We Arrive!

Once upon a time, long, long ago, there was a sleepy little island in the Caribbean called Anguilla. Oh, it's still there, but it's not sleepy anymore. Building is occurring at a frenzied pace with a golf course slated to open later this year, and multi million dollar estates being built. I'd say you'd be hard pressed to find an area to stay on the island where you won't hear the incessant noise of a jack hammer as it tries to makes it way through the coral bed.

When in 1994 I suggested Anguilla the then S.O. tried to talk me out of the Caribbean. "Why do you want to fly so far?" he would ask. "Keywest Florida has fantastic beaches, let's go there." "No", I said. "I want the Caribbean experience."

With all that has changed on Anguilla, the one thing that hasn't is that when you arrive on the island, whether by plane at Wallblake Airport, or by ferry at the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal you have to take a taxi to your destination. This is a great way to insure income for the taxi drivers, and a great way for you to find out about the island. Take advantage of the ride. I always ask for a recommendation for a meal, ask about what's going on locally, and ask about night-life. No one knows the island like a local, and generally they're very friendly and glad to answer all your questions. I've travelled to Anguilla nine times in twelve years, and I can tell you that restaurants open and close, and open and close. Your favorite restaurant of last year might not be open this year.

All the taxi rates are pre-set, I guess to help keep the drivers "honest" and to avoid any problems. The last time I flew into the airport once through customs we were lined up to get a "ticket" of sorts for the taxi ride. The person at the counter asks where you are staying, checks the name on the "ticket" and checks the price. You are then given the slip. This is a great way for the government of Anguilla to see who is staying where and to make sure that the private villa owners are on the up and up when reporting rental income.

OK, back to 1994. When we arrived at Skiffles Villas it was lovely. Down a dirt road and through a gate, it was very private. The caretaker for the villa had arranged for our rental car to be delivered to us. Within an hour of arriving at Skiffles there was a "beep-beep" as our jeep was being delivered.