Martinique

From Barbados to Martinique

Martinique while arriving

  It is a long time since we post an update. Many things have happened in the meantime.
We left Barbados on Dec 16th and we arrived in Fort De France the following morning. We decided to dock the boat at the marina d’Etang z’abricot, which is very close both to the capital as well as to the airport. In view of our flight back home on Dec 22nd it was the ideal place to stay, also considering the docking fees being relatively inexpensive.
Martinique is part of France (Terre d’autre mar), and this can be really perceived in the way of living, the good public services and infrastructure. You get the impression of a quite healthy island, with a high cost of living. The island is really beautiful, characterized by hills and small mountains covered by a rich vegetation. The sea shore features beautiful sandy beaches with crystal water.
We spent a few days visiting the island by car; the main plantations are sugar cane (for rum production) and banana trees, that characterize the inside of the island. They represent one of the main income together with tourism.
Martinicans, who are mostly of African origin, are very kind and friendly. We were pleased by the cheerful and lively atmosphere of Christmas time, that for us is unusual to be experienced in a hot weather!
The last days before leaving for Italy found us busy with preparing the boat for a month of absence.
We returned on January 14th to resume our journey. First, we carried out some maintenance, such as replacing the engine oil and the impeller. We then prepared for the next jump, Dominica.

Beach south of St Anne

Beach east of Tartane

Centre of Tartane