We arrived at Blue Lagoon, St. Vincent, on Monday afternoon, traveling from Bequia, where we have been doing some killer hikes. We spent a low-stress afternoon investigating the SunSail Yacht Charters facility as well as walking around the locale. Yesterday, we hopped on a bus to Kingstown, and snooped around, and included their Arboretum in our walkabout. We got to see the offspring of the original breadfruit trees that Captain Bligh brought to the Caribbean to feed the slaves more economically. Interesting, but it brings back all that we know about slavery, and it isn't good. As it was cheaper to buy a slave than to breed one, the slaves were simply worked to death then replaced.
On a less morbid note, we again got acquainted with the bus system down here. The buses are all vans, filled with seats, run privately and owned by each driver - no regulation. Each driver optimizes his fares by driving fast, and attempting to get in front of the next guy to get the next fare. As well, the people are packed in like sardines. Years ago, the buses played gospel music at absolutely 10% higher than you could possibly stand it. As you were convinced that you were going to die, the safe arrival might have served as the miracle you needed to restore faith. Years later, we'd get on a bus and they played gangster rap even louder, packed you in tighter, and drove faster; but it seemed the devil was in charge.
These days, the music is just a bit lower, and seems to be lovesick, sad rappers with yodeling young women in the background. The driving is just as crazy, and they pack you in better than Connors Brothers ever thought of. A big truck came down the hill and onto the highway in front of us, and Dawn screamed as the driver slammed on the brakes, swerved off to the side, rounded a telephone pole and went back on the highway in a cloud of dust, missing all humans and the steep concrete ditch as well. The rest of the bus was shaken up, but not by the driving as that was the norm. Dawn scared them with her scream.
Ron and Judy should be here by 6:20, and we'll be ashore in the Black Pearl Bar, hoisting a cold one, waiting patiently. They will be with us for a week allowing us to visit Bequia, snorkel the Tobago Cays, and perhaps a visit to Sandy Island and Paradise Beach.
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| Cat Tales dinghy (car) with the blue engine cover |
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| driftwood chandelier |
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| Waiting for Ron and Judy at Blue Lagoon. Cat Tales is moored in the center of this pic off in the distance. (Not the catamaran tied to the dock) |
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| This flower was very unusual, but I can't remember the name!! |
The photo below was taken by Kenmore Henville. He is a professional who races out to greet boats into Bequia in his rubber dinghy and fast engine. He whistles to get your attention and then circles the boat taking photos with a huge camera. All the time he stands while being harnessed to the floor of the dinghy so he doesn't tip over! Many people we know use Kenmore's photos on their boat cards. He took the series of photos at around 4:00 in the afternoon and by 7:30 am, he delivered a disc and his favourite shot framed matted, and under glass, complete with a price list. He says, "No pressure, I'll be back in half an hour and you can give them all back, or you can buy all or just one. We bought the entire lot. He does quite a business, taking pictures all afternoon, spending all evening getting them ready and then delivering to various boats during the morning! Now to find wall space back home to hang it!
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| Photo taken by Kenmore of www.BequiaPhotoAction.com |
