Out of India in Saint-Barth

Out Of India
Birgitte and Ray Charmak
Tue 4 Mar 2008 23:30
First mate cannot complain! We are finally weather stuck in what I would call a decent spot, namely Saint-Barth!!!! I just love it, and have adjusted very well to my surroundings. When I have a faint memory of other places we have been weather stuck in, such as in Luperon, Dominican Republic, I feel a little shudder passing through and quickly let the memory blow out of my mind. This is more like it! Out of India is nicely moored up in front of the Hotel de la Collective and even better still, next door to our very favourite restaurant in the whole of the Caribbean, "The Wall House". We are now considered amongst the regulars after frequenting it on a more than regular basis since we arrived Gustavia this Saturday. The only downfall in being in Saint-Barth is that my Captain has forbidden me using any of his plastic cards for going shopping.... after having dragged him into various of the very chic boutiques he simply told me that if we went to India we could get the same for approximately nothing.... so much for having a sugar daddy!

The weather is so, so. We didn't leave Tortola until Feb 28th due to strong winds. Ray had finally got himself anti-seasickness patches that he stuck behind his airs. His GP, which I will not name on this occasion, had refused to give them to Ray, saying they could result in being unable to go for a wee. After further consultations with other GPs, Ray was in the end insistent, and finally got his patches which he successfully wore a few days before we set sail to check if his pipes would work or not. I got a vague explanation about where I would have to pierce in worst case scenario. Fortunately the patches proved a great success, as well as his pipes, and the galley slave was served her first lunch at sea since Oct 05.

Saint-Barth is the most idyllic island with white pristine beaches, beautiful walks, fantastic restaurants and charming architecture. We love listening to the French and feel as we are in Europe. Despite heavy winds and some downpours now and then, we are enjoying going down to Shelly beach in the early afternoons with our books and swim towels. A stop by the ice cream parlour on the way back to the boat is a must! We shall enjoy a few more days here, the weather is to calm down during the weekend when we shall set sail for Antigua and the Royal Thames Yacht Club rally for the next two weeks. It is a hard life!

Au revoir
R&B