Left: Fruits and vegetables abound on both these fertile islands.   Right: Candied sweet potatoes with chicken in groundnut sauce. - photos by Rosemary Parkinson

Rosemary Parkinson, Gleaner Writer

The world of cricket is saddened by the loss of Pakistan's coach Bob Woolmer. Naturally, deepest sympathies go out to Woolmer's family.

Ah Well! ... we are certainly seeing some changes in this ICC Cricket World Cup. New Zealand beating England, Pakistan defeated by Ireland, and we can only try to be enthusiastic as we soon witness what is happening with our own team during the ensuing fight to the finish.

This week, of course, eyes are on St. Kitts. For those of you who are off to that island, here is a little information on where to get some good nosh together with some beautiful images of yet another one of our amazing Caribbean islands.

Welcome to the Fertile Land

Called 'Liamuiga' (fertile land) by the Amerindians, and St. Christopher by the colonisers, St. Kitts is what we now call it, and Kititians are those who live on it. The French, British and on occasions the Spanish have fought for it. Today, its capital Basseterre, showcases Georgian architecture and French fretwork that is captivating against the background of the spectacular, cloud-fringed peak of Mount Liamuiga (pronounced Lee-a-mweega), a dormant volcano covered by a dense tropical forest. St. Kitts was known as the Mother Colony and 'cradle' of the Caribbean with its lands covered in sugar cane and estates with gorgeous plantation homes, its port busy with sugar trade cane is still grown on the island, after independence, the diversification programme by the ministry of agriculture has seen many Caribbean staples firmly planted in the ground.

The Friday and Saturday market at the ferry dock is a must for excitement, with vendors selling their local vegetables and fishermen emptying their fish pots for all to see. There are local tidbits to munch on, such as pelau cook-up, goat water (like Jamaican mannish water), souse, roti, conkies (like blue drawers), with snacks such as guava cheese, sugar cakes and Johnny cakes.

Kititians approach tourism with a "welcome to our home" attitude, so you will find many friendly people who are willing to share information about, where to go and stay.

The St. Kitts Tourism Authority (phone: (869) 465 4040)are very helpful and Unoma Allen is a wealth of information.

Where to eat - quoted by the approximate price of a meal:

Monkey Bar

Frigate Bay Beach, International/ Caribbean. Telephone: (869) 465 8050 - US$10 upwards.

Shiggidy Shack

Cute spot also on Frigate Bay. Caribbean. Telephone (869) 762 3983 - starting at US$10.

Marshall's Restaurant International cuisine with two diamonds to its name. An appetiser, main meal with drink - approximately US$50. Lower prices on a la carte menu. Frigate Bay; telephone: (869) 466 8245 - for reservations.

Star of India, Cor. Victoria & Losac Roads

Good Indian food/Caribbean/ Indian style. Telephone: (869) 466 1537 - US$5 up (roti).

Island Spice

International with a local flair. Frigate Bay. Telephone: (869) 465 0569. US$25 up.

Ocean Terrace Inn

This is a Friday evening special for locals and visitors alike. Outstanding local buffet that should not be missed with entertainment. US$40. Reservations are recommended. Telephone: (869) 465 2754

Rawlings Plantation Inn Delicious Caribbean/Kittitian lunch buffet. Mount Pleasant. Reservations. US$25. Telephone: (869) 465 6221.

NEVIS THE QUEEN

Nevis (known as the Queen of the Caribbees" and its "richest jewel") is the sister isle of St. Kitts. They have special arrangements in terms of their governmental association. Separated by just a two mile channel, with its own Montpellier protrusion high into the blue skies, you will find that 'Nevisians' are cricket fanatics. If you love cricket, you are automatically one of the family.

The capital is Charlestown and once again you will find many picturesque wooden buildings here with gingerbread finishes. Nevis has become the perfect example of agri-tourism. Imports are not allowed unless proof of its requirement is sanctioned by the Ministry of Agriculture. Nevis grows just about everything that is required for their exclusive hotel and villa industry as well as its people. Because imports are low. Nevis is a self-sufficient island where all are employed except for homemakers. There is a high literacy rate, crime is almost nil, and islanders lead a great quality of life. Nevis is a case-study for other Caribbean islands! The Nevis Tourism Authority can be reached at: (869) 469 7550 and are helpful - speak with Helen Kidd.

Places to eat

Four Seasons Resort - Mangoes Restaurant International/Caribbean. Prices start at US$15. Phone: (869) 469 1111 for reservations.

Rumours Bar & Grill, Newcastle

Seafood on the grill. Great for goat water purported to give men power! Prices begin at: US$5. Telephone: (869) 469 9436

Sunshine Bar & Grill, Pinne's Beach

Grilled seafood their speciality. Prices begin at: US$8. Call them at: (869) 469 5817

Terrace Restaurant, Montpelier Plantation

Family owned. Reservations required. Called the 'sexiest hotel' by Conde Nast and the food being on the hot Caribbean 100 list of High Life.

Both islands benefit from the St. Kitts & Nevis visitor free guide. The ferry between St. Kitts & Nevis makes for an incredible trip that provides a breathtaking view along the way. Cost is approximately US$8/10 return. Please note that most restaurants close on Sundays, a phone call will provide details. Currency is the EC$ - 1 US=EC$2.70 (approximately).

The best rum in St. Kitts is Brimley Gold. My choice is Cane Spirit Rothschild (CSR) - divine. Ask the locals for the party places.