Martinique – Update #1:
Bonjour les parents!
York School 2011 made it fine to Martinique late on Sat night. After we got off the plane we drove to our hotel Résidence Océane in two vans (pilots Paul Cobban and Global Works leader Sophie) and got to sleep fast.
We had a breathtaking view of the ocean from our terraces when we woke up! After breakfast we started our hike up to the lighthouse where we could see the long shores of the national park we stay at. With a local forest guard Patrick we visited the ruins of Chateau du Buc where we played a once-in-a-lifetime game of hide and seek!
Patrick led us on a hike across the mangrove and the manceniller forest to a hidden beach. After a swimming test, we enjoyed our first swim in the turquoise water. On our way back we went by the cliffs to see the paillenqueux birds nesting by the impressive Atlantic waves. We went to bed early for a well deserved rest.
Our breakfasts include protein and fruits in addition to Pain au chocolat and baguette, with a variety of jams one can only find in the Caribbean.
Our 3 course meals usually consist of grilled fish, or chicken, rice, local vegetable and fruits, and a local specialty called accras de morue (a type of fish falafel). We usually have sandwiches or salads with fries for lunch, and snacks when needed.
After an exploration of Martinique’s natural heritage, Day 2 was aimed at an encounter with Martinique’s people. We spent the whole day doing cultural exchange in St Anne’s schools. In the morning, we were at the elementary school with pupils between 8 and 11 years old. In the afternoon we met with Martiniquais of our age. To welcome us, they had prepared homemade cakes and brought the fruits they grow in their garden. All day with St Anne’s children and youth we shared our stories, sung songs, made drawings, read stories, showed pictures from home, ate Valentine’s day’s candies… a very enlightening experience which made us aware of how much we have in common in spite of our differences in language and lifestyle. We had so much fun! The day ended on the beach with a beautiful sunset.
A bientot,
York School 2011 in Martinique
Update #2:
Bonjour !
Tuesday our group had a relaxing day on the beautiful beach of Anse d’Arlets in the western part of the island. We snorkeled and saw colorful fish, spent hours enjoying playing on the beach and in the water. After the beach, we continued driving west to the Pointe du Diamant, to visit a magnificent rock standing out of the water off the coast of Martinique. Here we cooled off while enjoying coconut and guava ice cream (made by a local villager) and took in the views.
Wednesday was busy with lots of exercise! First we went kayaking along the coast, and in the mangrove to a sugar cane house. Our kayaking guide Josuan educated us on the amazing varieties of plants and herbs from the nearby forest: lemongrass roots, cinnamon branches, perls of zanzibar, and cocoa are just a few – it all smelled great. In the afternoon, we participated on a ropes course and zip lining activity nearby. We loved jumping from tree to tree. It was a very exciting, fun and challenging day that we all enjoyed.
Our group has become very close this week, and we all feel like one family. We are responsible travelers, respectful of Martinique cultural and natural environment. On the program, York students interacted with the many Martinicains that we met, en francais, and made impressive progress in the language while having a lot of fun. We are having the time of our life! We can’t believe how fast the trip has gone by!
Update #3:
Bonjour les parents,
Today is already our 5th day, time flies! We spent our 2nd day at school, in the village of Trois-Ilet’s elementary school with 11 year old students. We learned a lot from our previous school experience and today went very smoothly. In the morning we worked in small groups in the classroom, introducing ourselves and talking about what makes Canada and Martinique unique and great places to live.
We invited our Martinican school teacher and her children to share our lunch. We had the most amazing fresh fruit juices made by Roger, a waterfront restaurant owner very active in promoting Martinique fruits’ diversity. A local sculptor engaged in Martinique’s quest of identity welcomed us into his studio. He introduced us to Martinique’s arts world and showed us his wooden masterpieces including a statue of the famous poet and social justice activist Aimée Césaire. We spent the afternoon playing outdoors game with the pupils. We took charge of the games’ entire organization with great success! The kids loved it, we did too. Time to say goodbye to our new friends… and see you next time!
After our visit to the school, we went to the beach for a quick swim and then drove home to Tartane where a good Poulet Boucané diner was waiting for us at a waterfront restaurant, with a beautiful sunset.
L’équipe Martinique York 2011
Update #4:
Today Friday we went North! We hiked up the canyon and through the water, we even went under a waterfall! That was a very unique experience for all of us. After lunch we went on a hike up the Mount Pelé, Martinique’s famous volcano that eruption in 1902 and forever changed the island’s history. We ended the day at the museum in the town of St Pierre, Martinique’s former capital city before it was destroyed by the eruption.
Tomorrow is already our last day. In the morning we will be going to the colorful spice market in the nearby town of Trinité. Then we will have lunch on the beach in Tartane, where we stay. In the afternoon some of us will go surfing, and others will all relax in the pool at our Residence Oceane. We will celebrate our last night with a nice dinner in town. Then, we will get ready to go back to Canada.
In addition to new friendships, we will bring home an increased understanding of a lifestyle and culture new to us, improved language skills, and a collection of incredible memories to keep life-long and share with our parents!
See you at the airport,
York School in Martinique