Aug 25, 2001 04:10 AM
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As the standards on Mouthshut get increasingly higher, I will split this into two sections.
For those who appreciate the story and personal side of things, I will write a travelogue of the time I spent in Guadeloupe in 1987, when my ship HMS Southampton spent 4 days alongside.
Then for the factual people who prefer to know the ins and outs of the Islands, I will give stats and facts in the second half.
Thank you and let the games begin!
Distant music played games with my hearing as it fought with the waves to dominate the still, evening air.
We held each other close as we walked along the shore.
The sand was still warm as it ran between my toes, uncovered and breathing their fair share of tropical bliss.
The trade winds were kind to us that night, merely brushing the leaves of the coconut palms that scattered the shoreline of this majestic Island.
We stopped and looked into each others eyes, that look you have when you have only met a person a few hours ago, but you know your going to have fun!
She was Italian, but spoke better English than most.
We had met on the dance floor in the Club Med, and she was laughing at my uncoordinated dancing manoeuvres, similar to that of a turkey walking.
A couple of Pina Coladas later and we were both laughing and joking, in pigeon English (mine being Geordie, I did not have to change it much.)
We escaped from my shipmates and danced around the swimming pool, stopping on the wooden bridge that split the pool in two, and our lips met.
The kiss was long and passionate, the type that is reserved for the first time.
We embraced each other, and then made our way to the golden beach to sit under the palm trees and talk (!)
The air was warm enough to spend the whole night outside, and we positioned ourselves discretely away from the beach to have some privacy, and enjoy the tropical flora that Guadeloupe had to offer.
Here we curled our bodies together and enjoyed the night and all Mother Nature had to offer.
The crickets played their violins all night, and they played our tune.
Tree frogs joined the chorus, along with the shrill interlude of native bats that flew missions around the many Palms.
Lost in our own passion, we drifted into a different world, and left the Island, if only in mind.
The very next morning was a memorable one for more reasons than one.
My first real taste of a tropical sunrise was thrust upon me like a kaleidoscope!
I felt like an art lover who had seen his first Monet, or Van Gough!
The colours were plentiful and vivid, and somehow alive.
I woke Bella (Not her real name, but I just cant remember it, typical bloke I hear you women say!) and together we watched the sun rise over the volcanic mountains that were Guadeloupe’s backbone.
Slowly, as the sun lost its colour, we strolled back to the hotel.
The floors were a welcome coldness on our bare feet, as we made our way to the large marble staircase that dominated the reception area.
Whispers and giggles could be heard from the hotel staff, almost as if they new what we had been up to!
The door to her room opened and the style and comfort here, did not disappoint.
A large, very comfortable bed, dominated the centre of the room, surrounded by various mock Georgian furniture, and ample closet space.
The bathroom was majestically designed with gold, fish shaped faucets and gold effect taps.
After a few hours, we went down to the pool and relaxed a bit more, drank more Pina Coladas, and had a great few days.
The romance ended when my ship sailed away from Guadeloupe, as she waved goodbye from the jetty, much to the amusement of my fellow shipmates, who managed to stretch that one out for quite a while.
THE END
PART TWO. GUADELOUPE, THE FACTS
Compromising of nine Islands, Guadeloupe is territorially owned by the French.
Although Tourism is Guadeloupe’s main source of income, they do have a fair percentage of arable land, which produces its second source of income.
Soufriere is Guadeloupe’s only recorded active volcano.
Population is approx half a million, and the main religion is that of Christian, again mainly due to the conquers of the Island being Christians.
Main language spoken is French, although it may resemble Creole in places.
These islands suffer more than most from Hurricanes, and are best avoided June through to October.
Unemployment is close to 30%, thus maintaining a Shanty Town alter ego to the islands glamour, which hotels like Club Med offer.
The Island is mainly visited by American cruise ships, and most of the tourist empire can be found within walking distance of the ports.
Located south east of Puerto Rico, and slightly north of St Martin, more popular tourist resorts, Guadeloupe offers more privacy and less commercialisation.
Scattered around the ports are many little shack like cocktail bars, with their homemade rum puncheons being a speciality.
Local children will try and sell you many trinkets and coconut shells carved into various shapes and forms.
It is not safe to walk the streets at night alone, unless in a very public area, which is patrolled well by the local Gendarmerie.
The resort areas have their own security, normaly a local with a bow and arrow (don’t mess or try and joke with these people, they are very proud of their job!)
Heat is evenly spread throughout the year, with a large rainfall during the hurricane season.
French francs are the currency and American dollars are also taken.
They have a McDonalds I am afraid.
Any more info can be found at https://cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/gp.html
Any more info about me and “Bella” is strictly confidential as there are children on this site!!!
Thank you.
Angus
