Monserrat - is all that!

Sorry my friends for such a belated trip report... I'm still defiant with my dominica report (my apologies but dom too is recommended.. .pm me for more info)

Arrived the first couple of days of november to Montserrat on air Montserrat who were more than professional and on time. upon arriving in anu, you skip to the quick line and off you go, to hurry up and wait. everyone was early so we boarded early.. though I am not sure we left early. we had a very friendly Belgium pilot who loved his career - I can tell. lucky him.

our flight of seven pax was full so we had to hop on the weigh scale with our luggage in anu. I am sure the lady at the counter lied about my weight and clocked as an 'overweight' baggage... lolo well that's what I asked her to do anyways!

the flight over was a short 15 mins of the most scenic views one could dream of... majestic rodonda rising from the sea.. and before you know it, the emerald isle appears. what a beauty. she does not disappoint. we flew near the devastation of Plymouth.

immigration was very pleasant and 'cared' about my experience. he asked very interesting questions and we had a lovely chat.

my cabbie -Winston, a retired police officer - was more than happy to meet me, as I him. what more can I ask from a country's residents? a warm smile, a warm welcome, and a warm breeze... this was going to be fantastic!

Winston, my professional tourguide was more than I could ask for. he stopped for me at a grocery store that opens up at 6pm on a Sunday. It took me awhile to figure out what I wanted from this sparsely stocked provisioning stop, but alas... mix, canned goods and I'm good to go! here they exchanged usd for ec at par... even exchanging extra for me. once again, I am pleasantly surprised by the friendliness and genuine characters who greeted me.

off to essence guesthouse to meet the most welcoming hosts, from Belgium. I miss them already. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />

my unit was a one bedroom with full kitchen/living room. the hosts were very respectful of my space and my needs. I can't wait to stay here again. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

first you should know, I travelled by myself and stayed in this entire house alone.. with the windows open all night for a fresh breeze and never worrying about locking the doors at every turn. I felt at ease and zenned out. what more could I ask.. oh, a pool to myself?

in the morning I woke up to having my daytour cancelled due to rainbursts, this worked out as I rested by my pool, mesmerized by the volcano, iguanas, quietness... ahhhhh, zennnnnnnnnnnn.

the following day, Winston took me around the island to view Plymouth - a must do for everyone - and the new communities since the volcano. he shared his personal experiences and the trials and tribulations of rebuilding after the volcano. I lived and breathed the moments, thanks to Winston's graphic details and patience.

that night I met many expats at the local bonfire. they were very forthcoming and invited me all over the place during my stay.

I made it to the volcano observatory. ummmmmmm more to see outside than inside, or maybe I just didn't get it???? from here I walked to desert storm pub in salem. WOW.. I love you guys! at night someone walked their donkeys to feed at the main intersection and then sometime later walked them home.

on my way down from the observatory thru lush neighbourhoods I saw a sign that took me about 10mins to interpret.. and now I wish I took a picture... it read - beware of dogs and please.... get it????? try it with a carib accent... LMAO.

I stayed five days and can't wait to go back.. for all the single ladies... just do it. you are safe. the island will take care of you. camping? walking alone at night? hiking the mountains alone? it's all possible. not to worry, overall... (though I would suggest getting a ride at night, they say you can't get lost, but I wouldn't want to find out!)

I didn't check out any of the beaches, so can't comment but land based tours are well worth the stay.

my most memorable moments are realizing how clean the streets are and how simple life can be.

take a chance on Montserrat.. you won't be disappointed if you are looking to come back zenned out!

PS I drank from the gaunt.. and i'll be back.

also note, you need exact cash or credit card for exit fees at the airport. I think it was $28 total. two fees for something or other they make up, if you ask me, lololol. it's a small price to pay for paradise. don't forget to keep your camera out as you fly over jolly harbour and into anu.