Thursday 1st November 18
Did not get up early enough to go to the church service this morning, but we do go and have a look at the cemetery in le Marin in late afternoon. Again I have never seen any graveyards so full of people. It is definitely a social occasion with all members of family stopping by for a chat. Loads of kissing going on. It is quiet a nice tradition really. We do have a chuckle when a lady escorted by 4 little girls gets her tomb mixed up , made the girls giggle too. We talk to a few people and everyone mention that we should really come back after sunset when all the candles are lit. Which we duly did. and sure enough it is a very unique sight. Not spooky in any way but very atmospheric. The murmurs of quiet conversation in the dark is surrounding us, it is a lovely experience that everyone is happy to share with us. Glad I saw it.
Friday 2nd nov 18
Made it to the church on time for the 7am service this morning. The church is packed to the rafter. Everyone is all dressed up, a few hats are on display, and the lady sitting next to me is in excellent voice. The priest in his purple cassock is very good and the sermon is dotted with humorous stories. The best is the blessing of the tombs, the whole congregation troops out to the graveyard and the blessing take place by the cross, which is now obscured by a flock of colourful umbrellas sheltering the ladies from the beating sun.
On the way back I stop by the boulangerie and we have a leisurely breakfast of croissant before we make our way to st anne. Just for a change of scenery. We have the weekend before we continue our trip up to Guadeloupe. We thought we could go for a walk or at least have a swim.
Saturday 3rd, Sunday 4th nov 18
Big clean up of the boat and stowage of all the goodies we have acquired over the last few days. I feel better, we have all our lockers filled up to the brim, with stuff we are highly unlikely to find anywhere else than in the French islands, from fizzy water to foie gras, madeleines and part baked bread, tins of peach and pears. This should last us for a while. Shame the cheeses don’t last that long. And the prices are definitely cheaper than in any of the other islands. Ian is busy with fixing the gas which has been playing up for the last few weeks.
We did not have that walk, the weather is a bit unsettled and by the time we have done all the chore it is even too late to row over to the beach.
Back to le Marin on Sunday evening, ready to go check out first thing in the morning.