WELCOME TO ST. KITTS

Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sunny, 79 F
Basseterre, St. Kitts

We decided to sleep in today and awoke when the Grand Princess docked at 8 a.m. in St. Kitts. This volcanic island is located at the juncture of the Windward and Leeward islands, 65 miles from Antigua. It is shaped like a cricket bat and is 5 miles wide and 23 miles long. The population is around 41,000. Even though it is flatter than St. Vincent, we did not opt for a tour. We wanted to take the St. Kitts Scenic Railway tour, but it quickly sold out the first day. Next time we visit this island we want to that.

We were off the ship at 9 a.m. and it was a very short walk to the “mall” area where new shops are located. We walked a little further into town to see the green circus clock tower and shop at Island Hopper where island-made batik clothing is sold. We bought two gorgeous pillows with handpainted designs in yellows, oranges, greens, and blues-bird of paradise design on one—for our sunny sunroom. There was a handicraft market and I bought a nice blue and black swimsuit coverup. I bought some beach towels, post cards, and “Hawaiian” shirts for Tim. He did not have enough!!!???

We happened to see the cricket game on TV that Colin and Gwenda went to today (England is competing on the island) and now I know why he said it inspired the game of baseball (it has a funny shaped flat bat).

Back on the ship we changed into our swimsuits, headed for our cheeseburgers, then got the best seats yet by the back pool. As I read I could see what looked like a volcano, the sea, and a three masted tall ship. What’s not to like? Brian (Tigger B) from California entered the Mr. Sexy Legs competition and all our Cruise Critic friends were rooting for him and his grass skirt. Sadly he did not win. Tim went to a get together for firefighters and police. There were 5 firefighters and two police at the meeting. They talked about individual fire department circumstances.

Our dinner tonight was once again quite entertaining. Donna (Lidolounger) went to the spa for the evening, so Lawrence did not have a “filter,” or Donna, to “regulate” the conversation. The Sexy Legs contest was the main topic of conversation and all of us were very disappointed that Brian did not win. He had a huge CC fan base, a great show in his grass skirt/coconuts, and nice legs. Complaints will be filed. Brian, Lawrence, and Jim told jokes, most of which cannot be reported here. Brian did ask if we knew how much a pirate pays to have his ears pierced. Answer: a “buccaneer.” Tonight the veal was spectacular. We had cream puffs and a raspberry flan for dessert.

After dinner Tim and I went to the Movie Under the Stars, Dark Knight. We do use blankets, but we could never really say we were that cold. The seas were gently rocking us, but we had no trouble staying awake during this dark movie. We have really enjoyed having movies on the Grand Princess.

Culinary Delight of the Day: veal scaloppini, cream puffs. Tim truly enjoyed the escargot.

TK’s Takes: The shops in St. Kitts were close to the port.

A Note to our Granddaughters B and B: There are more monkeys than people living on this island! There are so many different species, too. The little ones we saw were very cute and people could take photos with them.