"AnitaJRT" a Caribbean and Central America Travel Page by AnitaJRT

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<BIG><I><B>The High's and Low's</B></I></BIG>
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<B>We didn't know what to expect from this two week adventure which started
in Freeport, Bahama and ended in Trinidad.</B>
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<B>The high points were definitely Bequia, buying <U>Cuban</U> cigars in
St. Maarten and the private tour of Grenada.</B>
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<B>We could have passed on the first three days at sea (in the shipping lanes
of the open Atlantic) -- but, both the good and the bad are what make vacation
memories. Our advice would be to book this trip "South to North", instead
of "North to South". You will spend fewer days at sea with more time to explore
the islands (and locate additional place to purchase <U>Cuban</U> cigars.)</B>
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<B>Our itinerary included stops at Tortola, Cooper Island, Grand Turk, St.
Maarten, Bequia, Antigua, Dominica plus one or two, virtually uninhabited
beaches.</B>
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<B>It was a memorable experience to see the cargo being put onto sister ships
that were tied to us, and the loading/unloaded of the launches was thrilling
some days (when the seas were rough). All our travel companions were wonderful,
interesting folks.  Notable to mention were Jaz, a delightful 6 year
old -- so pleasant, polite and always cheerful -- a model traveler.  Also
Dan Duff, an 89 year old gentleman from England who left us in the dust when
walking to town.  He proudly shared with us the T-shirt he purchased
in St. Maarten; the FIRST he has ever owned!  Dan also taught us the
simplest, and most enjoyable card game, "Oh Well."  Easy enough for
a child, but demanding skill for adult play.</B>
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<B>If you're ever in the Carribean, try Ting which is a refreshing lemon/lime
soft drink; our local beer of choice was Carib. Again, did I mention the
<U>Cuban</U> cigars?  Herb now knows why they are so revered.</B>
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<B>We recommend the following excursions available on the North to South
itinerary:</B>
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<LI>
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<B> Swim with the Sting Rays at Grand Turk</B>
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<B> If  beaches are your thing (and driving over narrow roads along
cliff faces doesn't bother you) try Brewer's Bay at Tortola.  Have the
bartender mix you a Pina Colada using his secret recipe!</B>
<LI>
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<B> Don't let the description scare you off -- the Falls at Dominica are
WONDERFUL, and not an arduous climb as the cruise director makes it seem.
 We even saw some handicapped individuals making the trek to the observation
deck.</B>
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<B> We hired a private cab to show us the sights of Grenada, the right choice
-- the private attention shown to us by Dave of A&T  Enterprises
was outstanding, and it was cheaper than if we had taken the group island
tour offered by the ship.  We told him that my husband managed a tree
nursery and he explained the local flora to us in great detail.  What
a knowledgeable guy and so proud of his island.  We felt so proud of
the USA when we saw a sign painted on a garage that said "God bless the USA
and the 82nd Airborne."  Do NOT buy your spices at the docks, wait to
purchase at any of the roadside stands which are everywhere.  Dave told
us that just about everyone on Grenada who owns any land, plants spice trees
of some sort . . . it's a fascinating business.</B>
<LI>
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<B> Buy your <U>Cuban</U> cigars and T-shirts in St. Maarten! (and your booze
too).</B>
<LI>
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<B> While you're docked in the evening in Bequia, stroll along the beachfront
to the right (be sure to be careful as you might be dodging the waves which
will lick at your feet) to the bars along the strip.  But go early,
they closed that night around 10 pm except for one 'wild and crazy' place
at the end of the strip, which closed at midnight.  This is where we
saw many of our crew heading to dance.  Bequia is also the place to
get lobster pizza.  It was expensive, and took a long time to prepare
-- but it was worth every penny!</B>
<LI>
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<B> On Sunday, take a hike to the fort at Antiqua.  It's rich in history,
beautifully restored and the views are out of this world.  Be sure not
to miss the hiking trail out to the point which starts behind the museum
complex.  </B>
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<B> During the day at Bequia, there is an ice cream shop right at the end
of the dock (across the road) which serves the best rum raisin ice cream
we have ever had -- and it isn't even a flavor that I am particularly fond
of.  It was loaded with raisins and real rum.</B>

Drop on over to our Grenada page for a few more pictures from this trip.