La Haut Plantation

Currency

by SWFC_Fan

The currency of St Lucia is the East Caribbean Dollar.

This same currency is also used on the islands of Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Montserrat, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis and some other nearby islands.

However, if arriving from Barbados or Trinidad & Tobago, remember that each of these countries have their own currencies (also called dollars). However, US Dollars and British Pounds are widely accepted in addition to the local currency.

Banana plantations, St Lucia

by SWFC_Fan

Bananas are one of the most important crops on St Lucia, and one of the island’s main exports.

They are grown all over the island and feature prominently in St Lucian cuisine. The three types of banana grown on the island are the “normal” bananas that you buy in supermarkets, the larger “plantain” bananas which are used in cooking (and taste like potato from my experience!) and red bananas which are not grown for commercial purposes.

The guided tour of the island that I undertook included a stop at one of the island’s largest plantations

Get into it!

by tpappas

"The Bird Man"

You must venture into the town and leave your preconceived notions behind. Sure people will approach you for a few EC coins. Give it up. They need it more than you. Plus you may meet the Bird Man, well known for carving little birds out of coconut. Give what you can to him, as well.

"National Elections"

We were there in the midst of voting. it was exciting to see all the participation, street parades, rallies, and propoganda. The citizens were for the most part tired of the hoopla and were looking forward to it being over.

"The Big Yard!"

What a great place to have a low cost plate of local eats! It takes a bit to get waited on at the counter because of the popularity, but well worth the wait. Play a game of pool with a local for fun and have a Piton beer in the back area. Rustic and edgy but again, leave all the biases at home. Wonderful!

Soufriere, St Lucia

by SWFC_Fan

"Soufriere, St Lucia"

The port town of Soufriere lies on the south west coast of St Lucia.

It is a small fishing town, but offers some spectacular sights.

Most famous of all are the volcanic "Pitons", two steep mountains rising from the sea.

The world's only "drive-in" volcano is also located close to Soufriere.

Soufriere's Botanical Gardens are also worth a visit - they feel like a sanitised version of a rainforest. The Botanical Gardens contain the impressive Diamond Waterfall and mineral baths.

I came to visit Soufriere on a daytrip from Barbados. A short flight from Barbados (35 minutes) sees you in Castries, the capital of St Lucia. From there, it is possible to join a tour of St Lucia, on which Soufriere features prominently.

The day trip involved a minibus journey from Castries through the rainforests and banana plantations, via Anse La Raye and Canaries. En route, there is a viewpoint which offers spectacular views of Soufriere and the Pitons (see photo above).

After seeing the sights of Soufriere, and having a buffet lunch at "The Still" restaurant, the return to Castries is via a boat along the west coast, stopping at Marigot Bay for photos and another stop for swimming and snorkelling for those who wish.