MARTINIQUE

Warbucks is always so full of surprises. It wasn't till our fifth day, that he said we'd be going over to Martinique, for a three-day jaunt. It was probably the most non beach thing we did the whole trip. Don't be surprised if you haven't heard of the small island of Martinique or it's nearby sister island of Guadeloupe. Both are French islands more than the others, and most tourist that we encountered seemed to be mostly from Canada and Europe. It's yet another hidden gem a lot of people don't think of going too. Anymore, I enjoy going to lesser-known places that aren't packed full like major cities. This gem has a rich history and a place where nature is the star of the show, with a few landmarks to be seen. The capital city of Fort du France was completely charming with is colonial architecture, ornate iron balconies and beaches. Martinique was much like Barbados in that you can drive all over the island, being that it is only 22 miles wide and 50 miles long. We spent three full days in Martinque, and it was enough time to explore and see a few things. It was a four-hour ride by boat from Barbados, and the island of Martinique is ideal for daily road trips out and about and enjoy the different regions of the island and take in the amazing culture. And the nature! A few points of interests we enjoyed....

Balata Cathedral

This place was located on Mount Pelee, in the heart of the island of flowers, stands this monument particularly emblematic of the history of Martinique, and a point of interest not to be missed. This cathedral is a replica of the Sacred Heart Basilica in Paris, just five time smaller and between the Fort-of-France and the Garden of Balata. The architects adapted it to its environment. The cathedral is a tropical reinterpretation of the Parisian monument and its Romanesque- Byzantine architecture: the reinforced concrete. Not religious here, but very cool to see it.

The highlight for me though was the Jardin de Balata.

These gardens were begun in 1982 by horticulturist Jean-Philippe Thoze and opened to the public. It is set on a former farmland with many picturesque views of the Pitons du Carbet, some seas views and Mount Pelee. The gardens contain about 3,000 varieties of tropical plants from around the world, including 300 types of palm trees, and many good collections of anthuriums, begonias, bromeliads, cycads and heliconia.

Who knew I had to go the whole way to Martinique to get pictures of hummingbirds being still????

Fort St Louis, dates back to 1640, a hulking fortress and gave the capital city of Martinque its name of Fort du France. Certain parts of the fort can be toured but most of it is still an active base for the French National Navy. 

This!!!!!!!!! Yikes!

And again....the legendary beach and sea views are unappareled!!!!

Yep. I have made my mind up. A beach bum it is!!!!!!