Travel Tuesday - St. Kitts - by the Lady

 Officially Saint Christopher, St. Kitts and the island Nevis, make up one country. It was home to the first British and French colonies in the Caribbean in 1620s and now is part of the British West Indies. With a tiny population of about 48 000 people, this island is home to a veterinarian school and a medical school where many Canadian and American students study. Like all the islands, it relies heavily on tourism.

The Man and I had a really hard time picking a tour for St. Kitts, nothing appealed to us and then we finally did, only to have it cancelled. Of course, most tours were fully by then, so we took what was available. It turns out, it was just the tour for us, because other than these hugely racist Americans (they were over heard referring to the islands as uncivilized, shock that people had cell phones and went so far as to say British people couldn't actually feel physical pain) who we avoided, it was a great tour.

We were greeted by our local guide and started a drive around the island. From the bus window we spied:

A beautiful park that used to hold slave auctions

pelicans

more pelicans

trees of birds

Free range chickens

Our first stop was at the Fairview Great House. Build in 1701, this wood house was originally home to French officers.  

This historical building hosts a beautiful garden.

It also had an amazing bath tub! 

Our next stop was the Ramney Manor House. This was where Thomas Jefferson's 3x great grandfather had a sugar plantation. While the remains of the plantation are around, it now is home to Caribelle Batik. We were able to watch a woman making a piece.

Examples of Batik

The old bell tower that let the slaves know when to go to work and when to leave it. 

The remains of a sugar plantation 

The Samy tree

Our last stop was Brimestone Fortress. This UNESCO heritage sight, was build by slave labour for the British. The fort was used from the early 1700s until it was abandoned in 1854. On a self-guided tour we learned about the British and Black regiments and people who lived here. 

                                  

Looking down at the cemetery 

St. Kitts was a beautiful island and was a lovely last port of call.

I hope you have enjoyed joining us on our trip. It has been great to go through the pictures to share some of the highlights with you.  My next trip is a cruise to Alaska with my mom later this year. If you are interested, I will be happy to share our adventures!