If anyone had told me a year ago that I’d be spending the best part of half a year living on St Lucia I’d have laughed in their face but here I am. Alison is a remarkable woman with a strong tendency to achieve what she sets out to do and so here we are! She’s loving her work and I’m adapting to a different but very enjoyable routine.
Unlike the earlier part of the year when I was really quite busy I’m now only having to do a bit of admin so until the next project management job comes in I’m pretty much footloose and fancy free with the exception of the household chores and shopping.
As I’m reliant on walking or public transport to get around I tend to stay in the immediate Rodney Bay area and whilst it would be nice to have a car and be able to do more exploring, as I did on Anguilla, it’s really not economically viable over this period of time so we’re restricting ourselves to occasional weekends . You might think a bike would be an option but I haven’t found bike hire yet and anyway there are a lot of hills around here! As a result I’m still staying fairly local but trying out different places for refreshment. Through Allie’s Offshore Swimming Group (Sunday mornings) I’ve been in touch with another house husband, Zac, who I’m meeting for a drink on Wednesday lunchtime in the Sports Bar in Rodney Bay Mall. Apparently he’s about 30 years younger than me but keen to meet new people. He’s not only looking after the house but their two year old daughter as well but she goes to playgroup until 2 pm so he can squeeze in a swift one. I’ll let you know how we get on.
Ironically the St Lucia Yacht Club Mango Bowl Regatta takes place over the 2 or3 days after I leave here at the end of November which is a shame as the SLYC said they would be really grateful for an extra race officer and there might have been crewing opportunities as well but never mind. I’m still hoping to get some sailing in as our contacts increase even if I end up hiring a Hobie or Laser or Pico just to take Allie round the bay.
As Allie has mentioned we’ve had a lovely cultural evening at a jazz themed recital raising money for charity. It was a really enjoyable evening and I’m very glad I went, not least because I’d been a bit dubious as jazz has never really grabbed me but it turned to be so much more than that, interesting musical arrangements beautifully performed, and just right at about an hour and a half.
We also went to a brunch to celebrate World Physiotherapy Day, who knew, held at the Benedictine (I think) Convent outside Castries. I must say the nuns, who were being paid to do the catering, laid on a terrific buffet in a beautiful building in a stunning hilltop location overlooking the Caribbean. No expense had been spared on the place and it reinforced my opinion that the Catholic Church do pretty well for themselves. I’m not saying they shouldn’t but….no-one would mind living there.
Yesterday we were sitting under a big low pressure area and it rained almost incessantly with fairly strong winds meaning that it was the first day I’ve been effectively housebound which meant the day did drag rather having been up at 5.35 and with Allie not home until 4.30pm. I managed to fill the time with some sketching, reading and cooking but no drinking because I’m still just about managing to do two alcohol free days a week. Don’t all gasp at once.
I’ve just been pleasantly surprised to receive an email from the DWP confirming that they haven’t forgotten that my state pension is due in November. It doesn’t actually say when but does say that I will get 14 days warning, hopefully in about a months’ time. Looking forward to that.
After a couple of dreary days the sun is back with us but so is the threat of more tropical storms. Jerry is probably going to miss us and head north towards the Bahamas again and going near St Martin & Anguilla. There is also a tropical wave, basically a low pressure ‘trough’, which may be coming our way at the weekend so we may be stocking up again soon but hoping the luck of St Lucia holds out.
To our considerable surprise some sort of wading bird, long billed, flew into the house at the weekend (the doors are generally open when we’re home) which made us jump. It got briefly caught behind the burglar bars but luckily freed itself and flew back out before I had a chance to move. Great relief, I had visions of guano all over the place!
Our first house guest, Lucy Watson, arrives on the 28th which will be nice. As I leave on the 30th for two weeks she’ll be here to keep Allie company whilst I’m away. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at home but I’m pleased to be heading back here for the next six week stint on the 14th October. I’m bringing my tennis shoes and racquet next time in the hope of getting a game or two. I have been missing Sunday morning doubles at The Watch House.
I’ll close now as I need to…do whatever I like really, how good is that!?
Ps. A few photos of strimmer man doing our back garden last week (They all look like this when they work and are everywhere, as per my last blog!), last Friday’s Yacht Club sunset and the two of us at the Cockpit bar Sunday lunchtime.
Allie's Caribbean Travel Blog 