FLOWERS, RUM AND PIG'S FEET IN ST. LUCIA

ST. LUCIA – You forget how florid and vibrant the colours are in this part of the world. The bright purple and pink bougainvillea are outstanding, as well as the red hibiscus and the birds of paradise.

They have giant, flowering trees covered with orangey-red blossoms. I thought they looked like African tulips a bit but the flowers are smaller. Here, locals call them “flamboyant trees,” and it’s a perfect description.

The roadside and garden croton also are spectacular; all shades of deep and fiery reds, lime green to deep green and daffodil-bright yellow. Just lovely.

KING RUM

Sure, you can try a Piton beer. And it’s quite good. But rum is the drink in these parts. Got to try some Chairman’s Reserve last night before dinner. Wow. Deep and rich and mellow and not too sweet. Really, really top notch stuff.

I love the names of the rum shacks on the sides of the road, too; Virgil’s Place. Top Up Here (my fave), Limer’s Bar and the Bush Garden Pub.

LOCAL CUISINE

Hoping to try some green bananas with codfish tonight. Last night I had pig’s feet in a rich sauce; very meaty and sweet. It’s called, I think, pig trotter’s sous. Terrific stuff.

Also had some soursop at breakfast today; very rich and creamy but not a flavour I’m terribly fond of.