Archive for the ‘Culture’ Category
August 14, 2010
Carol Richardson recently invited me to her studio Estate Hope Art Studio located on Crocus Hill in sunny Anguilla. Carol previously enjoying oils and pastels has now turned most of her artistic attention to quilting. Originally from Baltimore, Carol came to the Caribbean 23 years ago and later married her husband Walter. She was a nurse for many years but left healthcare to open a gallery in St. Thomas. Opportunity brought them back to the island of Walter’s heritage, Anguilla in 2001. They lived on Roaches Hill in Walter’s Mom’s home with Miss Jimmy. Miss Jimmy’s house then had no water and occasional electricity but a recent 17 month refurbishment accomplished by Carol and Walter has transformed this traditional home into an artist retreat.
Carol rents out the house to artists who seek to immerse themselves in the solace and sounds of this tranquil Caribbean island. There is a studio inside and the house is situated on 2 acres with lovely gardens and outdoor art. Crocus Bay is a short distance for painting, swimming and dining.
Miss Jimmy's Artist Retreat
Carol’s home studio is where she lovingly crafts some of the most colourful and intricate quilts. She hand sews her quilts using specialized folding and sewing techniques on a variety of lovely fabrics. Many of her fabrics are donated each with a special story. Carol spent time revealing her quilts explaining the story behind each design. She even writes a brief anecdote on the back of each.
Carol and Ann Phelan are teaming up to create a week-long artist retreat in June 2011. They will welcome multi media artists to meet for planned workshops as well as ample time for creative exploration. The combination of a beautiful tranquil island setting, spectacular local cuisine, amazing beaches and scenic vistas will provide a week-long unforgettable experience. Carol and Ann will present their program on this later this fall. Ann will organize air, land and workshops details as well as her full Concierge services.
Miss Jimmy's on Roaches Hill, Anguilla
To rent Miss Jimmy’s or to inquire of the Artist’s Retreat in June contact Ann at 800-219-0118 or email ann@bonairecaribbean.com. You may also contact Carol direct at 264-497-8733. Carol’s gallery is open for business week days but she welcomes unexpected drop-ins. Just toot your car horn and you are most welcome.
Tags:artist in Anguilla, artist retreat in the Caribbean, quilters in the Caribbean, quilting in Anguilla
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August 6, 2010
Sirena Hotel hosts Mayoumba Folkloric Theater each Thur. night at the Firefly Restaurant and bar. This West Indian group presents music, story telling and accompanied by a lovely West Indian buffet. I recently dined last night and enjoyed the entertainment and West Indian ambiance. The price is 35 USD plus service including a lovely expansive buffet and dessert. The entertainment is included.
Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations is now booking Sirena Hotel. This oceanview property is steps away from lovely Mead’s Bay. There are two pools, expansive gardens and grounds and a lovely main building featuring a lovely boutique, charming bar and restaurant. Call 800 219-0118 or email ann@antiguacaribbean.com for more information on Mayoumba and Sirena Hotel.
Tags:Anguilla Beaches, Mayoumba, Mead's Bay, Sirena Hotel
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June 9, 2010
Cap Jaluca Beach
The first time I saw Maunday Bay I had to check to see if I had my sunglasses on. Feeling the bridge of my shades acknowledging they were indeed in place why were my eyes watering from the bright sun? Quite simply the white powder sand, the sparkling Caribbean blue and the sun overhead made for an incredible vision. Honestly Maunday Bay looks almost fabricated. One of Anguilla’s top hotels, Cap Jaluca calls Maunday Bay home. If only for this beach I would recommend Cap Jaluca.
Take a look for yourself and dream…
Maunday Bay
Tags:Anguilla Beaches, Cap Jaluca, Maunday Bay
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June 1, 2010
Today commences the start of Hurricane Season 2010. Being a windsurfer I am pretty much a weather nut. I have been reading a plethora of information most suggesting it’s going to be an active season. One thing for sure, weather in the Caribbean has been nothing short of weird. Drought conditions prevailed in many spots. Heat indexes in the ABC islands are much higher than I can recall in the past 9 years.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) predicted 14 to 23 named storms, including eight to 14 hurricanes, three to seven of which were likely to be “major” storms, with winds of at least 111 mph. What concerns me are two areas to consider. Haiti is still in a mess. Folks are living in tents at best in some areas. Flooding from heavy rains could be detrimental. The second matter is the BP oil crisis in the gulf. Imagine what would happen if a hurricane did hit this fragile area?
Having lived and traveled to the Caribbean since 87 I have witnessed some serious storms. I have lived through one minor hurricane and many tropical storms. It’s still early but it’s food for thought. My one prediction is that the ninth storm, Igor has potential for something to remember. Why, just a feeling. And in closing here is a little saying well known in the Caribbean that always lingers in my head:
‘June too soon, July stand by, August you must, September remember, October all over.’
Just a note of mention, each storm that I can remember that was pretty bad came in Sept. A few to recall include Gilbert and Hugo.
Cheers and be prepared.
Tags:BP Oil Crisis, Gilbert, Haiti, Hugo, hurricane season 2010, Igor, NOAA
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February 15, 2010
The King Lives
Feb. and March it’s going to be one big party. Feb. 27th is the monthly Lunasea Beach Party with live music from Garvey and the Satisfaction Bank. Wed. March 3rd Brett and Elvis celebrate their 3rd anniversary. DJ Katz will be in the house. March 13th it Elvis’s big birthday bash. Not to miss…
It’s always an Irie time at Elvis’s.
Elvis at his Bar
Tags:Elvis's Beach Bar
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February 8, 2010
Dune Preserve
Bankie Banx has organized new dates for Moonsplash 2010. Being dubbed “Family Reunion” the dates are 25-28 March.
The oceanfront setting at Dune is amazing..the vibe chill and the dedication by Bankie and team to turn out a righteous show are commendable. Everything is always “Irie” at Dune so head over. To book your accommodations call 800-219-0118 or contact ann@antiguacaribbean.com. Mention the Moonsplash show and earn special discounts.
Tags:Bankie Banks, Moonsplash 2010, Moonsplash Festival
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December 23, 2009
Photo by Lisanne van Garrett
I love this photo of creative ingenuity as revealed by these party goers during Carnival 2009. Photos speak larger than words..enjoy…
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November 22, 2009
I live in the Caribbean but still love to travel to Anguilla for many reasons. One is the music. My first trip my daughter and I found Dune Preserve, the ramshackle rasta party haven owned by the one and only Bankie Banx. It was Sunday so jazz was on tap. Dining on grilled lobster in this seaside setting was magical. Our next stop was Elvis’s for the Lunasea party. Satisfaction Band was cranking up the music. It was a lively night of dancing and fun. Again, what better way to listen to music than seaside sipping rum punches. Another spot I found my last trip in Aug. was Smokeys late Sunday afternoon. The Mussingtons play into the night. I had heard them once at Johnno’s on my first trip and loved their style. A few girlfriends and I sipped drinks with our feet in the sand. Magical. Saturdays at Smokey’s features the Musical Brothers. They are a favorite with tourists and locals. A favorite with many is Pumphouse when the Musical Brothers play again. During Carnival in August I caught a few songs by this very tall Rasta I think his name was Earthlight. He had a great voice. I later met him on the beach and chatted plenty.
Anguilla has a very cool vibe. The beaches are amazing, dining is superb and the music scene is very Irie.
Dune Preserve Sunday Lime
Tags:Banki, Dune Preserve, Elvis's Beach Bar, Musical Brothers, Pumphouse, Satisfaction Band, Smokeys, The Mussingtons
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October 24, 2009
A woman I know needs to find a home for her rescued doggie. He will be sterlized soon and is shy and sweet. He needs a yard that is fenced and not to be chained. Any ideas please? Thanks..looking for an animal angel on Anguilla..photos available..
Tags:dog needs a home in Anguilla
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August 9, 2009
Today was Aug. Thursday, another race this time at Meade’s Bay. I started the day meeting Sue Rickett and her property manager Kenroy at Cuisinart. Sue is a pioneer in the Caribbean tourism industry. She has started many hotels and was the leader in creating and designing some of the biggest and best hotels on Anguilla. She has roots in Bonaire as well so we have a lot in common. Sue is a lovely flamboyant individual who exudes charm and positive vibes. We chatted business over refreshing lemonades. Cuisinart is a fabulous high end resort.
At 1 I had a lunch date with Bart and Amelie at Malliouhana. Bart is the new GM of Mali. He and I have windsurfing in common. I expect greatness at Mali under his reign. Amelia handles marketing and is a wiz. This grande dame of a hotel opened 25 years ago. It’s simply amazing. We dined poolside at the bistro. I had marinated tuna salad. We discussed tourism and had a lovely lunch. After I headed to the beach to celebrate Aug. Thur.
Aug. Thursday is a big race and fete on Meade’s Bay. Vendors set up drink and food stands, DJ’s pump music and class A and B boats race. I met up with Patty from Trip Advisor and Earthlight an engaging musician on island. Later, I sat with two West Indian men watching the boat races. Sonny is a local and Bobby is from my former home Antigua. We had such a lime.
It was an exciting event with all the boats nearly finishing side by side. The beach was lined with spectators cheering and screaming. My little group had set up wagers to see who might win. In the end Bluebird took first place. I won the wager so bought us all some Guinness Stout. It was a fun day.
At night I headed to Picante to meet Lisanne and Mary Alice. This was perhaps one of the best meals of the week. I love this fun and funky place. They make homemade margaritas. Chloe uses homemade simple syrup vs the pre mix. WOW..I had two if you can believe it. My prawn burrito was amazing. It was chock full of prawns and a veggie slaw. The guacamole was sublime and the chips fresh.
Photo Courtesy of Picante
Tags:August Thursday, Cuisinart, Malliouhana Hotel, Picante in Anguilla
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