Never underestimate…

St Helena

People who know - know, but not always. When we discussed heading to St Helena as our first stop on this trip, people downplayed it. There is nothing there. It is a small place, a maximum of one day.

I just disagree. It is an incredible place. Sure, it is small – 4000 people. And sure, it suffers from some downsides to being remote.

But it has much to offer. The main town, Jamestown, is in a valley and is the main port of entry to the world of St Helena. It has an odd throwback vibe. You can feel what it would have been like to be here 100 years ago without cars or paved roads. I have never experienced a place with some modern aspects, but its soul is still old.

Today, we sat at The Consulate Hotel. On a narrow front porch, having a coffee. Across the street – is, well, the Post Office—a few doors down – the bank. Without much imagination, you could see this place – where the buildings and the “roads” have not changed much in 100 years. What it would be like. The vibe, the energy, and the friendliness of the people. You can envision a time when a sheriff was “in town.” And at a moment in which slowing down from the incredible place is something we all think about, this place has it.

We also missioned out of the main town and toured the island. Saw Napolean’s grave, the house where he chilled, and some awesome small collections of cities. We, of course, visited the local golf course

One of the most incredible things, which was a complete surprise, was that there were four giant land tortoises here, and we visited them.

I am pretty sure this puts me in rarefied air. I have now seen giant land tortoises in two spots in the world. St Helena, and Galapagos.

Although it will never happen, you should consider a trip here. You will not regret it.