Blogs from Guadeloupe, Central America Caribbean - page 2

Tuesday July 31 - I slept very well. Such a nice change. My bedroom borders the busy road, but it is not busy at night and did not wake me up in the morning, either. There seem to be far fewer frogs in the area where I'm staying now than anywhere else I've stayed in the Caribbean. I can hear them, but only individuals rather than as a loud chorus. Perhaps it's because I am near the sea? I had a quick skype with Jeroen and then ate breakfast around 8:45am. Murielle served me yogurt, fruits, baguette, croissant, butter, jams, tea, and cake. Quite the feast. The leftovers came out with me later in the day. She also washed and dried my dirty clothes. Such a treat. I finally got around to leaving around 11:15am and ... read more

Guadeloupe comprises a collection of nine separate inhabited islands plus a myriad of smaller uninhabited ones, situated at the southern end of the Leeward Islands chain, north of Dominica and south of Antigua. The two largest islands, which somewhat resemble a butterfly in shape and are just separated by a river, are Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, while the Iles des Saintes are a collection of smaller islands further south. The country has a population of almost 500,000 and exhibits a blend of French and African influences, which go right to the heart of the Caribbean's Creole culture. As well known for its sugar and rum as for its beaches and resorts, the archipelago comprises a full mix of modern cities, rural hamlets, rainforests and secluded beaches. We had two separate visits to Guadeloupe - an unscheduled visit ... read more

Geo: 45.5663, 1.29066After leaving Les Saintes with Rob on board, we stopped twice along the coast of Guadeloupe. Once at Pigeon Island, and then again in Deshaies. We left Deshaies, Guadeloupe, and sailed to Jolly Harbour, Antigua in one tack. Both sails up. Both reefed. Nice. Not much work. We let Rob take the helm. This was, after all, the experience he was looking for. After a number of "S" curves, Rob was starting to get the hang of steering. Until the wind picked up under a few clouds. When the wind picks up, it tries to suck you up into it. Tony and I were both sitting under the dodger, facing backwards, pointing every few moments to the leeward side of the boat to get Rob back on course. Rob was fascinated that we could ... read more

Geo: 16.3065, -61.7942Practicing my French and loving it!Throughout the French islands, thus far, we've come across "Toi là! Je t'aime!" spray painted everywhere. I smile each time I see this mini graffiti. I mean, who doesn't like to here that they are loved?!? (Loosely translated: Hey you! I love you, or directly: You there. I love you!) ... read more

It's time to go back home...this is the end of 12 pretty cool days in the Caribbean! And I know, I'm writting this a good month after I left the Caribbean. Not the best idea, but there was a lot to write and sort pictures about this little adventure. There is one thins for sure, I shall be back on the Club Med 2 one of these days. It's not plan either for 2015 or 2016, but I still want to stop over in Anguilla, as well as St Kitts and Nevis, and as an added bonus, why not St Martin! Next time, I may actually even fly with my golf bag on top of my diving equipment and black tie...should be some interesting packing! Last stop, is actually a short stop, as it is time ... read more