A beautiful but humid day in Basseterre, St. Kitts.
The last time we were here, it was a Sunday or a holiday and the entire town was shut down. Today, we will have a better chance of seeing this city. The ship (the only one) is docked at Port Zante – a shopping center complex. St. Kitts is quite picturesque with volcanic peaks predominating. St. Kitts and Nevis combine to be an independent republic.
St. Kitts Eastern Peninsula
The Island of Nevis
Ellen and Basseterre in the distance
Port Zante Shopping Area
When you pass through the gate separating Port Zante and Basseterre, you enter a quaint – albeit rundown – town somewhat reminiscent of New Orleans. There are many locals in bars already and several – mostly women – in gray business suits (my guess is they work in one of the many banks in this small town). There is an unarmed police presence. The people in the shops are very friendly and helpful.
Beautiful downtown Basseterre
Church (ca. 1922)
The town contains a large park – Independence Park – that is full of trees (the apparent lack of water is reflected in the lack of green). The center of the park contains a fountain (no water). Water availability might be a problem on this island.
Independence Park
Independence Park Fountain
We circled back toward the Shopping Zone to get a picture of the Clock Tower that graces the main street leading from the pier.
Basseterre Clock Tower
Back in the Shopping Zone, we were searching for both shade and WiFi and both were difficult to find. One thing we did find plenty of was the Zombie Pirate – an animated skeletal pirate present in front of many of the stores. The one below is a good example of this local treasure.
While most of the WiFi was secured, one router – Rockys Linksys – was open and belonged to one of the shops. No password needed. The connection was iffy but we were able to download our e-mails. We even came back later in the afternoon to recheck communications from back home.
The sail away from St. Kitts was again scenic with Nevis coming into view. FYI – the cloud cover over Nevis’ Peak never dissipated during our entire stay.
St. Kitts Sail Away
Nevis – Sail Away
We also passed by an almost perfect conical island (inhabited?).
Dinner in the dining room was once again very good. We have arranged with the Assistant Maitre D’ to have Salmon available every night – either blackened or grilled (the blackened version is very good).
Tonight, the ship is starting its crossing and saying goodbye to the Caribbean run – this is celebrated by a singing and dancing show by our waiters.
Goodbye to the Caribbean Show
On our way across the Atlantic
The headliners tonight are another cover group for the Temptations. We opted for quiet reading time instead.
The clocks move forward tonight as they will for the next four nights.
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