Author: Kim Pingston (---.try.wideopenwest.com)
Date: 02-01-06 19:35
Boy, after reading a lot of the posts on where to stay, where not to stay, people being disappointed or very happy with their choice of where to stay, etc., I thought, why not explain what Culebra is for a first time visitor....
When you get there, it's like stepping back in time. Forget about city life for your entire visit (isn't this why you're going in the first place?).
The main street that you use to get to and from the ferry is full of potholes (I was told that they were going to start repairs on it the day after we were leaving (01/21/06). And if you live in a state where salt is used in the winter for the roads, the potholes should not bother you at all!
Your villa/apartment/guesthouse/b&b, etc., will not be anything like a Hilton Hotel unless you stay at one of the more expensive places in Culebra. To me, a nice place to stay in Culebra has a bed, air conditioner, kitchenette, and bathroom. What more do you need?
The place where you purchase food is going to be somewhat different that what you're used to in a big town. Think of your Kroger or whatever grocery store you go to cut down to about 1/4 of the size. That's the size of a grocery store on the island. Remember, all of the food for sale there has to be shipped in on the ferry or maybe flown in. Don't expect a Wal-mart or even a Walgreens on the island, they just don't have them! There are a couple of places to buy souvenirs and vacation clothes if the airline loses your luggage!
There are chickens and a lot of roosters that will gladly wake you up around 5:00 a.m. You don't even have to ask them for a wake-up call! Occasionally, you may see or hear a horse in the yard of where you're staying. They want attention too, so don't be alarmed if they let out a winnie for you!
If you're used to staying up till midnight or later, that will change too. As your mother used to say.....early to bed, early to rise.......In bed by 8 or 9 p.m., and up when the roosters start around 5:00 or 6:00 a.m.
The restaurants on the island are smaller than your Red Lobster, and the food is great. You'll see conch and octopus on the menu, and you may want to try it.
Don't worry about the lizzards or Iguana's. They're more scared of you than you are of them, and they run fasssssssssssst.
Doesn't everyone have misquitos in the summer where they live? More than likely! It's summer all year in Culebra, so expect the bugs! That's why they invented insect repellent!
The beaches, ah yes, the beautiful beaches. Take the sunblock with you because if you're as white as a ghost when you get there, you'll be brown (or lobster looking) when you leave.
After renting a car twice to take to Culebra, I would personally suggest renting a jeep or something that's high off of the ground. Low cars don't do well when they hit the boulders on a dirt road, or when they bottom out on the edge of the road either!
By your third day there, you will be waving to the locals and tourists because it's that kind of a place. Everyone waves to everyone else, or says hello. When was the last time you drove through YOUR town and waved at someone you didn't know?
When you return home, everyone will tell you how relaxed you look (and you will be relaxed). You won't want to leave Culebra because you've gotten used to the laid back lifestyle of Culebra!
Everyone enjoy their trips, and take many pictures!
Kim
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