Caribbean Archives - Page 9 of 19 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

America, Caribbean, Countries, Europe, Food & Wine

Chocs away on Easter Sunday

17th April 202217th April 2022 funtime65

And for many it’s what today is all about… Chocs away on Easter Sunday.

And thoughts away of dem sweet places where I’ve savoured the treat of the Gods.

We have the Central and South Americans to thank for extracting the cacao which makes our chocolate.

And when we want to know more on anything our go-to people are the Smithsonians in Washington DC.

And Hayes Lavis, cultural arts curator for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian has the skinny on chocs.

He tells us that ancient Olmec pots and vessels from around 1500 B.C. were discovered with traces of theobromine.

And for those who know their chocs they’ll recognise that as a stimulant compound found in chocolate and tea.

So now we’ve done the science let’s sample the choccie tastes of the world.

ChocolaTobago

And the way to a man’s heart is the love of a daughterie.

So when you come across a chocolate called Laura in the West Indies then you get that special rush.

This Tobago taste of heaven is a French-Caribbean collaboration and named for the manufacturer’s matriarch Laura.

Sold in high-end shops like Harrod’s it’s still best sampled where it’s made, Tobago Cocoa Estate.

Swiss sweet

We all know about Swiss sweets… Toblerone and it’s mountain triangular shapes.

And Lindt which is everywhere of which I was reminded from the minute you arrive in Geneva.

You’d have to tell me if SWISS airline still gives out comp choc to it’s passengers…

I like mine, my Lindt, though like the Asians who love to take selfies at the top of Europe.

To show off to family back home, at the top of the Jungfraujoch.

In Bruges

Was I the only one who wondered why a restless Colin Farrell didn’t cure his boredom through chocolate and beer?

Mind you, it would have been a very different movie.

Yes, go up to the cathedral and also check out St Anthony’s tongue.

But the best taste of all in Bruges is their oh-so-tasty chocolate.

Cadbury’s and Brum

Now you might not immediately link Bruges in Belgium and Birmingham in England.

But they’re both canal cities, major historical trade hubs.

And they are both hooked on chocolate.

It is no exaggeration to say that Brummie Joseph Cadbury was a chocolate evangelist.

As a Quaker and teetotaller he saw chocolate as a healthy alternative.

Joseph was a general good egg all round (or Cadbury’s Creme Egg) if you will

He set up a village in Bourneville for his workers and provided for all their social, health, education and sporting needs.

And a great pacifist, he even took on Queen Victoria over the Boer War.

All of which you can discover in the excellent Cadbury’s museum.

And finally, a Big Chocolate Apple

I’ve always been a great advocate of only having friends in cool places or jobs, or preferably both.

And in return they get the pleasure of hosting me.

Kate is one such, a New Yoiker and food and drinks editor who took La Famiglia Murty around Manhattan.

Chinatown, her own office kitchen on Production Day, and Jacques Torres Chocolate factory.

Now Willie Wonka’s got nothing in Kate or Jacques.

I mean bacon-flavoured chocolate… you read it here first.

Enjoy! Chocs away on Easter.

Caribbean, Countries, Culture

The going’s gruff in Tobago

13th April 202213th April 2022 funtime65

The going’s gruff in Tobago as the Caribbean Islanders celebrate the return of a sport dear to my heart, goat racing.

Twasn’t the goats’ fault, of course, with Covid calling a halt to the annual Easter Tuesday spectacle.

But you know what, they’ve been straining at the leash to get going again.

Horse racing’s wee brother

Give ‘em enough rope: With Levi and Bandanaman the goat in Tobago

Goat racing has been running since 1925 when the ordinary Tobagonians put on their own event.

After the Lord Mayor’s Show on Easter Monday, or the equivalent of it in the Caribbean, the horse-racing event for the rich.

I’m happy to say that my old friends in Tobago are using yours truly to promote this year’s race.

The Race of 2019

Kidding about: With Levi and my racing goat Bandanaman in Tobago

With a picture of the legendary run-off between Bandanaman (my goat) and Antony Vickers’ Vic from 2019 on their site.

And don’t be fooled by the frame.

The trick to goat racing is to stay behind Billy Goat Gruff.

As our host Marsha pointed out to Antony who was in his own race to beat the goat.

Thankfully I’d had Levi train me in the best way to race goats.

Levi in Da House

Levi is what I guess you’d call in the business a Goat Whisperer.

The best way to train a racing goat is to start from at least two months out.

The experts tell us you should learn to walk your goat at increasing speeds until they’re running in front of the trainer.

And they’re even put on a swimming routine to build up muscle.

Just like horse racing, the goats are divided into several classifications.

There’s C2 (first-time runners and that’ll be my Bandanaman).

And then C1 (runners from the previous year), B (running for the past two years) and A (most experienced runners).

Festival time

The Tobagonians say the Goat Race Festival has evolved into a family affair.

And for the slower-paced there is a Crab Race (yes, I got Crabs too in Tobago!)

Generations meet up and visitors can partake in the landmark event, placing bets or even play jockey themselves.

Trust me and I’m not kidding, this is great fun.

And you’ll feel like quite the athlete and expert.

And you’ll soon be sharing tips like… the going’s gruff in Tobago.

America, Caribbean, Countries, Europe

International Women

8th March 20228th March 2022 funtime65

International Women don’t you just love ’em? I even married one.

On today’s International Women’s Day a shout-out then to some of the international women who took me under their wing.

Of course, the international woman of mystery whose oxter always gives me shade is my own English rose.

Boss woman: Mum’s the word, and Sadie too

And there are many more women from our nearest neighbours in Travel who have guided me on my path than I have room here to mention.

Now if anything underscores this year’s message on International Women’s Day #BeattheBias it is the success of those who occupy the biggest positions in our trade.

And so ladies take a bow, I would be nothing without you… you are all worthy Bandanettes.

White knight

Power women: Bandanaman, Jo, Cathy and United Airlines’ Aoife

Organising my life is hard enough left to just one man which is why I leave that job to my aforementioned English rose.

But when you’re on your travels to the good old Oo Es of Eh you really do need someone on the ground.

And that someone is Jo White who heads up the UK & Ireland media delegation for the American Travel Fair.

I know I speak for all of us indulged travellers who have sought her out to help with dodgy dongles, accommodation and transfers.

And who have danced the night away to the best music acts put on by her American counterpart and fellow superstar Cathy Keefe Reynolds.

In return, all they ask is to promote America (you’re welcome) and in particular Washington DC, the Capital Region, Kissimmee, Florida, Oregon and Yukon chief among them.

Bates’ Hotel

Now hosts have a right, nay an obligation, to enjoy the activities they put on for us.

And after Attraction Tickets’ Kate Bates had asked me for recommendations for our party to take on in Hollywood she’d have expected me to take part.

Alas, the generosity of a stranger (moi) to take a passenger’s ski bag meant I was out of commission.

For the day Kate, Jon, Helen and Heather trekked up to see the Hollywood sign, check out Warner Studios and go on a boat trip.

I did have more to write about my West Hollywood hotel though that day.

And I did bounce back to see old friends at Universal Studios the next day.

Ms Carter

I love a strong woman, probably as I’m begotten of an Irish Mammy.

And in the Caribbean they don’t come much stronger than Cheryl Carter, Barbados’s Head of Global Markets.

One raised eyebrow will quickly remind you that there will be no going AWOL on her trip.

And so I was left in no doubt when I asked early leave from our dinner to hook up with my half-Scots/half-Trinidadian pal Jevan for Foreday Morning of my obligations.

To be ready for the next day’s activities.

Now what happens at Foreday Morning stays on Foreday Morning.

But when I turned up for our meeting with my leg gashed open I gritted my teeth… the rum through the day helped.

Cheryl is a Bajan through and through, firm, with a heart of gold and I was glad to be her patsy when the Bajans and Scots Travel trade met last year in Edinburgh.

Marsha law

Keep an eye on you: With SLM and Marsha in Tobago

If we’re honest no man likes to take orders (advice) from womenfolk.

But when that woman is the larger than life Marsha Patrick, of the Tobago Tourist board then you’re better just giving in to her.

And so when Marsha quizzed our little group on what occupied us outside work she found a real patsy in your Bandanaman.

Of course it was always going to be tough to follow proud Middlesbrough man and local football club archivist Anthony who only built his own house.

Marsha was less than impressed by my poetry prowess or goat racing ability.

‘Jim, you got no skills,’ she bellowed in her thick Tobagonian patois, rocking the mini-coach with her laughter.

A whole lotta Rosie

One of the best qualities of women is how forgiving they can be.

And Rosie Barcroft has certainly led the way there after I almost brought the roof down in Switzerland.

Waking late, I’d taken a quick shower before hooking up with a by now impatient park for our trek through the Alps.

Trouble was ahead though when I got back to the hotel.

And I was greeted by a stern hotel owner who informed me that the water had seeped into the breakfast room.

Whether I’d be welcome back in that Interlaken hotel is another question but miraculously the Swiss still come calling.

And even when one wonderful ambassador departs (Sara Roloff for Japan) another old pal Vive La Fran Lambert decamps from Normandy.

Most importantly Rosie is still on side and we’ll be skiing in Val d’Isere later this month.

I’ll be showering outside this time.

Of course, all international women should be celebrated, and not least Daddy’s Little Girl.

And I’m happy to do so.. here’s to you International Women.

Caribbean, Countries, Ireland

Caribbean break from Lenten Fast

3rd March 20223rd March 2022 funtime65

His is the day when you can indulge during 40 days’ self-sacrifice and this year we’ve a St Paddy’s Day Caribbean break from Lenten Fast.

Because the West Indies island that’s even more Irish than Ireland is greening up again.

Which makes you think that Montserrat, Ireland in the sun, gets out padded green costumes, oversized hats and ginger beards.

When it’s more likely to be emerald summer dresses and tropical boardies.

Forty party years

Montserrat’s St Paddy’s Day Festival will celebrate 40 years in 2022.

And it promises to be even better this years for its hiatus through Covid.

Like all Caribbean festivals St Paddy’s Day lasts longer than 24 hours… in this case from March 12-19.

And there is something for everyone too… the Biennial National Honours & Awards and the Junior Calypso Show.

While Comedy in De Tent will make its debut.

The Irish links

Ireland and the Caribbean have long been interlinked with many Irish fleeing puritanical Oliver Cromwell in the 17th century.

Alas, as is the way of these things, a different strata of society also sought out a new world.

Where they could grow plantations and oversee the exploitation of African slaves.

Montserrat’s special relationship with Ireland dates from a significant moment of local empowerment.

When on St Patrick’s Day 1678 they rebelled against their Irish owners, expecting them to be carousing and drunk.

Only they had been tipped off by an Irish woman and the plantation owners were ready for them.

And hanged nine rebels and impaled the head of their leader Cudjoe.

Modern history

Odd you might think to mark a failed uprising but then very Irish too.

And so within the flag, the coat of arms features Erin playing the harp.

And visitors get an Irish shamrock stamp on their passports.

While many families on the island have Irish surnames from their former slave masters.

It’s a Caribbean thing to channel those slave day milestones into modern festivals, among the best of which is Barbados’s Crop Over.

Ireland and the Caribbean

It was there that I first heard, and became a fan of Soca (Soul of Calypso), a beat-based variant.

And we’re glad, but not surprised to see that it forms part of St Paddy’s Day in Montserrat.

The King of Kings Show features top performers from the Calypso and Soca Monarch competitions from the Carnival back in December.

Visitors planning to join in the festivities are encouraged to book their Antigua-Montserrat journey in advance.

WINAIR flights will be in operation alongside the regular scheduled air services provided by Fly Montserrat and SVG Air.

And don’t y’all deserve a Caribbean break from Lenten fast.

Caribbean, Countries, Flying

They think it’s Barbados Crop Over it is now

27th February 202227th February 2022 funtime65

They think it’s Barbados Crop Over it is now the Caribbean island is getting back to normal.

All of which means you won’t have to row across the Atlantic!

No, of course, the Covid regulations never got to that stage.

And we do, of course, have the gift now of the Virgin Atlantic route from Edinburgh.

Can you hear me row?

It’s just I mention the rowing because Irish record breaker Dr Karen Weekes has just arrived in Bim.

After more than 80 days rowing the 3.000 nautical miles from Gran Canaria.

And there to greet her was my old sparring partner and Ireland’s Travel Journalist of the Year and Travel Times blogger Isabel Conway.

She had, of course, taken a different route, by air, and business class too.

Which is how we have often rolled together in our shared travels.

2022 will be the bounce back year for so many of us and for countries who depend so heavily on tourism that’s multiplied.

And for islands in the sun (not the UK and Ireland’s USP) that means being able to put their carnivals on again.

Carnival time

Larger than life: With Rihanna in Barbados

Barbados’s Crop Over is one of the most celebrated in the Caribbean.

And it doesn’t hurt it any to have Rihanna promoting it.

Who knows too her Big Reveal may even coincide with Crop Over season?

Ri-Ri, as you’d expect, is all over the island.

And her oversized image greets you from the wall as soon as you walk through the open-fronted Grantley Adams International Airport.

You’ll also get a cheery Irie from the customs officers who are only too happy to help even the most accidental tourist.

Sign of the times

Colour of Barbados: Bright, Mon!

Yes, that’ll be me. And that was me when I asked to double back to see if the party I was meeting was there.

I’d arrived in the balmy terminal on my first visit to Barbados, tired, hot and excited but confused when I couldn’t see any sign of my hosts.

The only sign was for a holiday prize winner.

The line was long and snakey and as I scanned it for evidence of a placard I fixed my eyes on a mop of sky high blonde hair.

The Fab Five: Early Angie, Laura Disorder, Hayley the Soca Blogger, Ab Fab and Bim Jim

A long story short (always a first time) the mop of blonde hair belonged to Laura Bartlett and the holiday prize guide was radio DJ Angie Greaves.

And both of them unbeknown to me were on our party.

You might know Angie too from Magic Radio and now Smooth Radio.

Or Pointless Celebrities, and yes I paid extra notice on that otherwise uneventful winter evening.

And you might have seen House of Coco on the shelves, the travel and fashion bible of founder Laura Bartlett.

Cast of Crop Over

Cream of the Crop: With the best Soca singers

Laura, Angie, Rihanna, Lewis Hamilton, Brian Lara, Bim Jim (that’ll be me) have all made up the cast of Crop Overs.

And we will again… Barbados is reopening and they’ll make you really welcome.

Just look out for the placard, the mop of big hair (Laura Disorder has gone back to black) and the Bandana.

They think it’s Barbados Crop Over it is now.

Virgin Atlantic, TUI, British Airways and Aer Lingus all fly from the UK.

Barbados has, of course, like all islands a North, South, West and East and a middle (called Scotland).

And you should check it all out.

The South, around St Lawrence Gap, and the West, the plush Platinum Coast is where most visitors gather.

And so, of course, I’ve road tested some of the best Sandals, Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels (in the south) and Club Barbados (in the west).

MEET YOU ON THE ROAD

Africa, America, Caribbean, Countries, Europe, Ireland

Give Bono his own airport

7th February 20226th February 2022 funtime65

With all the talk of honouring James Joyce in his native city I’d suggest he defer to another Dub wordsmith… give Bono his own airport.

Now Paul Hewson (his Sunday name) may not have the classical allusions JJ has but he is inarguably the greatest Irishman.

And rather than name the city airport after the author of Ulysses, published 100 years ago, that tribute should go to the U2 man.

Now full disclosure here I’m not a fan boy.

It’s only that airports, just like statues, shouldn’t be the preserve of dead people.

Not that I’ve got anything against the legends.

Leonardo Da Vinci (Rome), Charles De Gaulle (Paris) or JFK (New York) the latter where I piloted a plane into, albeit a simulator.

It’s just that the recipients don’t ever get to see their names in lights or a podium.

And Billy Connolly too

And I would say the same about Billy Connolly and Glasgow and Sean Connery and Edinburgh.

So in just about the same time as it takes to Ryanair to pitch their on-flight offers.

I come around to a celebration of those living people who have had airports named after them.

Cristiano airport

Cristiano Ronaldo Airport, Madeira: No danger of Ronnie being coy about seeing his name attached to his own island.

There is already a statue of the Great Man outside although you might not recognise him if you didn’t know already.

Clintons runway

Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, Little Rock, Arkansas: And ever since he burst onto the political scene Clinton has been flying by the seat of his pants.

And Bill has been sure to give Hill equal billing ever since.

Dutch of class

Orange is the only colour: For Queen Beatrix

Queen Beatrix Airport, Aruba: Now the Dutch connections with their little corner of the Caribbean.

And you see it too in Sint Maarten and the airport that has taken Prncess Juliana’s name through her life and continues to do so.

Lech’s go round again

Lech Walesa, Gdansk, Poland: We first made acquaintance with the moustachioed shop steward in the docks in the Eighties.

Now the union man who took on the Commies and went onto become Pres has his own airport. General Waruzelski anyone?

Bob’s the job

Robert Mugabe, Harare, Zimbabwe: And you’d think that after The Great Dictator died then they’d have changed the name.

But as I found out from a Zim tracker on a game drive in the Eastern Cape in South Africa elders are respected… mmmm!

So yes, it would be the sweetest thing but deserved.

Think again

If the politicians pushing for Dublin Airport to be renamed James Joyce Dublin Airport thought again.

And renamed it to give Bono his own airport

Caribbean, Cruising, Europe

Royal Caribbean wonders never cease

30th January 202230th January 2022 funtime65

It’s one of the most common questions I’m asked… what are cruise ships really like, and of course they’re wonderful and Royal Caribbean wonders never cease.

And now that we’re all getting back on the water the most exciting news of all is that RC has taken possession of the world’s largest cruise ship Wonder of the Seas.

From the building yard of Chantiers d l’Atlantique shipyard in France, where the big ships are built.

Seeing the wood and the trees

Everything in the cruise garden is… Royal Caribbean

Among the stat attack that is obligatory with cruise ships, it can sometimes be difficult to see the wood for the trees.

And yes they have trees too as I found out a few years ago in Barcelona with Oasis.

The ship that is, not the band, though I dare say RC could get them to reform.

But there are eight neighbourhoods!

Some might sea

Wonder of the Seas is the fifth instalment of RC’s Oasis class (where has the time gone?)

Now what’s 8,000 gross registered tonnes between ships when you get to 236,857 which is the weight of Wonder?

It’s 1,188ft long and 210ft wide, and as with most long distances I compare them with athletics distances.

And that means nearly a mile long and more than half a track broad.

Plenty of space then for the near 7.000 passengers the 2,300 crew cater for which by my reckoning is three staff for every person on board.

Florida sun

Now from one cruise capital to another and RC will make its official sailing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where you can forget about north Europe’s Storm Malik, and soak in the sun.

All of which I did, of course, on RC’s sister Celebrity Cruises and Celebrity Edge.

Where every guest is treated just like that, a Celebrity.

I did though take some of the attention off Alesha Dixon, Julien Macdonald and Malala on that maiden journey.

Wonder sails out of FL in March, starting with seven-night cruises to the Caribbean.

Before heading to Barcelona and later Rome with its summer cruises season.

Yes, we’re all getting back on the seas… and you should too as Royal Caribbean wonders never cease.

America, Caribbean, Countries, Flying, UK

Dominica where tall is her body

26th January 202226th January 2022 funtime65

What does your country mean… and surely it isn’t as lyrical as Dominica where tall is her body?

The good people of Dominica came-a-calling yesterday as part of our Caribbean Tourism Organisation conference.

And we kicked off, of course, with their biggest calling card, the Waitukubuli Trail.

At 115 miles long, in 14 segments, it is the longest trail in the West Indies and will take you ten to 14 days to compete.

Named by the indigenous Kalinago people it showcases the 29.2 miles high north-south island.

With peaks as high as 4,747ft.

What’s in a name?

And Waitukubuli is, of course, where the poetic Kalinago came up with the name.

There are other appealing place names and attractions across the island such as Boiling Lake, Champagne Reef, Trafalgar Falls…

And wellness, spas and warming springs aplenty.

Our friendly smiling Dominicans put up with good grace when people mistake them for the Dominican Republic.

Which is about 600 miles from Roseau, the capital of Dominica!

Your best way (and what a way) is by a short boat ride from Guadeloupe where Death In Paradise is filmed.

And Guadeloupe is served by American Airlines from Puerto Rico.

Then Nevis

Our friends in Nevis, a twin island with St Kitts & Nevis, has to field similar calls.

With mountaineers mistaking this island in the sun with my island in the snow and its largest mountain, Ben Nevis.

And Hamilton, of course

Scotland and Nevis, of course, have a very topical association through a son they both share.

And he spawned the most famous opening lines in the history of musicals when Alexander Hamilton’s nemesis Aaron Burr sang:

How does a bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a
Scotsman, dropped in the middle of a forgotten
Spot in the Caribbean by Providence, impoverished, in squalor
Grow up to be a hero and a scholar?

Of course it is forgotten no more and not just because of its association with the Founding Father and hero of New York, but it all helps.

And his birthplace on Nevis is a must-see for fans of Hamilton.

A better Montpelier

Holiday hopefuls too get a pleasant surprise when they go looking for Montpelier in France…

And find the luxury Montpelier Plantation & Beach hotel in Charlestown set on a 300-year-old sugar plantation.

While Restaurant 750 offers diners views of St Kitts.

And yes, we’ll meet you on the road.

And reveal more of these lyrical islands.

Such as Dominica where tall is her body.

Caribbean, Countries

Beardie Burns and the Caribbean

25th January 202225th January 2022 funtime65

Were The Scots Bard alive today he’d be liaising with the West Indians too… I give you Beardie Burns and the Caribbean.

But let’s rewind a second… beardie you say?

Well, the Beard Liberation Front are positing the view that Rabbie was rough aroon the chin.

And the clean-shaven look was manufactured to appeal to polite society.

Whether or not that was the case, we do know Burns was seriously considering decamping to the Windies.

To get out of his financial problems before the release and acclaim for his poetry sparked a rethink.

Jamaica my day

Twas Jamaica that Burns wrote of in correspondence and verse.

He had the offer of a role as a bookkeeper.

But would a beardie Bard have been seduced by the island to the south named the Bearded One after its low-hanging plant?

I know this bearded Bard (Edinburgh Fringe 2002) was, on his trips to Barbados.

I have, in fact, been long intrigued by the Caribbean from a childhood love of cricket and their music.

Caribbeans to my door

Me-me and Dee-Dee at Crop Over in Barbados

My friends in the Caribbean have been throwing their arms open again to us now Covid is easing.

We all know about the new Virgin Atlantic out to Barbados.

And the good people at 02 Beach Club Barbados and the Sea Breeze Beach House and the South Beach Hotel are keen to show us their wares.

As I’ve mentioned here the Bajans’ most common question to visitors is what’s your favourite Caribbean island.

A challenge if ever I heard one.

Island hopping

And with Tobago tucked under my belt and Jamaica and its many Scots links, and 60th anniversary of independence this year, I’m away island hopping.

With Montpelier Plantation & Beach on Nevis (sounds Scottish yes) coming calling.

I heart Belize: Central American delights

And Aruba (Aruba, Aruba, Aruba), Dominica and the Central American side of the Caribbean in Belize too.

It’s no coincidence that the Scots (and Irish) left a big footprint in the Windies and continue to do so.

So on today, his national day, we celebrate Beardie Burns and the Caribbean.

Africa, America, Caribbean, Countries, Europe, Food, Ireland

Pie are squared and round

23rd January 202223rd January 2022 funtime65

Excuse the grammar but the gag doesn’t work otherwise so on today’s National Pie Day let’s say Pie are squared and round.

And we’ll pick out six pies from around the world.

All because we’re an island here of pie lovers in Britain, and Scots up and down the country have grown up on Scotch pies and beans.

Then long before American fast food pork pies were the go-to snack in England, and not just for ploughmen.

Mr American Pie

Eat your heart out Prue Leith: In Colorado

Apple Pie: National Pie Day was started in the mid-1970s by a nuclear engineer, brewer and teacher (talented man) Charlie Papazian.

It was then that he declared his own birthday, January 23, to be National Pie Day and it took on.

So now fast forward to a Can’t Bake, Won’t Bake visitor to Ginger & Bake in nearby Fort Collins under the watchful eye of the ever-patient Deb.

Say it loud and say it stout

More please: Jamie Oliver’s Steak & Guinness Pie

Beef and Guinness Pie: If you’re like me (and the Irish) and feel that drink is the food of life then read on.

You see this variation on the British steak and ale pie in Ireland naturally is enriched with Guinness and bacon and onions.

And it s on every bar menu in Ireland… and inevitably in the ubiquitous Jamie Oliver’s cookbook.

Custard with that?

Bobotie pie: It’s a different world in the one-track town of Cradock in the Eastern Cape In South Africa.

That’s where the owner of the Die Tuishuise & Victoria Manor has put on a buffet of Karoo food that fuses easy.

So let me give you Bobotie pie, a curried raisin-infused Shepherd’s Pie with a savoury custard topping.

Pie Irie

Ruby, Ruby, Ruby: Cooking and baking in Barbados

Macaroni pie: And something from the Old World embraced by the new in the Caribbean.

It is known there just as pie or Bajan Pie in Barbados this is island comfort food.

This tubed pasta with creamy cheese sauce is served either as a main dish in Bim.

Or more likely to the side of their favourite chicken and fish. Irie?

Pizza and understanding

Pizza pie: So when we first got a taste for the Italian staple on this island we would call it pizza pie.

The best pizzas which we know are in Pizza City, Naples.

But a tip here for those who might otherwise be stung dining out near the Spanish Steps or Pantheon in Rome.

Instead pick up the long miniature pezzos from stores scattered through the Eternal City.

Sweet pie

Key Lime Pie: Now just as many pies are sweet as are savoury.

And in the land of American pie there are as many variations as there are numbers after 3.14.

But as it’s darn tasty and the Florida Keys are on the radar.

For a long rescheduled road trip it’s Lime Key Pie for me.

And so whatever your pick it’s good to know pie are squared and round and make the world go round.