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     Barbados is an infectiously happy 
island, with beautiful beaches, balmy weather, and a delightful British flair. 
As a result of its successful sugar economy starting in the 1600's, you'll find 
large manor estates full of fine mahogany and antiques, along with gaily painted 
frame houses--the essence of the festive Caribbean. Rum still is popular in 
Barbados, and cane plantations have divided the landscape into a pretty 
patchwork of fields, coconut and royal palm, breadfruit, oleander, and citrus 
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