When it comes to traveling abroad, so much has changed in the past year! Entry requirements are fluid and can sometimes cause unsuspecting travelers to incur additional expenses. My advice for anyone traveling abroad is to ensure you are fully vaccinated. Most destinations waive quarantine if you are fully vaccinated and can produce a valid negative PCR Covid-19 test result. Carefully read the entry requirements for your intended destination. Ensure that the validity of your Covid-19 test will not expire during your travel time. If the validity of your test expires you will have to pay for another PCR test and you may be required to quarantine for 5-7 days!
Be just as careful before you commence your return journey. Check that entry requirements have not changed while you were abroad. Ensure you allow adequate time for your Covid-19 test results to be ready prior to your departure date. The airline will not allow you to check-in for your flight with test results. This may cause you to incur the additional expense of changing your flight date.
Given all the above, you can certainly understand why unplanned travel is stressful! My recent trip from Antigua and Barbuda to Guyana was unplanned. When I received word that my mom had been hospitalized, I took action immediately. I did a web search for entry requirements then made an appointment for a PCR test before I booked my flight. I was already fully vaccinated, so when I arrived in Guyana with a negative PCR test I was not required to quarantine.
Unexpected pleasures
The purpose of my visit was to spend time with my mom and reassure myself that she was being well cared for. I never thought it would also afford me the opportunity to reconnect with family and old friends. It was a pleasure spending time with family members who I usually communicate with via phone, Facebook, or WhatsApp. I enjoyed the company of my nieces and the rare glimpses into their lives.
A few carefree moments in the company of old friends felt like a soothing balm to my soul. The unexpected pleasure of being with my sister who I hadn’t seen in 3 years was a revelation! We talk to each other every day, but being together made me realize how much I miss her company. One of the high points of my visit was reconnecting with my former boss and mentor.
Georgetown has changed
I was amazed at how much the city has changed since my last visit in 2018. Georgetown has evolved from a small picturesque, tree-line city into a sprawling metropolis. The all-too-familiar American fast-food billboards compete with those of the local restaurants. High-rises, crowded shopping malls, traffic jams, and gated communities have all but obliterated the once-familiar landscape.
The wide variety of restaurant options were especially exciting for me because I love dining out! Although some restaurants hold no attraction for me because I have never developed a taste for fast food. I prefer a more wholesome diet although I rarely skip dessert! I decided to experience a new restaurant each time I had lunch or dinner with family or friends. I was fortunate to enjoy a few good experiences and I highly recommend a few.
My top restaurant picks
RS53 RestoBar and Lounge – Owned by renowned West Indies Cricketer Ramnaresh (Ronnie) Sarwan, this restaurant is located in the Amazonia Mall in Providence. I was excitedly looking forward to seeing the proprietor Sarwan himself. Unfortunately, he was not there on both occasions when I visited his establishment. On the first occasion, I visited the bar, the ambiance was modern, relaxed, and pleasant. My friend and I enjoyed the atmosphere but did not quite enjoy the appetizer platter. We were also disappointed that there was no bottle service.
On the second occasion, my sister and I enjoyed the elegant ambiance of the more formal dining room. The menu here was extensive with a variety of fresh local ingredients including Breadfruit chips! The food was tasty and well-presented but my vegetables were almost raw. The customer service was at best, perfunctory. In my opinion, the wait staff needs to check in periodically with guests and provide the Chef with feedback. Altogether not a terrible experience and certainly not unexpected for a new restaurant.
The Ignite Bar and Grill – This is an outdoor dining experience at the Pegasus Hotel Poolside, that leaves little to be desired. The setting is an edgy mix of modern and classic. The menu includes an assortment of international and local options. The food is fresh, delicious, and well presented. Although slow, the service is quite good and I enjoyed the experience on the two occasions I dined here.
Jaxx International Grill – This Trinidadian restaurant chain can only be described as an Applebee’s experience with local flair. The menu was extensive with a variety of fresh, local ingredients. The service was great, the food was delicious and the ambiance was casual, relaxed, and comfortable. It was easily the best dining experience I had.
Georgetown certainly has a lot to offer in terms of restaurants and bars. If you plan to visit, do check out Khi’s Beverages. Located in the Princess Ramada Hotel lobby it’s well known for amazing coffee and frozen treats. Petite Four in the heart of the city is the perfect place for a light lunch. LeVel Bar & Co. in the Giftland Mall is great for after-work cocktails so check them out as well. For authentic Guyanese sweet treats, daily takeout, and fresh-squeezed cane juice, I highly recommend M&M Snackette and Fast Food.
I have first-hand knowledge that unplanned travel is stressful
The 2 weeks flew by quickly and soon it was time to make travel arrangements to return home. I was very careful to check re-entry requirements for Antigua and Barbuda before purchasing my return ticket. I have first-hand knowledge that unplanned travel is stressful! After being stuck in Miami for 5 days last November, I was not about to take any risks! Thankfully I had no problems arranging my return trip. My overnight flight was long and tiresome but uneventful. I am happy to be safely back on the rock after my unplanned two-week adventure!
