Nomading in the Caribbean



Laid Back Life in the Caribbean (image via Wikipedia)

 By Jamie Douglas

In many of us, the Caribbean stirs up fantasies of coconuts, beaches, hammocks, Mai-Tais and pirates! That is likely what you will encounter there, right down to the pirates, but particularly the Mai-Tais and beaches.

While most people only consider this region in terms of those few lovely islands that you see in Islands Magazine, with sun bronzed turbo vixens in minikinis relaxing on the beaches while the handsome 6 pack adorned male models are frolicking in the surf, there is actually a bit more to it than that.

The official Caribbean Sea extends from the Yucatan Peninsula to Cuba and on past the Windward and Leeward Islands to Venezuela, including not just the islands but the entire coastline of Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, right back to the Yucatan. It covers an impressive 1,063,000 square miles, but only 92,541 sq mi of that are on land, a mere 8.7%, and it is populated by 36,320,000 people of Afro-Caribbean, Indo-Caribbean, Amerindian of the Arawak, Carib and Tainos tribes, as well as quite a number of European and Asian descendants and migrants, leading to an average population density of a whopping 392 people crowding onto 1 square mile.

Those figures of course are a bit misleading, as some of the islands harbor large population centers, such as Havana, Cuba; Kingston, Jamaica; Port au Prince and other cities in Haiti; Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and then skipping down to Trinidad and Tobago’s overcrowded Port of Spain. Heading west, the lesser populated ABC’s, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, along with most of the islands not mentioned in that list, are relatively under populated, offering great natural experiences for those seeking the true spirit of the Caribbean. The Bahamas and Bermuda are sometimes thrown into the Caribbean mix, although this is just some clever marketing, in my opinion.

Some of the destinations are but tourist resorts, from where they offer day junkets in resort-owned vans, where you get herded from one souvenir shop to the next to buy the obligatorily items that you could have purchased for 20%-50% less, had you not arrived in the resort owned cattle car.

Then there are the captive tourists who arrive on cruise ships for their 6 hour shopping trip to St Thomas, Montego Bay, St Martin, and of course those “Caribbean pearls,” the Bahamas, where you can take a five day cruise across the 50 mile wide Gulfstream and shop in appropriately named Freeport, then Nassau, and with any kind of luck, you will spend a few hours in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Cruises of course are a great way to see a little bit of several different places, while enjoying being pampered, gorging yourself on food and booze, and gambling your grandkids’ inheritance away. (More power to you. It’s your money. Spend it while you are alive).

Other ways to enjoy the region involve a little more immersion in the culture of the very mixed populations of these magnificent islands, no two alike. Each one has its own unique history, customs, dialects and several different languages are spoken. Spanish, English (sort of), French, and Dutch are most prevalent, while some of the older Danish settlers in the US Virgin Islands still use Danish to communicate amongst each other.

In the following week or two, I will offer you several great options of places to visit. Some can be 1-2 day trips while others may hold your fascination for weeks on end, and invite you to stay. The lifestyle in the region can only be described as “laid back,” and it is very easy indeed to find yourself in hammock with beverage service.

Those of you interested in a particular destination please drop me a line, and I will try to feature that. It is incredibly easy to go from island to island here, without any custom or immigration hassles, and people are very friendly and happy to have you.

And if you want to participate in some of the world’s most vibrant celebrations, start making plans now for Carnival 2012!

Jamie Douglas        

San Rafael, Mendoza

Where the Malbec Wine is always fine!

I encourage you to write to me, jamie@expatdailynews.com with any questions or suggestions you may have, and if necessary, we can establish a voice communication via Skype. Disclaimer: I am not in any travel related business. My advice is based on my own experiences, and is free of charge. (Donations accepted). It is always my pleasure to act as a beneficial counselor to those who are seekers of the next adventure.

Jamie Douglas is an Adventurer, Writer and Photographer with an amazing array of Nikon equipment, and a lifetime of experience traveling and documenting. To contact him for assignments and new adventures, email: jamie.douglas [at] yahoo.com

See more expat articles by Jamie at

Expat Daily News Latin America.

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