A Vacation Experiment (Part II)
Last week I did research on the Island of Saint Lucia and the Smuggler’s Cove hotel at which we were staying. Here is my report after our six days on the island.
As soon as we arrived on Saint Lucia it was obvious we were on a British Island. The cars and buses all drove on the left side of the road. Our hotel, the Smuggler’s Cove, was populated with adorable blond children and “teddibly” British types seen only in Peter Sellers films. On the tropical beach a hot game of cricket was under way. Later in the week, a taxi driver attempted to explain the rules and scoring of cricket. I still do not understand the rules, fully.
Honestly, the hotel had everything it advertised and more. Lighted tennis courts were there. Kayaking, snorkeling, wind surfing, water skiing and motorboat rides took place in a sheltered ocean bay whose warm, temperate waters were welcoming. I never participated, but my grandkids did. Personally, I never dreamed I would sit under an almond tree at water’s edge under a grass hut and read a book. Five beautiful pools were also available.
Yes, there was a squash court and a swim up bar that dished out smoothies and pina coladas. The people are friendly and helpful even though they don’t move as fast as N.Y.C. waiters and waitresses.
The weather is blazing hot even at 8 a.m. in the morning. Sunscreen is a must for most people. On one very hot, sunny day on the beach we were approached by an aloe-vera salesman. He had the cuttings of aloe-vera plants. He opened up the fronds and exhibited the transparent sticky stuff on the inside. He showed us how to place it on our face and body as a sunscreen and as an emollient for sunburn. We bought a few cuttings and used them daily.
The symbol of St. Lucia are the two Pitons (mountains) that emerge from water’s edge. The one and one-half hour trip from airport to the hotel revealed lush scenery and green jungles decorated with banana plants and palm trees. The west coast has secluded coves, unspoiled beaches and forested hillsides.
All in all, everything that was promised was present. I have never been as relaxed after any other vacation. The eight hour plane ride – four hours to Miami, four hours to St. Lucia are a bit trying. Try to avoid Miami Airport. It is uncontrolled craziness.
But St. Lucia was wonderful!
