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Settle in and settle down

Long-stays in a foreign country take some getting used to.

With short jaunts of a week or two, life is very focused. There are sights to see, local foods to try and beaches to visit. The drive to maximize experiences is strong, not much time for kicking back and reflecting.

This time, I have returned to Antigua and Barbuda for four months. Official snowbird status.

It’s my third trip in three years to this wonderful island in the eastern Caribbean. I am learning not to jump up in the morning with a full agenda of activities.

We are so fortunate to be able to winter here in a deliciously temperate climate, hot sun tempered by breezes from the trade winds. No need for fans or air conditioners in our little apartment by the sea.

I have noticed an increase in tourism this year, more people on beaches and visitors crowding the colourful, ramshackle capital of St. John’s. Some islands, such …

Beach bums in Antigua: the adventure continuesWe made good on our promise to return to Antigua in late January for a couple of months.The airfares were slightly higher than our fall trip as the low season has shifted into high season but we got a rate on our holiday apartment that fit our budget. This time we are at the top of Runaway Bay and steps from Dickenson Beach.

They are two of the most popular beaches on the island with visitors because of their location (not too far from where the cruise ships dock) and services such as restaurants and bars, water craft rentals and clothing and souvenirs. We like the more remote ends of both beaches.Snorkelling at Deep Bay remains a favourite with us, a two-bus journey but very doable.We’ve discovered our bus journeys generally begin with a trip into island’s capital of St. John’s and from there we strike out to whatever region …