Thursday 8th Nov
First thing first, getting the outboard to the guy who will be fixing it is the priority, unfortunately he is a bit tied up with the arrival of the Route du Rhum, the solo race across the Atlantic from St Malo to Pointe a Pitre. We should get our fixed engine before the end of the week.
The whole place is buzzing with excitement. Although the first competitors are not due before Sunday, the marina and the whole of the town is getting ready for them. It is definitely a very different atmosphere we are experiencing today. A year ago, it all looked a bit tired and run down, the difference is noticeable, Pointe a Pitre has had a face lift. Everything looks neat and tidy and not so sleepy.
As we have visited most of the must see sights in town, we decide to check out the outskirts this time. And although it looks like any French banlieu, a lot has been and is being done to rehabilitate these high rises from the 60 and the 70’s. Amazing what a lick of cheery paint can do. It is very patchy though, some estates are really depressing still.
