When you explore St. Kitts, especially if you arrive via cruise ship, the first thing you encounter is the monkey peddlers. Here’s the warning: They will want to take your picture (Their monkeys, your camera). Not a bad thing, a guy’s gotta make a living, right…but if you want to hold a monkey, as I did, be sure to negotiate your terms in advance!
As you wander into town, away from the cruise terminal, you will come across Independence Park. Notice the old stone buildings, where slaves were once held prior to being sold in the slave trade. And if you are lucky, like we were, beautiful bougainvillea will be in bloom.
Across from the park sits the Immaculate Conception Co-Cathedral Catholic Church. This cool and stately church, flanked by palms at the front entrance, welcomes all travelers and is beautiful in its simplicity.
Also on the park is the Gallery Café, a gem not to be missed. Enjoy the art, but be sure to wander all the way to the back, for a brunch snack and a little rest in the quaint garden seating area.
If you get an opportunity, hire someone to take you up to Romney Manor (originally owned by Thomas Jefferson’s great, great, great grandfather) and now the site of Caribelle Batik. If you are a fabric hound, as I am, watching these talented women draw in hot wax is not to be missed!
We barely scratched the surface of St. Kitts. After meeting some of her warm, friendly people, I can only hope that we get the opportunity to return someday!
Batik photo credit: Caribelle Batik, St. Kitts
Lynn
An Encore Voyage 
I looked beyond the monkey. There goes all that amazing color again. Lovely. 💕
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I wish I’d had more time, and now I’m thinking of all of the “wish I would have taken” shots! Oh well, reason to return, right?
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I love the expression on your face as you are standing there with a monkey on your head: part smile, part grimace… priceless! Also, those glorious fabrics! Did you buy any?
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I figure everyone should hold a monkey at least once in their life, right? I just wasn’t expecting the guy to put it on my head! And yes, I left my contribution to the St. Kitts economy at the Batik place!
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Brilliant photos! Sounds like an amazing trip. Thanks so much for sharing!
Donna
http://www.retirementreflections.com
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Wonderful, the beauty of the Caribbean
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Thank you! What an amazing blog you have! Makes me want to step up my game with the few travel pieces I post on EV.
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LOL….thank you Encore…by all means step it up…this is one way many people will get to see the world…through your eyes. We are not able to travel physically to all places but we can get a glimpse of what is going on
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Lovely to meet you, Encore. Wonderful photos (especially you and the monkey) I noticed you tagged this princess cruises. We are headed out on a transatlantic in April, but have never done the Caribbean, so I will be interested to read more. Susan
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Ooh that sounds amazing! We were “cruising virgins” but we loved it! Trying to decide where to go next!
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My dad is from st Kitts, seeing these pictures fills me with joy. I love that place!!
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