Blogs from Saint Vincent & Grenadines, Central America Caribbean - page 11

Mornin' Mornin' That's a traditional Bequia greeting. The people here are so freindly. I've really enjoyed the hours I've spent just walking up and down the roads and smiling and waving to the islanders. You know some places in the world one might be alarmed if you were confronted by a young man carrying a machete. But here on Bequia its a common tool. Everywhere I walk I see the long blades use for everything from eating utensil to lawn mower. Just an opening thought to get your day started. Day 18....Today I walked up a road called Cinnamon Garden. I thought it was the last remaining road on Bequia I hadn't climbed, but I did just find one more I'm going to check out tomorrow. There's a little construction going on here on the island, ... read more

Good morning from beautiful Bequia. I know what you are thinking "day 16"? Yes, that's right. I've been informed that I had two day 11's. So recounting makes this day 16. I have to admit the days are beginning to run together. Everyday in paradise makes it hard to find something new to report. Today I get to go back on the "Friendship Rose". This time to Mustique. Mustique is the home of the super rich and famous. People like Mick Jagger and Tommy Hilfiger have their vacation homes there. On board today are three other people from Sunday's sail. Before making the crossing to Mustique I get my first look at the Eastern side of Bequia from the sea. Not many boats anchored here. Most choose the leeward side of the island and the safety ... read more

Today I'm going on the day-long snorkel trip to the Tobago Cays know here just as "the cays" (pronounced Keys). We'll be sailing on "The Friendship", a 100 foot sailing schooner built right here in Bequia. On board for the day is a variety of nationalities. We have French, Canadian, Swedish, Italian, British, and even another American. His name is James and he's a medical student on his way to Grenada for the coming semester. Sixteen adults and 5 kids. Just enough to be entertaining-not so much as to be annoying. We board the ship at 7:am and are welcomed with a breakfast of fresh pineapple, mango, banana, and orange. there are fresh chocolate croissants and orange juice and coffee. Once we've motored clear of the harbor its time to "hoist the sails" I never new ... read more

August 8, 2008 (080808)! A day of good luck I'm told. Well, I feel pretty lucky to be spending the day in Bequia. This morning on my way to town I took a detour and ventured up to a part of the island called Mt Pleasant. Another exhausting climb up a series of switchbacks. This island would make a great Tour de France stage. Marcia asked me if I ever wear a shirt since in most of my pictures I'm without one. Looking back I see that she is on to something there. Most of my pictures are taken either on the beach or at the top of a grueling climb, so I guess that's the reason. Today's photos actually have me wearing a shirt. Speaking of clothing. Eleven days into the trip I still have ... read more

Walking to down today I stop at "The Boat Shop" It's a small home art studio. There I meet Lucy. She and her husband create authentic Bequian model sailing boats from coconuts. They're all hand carved by her husband and hand painted by Lucy. I have my eye on one particular boat that has a beautiful moca brown paint that really looks cool with the natural look of the coconut showing through a deep layer of clear enamel. The morning and early afternoon are spent working (that's right, working!) to buy some cars online through the Dallas auto auction. Not unlike going to the auction in person sometimes, its a lot of time spent just to come away with one car. Well, that's how it goes sometimes. It's kind of like fishing-some days they're biting and ... read more