Like a Taste of Paris in the Caribbean
This week we’re giving you a two-for-one! We’re going to visit the island of Martinique, which was like a toast of Paris in the Caribbean, and Antigua, where we’ll go swimming with sting rays. Why sting rays, you might ask? Well, it’s the Caribbean so…why not! Grab a cool glass of something tropical and join us on the last leg of our journey.
The Catch Up
This May, we traded our plans to visit northern Italy for an even better plan B, cruising though the Caribbean with our dear friends, Jerry and Shannon! First we got the gear we needed to make our journey easier. Then we visited St. Thomas where we swam with sea turtles and searched for pirate treasure. Next we found waterfalls on Dominica. And lastly we shared a stroll with a local man on St. Lucia and found the mercy door and beggar bowls. But there was still more adventure to come!
This Week…Martinique!
Martinique was so beautiful and inviting, we hopped off the boat the second the propellers stopped moving. I think getting out early was a good plan, considering the temperature was already somewhere between the surface of the sun and the Devil’s armpit. (No really!)
Fort Saint Louis and an Unexpected Friend
Fort Saint Louis has been known by many different names since it was first built in the mid 1600’s. Today it is both a tourist attraction and a functioning base of the French navy. Although I LOVE a good fort, the walk to the entrance queue was a bit farther than I wanted to manage on such a hot day.
From the ruins, a bit of movement caught my eye and I found something EVEN BETTER than a fort…a huge iguana, hanging out and munching on bread. I wanted to take him home and name him “Spike”, but Stephen didn’t think he’d get past security. Maybe I could have said he was emotional support reptile?
Slow Stroll through Town
We made our way through the center of town at a sloooooow pace. If you’re wondering hot hot it was, it was too hot to eat and drink. If you know Stephen, passing up a place called “Dreams Donuts”, is really saying something.
The Cathedrale Saint-Louis
On this island, like it was in Saint Lucia, there is a big deal Catholic Church, the Cathedrale Saint-Louis. This time expecting a place that was large, impressive, and fancy, was the right call. Although they don’t let people in to have a look around, the usher was kind enough to give me two minutes take a couple of pictures to share.
What was once the Old Court House
We then passed by a very curious looking building. It was a ruin with the remains of a obviously decimated statue standing in front of it. It was the sort of place where you know something bad happened, yet you feel drawn to know more. Well, at least…I did. (Gee, it’s a good thing I travel with a body guard!)
Outside the building, we came upon this curious creature.
And inside, was just as strange. Though I don’t read French, I’m pretty sure this is now an artist collective. I saw small workshops, lots of paint and a few more colorful creatures before coming across this courtyard.
It’s been real but…
Although the island was interesting, colorful, and charming, this couple from Michigan had to admit, we were ready for some pool time. We passed by this wonderful band playing jazz on our way back to the docks.
We were back on the boat by lunch and in the pool about five minutes after that.
Next up…swimming with Stingrays in Antigua
As I was writing this, it occurred to me that “Swimming with the Stingrays” sounds like something a mobster my threaten you with for talking to the cops. But unlike that not too fun scenario, swimming with the rays was AMAZING!
We hopped on a pontoon and were taken about a mile from shore to a little dock where we got some snorkel gear and buckets of little squids to share with the rays. As soon as the boat stopped, the rays came over for lunch.
If you held the little squid in your hand, the rays would suck them into their mouths, more powerfully than a vacuum cleaner.
The rays swam between our legs and were so friendly, they even agreed to pose for a picture with us.
After an hour, we had to head back to shore but our hearts were full. Oh and they had rum punch waiting for us when we got off the boat. (If that doesn’t put a smile on your face, you should probably see a doctor!)
That’s All Folks!
That’s all we have to share about our amazing Caribbean adventure. As my dear friend, Shannon said, “that was probably the best ten days of my life.” I couldn’t agree more! Needless to say, I’m pretty sure we will be cruising again in our future. After all, there are just SOOO many place we’ve yet to see!
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