Western coast of St. Lucia, near Anse Cochon.
July 24, Anse Cochon, St. Lucia.
Infrastructure is something I find myself looking for these days. Are towns and villages connected? Are people able to have a decent home and get to work? Does work provide enough income to support the household?
From Rodney Bay to Marigot, to Anse Cochon, we have been approached by vendors (mostly fruit) and other sorts, even children, for any free handout they can get.
This is an area where it is good to have a big bag of candy on hand. We’ve been giving everyone, adults and kids alike, a few hard candies each time they paddle out to the boat looking for something.This way, they can to leave with something — and hopefully some goodwill too.
There is infrastructure here, but it’s focused on tourism; the hotels and villas are gorgeous, but beyond their borders, there is need.
It both breaks your heart and leaves you feeling vulnerable. And I don’t think this conflicted feeling will leave until we are passed St. Vincent, where the poverty and therefore desperation is even worse.
If you’re careful, cruising can be very safe. But it feels risky when you have to contend with not only vessel seaworthiness, personal safety, and bad weather, but also B&E’s.
Tabarnac.