THE ANGUILLA SUMMER FESTIVAL

An unforgettable experience !

By Shanice Davis

Between working, traveling overseas and jumping into a new school year, I've had little time to sit down and reflect on my experience during Anguilla's 40th carnival celebration. It's been a hectic summer but one to remember nonetheless.

Until this day, I cannot believe that I won a sponsored trip to Anguilla. I am incredibly thankful to APANY, BE Travel Consultants and Anacaona Boutique Hotel for making this possible.

I was filled with so much anticipation once I boarded my flight en route to St. Maarten.

Once I had arrived, the rest of my journey to Anguilla was practically seamless, thanks to Funtime Sea Shuttle Services. After working for the majority of my summer, it felt so surreal to be on my way back to Anguilla. It had been two long years since my last visit and four longer years since my last carnival experience. Needless to say, I was excited for my stay.

Before checking out my room at Anacaona Boutique Hotel, where I would stay for the first three days of my trip, I visited my family members. I was more than happy to see my elders and reconnect with aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends. As always, it felt as if no time had passed among us.

After spending my first couple of hours on the island catching up with my family and eating delicious home-cooked meals, I checked into my hotel room at Anacaona. The hotel was beautifully serene, and my room had a homey and cozy feel that I appreciated. I was greeted and treated with the utmost hospitality, which made for an ideal stay. I brought a cousin along for the experience, and we surely took advantage of the freshly made breakfast, poolside scenery and relaxation on hammocks sandwiched between palm trees.

Because of my commitments to work, I arrived on the island in the midst of the carnival season so I took advantage of the remaining events including the Queen Show, and my personal favorite, Parade of Troupes. I basked in the sun, the beautiful colors of the various costumes, and the music of Anguilla's signature bands. I bumped into some old friends of mine on the road and more family members that I hadn't seen yet.

I also attended the Calypso Monarch Show for the first time, where I also had an amazing sit-down interview with Radio Anguilla's Keithstone Graves about my role as Public Relations Ambassador of APANY. Mr. Graves was beyond professional, and I appreciate him and Radio Anguilla for scheduling time to talk to me about my trip, my thoughts on the Anguilla Diaspora Alliance, and my ongoing college career.

I spent my last full day on the island attending church with my great aunt and then following the Champion of Champions boat race with my family members.

I hated that I would be leaving the next day so I soaked up every second that I had left. Even on my day of departure, I made sure I stuffed my face with unbeatable Anguillian cuisine and roamed around the island until the time came for me to head to St. Maarten for my flight.

My heart fills with so much gratitude as I recall these memories. To think that I had no plans to go home to Anguilla this summer although I longed to, and I ended up experiencing the 40th carnival celebration and spending quality time with my family on a sponsored trip, is truly an honor and a gift I will always cherish. I sincerely thank all who contributed!