Guadeloupe - very French
Regina
Espen Aalstad
Tue 19 Feb 2008 19:41
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61.12.5N 61.31.9W
Ile des Saintes was a pleasant, slow reentry to
French territory. Creole, Gallic and Bretagne traditions all mixed up on a
group of three dry and steep islands - just south of
Guadeloupe. Almost always French these islands have relied on fishing
and there has not been slaves here since there was no agriculture. Now it is a
charming and artistic tourist attraction in the area with small ferries from
Guadelope. Life is still slow and scooters are the means of moving
around.
We have anchored just outside the only village
of Bourg des Saintes rather peacefully despite still heavy wind. This
weekend we had our traditional weekend croissaintes and pain du chocolate
again.... just a little dingy trip to the beach to one of many
boulangeries.
The French sailing tradition is obviously
strong here.....as first there is a long lunch and then they head out to
sea
 Better than anything French was meeting up
with friends on Minerva again. Einar unfortunately has been out with fever,
but still insisted on playing both lego and going out for pizza with
Ola. Elin and Mathilde could escape ashore to some small boutiques and
Italian ice cream. Luckily Kristoffer could save them with his deep
dives on the dinghy dock when they lost their keys. We had another fun
Saturday together enjoying Pensum game from Norway where we all got tested
for our school work and 'at the movies' in different boats.
 Adults made the French connection with a tasty
seafood meal out with also Norwegian Maggie: Petter and Kirsti.
Snorkling at Le Pain de Sucre together was a
fitting goodbye with Minerva. They are now heading north faster as the trip to
Bergen will go via New York!
Wonderful Reidun left us with fresh Norwegian
bread.
Bon voyage notre amis, et au revoir a
Norvege!
 Up to Guadeloupe was a late afternoon straight on
the wind and rather rolly with Atlantic waves. We have gone up the east coast to
Point a Pitre. Espen is happy in the marina when the winds stays high, and from
here we can both get some real shopping done and time out for the boat. The
oven is finally working as the second time around the glass has arrived from
France. The package to Grenada seems lost. New reef line is needed for the third
time! The kids have had their half a day at a big mall ......books, DVDs and
food we all know is stocked away!
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