Farsighted Fly Girl’s First Impressions of Nevis
Editor’s note: If you’ve never been to Nevis, or, like us, it’s been too long since your last visit, you might be wondering what it’s like there these days. After all, time and tides tend to bring changes to our little islands, not all of them great. Has Nevis lost her small island charms, or is it still just as uncommon as ever? We sat down with fellow blogger great friend, Rosalind Cummings-Yeates, aka: Farsighted Fly Girl, mere days after her visit to Nevis a few weeks ago to find out…
Was this your first time to Nevis?
Yes, but I’ve been interested in seeing the island ever since I visited St. Kitts in 2013. I loved St. Kitts but I met several Nevisians who insisted that Nevis was a totally different experience that I had to see. They were right.
How does Nevis compare to other Caribbean destinations you’ve visited?
Nevis is tiny; only 36 square miles, so it shares some of the qualities of other small islands – friendliness, slow paced, small infrastructure. But what fascinated me is that there are so many sites to see despite the island’s size.
The island is covered with sugar mills, many restored and used as restaurants or monuments.
There’s Alexander Hamilton’s home and museum, his father’s estate ruins, an open-air sugar mill museum, and a handful of historic 17th century churches, including St. Thomas, the oldest church in the Caribbean.
There are also a good number of high quality restaurants and bars, considering how small Nevis is. I’d say its more multi-faceted than other small islands that I’ve visited.
Biggest highlight of your trip?
Definitely participating in Culturama, Nevis’ annual carnival. From Jouvert to walking on the road, I really felt connected to the people. I learned so much about the local culture, from recognizing local Calypsonians, to learning how to do the year’s popular dance (The Whoops).
Low lights, if any?
I can’t say that there were any low lights, unless you count the soreness from walking up all the hills during Culturama!
Any tips for first-time Culturama revelers?
Culturama is much smaller than carnivals on bigger islands, making it much easier to manage. However, be aware that nothing really starts at the time scheduled, so don’t stand out in the hot sun waiting until locals advise it. Pacing yourself is important with, of course, lots of water. It was about 90 degrees with little shade during the jump up. I’d also avoid alcohol (WHAT??!!) and bring a sun hat.
Biggest regret/thing you most wished you could’ve done?
The one thing I wish I could have done was get a closeup of the wild monkeys and donkeys that run around. I did get a pic of a guy carrying his pet monkey, through…
Haha! I guess a close encounter with a wild monkey or donkey is as good a reason as any to head back to Nevis – thanks for the great insights! For more on Rosalind’s adventures in Nevis and elsewhere across the globe, be sure to check her out her blog here, follow her on twitter, and like her on Facebook.
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