St Lucia

In the month I spent on this island I stayed in an appartment up near the norther tip of St-Lucia in Gros Islet provided to me by the ministry of tourism. Gros Islet was conveniently located 10 minutes from downtown Castries (the capital city). At this point it was the first time since I left Canada that I saw some tall buildings.

It was loads of fun and quite different from my assignments in Grenada and Antigua. Basically my assigment consisted in working with the ministry of tourism and various sites and attractions of the island in an effort to promote them with the help of the OAS. Can you believe that I was put here to visit all the sites, all expenses and transportation paid, take pictures and write up a description of each. It was the most enjoyable work I have ever done... not to mention the easiest.

for Stories of St Lucia	for Pictures of St Lucia
-my stories	-Anse la Raye	-Pigeon Island
	-Fond Latisab Creol Park	-Fond Doux Estate
	-Mamiku Gardens	-Piton mountain peaks
	-Fond d'Or Historic Park	-Other pics

The Anse La Raye fishing village is located about 30 minutes south of Castries along the western coast. Exploring the area you I discovered quaint wooden houses and colourful fishing boats. I found myself here since every friday night the villagers throw a party complete with DJ's and music right on the street with all the seafood your wallet can afford. The lobster was great but a little pricy.

Click on the thumbnails to see the enlarged photos

Fond Latisab Creol Park...An experience of historical 'kweyol' practices, this fascinating visit offered demonstrations of local traditions such as cassava bread-making, cooking on macambou leaves, authentic two-handed sawing to the rhythm of a chak chak band, honey collection and traditional methods for catching crayfish.

Mamiku Gardens... these tropical gardens present a riot of colour, perfume and lush tropical vegetation. Mamiku Gardens is situated on a historic site with fascinating history. Nature trails meander through the gardens, with scenic vistas and peaceful resting points.

Fond d'Or historic park... A combination of historic St Lucia and a tranquil nature site, Fond d'Or includes traces of native Amerindian settlements, historic sugar plantation buildings and hiking trails through an estuarian forest to a wide white sand beach. However the beach washed up all kinds of nastyness.

Pigeon Island National Landmark is located near the norther tip of St Lucia but despite its name, you can drive out to it. This island was a stronghold for pirates, barracks for soldiers (french, english and american), a whaling station, the private residence of a rich english actress from the 1930's, a yachtsmen's haven and finaly a historic park.

Fond Doux Estate is a charming 19th century working plantation set among nature trails and military ruins through a local fruit garden near the base of the two Piton peaks.

The Piton peaks, landmark of St-Lucia...on the south west coast, you can find the Petit Piton and Gros Piton.

Various pictures I took on the island.