St. Lucia Adventures thus far

  Well today is Friday. Being on vacay you would assume I wouldn't be excited about the weekends. We have however been working alot while in St. Lucia. Our day consists of mornings- work/yoga training, afternoons -  beach swimming (i know the afternoons aren't so bad), evenings- work, telemarketing (i loathe thee). And so we have been lucky enough to have had 1 weekend so far and our afternoons for some adventures.

   Last weekend ~ being in Saint Lucia an absolute must is a visit to the famous Pitons (see above). On the plane here, I sat next to a "second-timer" to Saint Lucia who told me you could hire a taxi to go up and eat at the restaurant on the piton with a great view. Assuming he meant we taxi to the top and eat up there, we set out for the 37km from our villa to the town of Soufriere. This I must tell you should constitute as one of the adventures in Saint Lucia. If you are bold enough, and dont have a huge fear of heights... I suggest this for your means of transportation.
    Back home in mactaquac we live roughly 37km from Fredericton, and it takes about 25 mins to get downtown.  ...This drive however consists of 2 lanes switchbacking up and down their mountainous terrain, without any shoulders on the road for error. In spots half the road has been washed away from the hurricane that came here.... a year ago! Needless to say, make sure you check the brakes on any car you rent, and buy those blinders that horses wear to keep yourself from freaking out.   This drive takes an hour.
     Once we arrive at the base of the Pitons, it becomes clear that there is no road to take you to the top. Only a 2 hour straight up and 2 hour straight down hike (restaurant at base, not at top). When (just to confirm) we asked a local if you could taxi up, he laughed at us and said ok guys next time you come we will build a road for you hahahaha... we were the dumb tourists sigh.
   Although I was still willing to do the hike, my hubby was far from motivated for that lol. There is still a few weeks left so I will keep you posted if there is a change of plans. But FYI, trip advisor says that it is an intense hike up and down, and most people would never do it again.... but its got a great view.

       After we left the pitons, we went to the famous volcanic sulphur springs in Saint Lucia. These are generated by an active volcano, which bubbles these springs at 100 degrees celsius, and steam comes off at 172c.
     A couple of hundred yards downstream from the springs, the water temperature is still hot (around 45 C), but cool enough for you to get in and give yourself a mud bath. It is said that there are age defying agents in the mud, so you see people painting themselves like crazy with the mud lol. Once the mud has dried, You can wash the mud off in the sulphur stream if they can bear the heat, or there are freshwater showers available instead. Also be prepared for the "egg-fart" smell. It is almost too much, but should be expected where there is alot of sulphur.

    Although not an adventure if in Soufriere you MUST stop for lunch at the Ladera Hotel. I would venture to say that is has one of the best views on all the island, and sports delicious meals (priced in US, averaging $15 a plate). This place is a must visit, and has excellent food as well. Located just minutes from the springs.

Well those were the Adventures of Weekend 1. Today I will be starting this weekend with my first-ever try at parasailing.... stay tuned ;)

Cheers
~Erica~