Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda are located in the centre of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean. Antigua is the largest of the English speaking islands at 14 miles long and 11 miles wide. Barbuda is half the size. Total population of the two islands is only 100,000 people. Christopher Columbus named the island after the Church of Santa Maria de la Antigua in Seville, Spain.  Originally, large scale sugar production was the main industry.  In the 18th century, the British Royal Navy chose Antigua as its base and it has developed into one of Great Britain's most important military bases in the Caribbean. Now tourism, especially for beach lovers, is a main industry.  There are over 300 pristine white sand beaches around the coast and many buses, vans and taxis ready to take the tourists to them.

Internet gambling and off shore banking are also part of the economy.  We saw branches of The Royal Bank and Bank of Nova Scotia!

The shopping area at the port is lined with high end, duty free shops.  Beyond that, the infrastructure deteriorated making walking hazardous. 

The route to the cathedral, which has been under renovation of many years, was too challenging so we opted for beer instead. 

Now it is time to think about packing suitcases and returning to the north.  We have read that the sap is flowing, a sign that spring is almost here.  Hurrah!

Bridgetown, Barbados

Although the Caribs, Arawaks, and Portuguese had all inhabited Barbados, it was completely unoccupied when the British first settled here in 1627.  Initially, the capital was Jamestown, named for King James I. Tobacco, sugar cane and ginger were the main crops, farmed using slaves. In 1960, the island gained independence but continues as part of the Commonwealth.  The British roots are evident.  Cricket is the main sport and afternoon tea is served daily. 

Now the capital is the port of Bridgetown, a popular stop for cruise ships.  Outside the capital, with its population of 110,000, the island boasts beautiful sandy beaches, sparkling aquamarine water and lush tropical hillsides.

Eighteen months ago we were in the Barbados. This time our time was spent walking along the waterfront on a pleasant warm morning.  We visited the local fish market where we saw fishermen bringing in their catch of tuna and flying fish, a popular local treat. 

Of course, the final stop was for the famous local beer at a cost of 3 for $5.00 US.

Trinidad and Tobago

The island of Trinidad was discovered by Christopher Columbus on his third voyage in 1498. The natives were wiped out by the Spanish conquistadors and the island remained Spanish until 1797 when, along with Tobago, it came under British rule. Originally, plantations growing sugar cane and cacao using slaves were the basis of the economy. Slavery was abolished in 1845. In 1962, Trinidad and Tobago became an independent member of the Commonwealth.

Just seven miles off the coast of Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago is one of the wealthiest  and most developed nations in the Caribbean with a population of 1.4 million people.  It is the 5th largest exporter of liquified petroleum gas.  Also, asphalt is exported to the United States. We docked in Port of Spain, the capital city.

Just south of the city lies the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, the protected roosting site of the scarlet ibis, the national bird.  Bird watchers flock to these islands which house over 450 species of birds.  On our tour to the sanctuary we travelled through mangroves in a flat bottomed boat with an excellent guide.

  We saw a variety of birds, the crabs they eat, huge termite nests, and a boa contrictor. The red ibis was most visible flying overhead against the blue sky, although it could also be seen on the mangrove branches.

 The little blue heron and night heron were well hidden in the shadows. Tiny crabs climb up the aerial roots of the mangroves.  The boa constrictor was curled up in a tree.

There were lots of flamingos feeding on the mud flats.  Our guide said that they came two years ago fom South America and are now native.

Arriving back at the port, we were hot and thirsty so we went in search of cold beer. we walked to Independence Square with a local who suggested this restaurant - a little local colour.