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It is a cloudy afternoon in the Eastern Caribbean as our flight makes it's descent to the island country of Antigua and Barbuda. Passing storms cast a dull gray on the normally sparkling blue waters of the Caribbean Sea below us. The entire island can almost be seen as we make our final approach for landing at VC Bird International Airport.
There is no waiting to feel the warm tropical sun or fresh island breezes. The only thing missing here is a Planters Rum Punch with an Antiguan twist.
About to leave the immigration area, I inquire as to what was happening in Antigua for a “Saturday Night In The Big City”.
A What? “A “fete”, it's a big party”.
Ummm, what would Paris Hilton do?
Outside the terminal I cross the street to the rental car building where I have a car reserved with Alamo. “It's almost out of gas, so you will have to get some leaving the airport” I am told as I am given possession of my island chariot.
Afraid I might end up with dreadlocks, I resist saying “Hey Mon, No Problem”.
On fumes, I leave VC Bird headed for Siboney Beach Club about 8 miles away. My challenge is to return the car on fumes. I hate receiving rental cars with less than a full tank of gas. Ultimately, Alamo is going to get more gas out of me!
The Ox tail with a flavorful spicy gravy sauce requires some old school primitive dining skills to remove all the meat of the chunky bones. A worthwhile effort.
A youth beauty contest I am told.
“Are you here for the Red Party”?
“There's an all night party starting at 8pm just up the hill”.
What?
“There's an all night party starting at 8pm just up the hill”.
Okaaaayyyy! Could this be the “fete” I learned about earlier at the airport? Informed by the two friendly employees of Northe's Cafe that my conclusion is correct, my plans for the night are set.
More than two and I might not leave Antigua or even make it to the “fete”.
A phone call and I am promised I will be met at the “fete” around 10pm. I have a feeling that is going to be island time.
This is the time of year most islands in the Caribbean hold their carnival celebrations. Tonight's venue sponsored primarily by Digicell, the country's main cellphone provider is a warm up to Antigua's upcoming carnival.
The Malibu Rum Passoa is chilled and has a sweet fruit flavor that gives it a tropical appeal. A sampling of Mount Gay Rum is a different story.
A warm fire follows it from my throat to my stomach.
My second sampling requires more sipping and is accompanied by fried johnny cake to cool the fire.
I just don't think the Bunny can do a crowd pleasing butt scoot across the stage or move his hips the way she does. I’m sure it's an “Island” thing.
If I could export the voltage created here I think I could solve America's energy problems and end it's dependency on foreign oil.
Meeting a couple from Austria kind enough to let me use their cellphone I place another call to my new Antiguan friend.
“We are on the way, how's the crowd? You enjoying yourself? It's just past midnight, 10pm island time. Awaiting my friends arrival I hang out with the Austrians who are fortunate to be in Antigua for the summer visiting relatives.
My friends arrive and turn out to be quite popular and well known by many in the crowd.
However, the energy level still remains hundreds of row back. This is fun as I learn a bit about Antigua, it's people and it's culture through it's music and nightlife.
Shredded seasoned fish, lettuce and tomato on a foot long hoagie bread. Now there's a true fish sandwich. Take notes, McDonald.
I guess one of the things to look forward to in retirement which unfortunately is still a long, long, long away for me. There are no signs of rain just tropical sunshine as I head for the beach.
An offshore swim with my trusted Samsung point and shoot camera sounds like a much better idea.
With Olympic dreams, I could use some tips on doing the doggie paddle.
About the size of a garbanzo bean sea grapes are best when they are soft and dark purple just before the bugs discover them. Try a few if you get the chance.
Maybe I don't have to wait until retirement to experience the simple pleasures of life.
I discover my rental car has a flat tire. Not a big deal except the spare tire does not fit. A call to Alamo and I am assured help is on the way.
Well, I guess I have no other choice than to test my rum punch handling skills.
This time I join the bar employees and a few other patrons watching a movie on the big screen TV behind the bar. I am brought up to speed on what has happen so far and the local commentary continues as I sip my rum punch.
The movie some kind of a love story has me captivated. I am not sure if it is because of Jeremy Piven of HBO Entourage and Rush Hour fame or the effects of another rum punch. In any event I stay until the ending credits but at least I don't cry. My Monster Beast is still unleashed although a bit more sensitive.
Blooming Poinciana trees and colorful houses line the narrow island streets.
Still hoping to return my island chariot on fumes I add a few EC (East Caribbean) dollars of gas. Just enough so I can coast to a stop outside the Alamo building.
Another beer can now be added to my International Beer Taste Test Research List.
Having friends in the right places my exit from Antigua is a VIP one. Although I will never be able to return the same favors, I hope someday to share a part of my country with my new found friends.
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