St Lucia Life

History of St Lucia

One of the more interesting countries in the Caribbean is St Lucia. The island was colonized by either France or Great-Britain for centuries. Several times these countries fought over the possession of the island. In the end Great-Britain won. In 1979 St Lucia became an independent state.

During the second World War in the context of an agreement between Great-Britain and the USA America build a big naval and air force base on the Western coast of St Lucia. On the same spot today you find the international airport.

Arrival St Lucia

On this airport we arrived. Our driver Vincent awaits us. We are driven to our resort. On the way we see a lot of car wrecks. Most of them of recent origin. Our driver explains today is Independence Day (feb 22th). During celebrations people tend to drink a lot, hence the accidents…

The resort is called ‘Cap Maison’. Located in Smuggler’s Cove. A romantic name with historical dimensions…

Life is good at the resort. Sometimes you have to be patient when ordering a drink or so because the locals take their time. This is Caribbean style!

Rodney Bay

The town of Rodney Bay is popular among tourists. It’s known as St Lucia’s entertainment and recreation center. The bay was named after a British admiral.

A very busy place. Here you realize that what you read is true : tourism is St Lucia’s main source of jobs and income, accounting for 2/3 of its GDP.

We sip some coffee, walk around a little and rush back to our quiet resort.

Jade Mountain

Our driver Vincent arrives at noon. We drive for one and a half hour. Especially the last leap is difficult, on a poorly maintained road. At the end we reach a complete different world. A resort like a resort in a Bond movie.

A complex with nice colored bridges, one for each room. Open air rooms with a build-in private  swimming pool. On top of that a splendid view on two incredible twin peaks; mountainous volcanic plugs called the Two Pitons.

Soufrière

Next day we visit Soufrière by water taxi. This town was the capital in French times. Nice sleepy harbor town. We walk around, have a small lunch, make some pictures.

Not many Jade Mountain guests visit this place.

The last days in this beautiful resort are spend swimming, snorkeling, relaxing, sipping some wine.It’s a pity Vincent comes to take us to the airport.

Due to a boycott of French wines by Americans the resort offers some amazing French wines. We taste several of them. Afterward I tell the sommelier I drank some wines I could chew on.

‘Haven’t heard that one before’, he responds.

Trip was made in 2011.