March 15, 2008 – Day 6 St. John’s Antigua
Mostly Sunny with Scattered Cloud High 82 F, 28 C, Low 72 F, 22 C
Today was a relaxing day for us. We had no excursions planned, and we decided to wander through town and explore. St John’s appears very pretty from the shore, but further into town becomes quite dirty and there is an incredible amount of poverty visible.
We wandered in around 10 am, and were immediately assailed by tour guides and sellers of dubious wares. Once you were out of the pier’s shopping area, the streets deteriorated quite significantly. Open sewers, and trash were everywhere. Mom didn’t last too long. She is quite meticulous and her knees were hurting. She and Dad decided to return to the ship.
Being the adventuristic type, I elected to remain and wander a bit more. I was on a mission to find “a funky swim suit and snorkel stuff” I managed to find a funky towel and snorkel set, the suit remained elusive. That is where I found the internet café that was lovely and inexpensive. It was about noon and I was starting to feel peckish, so I decided to head back to the ship for lunch.
On the way, there was a cool little market, so I picked up a couple of magnets and shot glasses for some friends. I liked strolling and just watching all that was going on. Some of the local kids were just beautiful, and considering the street conditions, they were all very clean, and their clothes were well maintained.
Got back to the ship around 1 pm. Mom was starting to get worried about “the kid” (lololol). Had lunch at the poolside grill. Beautiful Reuben sandwich, with slaw, fries, dill slices and an ice cold Corona.
Then it was time for pool and sun. Here came my bartender with the drink of the day…Mimosa’s. Okay, okay, so it was drinks of the day….shoot me! 4:00 was High Tea, and then I actually went and had a wee nap….too much mimo….er sun, yeah, sun.
At 9:00, there was a Deck Party under the stars, with the live band, and a big dance area cleared out for people. Dad got Mom up for a nice slow dance, then he and I did a jive. Man, I was pooped LOL. Certainly shows what naps can do for 80 year olds.
-----------------------------------------------------------
March 16, 2008 Day 7, Castries, St. Lucia
Mostly Sunny with Scattered Clouds High 84 F, 29 C, Low 73 F, 23 C
We docked on a clear day, and had a substantial breakfast, as we were slated for a 3 hour bus excursion. Around 10 am, we boarded our bus, and motored off to explore the island. Again, the scenery was in stark contrast to the living situations. It was Palm Sunday though, and everywhere we looked, people were dressed up and headed for church. The glorious colours and dresses of the ladies hats were as bright as the tropical flowers themselves. Little girls were dressed is crisp organdie dresses with starched petticoats, and frilled ankle socks with white maryjane shoes. The boys all wore bright white short sleeved shirts and black shorts. The churches were packed.
We drove to a silkscreen factory, and the owner gave us a demonstration, as the staff was all at church. Then we headed out to an old fort, La Toc Battery that was being restored. St. Lucia has a history of changing ownership often. The guide said that they had changed nationality 14 times over their history.
We then travelled through a large banana plantation, and stopped to have the privilege of purchasing various banana products. A short time later, we headed to a beautiful stately manor, St. Marks overlooking the harbour and then we headed back to the ship. As we drove along, our guide taught us a local love song about a boy and girl and a coconut tree. Instead of the phrase mon cher, the phrase is mon dodo. 25 fully grown and then some adults driving along singing “mon dodo” at the top of their lungs….OY.
Back to the ship around 2:00 for pool…and would you believe it, a drink LOLOLOL. Today was Black Russians, and I must say they were yummy. Dinner was the Terrace Buffet, with leg of lamb, curries galore, salads, appies and loads of desserts.
Did I mentioned I packed on a few pounds???????
Music and comedy show in the Regatta Lounge, and bed by 11.00. Another great day with some awesome memories.
