Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine July 2017 | Page 416

Photo Credit: David Stanley Montserrat The Pompeii of the Caribbean After an eternity of restrictions due to volcanic eruptions, this charming island in the east Caribbean Sea is again bidding visitors welcome with landscape that is like no other, bathed in colorful contrasts - from mountainous terrains to sandy beaches. The island’s volcano, Soufrière Hills, which erupted in 1995, is the reason Montserrat is often referred to as the Pompeii of the Caribbean. The ancient city of Pompeii in 79 AD was completed buired under volcanic ash - Montserrat suffered a similar fate. In Plymouth, buildings, cars and everything else which lay in the path of the downward pyroclastic flows, remain forever memoralized in the now hardened lava - the memories by no means pleasant. The tragic event had a devastating effect on the island and its inhabitants after which more than half of the population opted to leave the island for good. The tourism sector was hard-hit as volcanic eruptions continued, making it unsafe for visitors. However, two decades later, the island is on the road to recovery, though it has been quite a rough journey. Thankfully, the northern portion of the island has remained unaffected by the volcano, and its scenic landscapes continue to be an alluring sight. Once dubbed the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, tourists are again choosing to visit Montserrat. In addition to volcano- related expeditions, there are other things to see and do on the island. Go trekking or bird-watching within the lush green forests infused with the serenity that nature’s wilderness allow, no crowds or frenzied urban sounds; just you and nature. But if you crave for something up-beat, check out a weekend party and be prepared for the festive atmosphere that accompany some of the island’s weekend hang-outs. Montserrat may not be your typical lush Caribbean escape, but a tour of the island will allow you to appreciate its simple beauty, and if you hope for a quiet get-away, this may just be the place you should visit.