Sleepy tropical island in the sea of blue...

  Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
Sunday, March 15, 2009

Our Final port of call----Saint Kitts, tagged as the two sleepiest island in the Caribbean (one is Nevis).

Today im so glad because the weather is so good, not overcast and not too sunny, temp is only 73F. Our plan is just to explore the scenery of St. Kitts and go to the beach. As usual the kids doesnt want to go out of the ship, so its only me and hubby again. Once we're out of the ship i've noticed a very nice port in Bassettere where we are docked. The ambience is so festive and all the stores have a Caribbean flair, i really like it, looks so newer to me. There are different contrast of paint color in each store which made them so pretty and i saw some Kittitian dancers performing in the port's street with their costume and mask on.
Again we got our Scenic St. Kitts tour from locals of Basseterre, not from the ship, and just charge us $20 per person. We are only 6 people in the tour van, our tour guide is Leroy a native of St Kitts. Im really impressed with him because he's very knowledgeable about the history of St. Kitts. Anyway first he showed us the town of Basseterre-- a gracefully revived town and capital of St. Kitts. After decades of sleepy existence, this elegant and graceful West Indies town was restored from its shabbiness. Now with carefull and sensitive restoration  it revealed all the original charm and preserved its Caribbean architecture. Basseterre is now turning out tobe an economic success, bussiness is growing according to Leroy. More and more cruise ship passengers are enjoying the towns charm and beauty with attractive shops offering duty free products everywhere. Leroy showed us as well St. Kitts' hospital, municipal hall, schools, all the relevant highlights and information. He drove us to Old Road Town, 5 miles west of Basseterre,  where the first British settlers landed. On the way, we pass the little ravine of Bloody Point  were over 2000 Carib Amerindians were massacred on a hot afternoon in 1626, as they were about to launch an attack on island settlers. My goodness i can still remember the St Kitts history! We also had a chance to see the picture- postcard volcanic crater of Mount Liamuiga from far. We are so pleased with Leroy's information. Above the Old Road Town are the ruins of Wingfield Sugar Estate then we proceed to our next tour to Romney Manor---home of the Caribelle Batik, we stop by to the lush rainforest gardens. I am so amazed and impressed with the beauty and well manicured garden of Romney Manor..its worth seeing! I have even the chance to see some demonstration of how to make Batik. There store is a litttle bit expensive but their batiks is truly splendid and fantastic!

Okey...after all the historical sightseeing...its time to see the water of St. kitts! We're heading to Frigate Bay! This is part of the tour. At the entrance of the 14 mile southeast peninsula, Frigate Bay embraces both the Atlantic and the Caribbean sea with pale sandy beaches. I noticed there are lots of hotel and condominium development. I wish i could get one! (in my dreams..lol).We drove at the top of the hill...and walaaa! a  truly spectacular and incredible view from both the the Caribbean and Atlantic side.

Then we went to the Frigate Bay Beach and have a quicky plunge. The water is kinda cold but so crystal clear. We just stayed there for half hour, we need to go back to the ship by 330pm.
Back to the ship, we grab some small snacks and our last chance to explore more of the ship and go for quick swim at the pool and try their slides. We really had fun and the kids are having a blast in the slides, while Ricky is at the fitness center and  to the steam sauna.
We had a another great dinner at main dining, and tomorrow will be our disembarkation in San Juan. I am now busy packing our stuff.