March 4
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| Bibliotheque Schoelcher,who was a French politician committed to the abolishment of slavery |
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| Cathedrale Saint Louis |
Got up early this morning, coffee and a quick dinghy ride to catch the 8:45 ferry into Fort de France. Cleared in and out of customs in Fort de France, then followed my notes to make sure we hit all the shops I wanted to visit. Unfortunately, for me, shopping was not very good. The Gallerie Lafayette was a disappointment. Some of the brand names could be bought just as easily at home. Peter went off by himself and then Dave did as well. We met back at the church and I had found the restaurant Lina which had Internet access and a nice spread. Lunch here presently and will walk back to the Carrefours to pick up some wine for dinner tonight and then head back to Anse Matin. On the way, we may stop for some ice cream which I had promised myself and Peter may look at a pair of shoes.Tomorrow off to Rodney Bay, St. Lucia.
March 3
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| Bay with Fort de France in background, travelling into Anse Matin |
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| View to Fort de France from Anse Matin early this morning on way to ferry |
Yeh! Dave finally won
a game of rummy. Maybe now he will play
Shanghai! Lovely swim to shore
again. Off today to somewhere down the
south coast of Martinique. Trois Ilets
ou Anse Marin. Quelle place?
Well we ended up at Anse Mitan and found an
anchorage not far from the destroyed by hurricane, the giant hotel,
Meridien. Quick lunch and then Peter and
I dinghied around to find the dinghy dock.
We decided to have a rest, then go walk around and go for supper. Did just that, found Internet a problem on
shore again, even though we seem to be getting a very weak signal at the boat
from Bakoua (hotel). I walked around and
looked through the shops while Peter and Dave had a beer. No Internet for them
and I found a nice little outdoor restaurant in the Village
Creole called Le Corsair (former pirate).
Had pizza which was way too large for me to finish but Dave managed his
and Peter managed his calzone as well.
Left and tried the Internet at the Hotel Bakoua but were chased away by
the security guard. The area at night is
private but during the day, you can walk the grounds. Ran into some rude French people who jumped
on the floating dinghy dock and we almost landed in the water. No sorry, no hello, no good night. Merde.
Plans for tomorrow are to catch an early ferry over to Fort de France,
check in so we are legal, visit the tourist bureau and some of the shops and perhaps
make our way over to Fort St. Louis.
Looking forward to this!
March 2
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| Village of St. Pierre |
Plans to get to the market early just did not
materialize.
Calm last night so had a
pretty uninterrupted sleep. Had a swim
into the shore, ocean bottom interesting.
Went from grass to sand to large rocks which are probably left over from
the volcano eruption.
Sand on the beach
is almost black, looks dirty and could do with some raking.
People do not realize the value of what they
have.
Into town to check in but Tourist Bureau not
open so it will have to wait, probably until Port de France.
Presently catching up on emails, blog, etc.
in a lovely Internet café on the second floor open to a view of the water.
Did my market shopping for dinner tonight and
more, and presently having a Biere Lorraine which is excellent and a wonderful
pastry with a streusel
on top.
It was heated as well!
Back to boat for a light wonderful lunch with all the
goodies bought….lettuce, tomato, radish, cucs, salami and brie along with a
French baguette. Then the day just
exhausted us so had a nap. Had a
relaxing afternoon then and plan to have tuna, green beans, salad for dinner. Probably card game if the men will play with
me. They are discouraged.
Yes, a true pain au chocolat…..lots of chocolat!
Off today to St. Pierre, Martinique.
In the 1902’s it was the Paris of the
Carribbean and unfortunately Mt. Pellee erupted and only two people
survived.
One in the prison cell and the
other on a ship.
The valley is lush and
probably the soil is full of nutrients.
Arrived without problems.
Head
sail up with motor.
I slept for about
three hours….half the trip.
A really
deep sleep.
Peter and I dinghied in to check on wifi. Alas none, electricity was out in the
café. Peter went to 8 a huit for some
libation and I bought yogurt. Walked
around a bit and then back to the boat.
Tomorrow is market day. We will
see what is available and plan to do some sightseeing.
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| St. Pierre, taken from theatre ruins, view to harbour |
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| sky last night from boat....gorgeous colour |
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| St. Pierre, street |
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| View to Mt. Pelee and town, lush farmlands |
