Tuesday December 19, 2023
Hi Gang! Today we were in Martinique, which is called an “overseas department” of France so everyone speaks French and their local currency is the Euro. Some of the history is that in 1493 Columbus sailed by this island, then a few years later lands here in 1503 but finds no gold or silver so he leaves and doesn’t come back. So the French found it and claimed it for them. It was a gorgeous day today with lots of sun and warm temps.
We had a morning excursion that took us to two different places. First we went to the Trois Rivières (in English, Three Rivers, so there may be a Pittsburgh connection?) rum distillery. Rum is a huge product on this island (but I think maybe they drink more of it than they export! Lol.). In the past the main product was sugar but when that industry died they started using all the sugar cane to make rum. Good idea!
After that we went to the Prisca restaurant where chef Prisca Morjon did demonstrations of making cod fritters and a rum drink. She was the nicest person and one of the finest chef’s in Martinique and had learned the trade from her mother and grandmother. The fun part was we got to eat everything she made! Along with the fritters she served ham, this little sausage made from fish, a chicken turnover type thing, some candied bananas, a pumpkin salad, homemade corn bread and for desert a coconut flan with caramel sauce, some pineapple and passion fruit along with a chocolate covered fruit thing. It was all delicious!
In the afternoon we just chilled and caught some rays. Did I say it was an amazingly beautiful day?? Lol. It’s going to be tough to go back home in a few days!
Tonight was the last show for the cruise and they had it early at 6:30. It was called Motown and they sang all the old songs from that era. Such great music! After the show the Captain introduced all the crew members and everyone joined him on stage (but who was driving the boat??).
After the show we went to dinner in Alantide. Tried the Lobster Thermidor which was really good. After dinner we just chilled and listened to music and pulled some slots. Tomorrow it’s on to Grenada, our final port!
PS: Can’t believe it’s less than a week to Christmas!! Better get off that naughty list soon!
The Wandering Italian 