St Kitts

It is an amazing feeling approaching a new island in the early morning light. Seeing the geography from the sea is so different and St Kitts is very different to St Lucia. More open spaces with mountains in the centre, and a craggy ridge looking very like Stac Polaidh. It is beautifully, warm …....no hot. (circa 85F).  I am in 7^th heaven nothing is too hot for me.

Each port appears to be similar in that the pier is surrounded by fairly tight security and includes a shopping mall complete with the same types of shops, clothing, souvenirs and of course high end diamonds, jewellery and watches all duty free. Over and above this there are large signs with 25 and 50% off. This is the close season meaning that there are only 2 cruise ships per month instead of up to 5 a day in high season. This is the economy of the islands and money is obviously tight at this time of year. 

Education is considered to be important as is the church and like all the islands so far thare are almost too many churches to count! 

Enroute to the train we passed a very important local landmark known as "The Happy Tree"!







 


Today we boarded a bus at Basseterre for the first 7miles of the tour, along the south coast on the Caribbean side and then onto an open topped train Scenic Rail Tour  around the rest of the island (on the Atlantic) shaped somewhat like a guitar.

It must be noted that the guides are young (men so far) and very well informed. Information is given but in an interesting and with added humour as appropriate, contrasting with so many heavy and boring tours undertaken in the UK.

Sugar cane was the main economy until 2005. Some local singers entertained us as we clanked and chugged our way along, just relaxing and enjoying the gorgeous views…..nothing to say of the rum punches and pina coladas freely available (virgin only for us)! 

This was a great way to see the island and every so often you saw a glimpse of the real island from some very poor homes to the joyful exuberant shouts and cheers from the children at break in a primary school as we clanged past.

Workers in the fields ranged from back breaking clearing stones from the soil to hey....this fence is meant to be lent on in the noon day sun man!

I can’t begin to say how relaxing is the whole experience, sailing on the high sea, approaching a beautiful island, learning about it as we go  and just enjoying being and absorbing…no stress or hassle!

You can imagine the sounds and singing emminating from here on a Sunday?



St Kitts is certainly worthy of a return visit.