“Rouges in Paradise” is a book by Ian R. Clayton, which takes you through trials and tribulations of various characters living in what we now know to be a tropical paradise. But, for these characters – it was a lot more than that.
What makes this book truly special is that it makes the island come alive – in a way. Namely, through this book, you can experience a virtual tour of the island of Barbados through captivating stories and lovely descriptions of the scenery.
To make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into, we’ve decided to assist you through this tour and the book’s chapters, so you can experience this tropical paradise in a way you never have before. Let’s begin. And before we do, check this interactive map allowing you to visit all the destinations mentioned in the book:
1. Cuz Beach Shack/Pebbles Beach
One of the places you are sure to get familiar with while reading this book is Cuz’s Beach Shack, located on Bridgetown’s most famous beach. If you ever come and visit this magical island, make this place one of your top priorities. You will see a lot of smiles and happy people, but more importantly, you will see horses in the water. Not sea horses, but actual stallions roaming around, minding their own business. And oh, you might not be able to taste it through the pages, but Cuz’s Beach Shack’s fish sandwich is easily the best in the world.
2. Chilly Moo’s
When are you going to eat the ice cream, if not when in a tropical paradise? Chilly Moo’s is the best place to get ice cream if you’re in Barbados, and while you’re reading the book, you’ll sure feel like it. Located in Hastings, Barbados, Chilly Moo’s designer ice cream in waffle cones will charm you more than the aviation kids running around the shop. Now, we don’t want to spoil the book for you, but let’s just say that mischief and ice cream work really well together.
3. Hastings Farmer’s Market
Farmer’s market is always a place where lively spirits gather, and this one’s not too different. As you can see in the book, Hastings farmer’s market is a place where all cultures and ethnicities come together. Once you set your foot in it, you’ll be charmed by the eccentric personalities of the people you meet. You’ll turn to one side, and you’ll see freshly baked goods from a local French baker. Then, once you turn the other way, you’ll get to enjoy watching a local man slice mangoes in such a fashion you’ll think he’s the reason why Fruit Ninja exists. In real life, the market is open on Wednesdays and during the weekend from 8 am to 2 pm, so don’t sleep in, or you’ll miss all the fun. So, make sure you get to bed early with your copy of “Rogues in Paradise” while you’re in Barbados.
4. Gullies & Caves
About half a mile north of Velma’s bar, you will get to experience nature’s wonders at their finest. Barbados is essentially a large coral pushed out to the surface by some volcanic activity from a long time ago. Therefore, its gullies and caves are nothing short of majestic. Stalactites hanging from the ceiling are some of the world’s finest. The underground caves are sure to leave anyone breathless, even if it is not your first time embarking on an adventure such as this one. Some of these caves are frequently flooded by rogue waves, as we can learn from the book. And, once again, we don’t want to spoil too much, but let’s just say that dangerous times call for good decision-making.
5. Chalky Mount Caper
One of the book’s main characters, if you could call any of the characters from this book “main”, really loved himself an adventure. Yes, we’re talking about Rex. Rex was particularly keen on this one place, and seeing how this place was none other than Chalky Mount Caper – we can’t really blame him. This steep, jagged rock cuts through the landscape like a machete through a mango while it overlooks the sapphire blue ocean. From time to time, some of the rocks will break away and tumble down the steep edge, but that is exactly why Rex loved this place. It spoke to him. It made him and his adventurous spirit feel alive.
6. Bathsheba
If there is a place on this earth that is deserving of the name “paradise” – it is this one. Golden-brown sandy beaches encompassed by a thick, unforgiving tropical forest and crystal clear turquoise ocean with sharp, large rocks and boulders protruding from it – it really doesn’t get much better than this. Bathsheba, in all of its glory, is what most people picture when they think of the Caribbean. It’s rough and rugged, but at the same time, so blissfully peaceful and tranquil. Once you’re here – life stands still. You become one with nature, and nature becomes one with you. Just standing and listening to the waves hug the sandy beaches will be enough to take you from this world to another one.
7. Chattel Houses
One of the main motifs of this book is freedom and emancipation, and if there ever was a symbol for freedom – it is these houses. In the 22nd chapter of the “Rogues in Paradise”, we get to visit the Chattel Houses and get familiar with their unique style and architecture, as well as their history. Namely, back in the day, Barbados slaves used to own these houses. Yes, slaves were homeowners. Strange, isn’t it? Well, that is just one of the many things you will find out once you allow this book to take you on a journey.
There is a lot of locations that are mentioned in the book located on the map above and to check more information about Rogues and Paradise, click here.
Conclusion
There you have it. If there was ever a better virtual tour in the form of a book – we haven’t had the pleasure of reading in. “Rogues in Paradise” is truly a masterpiece in its own right. There is nothing even remotely similar to this piece of literature. It’s as remarkable as some of the world’s finest books you’ve heard of. And, if you give it a chance, not only will you get to feel what it’s like to be in Barbados, but you’ll also get to relive some of the characters’ stories, and trust us, these stories will make you see things in a different light.
