English is the language of both islands, and it is spoken with a decided West Indian lilt; patois is commonly spoken as well.

St. Kitts and Nevis are tropical, and the warm climate is tempered by the trade winds. The average air temperature is 79°F (26°C); the average water temperature, 80°F (27°C). Dry, mild weather is usually experienced from November to April; May to October is hotter and rainie

Carnival in St. Kitts is celebrated not in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, but from Christmas Eve to January 2.

The festivities include parties, dancing, talent shows, and the crowning of the Carnival Queen. The final day of the celebration is known as "Last Lap," and features a repeat of many of the activities, including a multitude of bands jamming in the streets of Basseterre.

Another popular party time is the St. Kitts Music Festival, held the last weekend in June (Thurs-Sun). The Soca/Calypso night is usually the festival's opening event, and its most popular. You can also hear reggae, jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel performances over the 4 days. For more information, call the Department of Tourism at tel. 869/465-1999.

Getting Around

Since most taxi drivers are also guides, this is the best means of getting around. You don't even have to find a driver at the airport -- one will find you. Drivers also wait outside the major hotels. First, however, you must agree on the price, since taxis aren't metered. Also, ask if the rates quoted to you are in U.S. or Eastern Caribbean dollars. The fare from the airport to Basseterre is about EC$20 (US$7.40/£3.85); to Sandy Point, EC$40 (US$15/£7.80) and up. For more information, call the St. Kitts Taxi Association (tel. 869/465-8487).

Driving is on the left! You'll need a local driver's license, which can be obtained at the Traffic Department, on Cayon Street in Basseterre, for US$24 (£13). Usually a member of the staff at your car-rental agency will drive you to the Traffic Department to get one.

Banks on St. Kitts are open Monday to Thursday from 8am to 2pm, Friday from 8am to 4pm, and Saturday from 8:30 to 11am. You can place international telephone calls, including collect calls, at Cable and Wireless, Cayon Street, Basseterre (tel. 869/465-1000), Monday to Wednesday from 8am to 5pm, Thursday and Friday 8am to 4pm, and Saturday from 9am to noon.