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!