We departed Gun Hill with first rum punch under our belts. There are 900 miles of paved road on island, but we were on safari, so we took bumpy route through sugar cane fields. The cane grew high and we were lost in maze of green lush. Philip pulls up to chop a couple of cane stalks for chewing and chomping on at next rum punch stop. Then we were splooshed into "Pigsty", so named because there is always knee-deep water in gully. "You don't want to be here in a hurricane," said Philip. Did you know that hurrican (sic) is an indigenous Amerindian/Arawak word that describes these horrific winds?

Suddenly we were high and dry, looking down on Pigsty from 250-year-old Molasses Bridge, held together by mortar of molasses and eggs, one of strongest spans in Barbados.

Because 70 miles of Barbados coastline is closest landmass to African continent, slavers first came to Barbados to use island as a slave distribution center for rest of Caribbean. But slavery was outlawed in Barbados long before Britain or United States emancipated their slaves; country became independent in 1966, with a parliamentary system based on British system of government. There is very little land sold for development, it is saved for agricultural purposes, so there is plenty of green space on island, and all beaches are public, even in front of luxury hotels dotting coastline.

We were off to visit Edge Cliff, so named because it is edge of a cliff. The wind blew a streaming constant from Atlantic Ocean 140 feet below. Yes, it was time for rum punch and a snack of sugar cane stalks.

Later, we passed Malvern House Plantation, now a colon clinic with riding stables. Don't ask about any analogies. There is an old sugar factory across from Malvern House. Philip pointed out an Indian Almond tree, similar in appearance to poisonous Machioneel. The croplands were planted in sweet potatoes and yams, with young sugar cane growing between sweet potato rows. The sweet potatoes will mature first, so farmers get more use from same acreage.

We pass Andrew Sugar Cane Factory that still produces more sugar cane mash than modern factories. It is not biggest, but it has been in operation for over 116 years. There are two types of molasses, but black strap variety is used in Barbados for rum. The local Sugar Cane Research Institute is nearby, #1 home for cane species in world. The first whites in Barbados were indentured Scots and Brits serving petty crime sentences of 5-7 years, and they developed first cane fields. They harvest cane now with combines. They don't burn cane like on other islands, so they can cut cane back for additional growth and cuttings. Come to Barbados for annual "Crop Over", a celebration of traditional cane-cutting era, held in July and August each year.

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By Kriss Hammond - Jetsetters Magazine Editor - at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

Prague is truly stunning and is becoming wildly popular for tourists from all over world. The Old Town has winding cobblestone streets that open onto expansive squares. For medieval enjoyment, Charles Bridge is best example in city. By climbing up one of towers that are located at either end of bridge one can view castle above and city bellow. This bridge leads to imposing Prague Castle that overlooks brightly painted buildings.

I decided to take a day trip to Dresden, Germany. I made my reservations with Rail Europe prior to leaving United States; however, I had to speak to an international ticket agent to obtain my final ticket. Once I chose my date and time travel was quite easy. The ticket agents at international ticket counters speak English fluently; however, if you think you are being misunderstood it is a good idea to write down your exact desired travel details to show to vendor. As I already had information printed on my Rail Europe pass, transaction went quickly and language barrier was not an issue. I then watched for my departure information on large screens and went to board my train. For this journey I had a 2nd class ticket and I chose to sit in non-smoking area. I had my own box to sit in which was very comfortable and perfect for a relaxing journey to Dresden. It is important to note that less luggage better. Although security is tight it is best to keep your belongings close to you at all times to avoid them being stolen. It was a quick two-hour ride to Dresden Hauptbahnhof.

The station is currently under construction to better accommodate roughly 70,000 people that visit city each year.

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By Lucy Harrison, Boston Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com