Living on Island Time in the Caribbean - A Trip to the Beach

Not my usual reading but I really enjoyed the book. Fascinating true story, well written by Melinda Blanchard. Eye-opening with regards to cultural differences and bureaucratic red tape. Fast, easy read. Definitely recommend.

I do love travelogues. This one is especially wonderful. Most get off on one tangent or another and really exploit that, but this book captures a dream a lot of us have which is to move and live on an exotic island. I loved this books picture of the people, island and troubles that the Blanchards go through. It is a dream that comes alive throughout the pages of the book. If you are looking for good beach reading on vacation this year, I highly reccomend it. Very good to escape to that perfect island in your mind.

Reading this book shows you that no matter how big your goal, you CAN do it! Bob and Melinda just put one foot in front of the other and made their dream of owning a restaurant in Anguilla and moving to their favorite vacation spot a reality! Reading this book shows you that the only thing coming between you and your dream is fear. I left a job that I hated after reading this book. I never would have had the strength to do it without reading this book. I got another job in less than a month, making a little less, but was so much happier. It also built my self confidence knowing that I had taken control of my life and made things better.
A Trip to the Beach changed my life. I'm ordering one now to send to a friend who's in a rut and I know this will help her! Thank you Bob and Melinda!

I loved the Blanchards' book, A Trip to the Beach. I visited Anguilla this spring with my family and have never spent a more pleasant week anywhere in the Caribbean! It is truly the most friendly and enchanting island of them all. The Blanchards' book is captivating, enjoyable and makes any reader long to abandon mainland life for a sunny spot on an Anguillan beach. Their account of the people they encountered was wonderful and their experiences mirrored the true friendliness of native Anguillans. The story was very well written and I felt like I knew the Blanchards and their staff by the time I finished the last page. It was so good that I went out and bought their new book, Live What You Love and the companion cookbook to "A Trip to the Beach", At Blandchard' Table.(both very good as well!) Now I can't wait to eat at their restaurant next time I go to Anguilla!

Along the "Provence" and "Tuscany" genre of books, this anecdotal book takes the reader through a year of dealing with natural and human challenges as the Blanchards try running a restaurant on the upscale island of Anguilla. Having been a visitor to the island many times, I suppose I was somewhat inclined to be predisposed to enjoy the book, but then again I could also have been more critical. It's a pretty quick read, full of local characters, and makes you realize what kinds of things you're up against when you try and do something like this. You'll want to make plane reservations to see the island for yourself when you've finished reading it. It's light reading, perfect for a cold winter day as it transports you to an island paradise that is so idyllic in the midst of today's hectic urban world.

The Blanchards' book transported me back to this unique island in the Carribeean that I happen to have grown to love over the years. For an "arm chair" traveler this is a first class ticket. First, the description of the culture, people and scenic charm of the island is true and told with with humor and irony.
What a surprise to find it...really thinks it beats Frances Meyer and Tuscany at that game. They did a great job making salad dressing...which I always bought...and I am sure they don't need to be modest about their struggle to establish a "world class" resturant as well as assimilate into this very tight community that is a former British colony. Whenever we are on Anquilla it is the people that top the list, next come the best beaches in the world. A great read with a recipe or two that aren't too complicated to try. Great for that rainy afternoon this summer.

Another book that makes me want to pack or sell everything I own and move to an island in the tropics. This book brings a unique view into the transition from living in America to living on an island. Some funny stories too!

Reading this book was like taking a trip to Anguilla in my mind, each sitting bringing lovely images of the sun, beach, food, local life. On the same level as Under the Tuscan Sun or the Provence books (complete with recipes scattered throughout), this book is a great account of the experiences of a foreigner adapting to a new culture/setting. Those who have travelled to the Caribbean will surely laugh out loud at some of the more typical experiences (both good and bad) that the Blanchards have in moving to and opening their restaurant. Ultimately, the story is a love letter to the island of Anguilla and its residents. I hope to travel there soon and dine at Blanchard's too!

...I bought the Blancards' book at their restaurant after eating dinner there. I was absolutely mesmerized by the Blancards' hospitality in their restaurant. Melinda's writing equals her culinary experise. We love Anguilla, and their book gives a marvellous portrait of life there. Only one humongous problem...how can we keep this Caribbean paradise from becoming another Aspen? Books like this one, won't help. Already the "glitzeratti" have found the place. Keep this island paradise small, obscure and very difficult to get to...it took us all day and three planes to accomplish this. Love the place; love the book; love the Blanchard's.

As I was getting ready for our honeymoon in Anguilla, I told my wife I was going to pick up some books for the trip... We needless to say I accidently stumbled across this gem of a book. I started reading it before we left, and I could not put it down... After arriving in Anguilla I finished the book and convinced my wife to read it. Anyways, if you have ever been to Anguilla or are planning a trip there, this book is a must read. When we went to Blanchards on Christmas I already felt like I knew the entire staff. And after tasting their food I could not wait to get back to the states to try the tuna receipe.

Refreshing! Take a break from all the Provence and Tuscany stories! Well written, very witty and great recipes included. One of the few books about foreigners moving to the Caribbean.
I am packing my bags, next vacation is in Anguilla! With Dinner at Blanchard's restaurant!

I read this book recently and I enjoyed it so much. It's amazing to read how starting a business in the caribbean can be a challenge but also a real joy. This book talks about how "living on island time" really means things don't get done when they should. There are many enjoyable chapters in this book that really makes it an easy read worth reading.

This book was well written and gave a fantastic depiction of life in the caribbean. I am a beach lover and enjoyed this book immensely while vacationing in the carribbean. I purchased this book as a "beach book" and was not disappointed. I have recommended this book to numerous family members and friends. Even if you are not able to travel this book will definitely be a great "Trip to the Beach".

Overall well written with a very good description of island life. The reader does get drawn in and gets transported to the islands. Interesting characters and uselful recipes! However, I did find that at times I was bored and had to stop and take a break from reading (not good), even tough I am a big fan of the Caribbean and its lifestyle. But then again, look at all the other positive reviews...So make you choice...

If you have had the good fortune to visit Anguilla this is 'must reading'--you'll want to savor every word, every moment--but alas you'll spoil the pleasure by reading this in a day. For those 'wanabees' do yourself a great favor--buy the book. The Blanchards have written a very entertaining account of their business beginnings--you'll feel the trials and tribulations but with the flavor of a delightful rum punch, warm sun in your face and trade wind breezes always at your back---"when's the next flight???"

My wife and I are going back to Anguilla for our 3rd time in 5 years! We have fallen in love with the island, the people, the laid back culture, and of coure, the Blanchard's and their restaurant! It is truly a magnificent restaurant, on a magnificent beach, on the most amazing island in the Caribbean! We consider no other place in the world when planning our Spring getaway! Although I am breaking my vow to keep Anguilla a secret from the rest of the world, if you do go, do me a favor, and keep it to yourself!

A Trip to the Beach is a fantastic book that you can't put down. Usually I want a book to end, but not this one - I was sad to finish it. I was awed by their ability to open the restaurant with all the trials and tribulations they had to overcome. I highly recommend this book - the food descriptions were fabulous. I am awaiting their new cookbook and can't wait to try the recipes.

I dearly loved this book. The Blanchards have done a beautiful job of telling their story in such an endearingly human, yet captivating way. Their descriptions of the people and places they encountered drew me into each chapter of their adventure. I didn't want the book to end!

One of the best stories I've read. And this one is true on top of that. So much the better. You find all the things which make life worth living, in this story: love, hope, friendship, caring, kindness....and more.

Reading this book was like a visit with a good friend. I found myself reading much slower as I neared the end of the book because I didn't want it to end! The Blanchards detail the good and the bad and the inconvenient things that go along with living on an island in the middle of the ocean, but never in a boring way. I was ready to hop on a plane by the fourth chapter! You will enjoy this book---great to take to the beach!

Talk about carpe diem... that's what the Blanchards did: They uprooted themselves from cozy Vermont and settled their new home in their own form of paradise. Their courage is admirable and exciting to read about. The Blanchards are people I'd love to hang out with on a Carribean island. It's definitely a great book to read in the winter months to keep you warm!

Though the book is well written and easy to read it is somewhat disturbing to hear yet another story of affluent white people taking advantage of the economic disparity between the first and second world.

These people move to the Caribean without so much as business plan or any idea of where they will buy their supplies. It all works out for them mostly because they can afford to put $250,000 into the venture. How many Anquillians could be much more successful if they had that kind of advantage?

Also disturbing is the attitude of the Blanchards towards their new neighbors whom they view as quaint and colorful.

These people view Anquilla as a paradise for them and other rich white people and have very little concern for the actual inhabitants of the island - beyond the few locals they patronizingly adopt in order to make themselves feel more connected and therefore more special than regular tourists.

When an issue is brought up it is always examined from the point of view of tourists. "How will ______ effect someone who is trying to enjoy a good novel while relaxing on the beach?"

If you insist on reading this book please balance out the distorted view by also reading Jamaica Kincaid's "A Small Place".

The Blanchards did a wonderful job relating their experiences (both the good and the not-so-good) as new residents/business owners in Anguilla. Though I have never been to this particular island, I was captivated by their story and the delightful descriptions of the land and people. I had a hard time putting it down and was sad when it ended. I actually found myself entertaining thoughts of picking up and moving to the Caribbean! A great read all around.

If you have ever been cornered by an innkeeper or B & B owner whose life contains five minutes of interesting tidbits, but who takes two hours dragging you through a poorly synthesized tale, you've already had the experience of reading this book. To make matters worse, the quality of writing and tone are comparable to a sixth grade essay along the lines of "What I Did on My Summer Vacation."
If you are looking for an interesting book about life as an American in the Caribbean, try Herman Wouk's semi-fictional "Don't Stop the Carnival."

This book was great! I really hope all who read this review go ahead and buy the book. It shows true dedication and love for life. It gave me an inspiration that I know I will have for a long while. I would love to one day make it to the island and visit the Blanchards restaurant. Thank you for writing this book!

I am always looking for good reads about life stories of those settling in the Caribbean as I have attempted several times. The Blanchards love of Anguilla matches my love of St. John and Tortola and now Dominica. After reading this book I also enjoyed Live what you Love and would really love it if they would write a sequel to A Trip to the Beach.

I enjoyed this book, mostly because it gave a good feel for the culture and climate of Anguilla. (I also had a better understanding of why everything is so expensive there!) We had dinner at Blanchard's one night on Anguilla, and it was wonderful!

This book is very well written, and even better it is true about the island life. My husband and I moved to Anguilla (not because of the book but for a job offer) and when I read the book, I was amazed at how well the Blanchards made it a reality. The book is wonderful and the island is even better, if you get a chance to travel to Anguilla, you should.

For years we've day dreamed about giving it all up for island life. Now we feel like we know someone who has done it sucessfully. We're on a quest to meet them this summer and then soon, to be just like them. My favorite book of the season.

Hipkat and ActionJunkie have summed it all up perfectly. Nothing else to add. Oh. Yes there is. I happened to be in a bookstore way back when this book was released and the Blanchardss were speaking. I pretty quickly observed they were quite charmed with themselves. I didn't stay to listen long. The book was passed to me by a co-worker. Couldn't finish it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have never been to these islands but through Melinda's words, I felt as though I was right there with them . . . meeting all of their new friends and employees, sharing their joys and sorrows, experiencing their challenges and achievements. I can't wait to read the new Blanchard's Table. Melanie Blanchard definitely knows how to write an extremely enjoyable book!

I thought this was a very good book. The Blanchard's risked alot moving to Anguilla but everything in the end turned out fine. I do agree with one of the other reviews that they were better off then most and could afford the high prices they had to pay for relocation and the building of their restaurant. But, I think this was a very good read and I was able to feel like I was on vacation while reading this book.

This was a great book to escape to. If you love cooking and the beach, then this book is for you. Mel shares recipes, tells the tales of changing lifestyles, and paints an incredible picture of the island. I am ready to go pack and have dinner at Blanchards!

This book made me want to quit my job and move to the islands. I love the first-hand view of how difficult that really is when there's no major shopping options or supplies for miles. I can't wait to buy the Blanchard cookbook -- they are true pros!

I read this book and while I thought it was interesting during the first few chapters, it quickly turns into a self indulgent tale of "look how much money we spent and all that we went through to live in Paradise".

Are these people for real? Seems to me that the book was written to recoup their initial start-up expenses. Been to their little restaurant in Paradise and the food is about as good as the book. In fact, I gave them one star for their food and book combined.

I couldn't agree more with the above reviewer. Although the writing style and flow of the book was appealing, the attitude and lack of humility by the authors made it, at times, almost uncomfortable to read. For example, at one point they describe a hurricane that has hit the island and damaged their restaurant and say "...you saved the wine cellar, brillant? Is the wine still in there?" Paahleeeze! The very next sentence tells his employee to go home and clean up his damaged home but to be back 'first thing tomorrow morning with your tools and brothers to clean up his mess'. Anymore stories of what their personal strife (enormous shipping fees/taxes and the inconvenience of traveling back and forth from their "Vermont" home to pick up expensive materials) would have been pathetic. If you want to understand and appreciate the island life, don't buy this book.

No visit to the Caribbean is complete without a dinner with Melinda and Robert Blanchard on Anguilla. The book tells a wonderful story about two people whose vision is one that everyone who experiences it is changed in some wonderful ways. My introduction was the HP Goldfield wedding which is highlighted in the book. The stories remind all of us just how Melinda did do the impossible. And, yes, the Berlins and the Fullers did show up at the wedding in a 50 ft sail boat....but, read the book to learn more. Thanks, Melinda and Robert!