St. Barthelemy

There are so many names for this island; St. Barths, St. Barts and of course the correct name of St. Barthelemy.  It was actually abbreviated to St. Barths by Columbus in honor of his brother.  Like most of the Caribbean Islands, this island changed hands many times as well.  Originally a small colony tried to get it established in the 1600's but the Carib Indians took it over, then over to Normand/Brittany/France/ Sweededn and finally back to France.

We didn't rent a car on this island and preferred to take it easy, walk around town and then over to Shell Beach.  The town of Gustavia was very quaint with great little French/Caribbean restaurants lining the streets along with some pretty high end boutiques.  We sat at the harbor admiring the beautiful and somewhat large yachts and watched the owners and crew members going about their daily lives-with a few having some nice parties.  We contined walking through the town past little churches and schools and finally arrived at Shell Beach.  What a day it was-the water warm, turquoise and so inviting with the neighboring hills and sailing yachts off in the distance.  There are many other beaches not too far from town, a few forts but all being left are some rusty cannons.

 

It definitely helps to speak some French if spending some time on this island.  Very beautiful, small and seemed to be a little quiet.  This ends the week long trip on our Windstar sailing vessel.  Ahoy until next time.