Antigua
Ask any Antiguan the question “How are the beaches?” We can almost guarantee the following. First, you are going to get an incredulous look. A look usually reserved for people known to be members of an insane asylum and then when he ascertains that you are serious you will hear…
“Man! Beaches? Best beaches in the world…365 of them …one for each day of the year”
While you are still trying to absorb that little bit of information that you could actually go to a different beach each day of the year, the spirited monologue will be sure to continue. You are certainly going to hear about beaches down by Runaway, Galley bay, Half Moon Bay. If you are lucky, you will escape before he gets round to the south of the island, but talking about 365 beaches is serious work and if you don’t know “bout it”, it’s not going to be his fault that you are not bought up to speed. Seriously though, the Island does boast a large variety of natural secluded coves that are delightful and enticing. We can’t quite agree on the count but we would love your own independent survey. Combine that with quite a few uninhabited small islands accessible only by boat or dingy (or a vigorous swim if you are up to it) and you have the makings of your own Robinson Crusoe adventure. Unlike quite a few places, all beaches are public and totally accessible even though for some getting there may require a four-wheeler.
If shopping is more to your pleasure, a trip to the capital St Johns is a must. You can spend many an hour lazing around the many quaint boutiques, most are set off in colorful Island motif reminiscent of days when Britain was the ruling power and Sir Admiral Rodney Nelson ruled the Caribbean seas. The currency of choice is the E.C (Eastern Caribbean) but you will find the U.S dollar changing hands just as willingly. Duty Free abounds and prices can usually be bargained down. Wandering around St Johns aimlessly is my recommended way to make the most of this charming town. Some of the best deals are off the main throughway in quaint little nooks and if you are new to island life, this is definitely an experience not to be missed. Remember, all the locals do business here also so you can soak up your fill - Antiguan style.
Getting to know the Island has a certain charm of its own. Getting by on taxi or local bus is a breeze. With friendly people everywhere, you will never be without your own local guide. For the more adventurous, we recommend touring the island by bike or moped. Start wherever you like and run through villages with quaint names such as Freeman’s Village or Old Road. Remember this is a tropical island so don’t get dehydrated. Take a stop at any of the local bars along your route for a quick top-off. We recommend a Wadadli (local beer) to hit the spot but the choices are much more varied. Chat with a local for an update on island politics or how the West Indies Cricket Squad performing in the latest test match.
If you prefer a guided tour, Islandman offers a few to choose from. Most touch the highpoints of the Island from a historical point of view taking you back a few hundred years when sugar and slavery were still dominant world powers. Safari style, these tours will drag you out to points such as Betty Hope- remants of a once influental sugar plantation and slave holding or Shirley Heights arguably the best known cliff in the Caribbean where remants of a British Fort can still be found.
Of course who says you only have to know the island by land. For the seafarers or the adventure worthy, a circumnavigation tour is the best. Here you will get to see the wonders of Mother Nature at hand. How about the Pillars of Hercules, a rock formation hollowed out of the natural limestone by eons of wind and waves that not even Picasso in his best moments could have conceived. Or miles from land, a secluded lagoon with water so clear, the bottom strewn with the most exotic of starfishes as far as the eye can see. Snorkel in waterside oasis with gentle stingrays and nurse sharks. Explore natural coral formations off Pickle Pear Island where the water is only waist deep. At the end, (or any time for that matter) sit back with an island rum punch or a lime squash. With eyes closed, enjoy the warmth of the sun on your skin.
If you have any Caribbean friends, you will of course have heard of carnival, most islands carry some form of the festival. Antigua is no exception. The island comes alive with revelry explosion of pan and fun and art during the last week of July and first week of August. Colorful costumes abound and playing “mas” like a local is must. Carnival originated as a festival to celebrate the emancipation of slavery but its modern day form offers you a week of culture and non-stop partying. Choose your events carefully. If you think you have the stamina to keep up night and day for a week or so, be our guest. The festival culminates with a street jump up of dozens of bands, hi-fi and steel pan on the streets of St Johns.
Come down and visit us. We can talk all day about how great it is but Islandman believes seeing and doing is a whole “ other ting ”