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Position: 16°17’58″N 61°47’50″W
Guadeloupe sealed the deal for us. As soon as we stepped ashore we were in France. Everything from the road signs to l’insouciance de la police made us feel as though we’d been magically transported 6,000 kilometres into the bosom of lady liberty.
This botanical garden was the best we’d seen – anywhere – ever. Just the right size, it has a terrific collection of tropical and sub-tropical plants from around the world, with a special focus on the Caribbean. The European Community provides financial support for the gardens, which seems like a darn good use of money.
The French have maintained their overseas territories in ways the British have not. Things appear geared towards making a vacation reasonably priced. Moorings ran $30 in the BVI, they cost 13€ ($15-ish) here. Carol, running short on her essential meds (no not those, the other ones), has coerced pharmacists up and down the island into giving her supplements based on her US prescription. Costs for a month’s supply? Four Euros. That’s five bucks folks. Less than the co-pay for your crappy employer-subsidised insurance. Still believe in free-market healthcare? We don’t.
Given the ready availability of fresh baguettes, grand fromages, les vins de Bordeaux, les attitudes détendues envers les chiens, et la vie en rose, I’m sold. I’m staying here in the French! Caribbean.
