We finally made it and moved to the Caribbean island " Martinique". When we first arrived at the airport I got a flashback from my previous tropical country travels. I felt lots of mixed feelings and being surprised wast one of them, unfortunately. The atmosphere was quite similar to West Africa (Ivory Coast and Ghana), Brazil, and Key West. Even David confirmed the same feeling.
Coming from 0 c and even below, rain, grey and dark weather I felt I was rescued in heaven. I adore the banana and coconut palms, turquoise clear water, the beautiful dark golden and brown skin of the locals and their bright colorful outfits. The fresh tropical vegetables and fruits which I missed from my previous trips. I got a strange sense of fitting in immediately, thanks to my flexible nature that makes me merge easily.
Below you will find some info about the island that I gathered during my researches before we move. I will be writing more about our experiences. To be continued..
In the 16th and 17th centuries, France amassed a vast empire in North America and the Caribbean. Today, the three Overseas Departments of France in the Western Hemisphere—Martinique, Guadeloupe, and French Guiana—encompass virtually all that remains of that imperial sovereignty.
Martinican Cuisine is a mélange of African, French, Caribbean and South Asian traditions. The recipes often reflect the complex history and varied cultural heritage of the island. Traditional dishes combine these global influences and use a range of local fruit, vegetables, fish, meat as well as the famous piment antillais, which is hotter than any chili you have ever tried.
Clothing
Lightweight clothing is worn throughout the year; washable, wrinkle-free fabrics are preferable. Cotton underwear and children's clothes can be purchased locally. Good quality yard goods are available but expensive. Dark suits are appropriate for evenings. Women rarely need hats (except sunhats) or gloves; these are worn almost exclusively at church ceremonies. Dressy cotton are comfortable and suitable. During winter, some women wear cocktail dresses of silk and brocade. Also necessary is an ample supply of low-heeled shoes for walking over the rough sidewalks and streets in town. Shoes may be found locally, but none narrower than a B width. A coat is never needed but, on occasion, a fabric stole is useful.
Location
Martinique lies about halfway down the arc of the Lesser Antilles that extends from Puerto Rico to Trinidad. It is some 900 miles north of the equator, about 280 miles from the South American mainland, and 4,400 miles from metropolitan France. Guadeloupe is 100 miles north of Martinique. Its island dependencies of French Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy are 150 miles north of Guadeloupe proper and about 100 miles from the U.S. Virgin Islands. French Guiana, wedged between Brazil and Suriname on the north coast of South America, extends from the second to the sixth degree of north latitude.
Economy
Martinique and Guadeloupe are densely populated, tropical, and agricultural. Sugar, bananas, pineapples to a lesser extent and assistance from metropolitan France are the economic underpinnings of the islands, providing them with a standard of living higher than that of most of the rest of the Caribbean. French culture is pervasive. The tourist industry has been slow to develop, although tourists are much in evidence during winter. They arrive aboard cruise ships, but generally, leave after spending less than a day on Martinique.
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