From: lutz@solace.psych.rochester.edu (Dave Lutz)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.caribbean
Subject: Antigua: SUMMARY
Date: 25 Jan 93 16:02:16 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: University of Rochester (Rochester, NY)


  I got a couple of responses to my original post, including some really great
information about Antigua.  Overall, it sounds like a great place.

  One person (I lost his name) suggested that the last week of July and the
first week of August are among the best times to go, since that is when the
annual "Carnival" takes place.

  All of the following information came from Patrice Simon
<simon@acsu.buffalo.edu>.

>  How often should we expect it to rain in late July?

	It doesn't rain much in Antigua at all (about 40-50 inches/year). 
October - April is the rainy season, and it has been raining a lot lately.
When I was there, it rained heavily about 3 out of 14 days. But it cleared 
up afterwards.

>  What are the economic conditions on the Island?

	Comparatively richer than surrounding islands, but depressed 
conditions exist around the capital and in the countryside. 

>  How many bugs/mosquitos/poisonous-whatevers should we expect to encounter in
>July?

	Take mosquito repellant.

>  Is St John's safe to walk through at night?

	It's normally deserted, but safe. July-August is the annual carnival, 
and during those two weeks (end July - beginning August) there is partying on 
the streets over-night

>  Are the beaches on the Northwest side of the Island safe at night?

	Yes. Everywhere is safe. Follow normal precautions.

>  How much development has taken place on that part of the Island?

	It [the north-west side of the island] is the most developed. The
Dickenson Bay area is the location of several hotels.

>  What type of medical facilities are available?

	There is one general hospital and one private hospital. Nothing on the
island is more than half-hour away from the hospital. The hospitals are in the
north-west area (St. John's) of the island. There are also clinics and private
doctors island-wide.

 [I asked for more info about the cost of living on Antigua, and about things
to do, and got the following response.]

	Boat tours around the island are popular. Pay about $50 per person. 
Fly to Barbuda ($35 round-trip); it's worth the seclusion. Try the party 
cruise Jolly Roger ($30); for 4-5 hours, day and night-time cruises with
plently of food, drinks and dancing.
	Land tours - if you don't mind adventure (getting lost, etc.) rent a 
car. Taxis aand buses are available, however ($30 per person)
	Local fruits and vegetables are cheap; go to the public market in 
St John's on Friday and Saturday mornings. Local meat and fish are also
availble at the market and supermarkets. 
	Drinks at nightclubs are going to be expensive ($3-5, even for a soda)
No cover charges. As I said, unlimited drinks on tours like the Jolly Roger.
	The weeks before carnival are lively, but nothing compared to the 
actual thing. On Sunday night, everyone goes out to Shirley Heights for
a big barbecue and live band with one of the best views in the Caribbean. 
	Duty free shopping is available, but always check prices at the 
larger supermarkets like ShopRite and Food City. Liquor and other specialties 
are usually cheaper there. 

	By the way, a car/jeep rents for around $35-55 per day; $300 per week.
Personally, I don't care for the typical tourist oriented tours...
Newsgroups: soc.culture.caribbean