After The Volcano
The natives and the volcano continue to co-exist quietly. Despite
the size of population, and the problems created by natural
disasters, the people continue to enjoy life in a peaceful,
contented state of mind. According to Clarence Greaves, a
Montserratian resident, "The separation of families was and still
is the worse tragedy of all." Visitors to the island have much to
gain by witnessing the rebounding strength and creativity of the
resilient, friendly islanders.
THINGS TO SEE
Sir George Martin (knighted in 1996) maintains his connection
with Montserrat. He was one of the major donors towards the
construction of a new concert hall/conference center on the
island. It is used for weekend movies, musical performances,
wedding celebrations and the like.
Salem Village(familiar to the author during the 1970s) lies on
the western side of the island and buzzes with life as usual
during the day. It offers a reasonable night life in bars where
natives can play pool or just sit and chat over rum and coke.
Though many of the homes need repair, the pre-volcano traditional
structures can still be seen.
Duck Pond National Parkoccupies 6 ½ acres at a height of 1,650
feet providing wonderful views of the southern part of the
island.
Garibaldi Hillis also a good location from which to view the
former capital, Plymouth and the volcano.
THINGS TO DO
Montserrat is the only country outside Ireland where St Patrick's
Day is a national holiday. Montserratians celebrate St. Patrick's
Day in the midst of a weeklong St. Patrick's Festival every year.
They highlight their Irish background and feature events which
include a Catholic Church service, guided hikes, a Freedom Run,
St. Patricks Day dinner and a Calypso Competition. They showcase
music with an African-European blend, and artistic dances of
natives in costumes. Other annual celebrations include Carnival,
the Calabash, the Literary, and the Fishing Tournament Festivals.
Among the many activities which tourists can enjoy are: bird
watching (there are 34 native species, plus others on their
migratory tours); hiking-up the Cott Trail, pass the banana
plantation and the Cot which was once the Sturges' family summer
cottage; or up the Center Hills Trails where the tree frogs and
the mountain chickens can be seen. There are several other
trails, some providing picnic opportunities and views of the
ocean, wildlife, and the volcano. Swimming, fishing, horse-back
riding and night clubs can all be arranged.
There are about 30 restaurants on the island, and they are never
short on tasty menus which offer locally-grown foods. Goat water,
lobster burgers, coconut scallops and saltfish are among the
favorites. They serve fresh juices made from native fruits like
mangoes, guavas, soursop, tamarind and some you may never know
until you get there.
Travel to Montserrat
Because the old W. H. Bramble airport is covered under the
volcanic ash, Montserrat was accessible only by helicopters and
boats from 1997 to 2005. In February 2005, the British Princess
Royal, Anne opened the new John A. Osborne airport (also called
the Geralds Airport after the village near it). New docking
facilities have also been constructed at Little Bay in the
northwest where a new town is developing.
Visitors to Montserrat can enter through the neighboring island
of Antigua by air or by sea. The daily fifteen-minute flights are
operated by two airlines-Fly MontserratandSVG(St. Vincent and the
Grenadines)Airlines,on small nine-seater aircrafts. The two-hour
ferry service is operated by an Antiguan-based company called
Ondeck on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Charter trips can be
arranged by sea and by air. The daily tours include an island
tour, volcano viewing and lunch.
Sounds like the perfect place for your next vacation.
Montserratin the Caribbean, is a phenomenon you will like to see
and talk about, firsthand.
RyanWhere to stay on this tropical paradise?
Our villa offers a panoramic view of the ocean and towering lush
mountains, with breathtaking sunset views and star filled skies.
Just a short walk away is one of the best beaches you will ever
see. Woodlands is a secluded beach surrounded by cliffs where you
will often be the only visitors enjoying the Caribbean waters and
Montserrat's famous black sand beaches. Swim or snorkel around
the cliff to your left and find a tiny private beach only
accessible by water. This is where my husband proposed to me!
Woodlands, where our villa is located, is the most wooded area on
the island. It is lush with vegetation, palm and fruit trees and
flowers of all sorts. The vegetation and dramatic views of the
mountains create a cool breeze refreshing breeze throughout the
villa.
Three private suites, each with full bath and sitting area sleep
6.
http://www.vrbo.com/409480
susan@asi-adoption.com
+1 732 221 9483
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