Happy First Day of Spring!
Yesterday, we had gotten a letter from Rene, the Hotel ,General Manager, stating conditions regarding Covid in each of the ports we would be visiting. We are referring to the ability to be able to go off on our own, without having to use a taxi or a guide. The three ports in question were St. Lucia, Barbados, and Roseau. Naturally, all of HAL's tours would be allowed to operate, as well as port-authorized excursions. We will not know until we arrive to the other ports whether or not we would get the "free-flow" permission. Riding the elevator with a newly-embarked couple last night, we could not help but hear them say….we had better book tours in those three ports, or risk being trapped on the ship for three days in a row. We did not say anything, but we knew from past stops, that most of these places did allow free-flow. We will take our chances, and hope for the free-flow…if not we will be stuck on the ship like we were several times in Grenada. The port of Roseau, Dominica is a new one for us on this cruise, so we shall see what they decide.
So, today the ship sailed right into Port Castries and docked port side in Pointe Seraphine. Our bow was pointed right at the Le Champlain, a Ponant vessel. Across the harbor at La Place Carenage was the Regent Explorer. Next to her was the much smaller sailing ship, the 5 mast Wind Star. It is possible that it was turnaround day for the Ponant ship, since we saw many crew members arriving, but no guests coming and going.
It appeared that it was going to be a nice, warm day with a strong breeze blowing. However, there were many clouds, and we did feel that it may rain. So for that reason, we took umbrellas. You know the rule is if you bring them, it will not rain. True today.
Two charms of palm trees were given at DI today. Since you have to pass through this smaller store, it was easy to get the free charms. Then we had to pass by the row of taxi drivers trying to sell us a trip to anywhere. They all said the same thing……everything is closed in town. Yes, we know. It is Sunday, our fifth and final visit, and we know what is open and what is not. At least it was not raining today.
Walking the entire end of the harbor, we went straight for a change. This time we located the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, a Roman Catholic Church built in 1897. We read that a local artist was brought in here to paint colorful murals, and succeeded in finishing it before Pope John Paul's visit in 1985. Gosh, that must have been a huge and exciting event for Castries. There is also a square here that has a 400 year old samaan tree, which shades about a quarter of the square. Will have to look that up, as we do not have this type of tree growing where we live.
Anyway, being that it was Sunday, a mass was in process. There were a few parents with very young parishioners that needed to be taken outside. Most of the kids were dressed in solid white, as were their parents. Singing was coming out the windows and doors too. If it wasn't for the service happening, we might have gone inside. But we did see a large sign with specific rules for entering the church. If you were not dressed properly, the ladies could borrow a shawl. Men were not allowed inside with a cap. Nice to see they have rules and we have no doubt they would be enforced, unlike how some folks dress on the ship. Dressing properly is a sign of respect for others and God too.
This area around the church had the more modern stores for the locals. It also had a KFC, which looked busy, since most everything else was closed. Something that was opened was the police station. One of those people-mover trains came along, stopped, and let their passengers out to look in the church. Many folks also bought sodas from a local street vendor. We suspect they were from the Regent Explorer, where they get most all of the tours complimentary. Like we said before, they are really nice ships.
Time to head back. A few stands were open at Castries Market, but not worth crossing the busy street. You have to be so careful here, as we think the local drivers have the right of way. Most of the market was being hosed down with disinfectant we assume. Masks onshore were still required, so we think the virus is not over yet.
Back at the terminal, we ran into Howard who was doing his walk, same as always. Seems funny to see him without Gyl. Back inside Pointe Seraphine, we walked to the end of the property and then over to the little dock area where a small ferry used to transport folks from here across the harbor to La Place Carenage. Back in 2009, the boat ride cost $1 a person. An old sign we saw at this pier said $5 a ride. And now, it doesn't happen at all. Bet the taxi union had something to do with that decision.
Back on the ship, we happened to talk to a nice couple who have a cabin up the hall from us. Apparently, they have been following our blog since January, and thanked us for the info we supplied. We love hearing that. They had wondered who was in our cabin, since we have left the "Welcome Back" life preserver on our door. They had remembered from a recent world cruise that door decorations had been banned. Yes, we remembered that too, but since it was put up by Jonah, our event planner, we have chosen to leave it.
By 5pm, the Captain took the ship south to see the Pitons – two volcanic peaks that are 30 to 40 million years old, and are part of UNESCO's Word Heritage Site since 2004. He turned the ship slowly several times so everyone could get a close-up view of these massive peaks. We were treated to two rainbows, since there was a heavy mist happening. What a setting for the village of Soufriere, the old colonial French capital. He stayed here until the sun began to set, then eventually headed southeast towards the next port of Barbados.
We tried to get last minute reservations in the Pinnacle Grill or Tamarind for this evening, but they could not seat us until 8:30pm. It was understandable that it would be filled, so we will try again, but call sooner. Dinner in the dining room was good with starters of spring rolls (appropriate since today is the first day of spring). We asked for doubles, because they only serve one veggie roll on the glass noodles. We each had a salad, then entrees of weinerschnitzel and lasagna. We shared these, since the drier schnitzel goes better with something moist. It was filling, so we skipped the dessert again.
The ship was rolling a bit with 8 foot swells, just enough to rock one asleep.
Bill & Mary Ann
Monday, March 21, 2022
Report #93 Castries, Saint Lucia Sunday-March 20, 2022 Partly Cloudy With Some Sun 80 Degrees
