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Monday,
November 20, 2000
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View cabin 1001 veranda Entering the port, Galaxy stopped and then proceeded to turn on her axis 180 degrees via thrusters so she'd be facing to sea when she docked. |
 Breakfast in Paradise Need more be said. 75 degrees at 9 a.m., gentle breeze, perfect skies, and a day ahead. |
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Our Driver We found our first "Driver" for this cruise after looking around a bit. And this point is CRITICAL. "Shop" for a driver, you will get pressured, but ignore it. Wait until you find a driver you like. I listened to the pitch, looked at the van and decided I wanted to devote the time and money with this driver. Peter Abbott, Courtesy Taxi Association (453-3068, local home phone), turned out to be absolutely excellent and was far more attentive than the tour we took two years ago. Fees are fixed, $50/2hr tour. Both couples tipped $10, and it was well worth it. What was really impressive is that Peter figured out the kind of folks we were and took us to the destinations below. He did not take us to the tourist traps, instead he showed us "The Island". In addition, and most importantly, he came back to us to take us to the Green Parot after the tour. In effect, he was "our driver" for the day. There are reasons why this happens, the big bucks are in the morning when the ship arrives. So it's in a drivers best interest to "keep the customer" for the afternoon. |
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"First Stop" No matter who you tour with, you WILL stop here. It's the photo-op that most cruisers want, the ships in the harbor. Of course to get to the viewing decks, you have to wind through a sea of vendors. They are well behaved, and better than 2 years ago. |
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| This image is two shots in the Olympus 2020 digital camera, merged in Adobe's Photoshop 6. | |||
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Left: Mountain top looking toward harbor Right: Our guide showing us various landmarks |
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| Mountain top at College. Peter next brought us to the islands college, located at a beautiful setting on top of one of the highest mountains accessible. There, a guide greeted us (obviously he waits for the tours) and he proceeded to tell and show as many landmarks as are visible from that vista. He also was highly conversant in the history associated so it was quite an educational experience. We saw no busses, and no other cabs, so I have to assume that Peter is one of the few drivers who takes customers here. He also pointed out and explained many flora. A great 30 minutes. I tipped him $5.00 and he was very grateful. I probably should have tipped more, that's how great he was. |
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| EUDOVIC Art Studio | Another fascinating destination Peter took us to. | |
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| Vincent Joseph Eudovic | Three apprentices working on basic projects. | Vincent's work, very organic. |
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As a former High School Art teacher ( 6 years), I really appreciated what this master is doing. Vincent is recognized for his traditional and unique styles in the world art community. What is most impressive is that he's really "tough love" on his apprentice's. On this "poor" island, he's giving kids an opportunity to excel and move on. If after 2-3 months a kid doesn't show promise, he asks the parents to remove him from the apprenticeship. I saw a piece based on the right most image that was 5' high for $23,000. If I had a $500,000 house, I could see placing the piece in my foyer. Obviously, there are many pieces less expensive available for purchase.
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Hurricane Hole This is a spot in the tour were Peter showed us the bay where the yachts anchor when the weather gets rough. Apparently, however bad it gets, they are safe here. This is also the big yacht harbor with major money houses on the hillside. |
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Green Parrot This is a restaurant suggested by my friends at the RTC newsgroup. It's a 10 minute ride from the harbor @ $7.00. This is quite upscale for St.Lucia and Peter said he only goes there for wife's anniversary. Prices were usual for decent US restaurant, no more/no less. Food, service and drinks were excellent. Plus a very nice atmosphere, well worth it! Highly recommended! |
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| Aside: This is where Peter really exceeded our expectations. Wife was "lost" in the Mall shown below, and he went down there and found her! He brought her up and then met us about 3 p.m. to bring us back to the ship. Awesome service! | ||
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The Mall This is the renovated mall when you disembark. Very impressive. Far better architecturally than any I've seen in any Caribbean port. Very "comfortable" and pleasant. |
| Summary: St. Lucia has come a long way in the two years since we last visited. The town itself is been painted so the facades are more attractive. The roads are perfect and the port is very user-friendly. There is much less hassle getting a driver that you want then most other ports. Security is awesome, there are "tourist guards" at every major stop. A highly recommended destination. |
| Feedback? Greg Miller, www.millerweb.com - greg@millerweb.com |