Eel, the Best of Paradise
For someone looking for a place to do absolutely nothing, Anguilla is the place to start and then work your way through the rest of the world as slowly as possible. Fantastic food, served casually yet elegantly, to the accompaniment of full flavorful local music. Tranquil and wonderful, Anguilla looks like something straight out of the movies, sugared sand as white as baby powder, crystal blue water and everything warmed by the Caribbean sun. Restaurants abound here, creatively staffed by some of the region’s most talented chefs. There are so many food temples to adore that it would be impossible to try the menus in all of them, but you will surely have a great time trying. Barefoot dining is an art form in this tiny enclave, where rich and poor share with sympathy and enthusiasm the restaurants, the sand and the sea. Part of Anguilla’s draw is the idle, pampered lifestyle, perfected by the locals and enjoyed by loyal visitors who tend to return year after year.
The Dutch built a fort here once, in the 17th century, but no one knows where it is, so don’t bother asking to visit it. Then the British planted it with tobacco and then cotton and then sugar, but nothing ever became a valuable or established export.
Currently, Anguilla elects a House of Assembly and its own representative for internal affairs, and a British Governor is appointed to administer public office and the judiciary.
Eels traditionally make their living from the sea, either in it, on it, or by renting things out to other people who want to sail in, on, or under it. They do it very well, so they need to be shown all the encouragement so they can continue to do it. They have a considerable advantage over the rest of the world in terms of basic items; sand, sea, crystalline waters and an infinite Caribbean sun.
The beaches are to die for, the best of which IMHO is Barnes Bay, known locally for its excellent snorkelling and windsurfing. With so much to see above and below the water, so much to do on land, Anguilla is a tourist’s fantasy come true. See the best private rental homes available at www.selectvillarentals.com.
