Although it's not really a "little thing," I have to mention the boat racing... Anguilla's national sport. Being on the Anguilla island during the beginning of August was a real plus -- it was the week of their most important boat races (in May, they have another big one, where all the boats race around the whole Anguilla island)!

And what's even more "especially Anguilla" is that their racing sailboats have no decks -- the sailors stand on the bottom of the boat. As the race comes down to the wire, they throw out hundred pound sandbags of ballast... sometimes even people!

The first week of August is a huge holiday, with a carnival, fireworks, and all kinds of celebrations. Everyone takes most of the week off -- it's bigger than Christmas. But the races are the "main event"...

Fans follow each race in motorboats, or hop in their cars and drive around the Anguilla island following the boats, and commenting about the sailer's strategies -- we even followed along once -- it was fascinating.

Those who don't follow the race? They party at Sandy Ground. I'll be writing more about the whole event, so please subscribe to my e-zine to stay in touch.

Just a few days before we left for home (sob!), we ate at a fantastic

"local bar-b-q" called B&D's...

Like the other local Anguilla BBQ's (Rafe's, etc.), this one is only open on weekends. The ribs and fries are as good-or-better as any you'll eat at the expensive tourist restaurant... but at a fraction of the price.

It was really neat to see families put up their own BBQs, all over the Anguilla island, and serve absolutely mouth watering food.

Which ones are best? Just pick any one with a crowd eating there

My dad noticed something interesting about the "Anguillian way of life." So many houses in Anguilla are unfinished. Even the "finished" ones are unfinished...

See the metal sticking out of the top of this house? My dad says that's "rebar."

You'll see many houses like this. My dad says it's a great symbol of how the people live largely stress-free, yet still optimistically for the future. Anguillians do not borrow to build a house. They save, and then build.

Everyone builds out of concrete now

(hurricane-proof) -- this Anguilla island has been hit hard over the past years. The rebar is a symbol of "living within your means" but still looking forward to building a bigger house. My dad says there's a great lesson there for the rest of us.

I'll add to this page as I find interesting new Anguilla photos from the over 800 shots that my dad took of this relaxed, relaxing, and totally unique Caribbean island. For now, though, here are a few more photos of the little unique things that make this Anguilla island...

Beautiful, Airy, Little Churches

Sensational, Firey Flamboyant Trees

Rustic Road Signs

Anguilla island