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Photo
by David Sanger |
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on the image for larger version |
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The New Year is a time for paying visits and for sharing
warm accras and glasses of more rum and vermouth. It is said that a dip
in the sea at year’s end will bring new beginnings and comfort you
from the tyranny of life.
The culinary magic of Creole cuisine is a subtle combination
of all the cultures that have come together… its generosity inherited
from Africa, its refinement from its French heritage, and its spices from
India.
Tantalize your senses
The rhythms of the island are an invitation to join in
the festivities and rejoice.
The evening alizés by the sea on the pier of Saint-Pierre,
at the Anses d’Arlet or in Grand Rivière with the sound of
lapping waves will seduce you.
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Photo
by David Sanger |
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on the image for larger version |
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The calls of tropical birds and the rippling Alma River
will guide your exploration of the rainforest.
“Cric crac,” says the story teller. “God
decided to have a party one day... “ Martinicans gather around the
fromager and the figuier maudit, the island’s magic trees, and listen
to myths and legends.
Later, in Fond Saint Denis, you may even hear night falling.
‘Round midnight, the inspired concerto of crickets, frogs and rustling
bamboo leaves awakens your senses all over again.
And if you are a night owl yourself, the beat of zouk
will keep you dancing till dawn.
Carried by a lazy breeze, the sweet smell of burnt sugarcane
fields permeates the air at harvest time in late September. Sugarcane
and rum museums impart Martinique’s history, forever intertwined
with the process of rum-making. The many distilleries give visitors free
tours and tastings.
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Photo
by David Sanger |
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on the image for larger version |
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Patchouli, ylang-ylang, vetyver and citronelle are but
a few of the heady aromas that envelop strollers as they wander through
botanical gardens filled with so many different species of tropical plants
and flowers, that Martinique is renowned as the “Island of Flowers.”
Whether you are enjoying the tranquil seclusion of a private
islet, climbing Mont Pelée, sailing a yole, exploring Empress Joséphine’s
playground, savoring an éclair à la vanille, discovering
the architectural wonder of the Schoelcher Library or just relaxing on
the Creole riviera, a visit to Martinique is a taste of another France.
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