When we first moved into our new home 12 years ago, there was more space than we had ever seen before. We worked our way around the house, from room to room, making the changes so we could call it home. We’re not much for formal living rooms, so this space was one of the last to see any attention. It was a collection of the furniture that had been replaced by newer furniture throughout the house, and was pretty much the kids’ hangout room. With Christmas over, it was time to clean out the last of the Fraser fir needles, and think about having a “grown up” living room.…
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One of the best parts of waking up on the island of Anguilla, other than the fact you are on one of the most beautiful islands in the world, is the thought of the coffee and pastries at Geraud’s. The pain du chocolat, pictured above, is my favorite. The layers of pastry are so flaky and buttery, my mouth is watering now just thinking about it. Part of my internet rounds is the Anguilla Forum, and there you can find Geraud’s daily menu. By way of example, here’s what Geraud’s is offering today. Daily Specials Wednesday, June 20-2012 Breakfast 2 eggs any style, ham, bacon, turkey or sausages w/toast…
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I noticed these as I was cleaning up the kitchen (yeah, it happens, Father’s Day and maybe my husband’s birthday). The discovery brought both a smile and a bit of sadness, as the Pyrat Rum factory on Anguilla is no more. Gone is my favorite orange-flavored rum, Savage. You can still get Pyrat Rum, but you won’t find the factory in Sandy Ground any longer. For shots from our last visit, and a taste of the fabulous orange-flavored Savage, read on…
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Bankie Banx just released his latest album, “Just Cool,” and it describes him perfectly. Bankie Banx is perhaps the most famous person from Anguilla, and anyone who has ever been to the island certainly knows who he is. I didn’t become acquainted with Bankie until I began planning our first trip to Anguilla in 2007. Although Bankie had toured in the United States many times before then, and had played at Reggae Sunsplash, he never hit my radar. After I booked the trip, Jimmy Buffett released his “Live In Anguilla” CD/DVD set, and many more people learned of, and grew to love, the music of Bankie Banx. In preparation for…
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Our family loves to travel, but there was a time when we wondered if it was something that we could do. Our son has been diagnosed with expressive-receptive disorder, which impairs his ability to communicate and understand language. Because of this, verbal control wasn’t always an available option. You might physically have to demonstrate something or stop him from doing something. Also, with the limitation on his ability to communicate, he sometimes has behaviors which are characteristic of children with autism, meltdowns when you can’t communicate, seemingly anti-social behaviors, and physical behaviors which may make the TSA a bit concerned, such as sudden physical movements and verbal outbursts. We appreciate…
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We first traveled to Anguilla in 2007. When we arrived, the sun had set at Blowing Point Harbour. By the time we arrived at our destination, the Cuisinart Resort, it was dark outside. We awoke the next morning to a spectacular sunrise over St. Martin, which you will see in the image above. The Cuisinart Golf Resort & Spa, the “Golf” was added with the acquisition of the Temenos Golf Course in 2011, has the envious location centered on beautiful Rendezvous Bay, sheltered by the cove of the bay and St. Martin to the south. As a result, the beach is calm, and has the stunning turquoise water and powder…
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Courtesy of Da Conch Shack, on Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos Islands, is this beautifully prepared conch salad, pulled fresh from the ocean. Once the conch shell hits the work table, they knock a hole in the top of the shell, to expose the tendon which holds the conch inside. In one swift motion with his knife, the tendon is cut, the meat extracted, and the shell is tossed. Be sure to enjoy the delicious result with a cold Carib or one of Da Conch Shack’s fabulous rum punches. For more on Da Conch Shack, and why it is one of our favorite beach bars, read on… For more on…
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When I first started writing the series on my favorite beach bars, Smokey’s at the Cove, Cove Bay, Anguilla, was at the top of my list. I have waited to write this, only because I feared not being able to do it justice. Smokey’s was the bar that made me fall in love with the Caribbean. There was something about walking along the beach to find yourself at a bar with amazing views, great food and drink, friendly people, and what sealed the deal – live music – and not just live music, but a Caribbean version of favorite Christmas songs. It was our on first trip to Anguilla in…
