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TRAVEL BLOG ENTRY
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Our ship docked in St. John's, Antigua's largest city and capitol on the eastern coast. Right after getting off the ship, we tried to get a taxi to take us to Nelson's Dockyard, an attraction on the southern side of the island. A lady at a taxi stand put us on a bus with some other tourists - she said they would drop us at Nelson's Dockyard. It turns out they were on an island tour and didn't get to Nelson's Dockyard for two hours! (of course we found out this detail after we were already on our way). Good thing we had a lot of time. It was a little annoying since we were so clear about wanting to just go straight to Nelson's Dockyard, but taking a ride with that tour was a little cheaper than getting a private taxi, at least. That taxi driver was not very well-informed (or fibbed to try to make some more $$). He told us we should come back with him because once at Nelson's Dockyard, we would not be able to find a taxi. Once we got there, however, there was a taxi stand and milling taxi drivers, clear as day! At least we got to see a little more of the island, since we were sort-of on a tour. We stopped at Shirley Heights for great views of English Harbour.
Anyway, Nelson's Dockyard was once a British naval base used in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Many buildings are now restored and are used as museums, gift shops, restaurants, and bakeries. The dockyard gets it's name from the British hero Lord Horatio Nelson, who was Senior Naval Officer there in the 1780's. This is a very pretty area. Little yachts bob up and down in the sparkling harbor, alongside larger boats. The hillside is covered in lush green vegetation, and the historic brick buildings give everything a quiet, historic feel. There is an entrance fee to this area.
We visited the Dockyard Museum in the old Naval Officer's House, a free attraction. Directly behind this building, we found a great bakery with really cheap snacks. I got a turnover stuffed with fresh pineapple, yum! We ate lunch at the Mainbrace Pub at the Copper & Lumber Store Hotel. Great way to end our time there. Then, after a bit of shopping and picture taking, we easily got a taxi back to St. John's ($33 for the three of us combined, with tip).
Back in St. John's the shopping area by the port is not bad at all! We got ice creams and browsed the area. Again, it was a mix of upscale duty-free shopping and smaller souvenir stores. I found nice little souvenirs for friends there - candles, little spice sets, chocolates. I would like to go back to Antigua some day. I would definitely stay at a place at the peaceful Nelson's Dockyard, where there are nearby beaches and it seems more relaxed then the capital.
previous travel blog entry
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