Wednesday 22 March 2017

A Tale of Four Caribbean Islands

After our successful visit to Manchester we had a few days at home (enough to pack a couple of cases!) and then it was to Birmingham airport we went for a flight to the Caribbean.

P1020873

At the port of Bridgetown, Barbados we boarded the MV “Azura” for a two week cruise visiting four islands and then a return to England. We voyaged out to the Caribbean on “Azura” in November and now we were to join her again for her return trip after the Caribbean season.

P1020875

The port was rather full for the two days we were to spend in Bridgetown. In addition to “Azura” there was also, from left to right, the “Royal Clipper”, the “Seaborne Odyssey” (very up market!), a charming older vessel “Freewinds” and a sleek new 4 masted motor yacht.

P1020879

Our little ‘corner’ was a bit tight, with “Royal Clipper”’s  bow quite close to “Azura’s.

P1020880

On our full day in Barbados we went to the “Boatyard” in Bridgetown where, for a $20 entrance we had full use of the facilities, complimentary drink and an opportunity to swim with wild turtles! We also met up with a couple of the ship’s crew – Alison and Glenn, in who’s company we spent a lovely couple of hours.

P1020881

The Caribbean beaches are pretty much ‘second to none’. The fine, gleaming white sand and the azure blue, perfectly clear waters are wonderful ………

P1020882

…… even if the water isn’t quite as warm as in India. Lol!

P1020883

We took up the chance of the trip out to swim with the turtles. It was a very short journey to where they were ……..

P1020885

…….. and, due to having no waterproof camera, we have no pictures of these wonderful creatures. This is, however, a pic of Doug swimming with them!

P1020888

This is Doug’s “Jaques Cousteau” impression – and you can see by his face what a fabulous experience it was to see so many beautiful turtles in 30 feet of crystal clear water.

P1020891

Leaving Barbados late on Saturday evening we arrived the next morning in St Lucia. The island was discovered by Columbus on St Lucy’s Day (Dec 13th) 1502 and is the only country (island) to be named after a female. Castries is the island’s capital which, apart from a few older and somewhat dilapidated buildings providing some interest, it’s pretty underwhelming.

P1020892

Being a Sunday the town was “closed” and very quiet but some residents were more than happy to have their picture taken!

P1020893

Castries was definitely closed!

P1020895

The small central park gives a bit of relief from the general concrete feel of the place.

P1020897

Not feeling very energetic anyway we decided to join a few passengers and crew in the karaoke bar in the port. Not generally our ‘scene’ but the talent was surprisingly good!

The next day we were due to arrive at the lovely island of St Kitts and new territory for us.

No comments:

Post a Comment