– by Barry Mathias –
With the falling dollar, more tourists are drawn to the varied attractions of the Islands rather than to the vivid publicity of Rio de Payout or Immensa Costa; and they dream of returning home with unspent money languishing in their bank accounts. While this is, in theory, a possibility, the numerous pleasant ways to spend money on these fortunate Islands make this highly unlikely.
Potential tourists look at brochures and on-line advertisements that portray dreamy coves, lush forests, the chance of outdoor pursuits and intimate bistros … and no great distances to travel. “No costly air fares!” they chant. “Think of the savings!” It is at this point that amnesia takes over, and they conveniently forget about ferry costs. After all, if they don’t travel regularly by ferry, they can treat the occasion as a mini-cruise, where cruise fares apply, but without the use of a cabin.
Sometimes, the Captain will obligingly announce: “Whales on the port side!” Once the excited travellers have worked out which side he means, the whales have passed, but they have enjoyed a close-up experience with the heaving bodies of other travellers that is so reminiscent of a Tokyo subway, they could be in the Orient.
After an interesting drive along meandering roads that were former logging tracks, past the perspiring cyclists walking their bikes up challenging hills, they arrive at their chosen destinations and plan their vacations. Visiting local galleries is a must, where the artistry of the Islands is reflected in the unique vitality and the spontaneity of the work, and where the prices reflect the quality of the art and not the cost of the gallery’s rental. They can easily forget the limited wall space in their homes as they succumb to temptation.
There is also the opportunity to do those things that are not done at home. Horse riding is always fun to contemplate: those romantic rides into the sunset; the magical ability of being able to instantly regain the equestrian skills one apparently possessed as a child, and the wondrous, instant relationship with a huge almost-mythical creature that somehow knows you’re a friend. The reality of torrential rain, two hours bouncing on a hard saddle and a nag that wants to bite your leg suggests that, as with all things, prior experience is useful.
Kayaking is very popular, and the Islands provide a wealth of spectacular vistas, memorable experiences and the chance to test one’s long dormant physical abilities. Remembering how to get into the kayak is always advisable, and those who pretend to knowledge they don’t have can create spandex-creasing hilarity among other paddlers and the barely concealed annoyance of the guide. On muddy beaches this can be particularly dramatic. However, after two hours of youthful paddling, it is amazing how ones muscles yearn for dry land … of course, there is always the getting out.
Finally, there are the unique coffee bars and memorable restaurants that dot the landscape of these Islands. In these famed caffeine hideaways and revered eating houses, where the word fresh is a truism, and fish are only moments out of the ocean, one can understand the overwhelming attraction of Islands.
