3-5-2022 Antigua , St. Johns (Antigua & Barbuda)

The island of Antigua (pronounced by the locals as Antika) is one of the islands in the nation of Antigua and Barbuda, the two main islands are accompanied by a number of small islands many uninhabited.  They are still trying to recover from Hurricane Marie that hit in 2017, and no sooner did they start to make some strides forward Covid hit.  It has severely affected this country.  We were the first to pull in, but were shortly followed by the Norwegian Gem.  By the time we got back from our tour the Emerald Princess had pulled into the between us.



The Catholic Church is Bright Pink


Many of the churches, like this one are built of Ballast Stones that were on the old sailing ships.  When the ship was empty they would fill the hold with ballast stones for stability, but when they had a load to take back to Europe, they would dump the stones and fill the hold.


View from one of the many forts on the island





The Guardhouse and Lookout


These cactuses grew along the wall


Looking down on English Harbor


English Harbor


Nelson's Dockyard named after Lord Admiral Nelson, is the oldest Georgian Style dockyard in the world that is still operational.


Decorating with Conch Shells




There were three of these huge wheels.  They were connected to huge ropes that would wrap around a ship and they could pull it up on its side to scrape the barnacles and seaweed off the bottom. This gave the British an advantage, because the ships did not have to return to Europe for repair and maintenance.




Viking Sea, Emerald Princess and the Norwegian Gem


Leaving Port at Sunset


St. Maarten (Dutch Side) - St. Martin (French Side)

Comments

  1. Debbie T.March 7, 2022 at 7:49 PM

    The views are GORGEOUS!!
    What's the sign all about -- Shirley Heights "mask on each (what???); double protection". Interesting.....each what??
    The view overlooking the English Harbor was absolutely STUNNING!!
    Interesting that they have you wearing masks outdoors in the sunlight....HUH??!!
    These photos are some of your best work, Colin! Thanks so much for taking them and sharing them with the rest of us back in the US.
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Please leave your name so we know who is commenting.

Popular posts from this blog

2-24-2022 First Full Day in San Juan

Image
After Breakfast and another Covid test we took a walk to the old town of  San Juan.  It is a beautiful old town but with very narrow streets, so all the traffic is one way.  Stopped for a refreshing drink at the waterfront, then a Taxi back to the hotel (more walking than we normally do in 3-4 days). Beautiful Coastline Capital Building Castillo San Cristobal Old San Juan Reminds me of New Orleans, you can really see the French influence on the architecture   Statue of Cristobal Colon (Christopher Columbus) For Brian's Benefit Cocktails at La Casita San Juan and Boarding the Viking Sea
Read more

4/1/2024 (Morning) Ehrenbreitstien Fortress

Image
  Another morning of liquid sunshine.  We are headed across the river this morning to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.  Fortresses and castles have been built and destroyed on this strategic loaction since 4000 BC. The current fortress has actually never seen a major battle since it was built in the 1800's. The fortress is at the confluence of the Rhine and Main Rivers. Looking across the River from where we were docked Ehrenbreitstien sits atop the ridge. As we were leaving the ship, there was a statue of Wilhelm I the first Emporer and king of Prussia The tour guides are dressed in period costume to play  the part of a British Engineering officer who had been assigned to learn about the fortification of Ehrenbreitstien in the eraly 1800's The only approach to the fortress was across a batttlefield where cannons capable of firing 1000 meters were aimed. If you got across the field, you would have to breach a field gate.  If you got past the field gate, you would be on a moat with
Read more