Friday, November 01, 2013

Metropolitan Martinique


Let me begin by stating the simple fact that I love the French Islands.  They make me want to tuck a baguette under my arm, don a neck scarf and immerse myself in all things French while zipping around town on a little Vespa yelling a chipper “bon jour!” at everyone I pass.

Martinique, so far, has done nothing to tarnish this little fantasy of mine.  I had no idea what to expect as we sailed into the capital of Fort de France, but I knew we were in for something different when the shoreline greeted us with clusters of buildings and a handful of high rises instead of modest wooden shacks and swaying palm trees (oh there are palm trees, for sure, but they are not the main players in this particular skyline).  One quick trip ashore and immediately you feel like you have been transported to Europe.  The narrow cobblestone streets, the multitude of euro-style shops sandwiched together, the grocery stores full of delectable European eats, the well-appointed parks, hole-in-the wall cafes, the unmistakable “buzz” of a city…It’s a welcome change to be able to walk into a pharmacy and find the lotion or drug you are looking for, to have a wide variety of stalls and stands from which to grab a quick (and delicious) lunchtime Panini or crepe (oh, the crepes!), to revel in the European charm and aforementioned subtleties that makes wandering the winding streets of cities like Paris, Rome or Buenos Aires (a very European city, despite it's south American location) so wonderful.  It is so interesting to me that each of these islands, even though their similarities abound, can be so drastically different from their neighbors in both culture and curb appeal.  Just another one of the many reasons I love cruising these Caribbean islands so much, it's never the same day - or island - twice.








8 comments:

erika said...

Always beautiful pictures.

What kind of a camera do you use ?

Travel agencies need to contact you to and for you to write for them and to get paid for your work.

George said...

Great pictures!! Thanks for keeping up on the posts.

Alfex said...

Very nice and tres chic. Merci beaucoup. We love French villages and cities as well. Our nearest "French" city is Montreal at 1900 nm. We envy you obviously.

Unknown said...

What camera setting or post editing did you use to get this effect on the images. They are great. Always following along. Thanks!

Vic

Unknown said...

To go along with everyone else's question - what camera are you using? I know you have it on your FAQ (or think), but the photos look different today. Is it a new camera or did you spend some time working with the colors?

Unknown said...

As always love your blog and the photography is excellent. Thanks for sharing Linda http://pinknblueview.blogspot.ca

boatbaby said...

Between you and Mike Sweeney I have been wooed into thinking about the Caribbean on our way. I would love to know what efx you used to edit the photos, they look fab!

buffet said...

Don't believe the hype. Whatever you do don't use this gimmicky photo post production BS anymore. You guys are in a beautiful place and make beautiful pictures. This over-the-top kitsch just brings down the level of your images and makes them into what they shouldn't be reduced to, mere decoration. These look like posters from the mall, not great travel and lifestyle photography. Sure, you will get lots of likes for this look, but that's just the problem, everyone will ask you about what program or filter, and the images get lost along the way. You guys have a vision that is all your own, simply by the life and lifestyle you have chosen, that is enough, no gimmicks needed. Keep it real!

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