A memorable St Lucia weekend

THE EDITOR: Recently we revisited Barbados and St Lucia for a double birthday celebration; the Friday was my daughter’s and Saturday her father-in-law’s. It was indeed an epic experience.

Barbados, as expected, is the land of tourists while St Lucia was always a favourite of mine for its lush landscape, tropical flora and the majestic twin Pitons (conical mountains), all bordered by pristine, clear waters.

I have travelled a fair bit internationally and extensively throughout the Caribbean. Many people worldwide choose the Caribbean as a destination of choice and often times we who live in the region overlook the islands. My favourite holiday destination are the Caribbean islands.

Actually it is not as easy now to get to St Lucia as when the much-maligned LIAT was in operation, even when it was known as “Leave Island Any Time.” So we had to travel intransit through Barbados – not a bad place for dinner in St Lawrence Gap.

Originally named Hewanorra by the Caribs and whose name lives on as the international airport, it is said that St Lucia owes its beauty to its explosive origins – mainly its formation through volcanic activity. The two Pitons – Gros (big) and Petit (small) – are, in my opinion, most emblematic of St Lucia, one of the most breathtaking places to see in the world.

Passing through the scenic fishing village of Anse La Raye after driving through banana plantations, you can walk through to the pier and visit the well maintained 16th century cathedral. Minutes before the famous mountains we stopped at Horizon Cocktails Viewpoint, a bar painted bright yellow overlooking the valley and ocean below.

Mango Tree Restaurant at Stonefield Villa Resort overlook the beautiful Pitons and offer authentic St Lucian dishes. Our paparazzi members were in their glee taking stunning photos of the pitons, which seemed like they were just touching distance away.

After a sumptuous lunch with the country’s traditional great service, we journeyed to Sugar Beach Resort (formerly Jalousie Hilton). I am sure that many St Lucians themselves do not know of this hidden gem. Nestled between Gros Piton and Petit Piton, the resort boasts of one of the calmest beaches in St Lucia.

With the Pitons literally rising splendidly out of the ocean, the sheltered bay was green and its water refreshing. St Lucia is a friendly place and all are encouraged to enjoy its “private” beaches.

Unfortunately, it was time to head back to Castries where we had planned to go to the Friday night Fish Fry party in the narrow streets of Gros Islet. This sleepy village is transformed every Friday night into a street party, also known as a jump-up. This is where the locals and tourists mix it up with local foods and Piton Beers. This St Lucian beer is almost comparable to our own beastly cold Carib.

The entire street is filled with bars, DJs and even a music truck. Needless to say we partied and only left because our taxi nearly left us. Oh yes, I almost forgot. I have not felt so safe for a long time. Our driver explained that the police force has "exterminated" some of the criminal elements that was giving the country a bad name and their beloved country is “fairly” safe again.

Needless to say we spent the next day “calming” down watching the T20 World Cup cricket final in a beach bar and soaking in the sun in the beautiful clear waters.

Incidentally, did India's Suryakumar Yadav’s toe touch the line in that match-winning catch? I personally questioned how quickly the review was done. But just as South Africa lost the game in a flash and their hopes of a first ever world title in cricket, so it was almost time for us to head home.

Alas, it was that time to for us to leave paradise with Beryl beckoning. What better place to get caught in a storm though? Caribbean Airlines flew us safely home after a most memorable weekend.

I told my colleague that what impressed me most about St Lucia (apart from its natural beauty) were the warmth and friendliness of the people. A trait we used to have. He corrected that we still have it.

TERRENCE KALLOO

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