Next stop: Barbados. For a quick second upon landing I thought that I had landed back in the USA – there were no landing fees or navigation charges in which to deal with. This is quite contrary to my experiences with airports thus far. Rest assured, however, that there were fees to pay! In almost every country that I’ve visited there are fees: fees for landing, fees for parking, fees for leaving, etc. Barbados is no different. In this country, it was $50USD for and ‘entry’ number and another $50USD for an ‘exit’ number – conveniently available on-line of course. I guess we can’t have everything in life. It is during these times that I have to remind myself of the many priceless gifts and hospitality that I have experienced during this mission.
The white sandy beaches here are beautiful and I soon see why Barbados was ranked third (by the United Nations Development Index in 1996) in terms of quality of life among 160 developing countries. On this island that is only 21 miles long by 14 miles wide, there are many tourists and the local people are welcoming. The media showed great interest in publishing and transmitting news about Kosovo’s independence and The Ministry of Foreign Affairs here is quite aware of our recent independence. Ms. Natalie Cox was very knowledgeable about our country and the position we are gaining in the world. She promised to bring our request to the higher powers of this beautiful nation. Let’s hope their decision will come soon.
