Eastern Caribbean Cruise: Day 5

Today we didn't have any set plans. There were a few things on the Island of St Kitts that I had an interest in seeing, but we assumed that we would eventually end up on a beach somewhere. But, soon after walking into the shopping/tourist center of St Kitts we were somewhat bombarded by many locals trying to get us to take their tour of the island. We quickly turned down everyone. As we were walking into the square a little further, Veronica came over to chat. We liked what she had to say, her tour outline, and her kind determination. This lady is amazing. I don't think I could hustle people the way she does! Needless to say, we agreed to join her tour. We had about an hour to wander around before we loaded up.

I didn't really  care for everyone trying to get us to go into their shop. And if we did, they were bound and determined to get us to buy something. We did get the boys matching pirate shirts that I think they will love.

A little before the designated time to meet, we went and found free wifi. We emailed our boys to let them know we would be calling around lunch time.

Soon it was time to meet up with everyone in our group. As we waited we watched Veronica try to get two more people for her tour. We were all silently cheering her on, and it was sad when she didn't accomplish her goal. As soon as it was time to depart Veronica guided us to her van to begin the 2.5 hour tour.

Veronica. She owns her own van and made her own tours;  it is her sole income. She has had many jobs but observed that she was good at many things, and always was promoted quickly within her old jobs. Unfortunate storms would wipe out her job and she would have to search for a new one. One day she decided to take her skill and create a tour. Business is usually very good. 

The island has very religious people. They are mostly Catholic or Anglican. There is one jail. Almost all crime is centered around the younger generation and their gangs.

Catholic church

I believe she said this is an Anglican church.

These birds all nest together to protect their young from the mongoose. When I asked about snakes, Veronica said there are no snakes on the island.

The minimum wage in St Kitts is $150/week. Most people have to work two jobs to survive. One US dollar is roughlyt 2.5 caribean dollars.
In St Kitts it is illegal to put an alcoholic container on the ground. You will be fined $500 if you are found doing so. I guess some people got creative and started to hang the bottles from the tree to avoid being fined. This is were Veronica stopped to get herself some lunch so we were able to watch the people and the chickens wander around. It seems that the chickens live under the houses and freely roam.

After traveling a little ways into the jungle, we stopped at the Wingfield Estate; or at least part of it. It blows me away to see what people did with a lot of sweat and ingenuity.

fire location

our van in the rainforest

Abe may have been trying to carefully select a vine to try and swing on, when I strongly suggested I didn't think it was the best idea!

I absolutely loved the dainty plants growing on the bridge and everywhere else.

Down the road a short ways there is a small path that goes up to the botanical gardens. They are beautiful! But, what I found amazing and gorgeous was the art fabric that the ladies make up there. It is a combed process of wax art, dye, and boiling. The fabric they made was vibrant and incredibly soft. I wish at that time I had thought to ask if I could just buy a length of fabric. None of the clothing and decor items were what I wanted, but I could have brought some home to make something! I am sad that I didn't!! Unfortunately there were signs asking that we didn't take pictures of the art.

We were off again to our next destination. Along the way we saw many overgrown sugar cane fields. Ten years ago they stopped farming sugar cane. The factory has fallen into complete disrepair and the fields are returning to the original state. Veronica said it was due to government greediness that the farms were shut down. Abe speculated later that it could have been their inability to compete the the world sugar market. Either way it is sad.
Thirty years ago St Kitts gained their Independence from Britain. Veronica said she remembers what it was like before and after. While they were under Britain they had to wait for approval on many things but things ran okay. After they gained independence life was very good and enjoyable. But recently things have changed and the government has become more greedy. The same leader has been in position for 19 years.

old sugar plant

The house being built for their local Olympian.

We drove to the top of a mountain to see the breath taking views. I also purchased a shell bracelet from a local vendor. While observing the beauty around me and chatting with Abe I was startled and nearly screamed out as a local tried to place a monkey on me. No thank you!

Atlantic / Caribbean

When then went down the small mountain to briefly visit a popular beach. It is on the right side of first mountain, in the picture above. It was very crowded! There were monkeys, a bar, a lot of people, but most importantly it was very beautiful!

A long way from home!

 We had originally hoped to be dropped off on a different beach for an hour or two. But, we changed our minds and decided to head back to the town center to get pina coladas and try to facetime our boys. We tried to facetime our boys many times. Sadly they weren't home! I guess they were out having a blast with Grandma and Grandpa. The pina coladas were good and very refreshing. Abe and I both agreed that St Maarten had the best out of the two!

We sent the boys this picture and a short video to let them know we loved them!

After getting on board we grabbed a light lunch and relaxed a little before getting ready for dinner. As always dinner was delicious! We finished right at the early show was starting and we saw about 40 minutes of it. It was good, but too loud! We sat in the wrong place and we both had our ears plugged for most of it. Another early bedtime so we can get ready for our day in San Juan, Puerto Rico.