Where am I?

The run started down town. The road was narrow, cars were parked on both sides and the space in between was frequently filled by fast moving vehicles. Runners appear to be an unusual hazard and with no sidewalks to speak of, the only option was to play chicken over who could slip through the gap without flinching. I lost several bouts! It was a short but steady up hill slog to the main road, the air was humid and my legs felt heavy. Once on the main road, the dance between the cars continued, there was a semblance of a side walk but it was frequently broken with huge pot holes. Yesterday I was late getting home and it was dark by the time I could go running so I decided not to go. As I navigated my way around the holes and cracks in the pavement this evening, I realized that it had been a good decision. Off the main road and onto Queen Elizabeth Highway. Another steady climb bordered by fields that echoed to the sound of ‘leather on willow’. Past the Prime Minister’s official residence and the parliament building, where I had spent the day working. A short descent, still negotiating nasty hazards and erratic traffic, but a welcome relief for heaving lungs. The road levels off and I zip past several snoozing dogs who barely raise an eye lid to my passing. The locality seems to be full of them who all appear to be strays scavenging an existence, some hobble on damaged legs, some look under nourished, none of them look particularly happy. I take a couple more turns and start heading back to town. I’m still looking out for holes and other hazards and careful not to spill into the path of oncoming cars. I pass a bar with 3 charcoal grills on the sidewalk outside which fill the air with wonderful aromas. There is a large group of people eating at tables outside and I decide to come back later for dinner. Soon I’m on the road heading down town  and the finish.

In the humid air, sweat is pouring off but when I get into the bathroom I discover there isn’t any water pressure for a shower – great! I ponder my predicament and contemplate going to dinner stinky. Just as I’m about to head out, the toilet cistern bursts into life signaling the flow has returned, after a quick refreshing shower I’m off in search of food.

Where am I? St John’s, Antigua.