Montserrat Speaking Frankly

Destiny’s Revelation No. 17

Guess who?

I know it has been some time since I have actually written anything to be published on this blog. This is only because I had to leave Montserrat unexpectedly, family issues–you know how that goes.

Anyway, might I point out to you how stunned I am by my own reaction to leaving Montserrat. Who would have ever guessed that a tumbleweed like me would develop a longing in my heart for such a simple, unique, and pleasantly odd place.

It’s obvious that I have been away for quite some time, considering the date of my last post. The publisher of this blog promised me this page solely for my personal renditions of experiences I have while in Montserrat. It was really important to me that no one else contribute to this particular page. It’s mine, and I am thrilled that the publisher kept her end of the deal. Believe me, no one says it quite like me anyway.

You may have noted that I described myself as a tumbleweed. I really am. I find, due to my favorable lifestyle, that I drift in search of natural education and wonder. Hence, my bafflement at being stunned from the depressed emotional state I found myself in while away from Montserrat.

Just leaving Montserrat evoked a reaction I have never before experienced in all my years of globetrotting. As I arrived to the airport, I didn’t particularly notice anything. Like I mention earlier, I consider myself quite the globetrotter. Things started going humdingy-like when I started gathering my things and going towards the tiny plane sitting on this quaint and neatly built airport.

Yes, this is the very same airport that caused me some severe levels of heart failure when I first arrived to Montserrat. As you can easily gather, I am no longer a stranger. Hence, the airport is quaint.

Needless to say, one tends to forget the visual impact of Montserrat from a bird’s eye view. It is an awe-inspiring rumbling scenery of varied shades of emerald greens that change with every angle available to you. Enough about that, for now.

Now, I do have one confession to report since I have been away. I have been eating the hell out of fast food and restaurant menus. You don’t get that sought of thing, or not to the extent I’m use to in Montserrat.

Why are concerned about my weight?

I’m not!

As oddly as this may sound coming from a person of my exposed background, I only missed the convenience of food, in all its variety, fat content, and delivery.

Compared to Montserrat, you sure do get a bang for your dollar
Besides the food, I sure didn’t miss much else.

Okay, the fashion selection, in Montserrat, is quite neglected and boring, but I have ensured that I brought back enough to make my usual daily fashion statement in Montserrat, which by the way is not very hard. I am not a fashion guru by an sense of the word. But here in Montserrat, I could be the Commissioner of the Fashion Police.

Another thing, I will be able to walk in stelletos in Montserrat, if it kills me or breaks my ankle.

If these Montserratian female residents that do that and look sexy, damn it, so can I!

By the way, it sure was hard getting use to putting my face back on every morning, while I was away from Montserrat. See, in Montserrat, the community embraces natural beauty over everything else, and this is one of many reasons why this tiny unknown island has stolen my heart.

Not to mention, I think I overdid it at the Rhunaway Ghaut tourist site.

You see this site has a sign that says, I am not quoting this, that if you drink from this water you are destined to return to Montserrat. Well, I wanted to make sure that I would come backt to Montserrat so badly that every time I drove by that spot, I drank like a thirsty camel.

That might have a lot to do with why Montserrat consumed my thoughts day and night. I couldn’t help but be constantly reminded of the things that are not in Montserrat that just are elsewhere, that annoy me.

How the hell did I ever sleep with all those damn sirens going off all hours of the night, and who would have believed that I would have gotten unaccustomed to the sound of sporadic gunshots during the night.

Go figure.

I know Montserrat is a quiet gem of a magic garden of Eden. But, you sure do need to leave to realize that there a whole hell of a lot of thing you overlooked and take for granted quite easily in Montserrat.

Well, as you can tell, I am on a mission.

I am craving to start my new adventures of discovery in Montserrat. As usual, I will keep you posted!

Until next time.

Revelation 16

I’m going to get right to it. Truth be told, I am just embarrassed to apologize, yet again, for my lack of regular posting for the past few weeks.

Who would ever have guessed that this normally comatose island, according to residents, could wake up to be so spirited and stimulating.

Who would have guessed that I would be short of time to participate in all the things I am interested in.

In spite, this is actually the case.

However, I would like to recount a particular experience. So, I’m listening to ZJB, Montserrat’s sole radio station. My favorite DJ is on, hosting the usual morning show. During this particular show, a local calypsonian’s song, featured in this year’s competitions, was played.

The DJ would choose who won the prize based on who he felt best filled the contest criteria for the day or moment. As I try to recall right now, I have no idea what that prize may have been. Besides, for the purpose of this story, that’s not important.

I will opt to cut a very entertaining experience down to bare essentials for the sake of time. The truly deserving winners demonstrated a talent level that is priceless, regardless of where you are in the world.

Having called in to the radio station and meet the required impromptu songwriting for the competition, the DJ decided to turn it up a notch and demand another impromtu test of his almost declared winners. He asked the group of about 5 to 7 children what kind of animals they had in their back yard. They responded with the usual ecosystem for Montserrat; goats, cats, dogs, ducks, roosters, and the likes.

After identifying their backyard animals, the DJ asked this group of children if they could sing the previously played calypso that they had previously sang for the morning show’s contest the way the animals in their back yard would. They did not miss a beat nor delay for more than two seconds.

Without a second thought or sign of hesitation, these kids broke into an animal chorus to be rivaled by none other. All the while, never missing a beat or key. I remain completely astonished.

I know I cannot regurgitate the experience as truly slide slapping and awe-inspiring as it was. However, you get the jist of the bottom line.

Boy can these people party! Who would have ever guessed? They truly reserve themselves for the celebrations in December. I am still in awe of seeing so many people in one place in Montserrat, where usually a mob is about three to five people.

I have also noticed the foot traffic. Yeah, I know…what foot traffic, right? Well, guess what. Since early December, I have noted a distinct increase in Montserrat’s foot traffic, which previously was boring and just about non-existent.

How significant you ask? Well, as far as I can tell the average foot traffic in Montserrat, at any given time of the day and worse at night, is about one to five people in about every three to six hours, possibly more. However, as of late, that foot traffic has increased to fast and frequent enough to steal a glance at the newly arrived passer bys mingleling effortlessly in an obvious and growing crowd of constant new faces.

Boy, are visitors easy to identify in Montserrat! What do I mean?

Consider this…Montserrat is an extremely laid back country. Its inhabitants seem to be desperate to find an occasion to dress up for. Outside of an event or occasion, Montserratians are quite comfortable lounging in their everyday garbs.

Visitors, regardless of category, are distinctly different in their fashion. Montserratians smell a stranger a mile away.

Here are the differences I have noted:

Needless to say, I genuinely enjoyed my festival season in Montserrat, with the associated people watching. It was not only far more amazing than I anticipated, but highly stimulatng as well. I’m still tingling from excitement.

Destiny’s Revelation No. 15

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:

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?

Destiny’s Revelation No. 14

Okay…I know. I know! It’s been a while. I, humbly, apologize for my delay in updating my posts to you. I will try to make every effort to avoid this in the future. Although, I must tell you that it will be quite for me, because Montserrat is certainly picking up the pace lately, and I am being drawn in like a moth to a flame. So, don’t hold your breath!

That’s right! Montserrat’s annual partying is from December, and, believe me, there is definitely signs of a stir happening around me. Although my daily lullaby at sunset has not lost its effect, I tend to note it momentarily, as I am too busy trying to keep up with the next road show or lime session.

Now, let me tell you something else. These people living on this island are just oozing with talent. It seems like just about every day nearer to the year’s end debuts another new calypsonian with some amazing songs. Oh, these songs have a purpose. As far as I can tell, the songs have the effect of a prescribed anti-depressant. Really, it is just about impossible to resist the urge, growing more demanding with each second, to move in harmony with the music, and I, absolutely, cannot pick a favorite. I know this because my personal pick tend to reign supreme until the next great calypso song comes along and dethrones the current favorite.

Oh, by the way, let me explain my obvious obsession with this music genre called calypso. I think I’ve mentioned previously that there is only one radio station on this island. However, the radio station seems to be sufficient because people on Montserrat certainly tune in religiously every day.

Perhaps, you’re wondering how I know this. Well, that’s easy enough to answer. All one has to do is take a stroll one morning between 6:00 to 12:00 noon.

Now, for those of you that have an obvious obsession with portable music devices, leave them home. This exercise looses its effect when you are distracted and listening to something else.

Having set the rules, let’s move on. While you are walking, I would like you to listen to your surroundings. As a car appraoches, listen to it as it goes by. Hopefully, if you timed your walk correctly, you’ll be able to listen to several vehicles as they pass by in succession. Yes, timing is everything. Should you take your walk at certain times in Montserrat, you could literally walk down the middle of the road with confidence. Don’t worry, you’ll have enough time to navigate out of the way of any spontaneous traffic. Yes, it is that light and just that quiet in Montserrat.

Now, back to the issue. You will note, when you’re listening to the passing cars, that each car is playing the same thing, ZJB Radio.

Although Montserrat’s residents certainly drive modern vehicles with some quite efficient sound systems, you hear the radio playing rather clearly. Believe me, there is no need to strain. Now, there will be the odd rebeller playing roots reggae, dancehall, or R&B. The point is that you will easily detect that ZJB is the major contributor to the airwaves in Montserrat.

On another note, the morning DJ for this radio station is absolutely rib cracking, side-slapping, hilarious, not to mention unpredictable. He would ask a question that sounds innocent enough. Should a caller answer the question correctly, he or she wins a prize. Simple, right? I know what you’re thinking. You are thinking to yourself what is so unique about the idea? Every radio station does the same thing.

True…however, in Montserrat, it is always quality entertainment listening to callers try to figure out what angle this morning DJ may be taking.

See, the callers are well aware that the answer is usually something they least expect. So, they try to respond with as outrageous an answer as they can concoct that will be unusual enough to satisfy this very mischievous DJ. He is a delight. I enjoy listening to him in action. Before I get started on some examples of this DJ in action, let me finish about my newly found obsession with calypso.

Anyway, by now, you should have established that if you want to stay abreast of what’s happening, to include emergencies, you would be wise to turn into ZJB radio as frequently as possible.

Now, normally, ZJB offers a decent enough variety of music within specific genres. Heavy metal; rock music of any kind; and any style of jazz could very well be illegal in this country, for I have yet to hear anything remotely close on this radio station. What’s even more interesting is I don’t miss them either; however, I could use a fix when it comes to jazz. Jeez! I guess ZJB believes just being in Montserrat is soothing enough. They may be right. I’m not walking around in a trembling stupor having withdrawal symptoms from lack of hearing jazz music, which gets me to my point.

From about the start of November, I noticed that they limited but tolerable music selection I had grown quite use to had disappeared.

At first, I thought someone had read my mind and decided to take a break from the norm, by playing what is called Masquerade music, which is predominantly drums, and calypso music, which should not require any explanation. I will reserve that for a later post.

However, I soon realized that this obvious shift had nothing to do with me. For some reason, ZJB radio is under the assumption that only these two music genres are suitable for their listening audience during their year end celebrations.

So, anyway, we are approaching the last leg of November, and I have developed a force-fed tolerance for these two types of music.

Having said that, I would like to clarify that there is certainly an extensive collection of masquerade and local calypso music available.

It seems one of the year end activities here in Montserrat is a series of calypso competitions. Stick a pin. On another note, did you know that the ‘Soca King of the World’ lives here in Montserrat. Truly! He even has a store here, where you can visit and see him in person. I must admit, the prices in his store certainly helps stretch a dollar. Oh, you do get what you pay for. Hopefully, you can get more than three uses out of your purchase.

For those of you who are a little out of touch with social happenings, the ‘Soca King of the World’ is the man who sings the song heard in movies and commercials all over the world called “Hot, Hot, Hot”. Now, if you don’t know the song, do yourself a favor, stop reading this post, and Google it. Get grounded. You owe to yourself. Now, lets continue.

Anyway, now that I have been exposed to this music for some weeks now, I am no longer surprise that the ‘Soca King of the World’ comes from here.

It’s almost as if musical talents are part of Montserratian’s DNA. Really, I am constantly being surprised by a brand new calypsonian. Like I said, it’s hard to keep a favorite. Where exactly these calypsonians go to record their music is still a great mystery to me. I obviously have not made it to all the occupied parts of this country. I am convinced that there is a town. However, I just can’t find it.

So far, there are about 26 calypsonians competing in one of the four competitions I have hear about so far. Personally, I would hate to be a judge of these competitions. The competitors are all good to me.

Destiny’s Revelation No. 12

I have experienced my first tropical storm watch here on Montserrat. Boy, am I glad there is very limited low lands in this country. But the few low lying areas in Montserrat really took a beating. I guess it ’s not surprising because all the free-flowing water in Montserrat run down hill.

What’s more…it seems that Montserrat deserves a tap on the shoulder for its disaster preparedness. As far as I can tell there were no casualties and no or very minimal damage to the country overall.

The waters were so rough in the Caribbean that several people on Montserrat gathered on Carrs Bay to watch as what looked like a passenger vessel tried to access a safe harbor in Montserrat, which was experiencing a tumultuous coastline. I got some very poor shots of this. Check out the photo slide show below!

You won’t be able to tell from the pictures in the slide show; but the people assembled worried about several close calls where it looked like the vessel will flip over. Apparently, the Captain’s experience save him from a terrible fate.

However, there were more unfortunate sea vessels to be found wounded and grounded in one of Montserrat’s coastline coves. As I hear, one barge ran aground, in addition to the already grounded barge being dismantled for scrap metal. Additionally, another barge was also reported to be adrift off the coast of Montserrat.

Anyway, my kudos to Montserrat’s Port Authority Manager. He made the call just in enough time to save every fishing vessel.

I also noted, today, a level of community spirit that was quite moving. A local hang out in Carrs Bay was completely dismantled by the rough seas resulting from the storm watch.

In less than 24 hours, with a semi-restless coastline, I witnessed a group of Montserratians rebuild the area with very little words being exchanged. New arrivals to the scene just took the initiative to pull up the slack in the exact spot it was needed. I was completely dumbfounded by this scene, especially considering the fact that Montserratians, themselves, say that their unity as a people is weak.

Considering what I have witnessed, when it comes to emergency situations, Montserrat’s unity and cohesive efforts are worth emulating.

PUT SLIDE SHOW HERE

Destiny’s Revelation No. 11

Well, what do you know! Montserrat has its first suspected murder in what appears to be almost a decade.

Now, as I heard it this is far from your everyday ordinary murder. Don’t believe me? Here goes…

Broadcasted over ZJB’s morning news, residents of Montserrat were shocked to hear that a man was found dead in the St. Peter’s area of Montserrat. What’s more? The police suspected murder.

Now don’t go getting your underwear in a bunch. It appears that it’s general knowledge who the murderer is!

As I heard it, in one of my favorite seaside bars in the Carrs Bay area and Little Bay areas, I overheard some local residents discussing the details of this issue.

Let me warn you before I start that these details are startling and odd, as far as I am concerned.

Having said that, let’s get on with it. As the story goes, some blue-eyed man, from Montserrat, went around announcing the night before the incident that he was going to chop up, yes like vegetables, some guy regarding some sheep, yes the animal.

Naturally, I am both confused and curious. Why kill someone over sheep? What could anyone possibly do with some sheep to deserve to be murdered? These were my questions.

As the conversation went on, as the fates would have it, one of the locals asked all the questions I, myself, wanted to know.

As it turns out, the sheep belonged to the murdered man. The blue-eyed man that actually did the murdering, because he had to do jail time prior to the incident for having sex with the murdered man’s sheep.

What’s even more bizarre is that people are saying the murderer prophesied and revealed his intentions the very night during a domino game.

I also overheard these locals discussing what they thought was an obvious change in the social existence in Montserrat.

The words are a buzz on the street that a former teacher and entertainment personality were arrested for non-consensual sex with a minor. In the same conversation, a police office was thought to be guilty of the same crime.

Now here’s why this information interest me. Local residents of Montserrat appear to believe that it is the appearance of ‘White’ people in the Social Services department and the police force why there seems to be a deliberate attempt to shut down pedophiles in Montserrat.

It seems like the residents of this island are pleased that there is finally some evidence of justice for those who have long existed safe and protected from the law.

While leaving this bar in a light drizzle of rain, I followed a surge of vehicles that were heading towards the Little Bay port area. It was at this location that I observed an intriguing characteristic of Montserrat’s current social and cultural structure.

Apparently, authorities at the Montserrat Port Authority received word that Montserrat’s shorelines would be affected by rough swells due to some unexpected freak storm.

I witnessed, in pouring rain with raindrops the size of Maraschino cherries, fishermen and port workers all working diligently to get the local fishermen’s boats out of the water before the predicted storm caused rough seas to damage these vessels. It was almost as if they didn’t even know it was raining. They, all, just worked and worked into the night until the job was done.

It was a beautiful scenery, as lights flooded the harbor with the bluff jutting out into the night like the profile of a distinguished aristocrat.

I was taking all this in right on a pavilion/gazebo built complements of Moose’s Bar.

Until we meet again, keep an eye out for the moose!

Destiny’s Revelation No. 10

Recently, Montserrat focused celebrations on the life of Olano Equiano, a former slave. I’m not sure about the spelling of his first name. In a portion of his anthology, Mr. Equiano described his life in Montserrat. His account of some of the treatment slaves on Montserrat endured was brutal to say the least.

What I found really interesting about Equiano’s anthology was the Souffriere Hills Volcano. Yes, he talked about it. Only back then, it was called ‘Brimstone Hill’. So, it seems this volcano has been kicking up its heels alive and well for some decades in the past, at least during the 19th century.

What’s a bit disappointing for me is the lack of a variety of information on Montserrat’s cultural heritage. As I hear more and more conversations, I’ve come to realize that Montserrat has some interesting folklore that could be bone-chilling at times. I never seem to hear the same story twice.

I have heard quite a bit so far. However, I’ll start with the ones that made me sit up and pay attention.

For instance, during a bout of heavy rainfall one evening while huddled in a tiny yet quaint road-side bar sipping on some gin and malibu, I overheard some locals discussing the events of a horrendous flood that took place over two decades ago.

As the story goes, this particular day received torrents of rain, with even more inches falling the entourage of high mountains.

As a result of this, Montserrat’s deep gourges known as ‘Ghauts’, pronounced like ‘gut’, began to succumb to the above normal volume of rain water washing down from the heights of the surrounding mountains.

On these huge ghauts in Montserrat, several Montserratians built their homes on the very edge of these ghauts and, in some cases, even on the flanks of the ghauts.

Because of this fact, when the ghauts began to overflow and flood, on this particular occasion, great landslides joined the rushing water as it followed the carved out ghauts to the sea.

Unfortunately, several homes where caught up in the flood and several families died as a result.

However, as every miracle would have it, there was a lone survivor of those affected by this dreadful event, a tiny baby boy.

He was found and rescued by fishermen. This tiny miracle was floating on a mattress unharmed, a short distance of the coastline of Montserrat.

As I am told, this young boy is now a grown man and still living here on Montserrat. He is referred to in the story as ‘Flood’. But, I hear he doesn’t like to be called by that name, which is understandable.

Should I be fortunate enough to meet this walking miracle here in Montserrat, I will keep that bit of information in mind.

Destiny’s Revelation No. 9

I noticed something when I woke up this morning at the crack of dawn. A few of the crickets that sing their lullaby at night were still chirping away at the very start of the first new day light. These must be the slow ones.

Talking about starting your morning off right, I have uncovered a new breakfast dish here in Montserrat, one I never considered or even heard about before I got here. What’s ironic is it is in the hot cereal category, and I hate hot cereals. However, this little gem of a breakfast is not only tasty but also a sweet bowl full of energetic fuel for the body. It’s called plantain porridge. It’s filling. I skipped lunch!

Now, in order for you to indulge in this delicacy you would have to befriend a local, preferably a Rastafarian. That was my source anyway. Oh yeah, my objective is to discover the real Montserrat, not the one they would like to be seen or know, and I must admit, the more I dig the more intrigued I get.

Another interesting fact about life on this island is the sheer variety of cultures that live together harmoniously here.

People say that Montserratians are friendly. This is certainly not an understatement, as far as I can tell. However, it is only accurate depending on the location and situation in which you encounter a Montserratian.

As I hear some Montserratians saying, “Montserratians will trample their own to help or put a stranger first.” I guess this could be viewed as both a good and a bad thing, depending on whose doing the viewing.

From my personal experiences so far, the people in Montserrat are warm, accommodating, friendly, and unique.

I have developed one official complaint. This is the availability of transportation on the island. For the average tourist, there are the usual tour buses and taxis. However, for the economically challenged backpacker, catching a bus could be a royal pain. At certain times during the day, buses are usually few and far in between. Not to mention, I am still a bit surprised that the Government here hasn’t established a public bus transportation system with an official schedule. However, that’s about it as far as complaints go, so far.

Until the next time I reveal more insights….

Destiny’s Revelation No. 8

I know it’s been a while, but I would have never guessed that discovering tangible peace would keep one soooo busy, not to mention in a place notorious for its boredom — which I disagree with. I am still waiting to be bored here.

Now that its Montserrat’s rainy season, I can see where it got the name the ‘Emerald Isle’. There are so many different shades of green to be seen here that I have fallen in love with the color green all over again.

I’ve also noted in my adventures here that there are no homeless people. Everyone seems to have a designated resting place when the night sets in.

Well, I have invited my friends to join me for a short stint while I’m here. It would be interesting to see their different responses. I especially want to know if they’ll be blown away like me. I know I’ll have my work cut out trying to convince them to come here with all the negative publicity Montserrat gets.

I’ve also noted another fringe benefit to my explorations of Montserrat. As a result of my daily walks in Montserrat, my physique has toned and developed quite nicely. I’m loving that.

By the way, you should know that I have developed into some sought of fruitaholic. I have discovered some amazing fruits here on this tiny island.

I will unabashedly admit to you that I look forward to my daily fruit raids. This is where I simply choose a direction to walk and indulge in all the fruits along my way. In fact, as I write this, my tongue is flirting and caressing a kinep. I think that is how it’s spelled. I have no idea for sure if it’s correctly spelled.

Anyway, a kinep looks a lot like nothing I have ever seen before. It’s green with a smooth thick outer shell. They grow in bunches like grapes. A gently squeeze between your teeth will crack the outer skin. Inside, there is a single seed covered with a smooth sugary silky pulp that you suck off. I find these fruits additively good. You can usually purchase a large cluster of several bunches for about $3EC, if you are not athletic enough to climb the tree for yourself. By the way, these trees have extreme heights in most cases.

Another amazing fruit discovery of mine is the cashew fruit. That’s right…I said the cashew fruit, not nut! It’s the same nut we all know and love, but it’s attached to a seedless bulb of titillating sugary pleasure. They do stain clothing, as do most of the best tasting fruits I’ve come across.

Oh, there’s more! There is so much more. How many of you have experienced the delectable and pleasurable delights of sea grapes? Never heard of it? Well, it exists right here in Montserrat. These are grapes that grow by the sea, but they also grow in the mountains.

If that didn’t get your taste buds jumping, I wonder if a sweet lime will? Yes, I said a sweet lime, and it looks different from a regular green lime. It’s red, and it tastes as stimulating as it sounds. If you come here, you must indulge in a refreshing glass of sweet lime-ade. It is indescribable.

You can’t really find your average every day ordinary boring fruit choices like apples and oranges here as easily. Thank God! My mouth had grown quite bored with those limited choices.

Now, in this heavenly place, I am no longer the victim of a dormant palette. My taste buds have been revived with a vengeance!

Destiny’s Entry No. 7

Well, here I was pretending to myself that I had resolved all my fear issues about the volcano. When it came time to putting my money where my mouth was, I cowered like a spineless mutt locked in a fetal position praying that God would have mercy on me. Oh, it get worse. After all this drama…it was just a regular ordinary thunderstorm and had nothing to do with the volcano.

I could not have been convince otherwise. When I woke up the next morning, there was absolutely no ash anywhere on Montserrat, except the exclusion zone. Montserrat was its usual sparkly clean self.

I’m starting to note a bit of a buzz regarding the year end festival that is celebrated in this country. As I can gather, a great party may be scarce in Montserrat; however, when they come along, they are some real doozies. It seems, in Montserrat, the year end festival is the grandest doozy of them all.

I’m not promising anything. But, if I’m still here, you’ll get the full low down.

Get this, the latest shocker…I may not be able to leave at the end of September if I wanted to. I hear there may be some hiccups in the flight schedule. That would be a nice excuse! But it look like the Government is on top of things, or so they say. Everything should be sorted by then. I’m not worried. Are you? Well you should not be!

By the way, I won my first wager. I’m here way longer than seven day and enjoying myself tremendously. I feel so rejuvenated. I know this is only entry no seven; but, what…am I bored? I think not…I do have to actually spend time experiencing Montserrat in order to tell you about it.

I guess you know what’s coming…I’m off to experience some more.