Antigua the Local Way

It was our first trip to Antigua.  I usually love anywhere that is warm and sunny and I did.  We spent 3 weeks living in a house, away from the tourist area, and really experienced Antiguan hospitality.

We stayed in Cedar Valley Springs – a lovely neighborhood close to St. John’s and 5 minutes from the beach.  I really got to know the neighbors because my hosts were so busy and I knew that before coming.  My hosts were so kind for letting us stay (so long).  That’s ok that they were busy and we made the best of it.  I ended up meeting neighbors who made me feel more welcome than in my own neighborhood where I’ve lived for 12 years.  That’s the Antiguan hospitality.

Mr. Johnny, my next door neighbor in Antigua was amazing.  He very generously took time to show me around the island and treated me like an old friend.  We didn’t have a car and on several occasions he also gave us a ride.

Mandy was also a great person.  I never met her before and after only knowing me a few days she took me out for my birthday, bought me brunch and surprised me with a bunch of gifts.

Patti (and Jason) – really made our trip great.  Not only did they help me with medical issues (he’s a doctor) – but we had one of the best days going out on their boat for the day.  Patti also gave me a lovely Antigua guide book for my birthday.   Ian, my kind neighbor, gave me rides to Rotary meetings.  There was also Sanjay – a lovely lady who generously gave a lift to strangers.

My daughter joined the swim club for a month and people were great there too.  One kind person gave us their daughters old swimsuit when Ellie didn’t have a proper one for swim class. Another mom invited us to join them in a mom’s club and another invited us out for happy hour.

Across the street lived a lovely family from India – a wonderful woman Nikita, with a kind husband Laxman and a daughter Varuni with whom Ellie played.

I think I would have to say that I really have never been anywhere else in the world where I was treated so much like an old friend.  Thank you friends!