Guadeloupe > A tour around Guadeloupe

We wake up and are back in Guadeloupe. The ship is just docking. Slowly, the Costa Fortuna reverses into the harbor. I see our accommodation from last week pass by. In the breakfast room, Regie welcomes us. In the evenings, he serves us in the restaurant; in the mornings, he leads guests to free tables. For us, he has reserved a special table at the back with a sea view. He’s happy that we are staying another week. Around nine o’clock, we check in for the Guadeloupe excursion. Originally, we had booked a walk to the Carnet Falls, but due to too few participants, that excursion was cancelled. As an alternative, we visit a waterfall on the mountainous western part of Guadeloupe: Basse-Terre, and then the village of Sainte-Anne on the flatter Grande-Terre. When booking, the excursion was only available in French or Italian. We will probably experience a day where we understand little of the bus commentary. We’ll see. At the terminal, bus eight is already waiting for us. Omar guides the tour and provides explanations about the program, the island, and its history in fluent French and Italian. I occasionally catch a few words, especially when he talks about the Dutchman Pieter, who was the first foreigner to set foot here. The Point of Pieter later became Pointe-à-Pitre, the largest city on the island. As we enter the National Park and rainforest in Basse-Terre, the weather turns cloudy.

Guadeloupe - A beautiful waterfall on the island of Guadeloupe

It starts to drizzle lightly. I hadn’t really expected that. The light drizzle continues as we get off at the waterfall. We can handle those few drops. It’s not clear how much time we have at the waterfall, as that information was also only in French and Italian. When I ask Omar, he’s surprised to have English-speaking guests and promises to give a short summary in English on the bus, just for us. The walk to the waterfall is short. At the foot of the waterfall is a pool. Some people are swimming. For the best view of the falling water, you have to climb over some rocks. It’s amusing to see how everyone struggles with this. Back on the bus, Omar starts the promised explanation. He shows the route on the map and repeats how Columbus discovered Guadeloupe on his second voyage. The west and east sides of Guadeloupe are not quite connected and are in fact two separate islands, with a narrow opening between. We cross a bridge from Basse-Terre to Grande-Terre. We pass the capital Pointe-à-Pitre again and continue eastward. Omar continues his commentary especially for us in three languages. After Italian and French, he gives an English summary as well. Very considerate.

Guadeloupe - The seawater comes right up to the terrace

Around half past eleven, we arrive in Sainte-Anne. This former fishing village has grown into a tourist destination due to its beach and bay. There are hospitality venues, souvenir shops, and tour providers everywhere. At a terrace by the sea, we order coffee. It is probably high tide because the seawater reaches less than a meter from the tables and chairs. The Sainte-Anne church stands in a side street. The church is closed, but on the tower is a large image of Saint Anne. She is the patron saint of the municipality, responsible for fertility and protection. Back on the beach, we look for a place to swim. Where can we change here? Just as we want to stand behind a wall, we see some changing cabins next to the first aid post. Quickly, we put on our swimwear. The water is wonderfully refreshing. It is thirty degrees in Guadeloupe today. The bay is shallow. Even when we go further from the beach, the water remains about one meter deep. To enjoy the sea, the water doesn’t need to be deep. On shore, we let ourselves dry again. A wind picks up, and it starts to drizzle a bit. Dark clouds hang behind us. In the same changing cabin, we put our clothes back on. Fortunately, the rain shower does not come. At a terrace, we order a local beer. Around two o’clock, we return to the bus. We are already recognized as “the Dutch who speak English.” On the way back to Pointe-à-Pitre, the commentary in all languages is lost. The air conditioning blows hard, and there is plenty of talking in the back of the bus. It’s a shame for the effort Omar makes, but we don’t catch his story. At the cruise ship, a queue to board is already forming. Many new guests are coming aboard today. We stood there waiting last week as well. Luckily, we can board before the new influx of guests. On deck nine, we have something to eat for lunch. Then we retreat to the cabin. People walk the halls searching for their cabins. Last week we were among them; now the ship already feels like our home.

Guadeloupe - A performance in the theater aboard the Costa Fortuna

From our balcony, we see new passengers arriving. At dinner in the evening, we still have the four-person table we shared with Jan until yesterday. Will we get new tablemates? And where will they come from? Regie and Jerlito welcome us again. Regie explains that someone is assigned to the table — a traveler alone — but this gentleman did not show up last week either. He probably dines at the buffet or the club member restaurant if he cruises often. We have plenty of time tonight. Tomorrow we will be at sea and don’t need to hurry. In the bar on deck five, the entertainment team tries to get people on the dance floor. Later in the evening, there is a performance by Maximilien Philippe, a finalist of The Voice of France in 2014. At half past eleven, a welcome party begins in the Atrium bar. Soon the dance floor is full, and everyone dances and claps along. Around midnight, we go to sleep.