An early start for me following the test match, Earl, the Waving the Flag bus driver for Antigua and board member of Antiguan cricket - plus adjudicator of the man of the match award - drove me out to the airport for my day of flying. After checking into my Liat flight, I wandered across the road to take in the lush green sight of the former Antigua cricket ground, and walk through The Sticky Wicket, the West Indies Hall of Fame.
Boarding my two hour flight to Santa Domingo, after one of the best breakfasts I had had for a long time in the Banana cafe in the airport, I started reading Che Guevara's Motorcycle Diaries, which gave me background on the iconic man, and also reinforce a lust for South America travel.
Arriving in the Dominican Republic, and gaining a new stamp in my passport for a three hour stay given my airline change, I chatted to my flirty and cute Customs offical who informed me that I didn't have enough time to go into the city and back. Shame....next time!
Another flight, and this time to Panana City. Flying into this Central American city after another 2 hour flight on Copa Airlines this time, I took in the view of the spread of buildings from just over the wing. A busy and bustling airport, and just enough time to walk from one end to the other to grab my flight to my destination, Havana, Cuba.
Getting into Havana after another 2 hour flight, it was late and dark. I managed to change money into the Cuban Peso Convertable, and then source a taxi into town. I followed the directions to our casa particular, which are private homes registered as accommodation options, only to find, through much language difficulties, that I wasn't staying there! Luckily the home owner walked me through the streets of Havana to Norma's casa particular, where I was staying.
Eventually I made it across town to meet up with Melissa, Jessica and Heath, who had been waiting for some time at Hotel National, our original meeting place. They had had time to sample many of the hotel's experiences, and were giggly and hot when I got there! A mojito to toast our week ahead, when made it back to Norma's.
Showing posts with label Antigua. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Antigua. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Drawn Antigua Test
Day 3 of this second test saw another Flagger venture into the party stand - called Chickie's Party Stand in Antigua, with a permanent pool and open bar. Upon arrival we staked out an area until the limited shade - where we sheltered under from the rain! After walking a lap around the ground in search of breakfast, I settled in to watch the super soaker at work and await the bar to open.
Drinks soon flowed, and with nothing to watch in the middle, the day soon got messy! Sitting with feet dangling in the pool, rum and punch or vodka and juice in hand, who would want to be anywhere else! Great day for the party stand, with apparently 35 overs bowled in the end of the day...not that I saw much of that! I think I had a nap after going hard early!
Piling into the bus, a rowdy group, we drove across the island to experience Shirley Heights. Sadly we arrived after sundown, however Dr Mike and I had a burger overlooking the lights of English Harbour, and some much needed sustenance! Soon enough there was dancing to the reggae sounds of the band - and had a ball!
The next day the strange rumours that Stuart McGill had announced his retirement were confirmed, and one wonders whether his move to our part of the resort for his accommodation away from the team was a beginnings of the end. A full days play for Day 4, and some captaincy by Clarke in the last session saw a faster over rate, and some handy wickets from the man himself.
A dip in the Jolly Habour sea during sunset was my priority when getting back to the resort after play, so as not to miss out. Gorgeous white sand, warm sparking blue ocean....I dipped in clothes and all.
Day 5 arrived with an inevitable draw, or Aussie miracle, on the cards. A slow days play, with a finish marked by a shaking of hands with still 5 overs to bowl. A disappointing end, and send off for McGill.
Drinks soon flowed, and with nothing to watch in the middle, the day soon got messy! Sitting with feet dangling in the pool, rum and punch or vodka and juice in hand, who would want to be anywhere else! Great day for the party stand, with apparently 35 overs bowled in the end of the day...not that I saw much of that! I think I had a nap after going hard early!Piling into the bus, a rowdy group, we drove across the island to experience Shirley Heights. Sadly we arrived after sundown, however Dr Mike and I had a burger overlooking the lights of English Harbour, and some much needed sustenance! Soon enough there was dancing to the reggae sounds of the band - and had a ball!
The next day the strange rumours that Stuart McGill had announced his retirement were confirmed, and one wonders whether his move to our part of the resort for his accommodation away from the team was a beginnings of the end. A full days play for Day 4, and some captaincy by Clarke in the last session saw a faster over rate, and some handy wickets from the man himself.
A dip in the Jolly Habour sea during sunset was my priority when getting back to the resort after play, so as not to miss out. Gorgeous white sand, warm sparking blue ocean....I dipped in clothes and all.
Day 5 arrived with an inevitable draw, or Aussie miracle, on the cards. A slow days play, with a finish marked by a shaking of hands with still 5 overs to bowl. A disappointing end, and send off for McGill.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Cricket in the Land of Sea and Sun
Flying from Jamaica to Antigua on Thursday was a day of flying and transfers, but I was greeted at the airport by Sparrow, and taken straight to the Waving The Flaghotel, the Jolly Harbour Resort. Rejoining the group for the pre-test dinner, I welcomed a new beer and new rum for the evening.
Day One brought the long journey out to the Sir Viv Richards Stadium, built especially for the World Cup last year, and so it's massive and literally in the middle of nowhere. Rain met us as we walked through the gates, and found our posse in the Soutyh Stand. A short delay to the start of play, just long enough for us to dry off, before Australia won the toss, and proceeded to deliver a very very slow days cricket! The one highlight being Ricky Ponting reaching the 10,000 run mark in his career, and a century from Simon Katich.
Drinks, dinner and a trivia night at the B-Hive bar within our resort was the evenings activities, and amazingly I was part of the winning team, collecting prizes and the cash pool.
Rain again today delayed play on and off, however today was a much better days cricket! A great tonn by Michael Clarke, and then some captaincy and two quick wickets by the same returnee to the team, had Chick Pink Day all happening.
Tonight I am all dressed up and ready for some fun....again here at the resort. I suspect that I will see just the two destinations of Antigua! Praying for a 4 day test! Go Aussies!
Day One brought the long journey out to the Sir Viv Richards Stadium, built especially for the World Cup last year, and so it's massive and literally in the middle of nowhere. Rain met us as we walked through the gates, and found our posse in the Soutyh Stand. A short delay to the start of play, just long enough for us to dry off, before Australia won the toss, and proceeded to deliver a very very slow days cricket! The one highlight being Ricky Ponting reaching the 10,000 run mark in his career, and a century from Simon Katich.
Drinks, dinner and a trivia night at the B-Hive bar within our resort was the evenings activities, and amazingly I was part of the winning team, collecting prizes and the cash pool.
Rain again today delayed play on and off, however today was a much better days cricket! A great tonn by Michael Clarke, and then some captaincy and two quick wickets by the same returnee to the team, had Chick Pink Day all happening.Tonight I am all dressed up and ready for some fun....again here at the resort. I suspect that I will see just the two destinations of Antigua! Praying for a 4 day test! Go Aussies!
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