing Cover Drive

Cover Drive is back! They didn't actually go anywhere but they started doing a weekly YouTube show called Chasing Cover Drive. It's basically a reality tv show that follows the band around while they are on tour, getting into hilarious misadventures.

Amanda, Bar-man, T-Ray and Jamar are working their way through the music industry and we get to be a part of their journey. What's special about their story is that it feels completely organic. Their fans love them and they love their fans. There is real passion here, and that translates into a level of authenticity that is delightful. Plus, it helps that Amanda, throws shade like nobody's business and the guys take real pleasure in torturing her poor soul.

If you haven't already seen an episode, I demand that you stop what you are doing and immediately start watching from the beginning. Chasing Cover Drive is more entertaining than half of the reality tv out there and the music is better than the other half. 

If you want to check out the first article I did on this talented Bajan band, check it out here. Then leave a comment below of the funniest moments in the show. 

The Greatest Reward And Luxury Of Travel...

The View From The Balcony

Another time lapse video from Barbados. I still have to learn how to make better use of these short clips I've recorded. But this is what I have so far. Enjoy and let me know what you think in the comments below.

Barbadian Street Art...

Achieving A Caribbean Cuisine Michelin Star With Chef Howard

Why doesn't Caribbean cuisine have a Michelin Star? Caribbean food is delicious and comparable to any other international cuisine. However, we haven't been able to obtain that coveted Michelin Star. Chef Jason Howard has decided to rectify this problem. The Barbadian born Chef is a Master of Modern Caribbean Cuisine and has proven with his immaculate plates, that Caribbean food can be invigorating without losing any of its flavor.

A quick scroll through his Instagram, and your mouth will water. Chef Howard's plating is impeccable. With a true talent for color, he creates fascinating visuals which elevates the food into  works of art. By reading the descriptions to these wonderful creations, it is obvious that highlighting seafood and common Caribbean ingredients is of the utmost importance.

As lovely as this all sounds, you have a part to play. Chef Jason Howard may have the skills and the vision but its our job to ensure this dream becomes a reality. He has started a gofundme campaign to help fund this endeavor and it is our responsibility to make this happen. This restaurant will be an incredible accomplishment for the Caribbean, showing Caribbean talent at the highest level. Please support this ambitious undertaking here. Even if you can't give financially, share to raise awareness. Chef Howard's ambition needs to be a fulfilled.

Simple Plan - Summer Paradise ft. Sean Paul

Did you know this music video was filmed in Barbados? Well it was, and its awesome. Its called Summer Paradise because it is. Simple Plan and Sean Paul both visit the island a lot so its only fitting  they got inspired to make sweet sweet music.

The video fits the music perfectly. Best listened to relaxing on a boat, or laying out on the sand. Book your tickets now.

But if you can't leave for Bim now, better buy the song and listen to it on repeat.

The Greatest Reward And Luxury Of Travel...

Chefette

Chefette is the local fast-food chain in Barbados. They serve everything from burgers and fries to rotis and their upscale section BBQ-Barn even has pork chops and macaroni pie. So we are clear, I love Chefette. There's nothing quite like a Broasted Chicken Bubbie Sandwich on a warm Sunday afternoon on Accra. Its actually one of the things I miss most when traveling. Don't be confused by there signature Broasted Chicken, it is fried chicken just cooked under a pressure fryer. The difference is subtle, but so damn good. Its the definition of crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Now if you visit Barbados and don't go to Chefette, you haven't really visited Barbados. It can only be found here so don't even try to cheat. Their trademark yellow and purple are iconic here and could never be copied with the same success. There are 15 branches spread out around the island so it shouldn't be hard to find one, and when you go, trust me you won't regret it. If you want Bajan Street Cred get the Broasted  Chicken Breast Sandwich, 6 piece Nuggets and Chips with a Mauby. Extra points if you call it a Chicken Bubbie Sandwich. But if theres a special get the Wing Dings. 6 Dings, Chips and a Coke... and the Sauce. Always use the sauce. It makes the meal, its like if hot-sauce and ketchup had a perfect baby.

In conclusion, if you are every hungry in Barbados just go up to a taxi driver and say, "Take me to Chefette" and all will be right with the world. If you want to look them up online, go to www.chefette.com. Find the closest location to you, give them a call and order everything on the menu.

Coast to Coastan

Love when travelers make videos of Barbados. These guys made a awesome video of their trip to Bim. Its crazy how someone can come here in a short time and see all these incredible things. As a tourist destination, Barbados should be on the top of everyones list.

These guys also seemed to do a lot of exploring. They did a few things I'm not sure all tourists would be able to see. But I guess, everyone travels differently. If you want to follow their formula;

1. Rent a car.
2. Go on a catamaran (then swim with the turtles).
3. Get beach chairs at Boatyard (do ALL the watersports)
4. Visit Speightstown.
5. Drop by the Barbados Animal Reserve (get harassed by green monkeys, then harass the turtles)

Either way, I've gotta learn how to make awesome videos like this. Barbados is too gorgeous to not do it justice.

Extraordinary Places...

High on Life: Epic Cliff Jumping in Barbados

These guys are awesome. Them coming to Bim was a unexpected surprise. Its impressive the amount of things they did here: The Wild Life Reserve, Surfing, Cliff Diving at Crane Beach, all in one day. Just goes to show you don't need a lot of time to have a incredible time on our shores.

Hope the guys had a great time in Barbados. They should come back and really soak up Life On The Shore. If you want more info on these guys, check out the last post I did on them, here. Or better yet, check out their site and support them at highonlife.ca.

Drift Sushi By Scott Ames

Scott Ames is one of the celebrity chefs in Barbados. He's at every culinary event cooking up a storm and working the crowd. Bento Box at Drift is his standing sushi event usually two Thursdays out of every month.

The sushi is usually a selection of four different rolls: California/Tuna Jalapeño/Salmon Maki/Special Roll. All accompanied by Wakame/Sashimi/Spicy Crab Tofu/Som Tum Salad. It's a lovely plate of sushi goodness that you can always count on to be delectable. I had the Lionfish Maki and it was just what I needed. Lionfish is becoming a delicacy in Barbados and I'm really enjoying the creative ways chefs have been using it. The roll was the perfect combination of exotic yet familiar.

The best thing about Drift Sushi Night is that its just in time to get the weekend started without having to make a huge obligation. Its the perfect opportunity to begin relaxing for the weekend without staying out too late while getting a impeccable plate of food. Especially if you have a packed weekend, its the ideal, casual engagement to meet up with friends during the week.

For more info on their Sushi Nights, go to their Facebook Page and enjoy.

Som Tum Salad/Sashimi on a Bed of Wakame/Spicy Crab Tofu/Lionfish Maki

River Bay Time Lapse

You guys know I love Riverbay. Here's a time-lapse I did of my favorite place in Barbados. Let me know what you think. Any input would be great since I still have no idea what I'm doing.

Getting Through Airport Security

Anyone who's been on a few commercial flights knows; Airport Security can be a real pain. I've never had a particularly bad experience with Airport Security but then again I've never tried to do anything to illegal in an airport. But its not very surprising to me that they do very little to keep us safe. Most of the time they just herd passengers along, barking in our face the things that most observant travelers know already.

Still, I don't just blame Airport Security completely for all the problems getting through the line at an airport. Passengers can also be just as antagonistic. They can be pushy, rude and just plain stupid. That same barking may not be necessary if after you hear "Please take your laptops out of your bags and put it in a bucket," you actually take out your laptop and put it in a bucket. In line doing nothing? Try reading the signs! They literally tell you what to do. Extra points if you figure out to do some of those things before you get to the top of the line.

Here are  a few tips I live by going through Airport Security that I think they've worked out pretty well for me;

• Prepare Before - Don't dress in clothes that take forever to take off. Don't put on a bunch of jewelry you are going to have to take off. Most importantly, Don't put a bunch of stuff in your bag that you are going to have to throw out, like water.

• Prepare In Line - If you are traveling with a bunch of stuff you couldn't avoid bringing in line, while you are in line start prepping. Take out that laptop. Take off that coat. Put all your things in your bag so you don't have to empty your pockets. This way when you get to the top of the line, you can just slide on through. 

• Be Nice (Smile Even) - Airport Security may not be nice or even demonstrate basic public decency, but thats no excuse for you being an asshole. Don't anticipate a problem and treat them like if they are already strip searching you. Be kind to them. A smile goes a long way, and they may be genuinely having a bad day and you being polite might just help. I think if I had to watch people leave on awesome vacations day in and day out, I'd probably become a serial killer.

Airport Security is a drag and apparently they don't really do anything to keep us safe. The system should be revised so every passenger isn't treated like a criminal. That being said, bitching about it in line won't help the problem. Please be mindful of the fact that you have to go through security. The faster you make your way through, the faster the rest of us can get to our vacations.

Check out more Adam Ruins Everything on The TruTV YouTube Channel.
Want more comics, click on over to Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal by Zack Weinersmith.

Sunset Kayak

It's Finally Here! Video number 2 from Life From The Shore! Hope you guys like it. It's just some GoPro footage I took on one of my kayak trips. Again, any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have no idea what I'm doing. Either way I'll try to upload another video sooner than later.

Not All Christmas' Need To Be White