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From the Markets to the Pitons

The Caribbean's Best Kept Secret

SAINT LUCIA | Tuesday, 5 May 2015 | Views [168] | Scholarship Entry

Friends of mine previously visited the island of St. Lucia and couldn't stop talking about its lush vegetation, golden beaches, and bustling markets. I had to see it for myself and bought a ticket immediately. I touched down at Hewanorra Int'l Airport and was inundated with taxi drivers that offered to take me anywhere on the island “for the best price." I had arranged a driver through my friend's contact and quickly found driver 306 who went by the name Aluscious. With sweaty palms and feet firmly planted on the floor, I attempted to make small talk with Aluscious, who seemed to take pleasure in taking corners at atrocious speeds, barely dodging chickens and people alike.  About 15 minutes in, we stopped in the town of Dennery for an afternoon snack. For a couple of bucks I was treated with grape Fanta and fresh creole bread that was baked in an earth stone oven.

I arrived in Castries at the guest house in the late afternoon. The non-air-conditioned room was modest and consisted of a mattress, a pillow, a fan, and a sheet. Simplicity at its finest. Though the room did not have any amenities, the guest house was situated five minutes from Halcyon Beach. When you're Caribbean bound, that's all that really matters. I headed out for a night swim a few hours later. With the cool sand between my toes I dove into the warm water. I looked up at the sky and saw the moon nestled between two palm trees as I bobbed in the soft waves of the Caribbean sea. I was home.

I spent the first couple of days exploring the markets of Castries and took the bus to visit the beaches of Rodney Bay - this is where St. Lucia's yacht clubs are located and on Friday nights, the expat community congregates together at a number of restaurants and bars. You can hear jazz, blues, and reggae through the open air bars. It's a classic Caribbean bar scene. Great music. Friendly people. And lots of rum.

I am in terrible shape but decided to hike the Pitons. For those that know me, know that I do not hike. It’s a strange thing that happens when you travel. You crave the unexpected. To cool off, I snorkeled at Jelousie - a gorgeous beach walled off magnificently between the two giant Pitons.

The island is packed with fresh fruit, crazy drivers, and delicious jerk chicken. What’s not to love? I said goodbye knowing it wasn't and held on for dear life as Aluscious drove me to the airport. I took one last breath of that sweet Caribbean air and thought, “St. Lucia, I’ll never forget you.”

Tags: 2015 Writing Scholarship

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