ST. LAWRENCE Gap beach in Barbados, main photo, is stunning to behold. -- Photos by Tania Thomson

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. If that's the case, then Barbados is surely worth a small library -- and that's just for the view from our terrace at the award-winning Casuarina Beach Club.

From sparkling beaches in the south and west to the lush interior and the raw beauty of the east coast and North Point, this Caribbean gem -- "21 miles long and a smile wide" -- is a little piece of paradise.

For those of you who consider a holiday more than just lounging about the pool or beach, here's a tip: Barbados is right-hand drive.

If you don't feel comfortable driving on the "wrong" side of the road, check out your hotel's activities desk. There are usually tours and trips available.

Better yet, arrange with a local taxi driver for a trip to see what you want to see, not necessarily what a guided tour wants you to see.

If you're in the Gap area, look for our friend Roger Crichlow. We hired him for a couple of day trips throughout the island. Crichlow proved reliable, knowledgeable and a fun companion. His rates were reasonable.

Journey with us now as we give you a pictorial taste of "our" Barbados.

Bottom Line

ACCOMMODATIONS: For details on the Casuarina Beach Club, visit casuarina.com.

GETTING AROUND: We hired a local cab driver (Roger Crichlow, 266 7636) to take us on an individualized tour.

MORE INFORMATION: For more on Barbados, contact the Barbados Tourism Authority at 888-BARBADOS or barbados.org.

Bathsheba	Welchman Hall Gully
Macaws at the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary	The Careenage, Bridgetown's inner harbour