The best of the Beach - lundi, 28.05.07

Lundi 28.05.07 The best of the Beach

It’s almost too hot to venture out again this morning but it’d be a sin not to go to the beach when it’s so close and so inviting. Today is Pentecost so it’s another public holiday. It may be 11,00 but the main beach is already black with people so one of the smaller inlets seems like a better option today as I settle down with my latest read; Kingdom of the Golden Dragon by Isabel Allende. Nic goes off to phone home before returning to join me in the Caribbean. The water’s clear today as it’s not agitated by waves. The ridges are striking and the fish are colourful. I’m floating about in the matte blue sea when a bright pink thing catches my eye on the surface. It’s the petal of a pink frangipane; so delicate in this vast ocean yet so vibrant and unexpected it could be a picture postcard moment.

We’ll be getting our due dose of beaches today as we’re soon heading North to Anse Couleuvre with J.P. We stop before St. Pierre to stretch our limbs and to buy ice-cream before tackling the windy roads leading up and down to what is supposedly the best black sand beach in Martinique. I’m glad we’ve finally got to witness the spectacular palm-lined strand, to smell the sweet chocolate aroma from the ancient chocolate plantation and to touch La Trace. The ridges here are just as prominent as those at Anse Mitan but the sun’s reflection casts an almost hypnotic marble effect and the nearby rocks are a haven for nomadic turtles and fantastically finned fish. The waves are wild today so I don’t stay out long but the hot sand is a welcome repose for me from the stirring sea. All too soon it’s time to head back – though not before we refuel for more ice-cream.

Once again we try La Feuille du Tôle but the employees are obviously benefiting from the extended weekend. Point du Bout is, as always, hopping so we settle there for Fabrice-free crepes and Caribs. Charlie the bus-driver (or Jean-Pierre as he is known) rings and we organise to meet up during the week. Tub also calls to check that Nic is still going to hospital with him tomorrow. J.P talks perfume, lodgings and gay friends with us before dropping us home for a good night’s sleep. I had almost completely forgotten about my niggling rib pain but I should mention that sea-water does cure all such ailments!