The sail into St John’s, capital of Antigua is through a narrow channel and quite spectacular at 6.30 in the morning with a coffee in hand. Captain Afoot did a very nice, tight pirouette before reversing onto the berth. At this time there was loud music blaring out from a bar on the wharf. And I mean LOUD music!
Sailing into St John’s
Today was the only day where Ian had expressed an interest in doing anything. Being a history buff he wanted to see Nelson’s dockyard. We had booked a trip leaving at 9.30 so were up at the Epicurean nice and early. The usual waitress was very keen to make sure we had plenty of time, and so we did.
On Antiguan soil
There were quite a few heading for English Harbour and the dockyard. Luckily we got on a small minibus with an excellent driver and tour guide called. Rowan. To be fair, he mainly showed us the cricket grounds where The West Indies, and Brian Lara and Viv Richards in particular, had humiliated England.
At the dockyard, we had a short introduction before being offered the ubiquitous rum punch. I decided 11am was way too early, Ian thought it was fine.
More rum punch
We had a good look round after that. It’s a world Heritage Site and you can see why. It’s also stunningly beautiful.
A sand box tree
When we got back, the music was still blaring out, even louder than ever. We went up to the sunset bar for some food and you could hear the DJ getting the crowd going. Back at the suite I sat on the balcony to write this blog. I was getting a headache. Which is what the people will have tomorrow that I saw staggering back to the ship!
At 5.30 Captain Afoot came over the tannoy as usual. Everyone was safely on board and we would be departing shortly. In his morning address he always says it will be a hot day (really!) with highs of around 28. In his evening address he always says that it has been a hot day (you don’t say!) with highs of around 33. He is a creature of habit.
As we sailed out of St John’s we were treated to a spectacular sunset, again. We are getting used to this.
Down in the main dining room we were greeted like old friends by the underwaiter, name unknown. He and Ian have discovered a shared love of the ships gym. The overwaiter, name unknown, was still quick and curt though. You can’t have everything. After a hard day we decided on merely a nightcap in the Crows nest then bed. We didn’t really fancy the ventriloquist who was on on the theatre!
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