Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2019 | Page 38

4
really cool places
to visit in St. Lucia
Castries
Gros Islet
Pigeon Island
Canaries
by Carla Yuen
Saint Lucia is an attractive destination for any type of traveler,
offering every visitor the opportunity to have an adventure-packed or slow-
paced itinerary, as they choose. The island offers rainforests leading to impressive
waterfalls, hikes to volcanic plugs overlooking marvelous views, luxurious resorts
and unique communities, each with its own special vibe. There’s definitely
something for everyone! Here are 4 of my favourite places.
Castries, the
great capital
The boisterous, lively,
cultural centre. Yes, the
great Castries! This is where
tourists head to experience
quintessential Lucian living.
I walked the crowded
Lucian streets enjoying the
background murmuring
of Creole and somewhat
familiar French as people
went about their business,
and I tried to reach the
bustling Castries market. I
spent a couple of hours here,
browsing the local produce
and ended up bringing bags
of exotic and absolutely
delicious local fruits back to
my hotel room. And, Lucian
hot sauce - you’ve got to
have some. It goes great
with local fish cake and just
about anything else that’s
edible. Love it!
G ros Islet and
its Friday
Night Party
A tourist favourite! What
used to be a quiet fishing
village now has a coast lined
with beach-front resorts,
streets packed with local
bars and restaurants, as
well as a famous Friday
Night Jump Up street party.
And what a party it is! Go
there expecting great local
food, drinks and pulsating
Caribbean music. Although
I received mixed opinions
about it, I decided to
experience it myself and I’m
glad I did. There is a nice
mix of locals and tourists,
milling about in the streets,
munching on delicious food
and drink from the various
vendor stalls. For me, it
presented a somewhat
electric atmosphere, very
different from anything
I’ve experienced before,
especially after consuming
rum punch after which I
discovered I did have a knack
for dancing after all, and yes,
I was a really good dancer!
I highly recommend the
street party as it gives you
an opportunity to socialize
with the local people who
are friendly and willing to