A Little Destination in the Caribbean

Many people claim that Nevis, an island in the Eastern Caribbean, looks little; they are right. It looks little because it is little, only 6 by 8 miles (9.6 X 12.9 km), but it has a lot to offer and being little can be beneficial!

First, there are lovely little inns, bungalows and resorts as well as private homes scattered around the island, but close enough to visit each other and share services. The little restaurants are cozy and friendly with individualized menus. No large malls or shopping centers, just small shops providing unique gifts for those special friends and family members. Charlestown, the capital, is small enough to walk through without getting tired but big enough for everything one needs.

It has a "little" mountain that provides it with rain to keep the land green and fresh, as well as great areas for hiking, biking, and horse riding. Unlike larger landmasses, reefs are not overly commercialized and ideal for snorkeling and diving. All these services cater to "little" groups and provide personalized service.

Speaking of looking at little, let's talk tiny, this means really small!

Look at the wild areas alongside the road, they are filled with numerous tiny white, yellow, red and even blue flowers! Blue Rain Eyes peep out after an afternoon shower. Pink Paint Brushes hide in the weeds (they often are the weeds) and mix with multicoloured lantanas.

Then there are the flowers that try to look big, but aren't. Bougainvillea flowers form shrubs and Poinsettias tower like trees at Golden Rock, but those bright colours aren't the flowers, they are modified leaf-bracts! The flowers are in the center and tiny, less than ¼ of an inch across!

Then there are the native animals. Some giant moths are found, but tiny brilliant butterflies are the most frequently seen. The "large noise" at night is a small frog with a backbone just over 1/3 inches (9 mm). The most delicate lizard species is also one of the smallest know, check out the tiny geckos! The Hummingbirds dart all around and most count them as small, but for hummers they are actually quite large.

Of course Nevis does have "big" things as well. Culturama is a big cultural festival (It is actually like a small town festival). The Deep Sea Fishing results in large catches, such as a 60+ lb (27+kg) Wahoo (which are also served at those little restaurants)! The Nevis Triathlon is getting known throughout the Caribbean and they filmed the opening of the new MTV Caribbean Channel here! The hotels and private homes have some really beautiful flowers that are big and showy. The "National Flower" of the Federation is a large spreading tree that towers 30 feet tall that is visible from several miles out at sea when it is blooming! One of the wild flowers has a single bud that is over 12 inches (30 cm) tall. But the bulk of flora and fauna is not quite so big and showy.

On Nevis look closely and appreciate the small!