In five hours we feel we have gone from third, to first world, or chalk to cheese. We guessed that everywhere has it's good times. Nevis and St. Kitts had theirs in the 17th, 18th and part of the 19th centuries. St. Barts is having theirs now. It is an Island that is not fertile but has been designed and developed for modern tourism. It was virtually nothing until the 1960's. it has a strange history firstly occupied by the French then given to Sweden in a trading deal, then eventually given back to the French. It now conjures fanciful dreams of cocktails with supermodels and film stars. The only town and capital is Gustavia. This a very quaint waterfront town, everything in the many designer shops is duty free. There are shops and cafes developed around old buildings, along with new developments. This is low season but compared to other capitals we have visited lately it is busy and thriving. JB and Amanda were very attracted to the Boutiques with the latest European goods. Brad and MB after walking around town visit the French wine shop to acquire some good St. Emillion reds at very handy prices. We stayed in town to have cocktails at a former wine bar.
Back on board we have large 'Tarpons' swimming in the lights at the back of the boat. They are beautiful looking fish but no matter what we cast to them they will not bite. We consider we needed live bait if we are to have a chance.
The next morning we venture into town for some further retail therapy. In the small streets the place seems so busy with many people. It would be interesting to see how it performs in peak season.
We have left instructions with Paul to meet us at a bay 'Anse De Colombier'
at the north end of the Island. This bay is one of several marine parks here. The island is small, only about 7kms long and on average less than a kilometre wide. A taxi drives us to the end of the road. We then have to walk some 800 metres around rugged cliffs carrying our shopping bags to the beach. It is a beautiful bay sheltered from wind with white sand and deep turquoise water.
The Island is home to wealthy and famous people. We read that a house on the beach here could cost 61 million Euros.
We are now off to St. Martin where we hope to get a number of repairs and maintenance attended to.
JB and Mick