I am still six countries behind on my blog. I leave Saturday morning for a week long trip to Ohio, so I am hoping to get all caught up before I leave. Even better would be getting them done tonight. I'm trying something new, and I've been tackling all those pre-trip chores two days ahead of time. Because, honestly, tomorrow I'd like to go to the pool and sit in the hammock. That's all. So, I'm powering through today. I'm just real quick going to run through these six countries and be on my way.
So, next up, on our tour around the world, is Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Don't confuse that with Grenadine syrup. Really, Grenadine for drinks is French, and it translates to Pomegranates. Breadfruit is the symbol of the country though, so you figure that one out.
I guess it makes sense, way back when the French did own the island. But, the British acquired it in 1763 with the Treaty of Paris. The British dreamed of making the island a plantation paradise. It didn't work out for them, though. Volcanic eruptions, hurricanes and the abolition of slavery all put an end to those plans. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines didn't become it's own country until 1979.
The country consists of 32 islands. Saint Vincent is the big island, where more of the 109,000 people of the country live. The capital, Kingstown (not to be confused with Kingston Jamaica) and sometimes people just call the country 'Saint Vincent' and move on with their day. But, the Grenadines is a series of smaller islands.
One of those 32 islands was our landmark for Saint Vincent. The island of Mustique is only about 2.2 square miles. But, it has somewhere around 100 private villas. It's a luxury island, only for the rich. One week at this place could cost you as much as $150,000. At that price tag, it's easy to see why it is one of the most exclusive islands in the world. Of course there is your private villa and gorgeous beaches to enjoy. But you can also see the island in your rented jeep or on horseback.
Other rich people who visit the island just take their own yachts and go island hopping, after all the islands are fairly close together. They're all within 9 miles of each other. All of those 32 islands have something unique to offer with their own 'personality'. They're even weirdly named There's Pigeon Island, All Awash Island, Rabbit Island and even Catholic Island.
Oh, and the smallest island is Mayreau. It's home to only 250 people, but people come from all over for small private weddings. If you want to get married there, though, they have one rule: you must stay on the island for 72 hours.
For those of us who can't afford yachts and villas on Mustique, you can stay in Saint Vincent and explore all they have to offer. Every website raves about the Botanical Gardens there. They have over 500 species of plants.
But really, the big thing the boys will probably remember about Saint Vincent is the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise having filmed there. In fact, it was a principle location. Rumrunners Isle is actually Petit Taboc, one of the tiny little islands of the Tobago Cays.
The boys made their postcards.
Calib drew all the islands. Only 9 are considered inhabited, so that's why some have houses and some don't.
Peyton's featured a yacht, and Captain Jack Sparrow.
And Hayden's featured the Botanical Gardens. Many of the plants were brought from all over the world, so that's why you've got the guy with the flag there.
For our meal we headed to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival to the Island's of the Caribbean booth. We got the Mojo Pork and the Quesito.
Technically- maybe Saint Vincent was a little further south, as places like Dominican Republic and Haiti were featured on the signs around the booth. But, we have plans for those. So, we just said it counts. Hey, I'm not perfect.
The Mojo Pork with Black Beans, Cilantro Rice, and Pickled Red Onions (on the side for our picky Peyton), was really flavorful. We've done rice and beans a decent amount of times, but it's usually pretty popular. It was gone in a flash, and we all gave it a spoons up.
The Quesito was a puff pastry with sweetened cream cheese and guava sauce. It was light and fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness. I loved it, and would get this one again and again. Calib and Asa were also fans, but Peyton and Hayden were not into it. (To be fair, Peyton doesn't like cream cheese).
Our island dots are kind of a mess now. I really put our light blue Antigua and Barbuda too far south and then had to cram everything in. But, I've been trying to color code the dots with the flags to help the boys out. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the light green dot, just to the west of the dark blue Barbados.
136 down, 60 to go!
Next Up: Eritrea
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