St Lucia

The threatened BA strike just before Xmas meant Benji and Tyara left the Caribbean earlier than planned to make sure they hit the start of their South American jolly.  So we did the tourist bit in St Lucia and Tyara acted as tour guide and got to choose what we did. First stop was Pigeon Island off the North coast where Admiral Rodney left his mark.

The place was steeped in military and naval history

All the famous sailors have been there !

But time was short for the kids so just time for a quick swim before the next activity.

“What’s next then Tyara?”  “Follow me” she cried and it was off to the rain forest for a bit of tree top zip lining.

I hope the garden at home hasn't grown like this !

We also had a tour round the rest of the island en route to dropping Benji and Tyara off at the airport.

Some people never learn. Another roadside stop to see cassava cakes being made.

You want some fruit and vegetables with your cakes?

It was a wet day so we never got clear views of some of the famous landmarks.

And then suddenly we got to the airport and Benji and Tyara had gone. Things went a bit flat once the kids had left.

It was down to the four of us to get ready for Xmas. Opening the presents was great fun.

We spent Xmas day on the beach which was a first for Barrie and Margery.

I think this must be where they filmed the James Bond film – Dr No.

In the evening we splashed out and went to a dinner dance at a posh hotel.

The local school kids put on a great display of carol singing for us. There was no conductor so they did well to keep it all together. Some of them had great voices and did some amazing two part harmonies.

The buffet was very extensive – the available choices went on for ever. Everybody ate too much but some vigorous dancing afterwards soon sorted that out. .As usual Barrie tried to get the last word.

So – if anybody is still reading this load of tripe – here’s a message from the skipper.

Tomorrow we head off for St Vincent and the Grenadines.