Barbados Fish Festival

 

Outside the Celebration of World Carnivals sat Tori Monette, a fourth-year majoring in Public Health Science, in her booth, ready to inform students of all the cultural possibilities available through UCI's study abroad program.

 

Different countries' names on colored fliers were ruffled by the wind but Monette remained steady because there was more to the study abroad experience than the fliers implied. Monette's own study abroad adventure began on Fall 2012, the quarter she found herself exploring Barbados.

 

“It was a break from reality,” she states. She had gone from being an overworked student to the kind of student that could go to the beach right after class. Apart from the relaxing atmosphere, she enjoyed absorbing the new culture, one which consisted of great food and music.

 

In her time in Barbados, Monette was able to visit one of Barbados's most know attractions, the Oistins Fish Fry. On Friday nights, locals and tourists gather at the town of Oistins to enjoy excellent food, amazing music, and all the little art and craft items on sale. The event is very informal and allows everyone to relax and enjoy themselves. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The kinds of music at the event varies from calypso, to reggae, to even country. Oistins Fish Fry is able to showcase all the music genres that make the Barbados people want to get up and dance. “They have Soca music and dancehall so they do a lot of Caribbean type dances,” Monette informs about the genres she heard during her stay. Monette tried some of the dances herself during her time in Barbados and according to some people there, she appeared to be a natural. Monette had already been exposed to Caribbean type of dances since her mother was from Tonga, a Pacific Island.

 

According to the Barbados website, the food is the main attraction at Oistins Fishy Fry. Most of the food available consists of fish that the locals have caught and they are able to cook it for you right on the spot. Some of the fishes served include: tuna, marlin, swordfish, flying fish, and mahi-mahi. The fish can either be grilled or fried, you choose. A plate of fish with a beer costs around $15 and is usually available starting at 7:00 p.m. If you go earlier, you can even catch yourself a glimpse of the beautiful sunset.

 

Another food that Monette enjoyed indulging herself with in Barbados were the very tasteful jam puffs. Jam puffs are pastries with fruit jam inside them. “People ate it as a dessert but I ate it for breakfast,” she laughs. Jam puffs are a popular treat in many countries and are easy to make. Just look at this recipe from a blog that focuses on Italian cuisine here.

 

Tori Monette is currently one of UCEAP's study abroad ambassadors for UCI and will soon graduate, proudly wearing a Barbados country sash around her shoulders. She encourages UCI students to study abroad while they still have a chance because it is a life changing experience. According to Monette, her own experience has enhanced her cultural identity. “Now I feel that I am connected to my mom's Pacific Islander side [and] the other islands in the Caribbean” she says, “ I have a lot of pride for both sides.”

 

To learn more about UCI's study abroad program and how to apply, visit their website: studyabroad.uci.edu/

Or, visit some blogs by other study abroad students from UCI to learn about their own experience: https://www.facebook.com/notes/anteaters-abroad/student-blogs-past-and-present/10150941916917690