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Photo Contest – September 7, 2012
Contest Photo 9/7/12 - Independence Square in St. Kitts.
This week, there were very few attempts to guess the location of our contest photo (shown to the right). Congratulations to Ronald & Robyn Powers of Brooklyn, NY, who were randomly selected from those who responded correctly.
The photo was taken on St. Kitts, a West Indian island which borders both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is considered part of the Leeward Islands along with such islands as Saba, Sint Martin, the Virigin Islands and it’s sister island, Nevis.
St. Kitts is located about 1,300 southeast of Miami. It is one of the lesser known cruise ports, so it is a special treat when it is on ship’s itinerary. It’s cruise port is located in it’s capital city, Basseterre. While many original buildings have been destroyed by hurricanes, fires and earthquakes, the surviving colonial and Georgian architecture gives bustling Basseterre a unique look. The town’s hub is the Circus, a square styled afterLondon’sPiccadilly Circus, with a clock tower in the center. Art galleries, music and bookstores, Internet cafes, boutiques and craft shops make it a fun place to explore. Independence Square, encircled by stately Georgian manors was where Basseterre’s slave market was held.
The island’s lush geography lends itself to eco-tourism, starting with the dense tropical rainforests that surround dormant volcano, Mount Liamuiga. Colorful birds, butterflies and mokeys reside here.
Scenic Railway offers unique views of the island.
While in St. Kitts, we took a ride on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, which enabled us to get to know the island quickly and experience some unique views. The double-decker railcars follow the old sugar cane train tracks, offering views of the Caribbean Sea, mountains and neighboring island. And if you’re lucky, you will be serenaded by some of the local children. The remaining photos are a sampling of what we saw while on this train.
View of the volcanic peaks.
View of the Caribbean Sea.
View of Saba Island.
View of two friends relaxing in the grass.