Montserrat Speaking Frankly

Destiny’s Revelation No. 15

December 3, 2008 on 5:37 pm | In Destiny Revelations | No Comments

So…I’m going to Montserrat’s Tourist Board to find out information about things to do in Montserrat. I am given a small book called a ‘Guide to Montserrat’.

While it did contain the kind of useful information I expected, it was the tourism director’s welcome that really struck a chord in me. So much so that I will quote it exactly as it appears:

Dear Visitor:

Sometimes it’s what a destination does not have that makes it rise above the rest in terms of special appeal. Montserrat is a case in point. Looking for a frantic pace? You’ll realize it’s happily missing when hiking our enticing trails, sipping a tropical drink under beneficent sun, or driving along winding mountain roads close to fluffy clouds. Crowds on the beach? Our black-sand beaches and our popular Rendezuous Beach with white sand provide a sense of tranquility and ample elbow room whether you are by yourself or with that special someone. At night, even the stars seem to want to reach down and share the magic.

Elevators? Forget them. We have a selection of apartments, guest houses, hotels, and villas where size count is of the intimate type. The sense of family is powerful, and at our guest accomodations, your steps and the step taken by hospitable staff are all intended for you to make a close encounter with Montserrat and it’s friendly people.

Neon? Hardly any. The bold colors of flamboyant trees, hibiscus, and other tropical flowers are the hues that we wish you to enjoy and remember, until the strong pull of the ‘Emerald Isle of the Caribbean’ bring you back again and again.

Then, there are those things we have in abundance–world class fishing; more than 30 dive sites to raise eyebrows and lower eager bodies into our warm and beguiling sea; rare and lovely bird life (including our national bird the Montserrat Oriole) and friendliness unparalleled in the Caribbean.

Added to these is an active volcano that scientists call one of the most interesting in the world. Learning about it, its history, its status; seeing the legacy of this force of nature in the southern portion of our island from safe vantage points is a unique bonus to any stay.

Please take a look at this vacation guide and head in out direction soon. What we have and don’t have is waiting to offer you an unforgettable time.”

Having been in Montserrat some months now, I found this letter an accurate ballet of words that creates a realistic mental picture.

It would be natural and logical for you to think that this description of Montserrat is embellished.

In my experience, it is not only true but is tested for its accuracy.

Montserrat has the uncanny ability to weave a spell of enchantment and intrigue.

Believe me when I tell you that although I have been here for about three months, I still have spontaneous moments of complete awe as I ventured into the bowels of Montserrat’s mystery.

I find that resident Montserratians are very afraid of saying anything negative about Montserrat. Really!

Most Montserratians I have talked to are under the impression that Montserrat is an extremely unknown or perhaps forgotten paradise that is continually subjected to inaccurate and negative propaganda.

Another thing any one interested in Montserrat should be aware of is that Montserrat is definitely a far, far cry from small in many aspects. I’m sure I’ve mentioned the death defying hills in this country.

Another strange characteristic of this island is the multitude of non Montserratians that roam these streets. In fact, one may even hear a Montserratian to admit as much.

Have I mentioned that these normally sleepy and slow-paced people are really defying all my previous descriptions. For instance, somewhere in September, I couldn’t pay someone to find me some kind of activity to participate in.

Now, I can’t make up my mind where I want to go in a given day. I know…ironic, right?