Colors of Antigua Island - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

People in Antigua sometimes can be really serious and careless at the same time. You can notice that right when you cross the border of this country. Border guards are collected, solid, and it seems like they are working at some top-secret organization, where the training is not less serious, then the one James Bond has. But in practice, if you smile and behave politely, the chances to get through the border control without any additional documentation rise up to 100%. They probably won’t even ask anything and will just wish you a nice holiday.

If you rent a car or a motorbike, certainly get an insurance. Unfortunately, the locals have never heard the saying “slow and steady wins the race”, so they drive as if they don’t want to live anymore and practically don’t respect the traffic rules at all. It is interesting, that in all cities in Antigua the houses are painted in different bright colors, which even strengthen the impression of a non-stopping fest on this land. By the way, the locals sometimes call the island just Antiga. When you decide to find a currency exchange, remember, that local banks work till 2 p.m. When exchanging the money, smile politely to the cashier and ask for more change – salesmen in small shops won’t have the change from a large bill. By the way, the change here has not a common circular shape, but a polygonal one. This prevents not always literate locals from making a mistake.

If you prefer public transport, look for white buses with the word «BUS» on a license plate. They drive insanely fast, bumping on potholes and stopping to get the hundredth passenger in a 15-seater mini-van. Keep in mind that this transport circling around the island only till 6 p.m. Later you have to rely on taxi drivers. They are easy to spot – they are of a yellow color and has TX letters on a license plate. The government controls the prices for the rides, but it doesn’t mean the taxi driver won’t name the bigger price, then he should. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

If you want to rent a car yourself, you will have to get an additional local license, even if you have an international driving license. Remember, you won’t see many signposts on the road here, there is a left-hand driving, and it is forbidden to drive at a speed more than 40 miles per hour. The last rule, however, is ignored by the local drivers. The national language of the island is English, and most of Antiguans speak it. Note, that the local English dialect is full of peculiar abbreviations, interjections, and borrowing from other languages. Though, the locals try to speak classic English with tourists.

The Antiguans are friendly towards the tourists due to the innate hospitality and because tourism brings considerable income. Their kindness is quite sincere, however, they will sincerely try to sell you a piece of wood, assuring, it is a part of the old fort. If you want, you can trade this “antique” for a cigaret, if you don’t, a universal phrase”maybe later” will always help you. The locals, who are mostly black, are friendly towards the white tourists.

There are no legacies of slavery here and they treat everyone equally. The girls can feel safe, walking around the island by themselves. Don’t hesitate to ask the locals for help – they will do everything they can. All this without any subservience, it is just common here to be kind to each other. The locals are quite religious, and the Christian holidays are celebrated widely. But not only those holidays. Yacht week, a triumphant summer Carnival, October Jazz festival, a horse show, cricket, badminton, and water model sports tournaments, Caribbean comedy festival, Wadadly Cultural Extravaganza, Police Week, Independence Day, Crafts Market – there are festivals in Antigua for any taste all year round. You will certainly not get bored here!