As many of you know, I just travelled to the Caribbeans about a week ago. One of the places we visited was Antigua or as it is said there - Anteeger.
When we stepped foot on land, we were greeted by about a thousand folks offering to take us on tours or drive us to a beach. Seriously, every step or turn someone was pushing a map into our faces. Of course, as imagined, I became a bit irritable. However, never rude.
After feeling overwhelmed we decided to take a tour,but with a company insured through the ship. (Still ran by the residents of Antigua) Once on this tour, our guide Donna (Donner-yes that is the way she pronounced this...everything had an R added on to it) began to tell us about the history and the economy of this beautiful place.
As I listened, I learned their main source of money comes from tourism. Yes, that's right -Tourism.
**(Other than tourism, Antigua gets money from their brand of rum Cavalier and local hops Wadadli. My beer connoisseur, Nick (the husband), was very pleased with the taste of the Wadadli. So much so, he had to buy a shirt with it's branding.) **
I began to think about how we Americans often complain about the shape of our economy. But after being there, I can honestly say that we should probably close the mouth a bit.
We are blessed in the fact that we do not have to rely solely on tourism (even though all states benefit from it and some more than others). While in there, one could see how poor this island is,but only through the condition of the homes. Their poor economic status was never reflected in their faces or attitudes. That's right, even with a defunct banking system.
I began wondering, how would Americans fair if our economy was the same as Antigua? I suspect not very well.
Agree or disagree with my assessment, it doesn't change the fact that there are many jewels in this world, and Antigua is one them. It's a place I look forward to seeing again.
The Always Truthful,
~RMG
