First Impressions

We arrived in St Kitts, formally called Saint Christopher Island, in the evening just after dark. Arriving anywhere new in the dark, is a challenge in itself. Outside the airport terminal, we found a taxi and provided the driver with a map showing where we wanted to go. The map was a new idea for us as sometimes there’s a language issue or at least differences in pronunciation. Sylvester took us directly to the Palm Court Garden complex. We unpacked then headed down town to find a grocery store. Chandani, a staff member and her young son that greeted us had indicated it would be safe to venture out.

We walked about a kilometer along Bay Road, with the Caribbean on one side and the town on the other. There were no resorts, just a few rudimentary commercial establishments and some dilapidated housing. We could hear Caribbean music coming from various directions. The lighting was a little dim for our liking, there were people walking and just hanging out. Everyone was of African descent, so we felt out of place.

We found a small grocery store, and purchased a few things, then a block later found a larger store and bought a few more. The prices were in Eastern Caribbean dollars, which trade for about C$0.40. Everything was quite expensive. A cheap Merlot was EC$46 and no-name corn flakes, EC$10. The Kelloggs brand was EC$24.

While riding in the taxi and walking, we felt a little uneasy with them driving on the left hand side of the road. The system is no doubt left over from their British colony days. St. Kitts and Nevis didn’t become independent until1983. Everyone seemed to drive quite fast even though the island is small and they don’t seem to have far to go. It was Friday night so maybe it was just the young people flexing their muscles, or at least that of their old cars, and the taxi drivers attempting to provide efficient service.

The Saturday fresh foods market was to open at 6 AM, and we’ve been advised the best will be gone by 7:30. So, at day break, we woke to the sun about to rise across the bay. This was our first glimpse of the Basseterre waterfront in the daylight. The town was nestled in a bay between the sea and distant hills.

While having coffee, Marlene noticed there was a Canadian flag flying high above our balcony. It was a welcome touch and a thoughtful gesture by the owners.

So even with uncertain beginnings the night before, while walking to the market this morning, we felt good about our choice to visit St. Kitts. It will be interesting to see what it has to offer. There’s nothing quite like a feeling and a first impression.

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http://travellingwithsteveandmarlene.blogspot.ca/2013/03/our-home-is.html