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Location Date Europe 1495839600 South America 
1491606000 Oceania 1489276800 Asia 1460329200 North America 1450310400 Africa 1367017200 -
Location Date Colombia 1491606000 Chile 1455321600 Virgin Islands 1447804800 St Kitts
1447632000 Antigua 1447545600 - Basseterre
Monday 16th November
Sailed into Basseterre, St Kitts at 8 again & were off the ship by 8.30 to be assailed by the usual group of taxi touts. No problem, we asked about an ATM dispensing $US again & were pointed at the casino which opened at 9.30 so wandered around did some shopping for shorts for d*** & into the casino only to find their ATM was down. We had arranged an island tour at 11 so gave in & went off to find a bank ATM dispensing more $East Caribbean much to Dick's chagrin.
At about 11.30 we got away in York’s Toyota minibus with his very slow but distinct commentary. The island is quite small, about 70 sq miles & is teamed with Nevis, an even smaller island & the population is about 35,000 on St Kitts & 5,000 on its neighbour. Despite its size it is run as an independent nation with all the trimmings of the larger ones. The old centre of Basseterre was built as a slaving centre for the West Indies as it was conjointly owned by France & Britain for many years before being ceded totally to Britain. The buildings are quite attractive constructed out of the local lavastone & bricks brought as ballast in the ships. The port area is all on reclaimed land from spoil dredged to deepen the port area to take the cruise ships & the whole area is covered in duty free jewellery & watch shops vying for trade.
The tour took us through the southern part of the island & very spectacular it was. One of the saddest places was where the British massacred 2000 Carobs, the original island people. Sugar was the main stay of the island until 2005 when the government mill was closed down & now tourism ia all the go. We visited the site of an old plantation dating back to the 17th century which has been excavated & it was fascinating to see & hear from our guide that she had been living there as a child when it was a working farm owned by an English family.
Returning to the town we had lunch & Jane blew the last of our $ECs on a lovely turquoise necklace, tomorrow & for the final port we will need $US.
Sailed into Basseterre, St Kitts at 8 again & were off the ship by 8.30 to be assailed by the usual group of taxi touts. No problem, we asked about an ATM dispensing $US again & were pointed at the casino which opened at 9.30 so wandered around did some shopping for shorts for d*** & into the casino only to find their ATM was down. We had arranged an island tour at 11 so gave in & went off to find a bank ATM dispensing more $East Caribbean much to Dick's chagrin.
At about 11.30 we got away in York’s Toyota minibus with his very slow but distinct commentary. The island is quite small, about 70 sq miles & is teamed with Nevis, an even smaller island & the population is about 35,000 on St Kitts & 5,000 on its neighbour. Despite its size it is run as an independent nation with all the trimmings of the larger ones. The old centre of Basseterre was built as a slaving centre for the West Indies as it was conjointly owned by France & Britain for many years before being ceded totally to Britain. The buildings are quite attractive constructed out of the local lavastone & bricks brought as ballast in the ships. The port area is all on reclaimed land from spoil dredged to deepen the port area to take the cruise ships & the whole area is covered in duty free jewellery & watch shops vying for trade.
The tour took us through the southern part of the island & very spectacular it was. One of the saddest places was where the British massacred 2000 Carobs, the original island people. Sugar was the main stay of the island until 2005 when the government mill was closed down & now tourism ia all the go. We visited the site of an old plantation dating back to the 17th century which has been excavated & it was fascinating to see & hear from our guide that she had been living there as a child when it was a working farm owned by an English family.
Returning to the town we had lunch & Jane blew the last of our $ECs on a lovely turquoise necklace, tomorrow & for the final port we will need $US.
- comments
Owen Just done a catch-up on your recent entries. What a journey! Barcelona brought back memories. Quiet feet-up times on the ship sounded appealing. We are v busy packing up the house pre-departure for Vietnam. Best wishes. Owen and Avenel.
Sheila Wonderful travel stories as usual ,and great pictures.enjoy the rest of the trip x
Lynne Hi Jane and Dick, It sounds as though your trip is very interesting. You'll have to watch those purchases as you may have to purchase another bag! We had our golf lunch yesterday (same as usual) Jill has your winnings. Stay safe. Lynne and Gordon
Margot Your trip sounds as though it is progressing wonderfully. We are recently back from a fabulous 7 weeks in Spain, France and London - all turned pretty foodie!! Any operas in Verona - we had 2 nights in that grand Roman auditorium, it was magical.
Janine Looking forward to the next posting! Will enjoy the next couple of weeks at Chez Noyelle despite your absence. Will miss you at B'club Christmas lunch Jane.
Alison Anxiously waiting for next update and yes will miss you at our bookclub Christmas lunch. Buy that extra case Jane, I say.