27 February - SUV Tour

Again waited dutifully at the Security gate for our pick-up at 9.15.  No sign after 15 minutes but reassured  by the security man that we were in the right place and that the pick-up could be a little late. 

By ten we were really doubting we’d be picked up so I walked back to reception who called Chernie the Rep.  He then appeared at security and tried to speak to the driver.  I eventually walked back there to discover that a driver had been and picked up someone else.  Hasty rearrangement to find another driver, who would be there within 30 minutes  -  again Antiguan time.

Eventually set off with Julius who was a great guy and made up for all the delays by keeping up an interesting chatter about all and sundry.  Stopped first at English Harbour and did a brief walk around before a very acceptable roast chicken lunch.  Then walked around the museum with artefacts and information about the history including Nelson’s time here.

Continued on to an old fort site with nice views over the harbour and coast, then on to Shirley Heights for even better views.  Next to Devil’s Bridge where story goes the slaves leapt into the sea to try to escape.

Then to Betty Hope where one of the big sugar plantations had been in the days of slavery and before they gave up sugar production and started on tourism.

Quick stops at a church with roof like a boat,

and the Viv Richards cricket stadium where England will play West Indies in April.

Bit of a deluge as we drove back to Jolly Beach where we’d booked in at Lydia’s Restaurant for a change.  Met the American couple we’d befriended earlier and had an interesting chat to them as we ate the fishy/seafood offerings.  Deluge again, stopping in time for the limbo dancer  / fire eater performance.