First Port

Clear blue skies, temperature in the mid 70’s, a deep blue ocean, yachts anchored nearby some of which are big even when seen from the Prinsendam, we must be in the land of the rich and famous, Gustavia, St. Barthelemy.

Gustavia is one of the most chic, civilized, and least known parts of France. It is known as the twentieth-century playground of the rich, with its Lilliputian harbor and red-foof bungalows. Nothing is cheap here. A cheeseburger was 15 Euros in one restaurant, about $22.50 in US dollars. The harbor area can be walked in less than an hour end to end. All the famous named shops of Paris are here with prices to match.

After tendering ashore, we walked around the harbor to the Post Office and purchased a few stamps for our grandson who loves to collect them. Then back around in a slow walk just taking in the scenery. I was looking for a wine shop that I had read about, Le Cellier Du Gouverneur. It was supposed to be the place to buy wine here, and with reasonable prices.

What a delightful find. While rather small, the selection was primo. Yes, they had wine priced well above anything I would consider paying for a bottle, but after talking with the clerk and discussing my likes in wine, he pointed me to a bottle of Cote Sud, which is a combination of Syrah, Grenache Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon for only 5.40 Euros, or just over $7. I will try it later in the voyage and give you my opinion of it then.

We left Gustavia around 3pm and are headed South toward Castries, St. Lucia. You know, St. Lucia, that island that has been advertising around DC for the last month or so. We again have no tours planned and will wander around on our own and see what we will see. We have hopes that we can scare up some stamps from someplace. As it’s Sunday it’s doubtful that the post office will be open.

Until tomorrow, Cheers!!