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islands of St. Kitts and Nevis are two sleepy spots in the Caribbean and
one of the few places in the region where agriculture still has a larger
economic role than tourism. The two islands make up the smallest country
in the Caribbean. |
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Most visitors fly into St.
Kitts, which on a clear day provides a glimpse of the island's mountainous
interior, the patchwork of cane fields that carpets its lowlands, and the
rugged hills, salt ponds and deeply indented bays of its southeastern peninsula.
The capital Basseterre, lies on the Caribbean shore near the southern end
of the island. With its white colonial houses and toothpick balconies it
resembles a Hollywood set. |
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| Although St. Kitts and Nevis
are only about 2 miles apart, they have vastly different personalities.
St. Kitts is the larger of the two and has more people and resorts, but
they tend to be family-run operations that are relatively small. Nevis
is quaint, more expensive and peppered with upscale lodgings and several
luxurious plantation inns. |
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| St. Kitts' mountain ranges
reach up to nearly 4,000 feet, and its interior contains virgin rain forests
- alive with hummingbirds and wild green vervet monkeys. The monkeys were
brought in as pets by the early French settlers but were set free when
the British took control of the island in 1783. These native African animals
have proliferated and can be seen at the Estridge Estate Behavioral Research
Institute. Brimstone Hill is one of the most impressive New World forts,
built on the peak of a sulphuric prominence known as 'The Gibraltar of
the West Indies'. It commands the southern approach to what were the sugar
mill plains, and boasts a splendid view of the nearby islands of Saba and
St. Eustatius. The fort was the scene of a number of Franco-British battles
during the 18th century. The island is also host to rare species of birds
and exotic plants such as orchids. |
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Frigate Bay is the main
resort area on the island and has been designated a Tourist Area by the
Government. It boasts two fine beaches, hotels, a golf course and a casino.
Most of the island's other beaches are of gray or black volcanic sand.
On St, Kitts, the biggest event is the week-long Carnival, held from December
24 to January 2. It's celebrated with calypso competitions, costumed street
dances and steel band music. In the last week of June, the four-day St.
Kitts Music Festival brings together top-name soca, salsa and jazz performers
from throughout the Caribbean. |
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