GUADALOUPE – APRIL 23RD



Guadaloupe is a butterfly shaped island that floats between the islands of Antigua and Dominica.  Between the wings of Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre lies Point-a-Pitre, the main economic center of the area.  Founded in 1793 by the French governor Gabriel de Clieu, this city of some 16,500 people is a blend of old and new, a place where colonial buildings rub shoulders with vibrant modern architecture.  It offers lively markets, upscale boutiques and cafes.  On the eastern “wing”, Grand-Terre, lies “Castle Point”, which has dramatic rock formations carved by the Atlantic Ocean and offers panoramic vistas as well as a cross shaped memorial to the island’s history of slavery. 






While all that may be true, according to our port guide, the area around the pier, itself, was not particularly scenic.  But, that’s the way it is around most ports.  We didn’t venture into the “city” itself, and were content to peruse the various items for sale just outside the terminal.  The manager of the spa, Ana Maria, asked if I could pick up a magnet for her because she wouldn’t be able to get off the ship that day.  I was happy to oblige.  







The vendors’ area was decorated with colorful masks and we were happy to see, at least, two of our crew, the lovely Arely and Irena, able to wander around this port for a few hours at least.  





Arely

Irena
The terminal was a very modern, air-conditioned building that had to be entered in order to get back on the ship.  Michael eyed the glass in this Longueteau advertisement so I had to take a picture.  The duty-free shop sold purses, some jewelry, alcohol and, of course, cigarettes. 


We actually returned to the ship so that I could take a photo of a recently-purchased dress whose colors weren’t ingrained in my mind’s eye.  We immediately exited the ship, bought the perfectly matched earrings I spotted a few moments before and returned onboard for lunch.  



MICHAEL’S OBSERVATIONS:   Nothing to add.


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