Walking Around Kralendijk, Bonaire

Bonaire was populated by the Arawaks for thousands of years before Spain claimed the island in 1499.  In 1634 the Dutch took control and saw a future in salt production which lasted until the 19th century.  The island then alternated between Dutch and British rule for many years and, during World War II, was a protectorate of Britain and the United States.  After the war, Bonaire returned to direct Dutch rule as a special municipality within the Netherlands (sharing this designation with Saba and Sint Eustatius).  The Netherland Antilles was formally dissolved in 2010 and Bonaire is now an independent nation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The capital, Kralendijk is filled with colorful buildings, restaurants, cafes, and bars.  We walk over from the dock and explore.

Walking tour

Motto to live by

We first walk past the waterfront, with restaurants and shops on one side and cruise ships and bars and more restaurants on the water on the other.

Town on one side

Harbor on the other

As we walk away from the harbor and then parallel to it on streets withing the town, we encounter fun artwork on the sidewalks and more art and vibrant colors on the walls of the buildings.

Sidewalk art

Colorful buildings

Art on the walls

In the center of town, a time capsule was set up in 2002 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Bonaire Lions Club with letters and contemporary articles, to be opened in another 40 years:  2042.

Time capsule

Circling back to the ship, we pass along the harbor and return to enjoy an on-deck barbeque as the sun sets and evening descends.

Returning to the ship

Sunset

Dining on deck

Thus comes the fabulous end to another great day on board and on shore!

Soufrière Snorkel Tour

Soufrière, St. Lucia, has some of the healthiest coral reefs in the Caribbean.  We head out on a catamaran to snorkel in one of the island's marine reserves and in another island cove.  We cruise south from Soufrière around the twin peaks of the Pitons and, just past Petit Piton Point, we get off at a dock for our first snorkel adventure near the Sugar Beach Hotel.

Heading out on the catamaran

Getting off on the beach

Snorkeling in the cove

Looking over at the hotel

After some great fish viewing, we get back on the catamaran and pass Soufrière on our way north to another snorkel spot near the Jade Mountain Resort.

Heading back out on the catamaran

Anchoring off the beach

Jade Mountain Resort

We admire more great colorful Caribbean fish until it is time to return.  The catamaran raises its anchor and heads back to the dock at Soufrière where we catch the tender to our ship and look for another great fresh grilled fish dinner.

Heading back

Relaxation on the return trip

Returning to Soufrière 

Soufrière , Saint Lucia

St. Lucia is one of the Windward islands of the lesser Antilles, located midway between Martinique and St. Vincent, north of Barbados.  The island features dramatic twin peaks called the Pitons which soar 2,000 feet (610 meters) straight out of the sea, providing shelter for diverse flora and fauna, including wild orchids, giant ferns, and giant birds of paradise.  Banana, coconut, mango, and papaya trees host an abundance of tropical birds, including the St. Lucia parrot.

We anchor and head ashore to the dock in Soufrière on the west coast, the original capital of the island under French rule, with the capital moving to Castries when the British took charge in 1803.  We wander over to the market, then through the colorful town.

Approaching Soufrière 

Welcome

Market

Harbor

Fishing in the harbor

Refreshment next to the market

Great colors

The main street leads us to Soufrière Square and the Church of the Assumption, located in the center of town.  This Roman Catholic church features French-influenced architecture, vaulted wood ceilings and a vibrant, colorful interior.  And, views of the harbor through the main entrance, past the freedom monument in the square, commemorating Emancipation Day when former slaves defeated British soldiers in 1796.

Down the main street

Church of the Assumption

Freedom Monument

We walk through the square and return to the harbor, strolling a bit along the edge of the water and admiring the views of the Pitons.  As we near the port, we watch the activity as boats drop off and pick up passengers, each patiently waiting its turn at the dock.  Soon it is our turn and we return to the ship for another lunch of local grilled fish.

Soufrière Square

Views of the Pitons

Entrance to the port

Traffic at the port

Returning to our ship

More Pitons