Colors of the Caribbean and a recipe for Arroz con Gandules
The next port of call was Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas. We did take a brief guided tour of the island by bus so that we could get to Mountain Top, which is the highest point of the island. It is from here that you get stunning views of Magens Bay, one of the world’s 10 most beautiful beaches (as voted by both National Geographic and Condé Nast Traveler).
Magens Bay is stunning
The Celebrity Eclipse docked in the distance
We were interested in finding foods that St. Thomas is known for. Fresh fish is certainly one of them and our lunch at a local spot was quite good with chicken and fish dishes served with a bit of a Caribbean flair.
Overlooking Charlotte Amalie Harbor
St. John, St. Croix and Water Island are very close to St. Thomas
Our last port of call was Philipsburg, Saint-Martin (the French spelling) or Sint Maarten (the Dutch spelling). This beautiful island, approximately 190 miles east of Puerto Rice, is owned and divided approximately 60/40 percent between the French and the Dutch. Each half of the country has its own government, utilities, schools, etc. It has been governed this way since 1648.
The beach in Philipsburg
The town of Marigot on the French side
Agriculture was at one time a very important part of the island’s economy. They grew tobacco, sugar cane and other crops and most of their own food. However, once slavery was abolished, the islanders associated these crops with slavery and refused to plant and harvest anything afterward. To this day, Saint-Martin does not grow anything and they must import everything they eat and consume. Their only industry is tourism.
Church in Philipsburg
The sail away from the last port of call is always a day filled with mixed emotions as you know that your cruise is coming to an end. The Caribbean is a beautiful and enchanting place to visit and you can almost always count on that warm, tropical sun and calypso music to brighten your spirits and your day.
Looks like Dr. No’s island of Crab Key!
Look at those colors! So bright and bold!
I am entranced by those colors! We spent a week in Yucatan a year ago and I remember the houses painted in vivid colors – it matches so well the temperament of the Caribbean:)
Your photos are spectacular – I can only imagine seeing the sights in person:)
Where can I find these pidgeon peas?
Hi Lana,
Thank you for your comment. The colors are truly spectacular there and my husband had a great time doing the photography on this trip.
I found pidgeon peas in the frozen foods section at our International market. They also come in cans and I saw those as well. I opted for the frozen peas. I hope you make this dish. We loved the flavors and will definitely prepare it again!
Gwen
I have never even heard of the pidgeon peas, but I have to look them up! I wish I could smoke my own meats:(
I’ll definitely try this dish – love the flavors of the Caribbean! Have a great weekend, too1
Hi Lana,
I just saw canned pidgeon peas today at Publix, so they should be easy to find.
Gwen
Breathtaking colors and delicious looking food! Looks heavenly!
I haven’t been to PR in ages, but remember it still the same! Gorgeous and love the food!
I think I went on the same sort of cruise years ago – same ports of call. I loved walking the streets of old San Juan and all the other spots.
The recipe looks smashing!
OHHHH! This takes me back. I spent many of my childhood summers at my famly’s house on Sint Maarten! it has changed so much it breaks my heart… Beautiful photos. Thanks. GREG
Hi Greg,
Yes, it has changed quite a bit. I went to the French side many years ago and it was very different with beautiful cafes and shops. We were told that after the hurricane in 2004, things moved to the Dutch side and that no one rebuilt on the French side for the most part.
Gwen
Makes me want to go to the Islands!!!
And I want to go back!! 🙂
Breathtaking photographs! Arroz con gandules is one of my favorites Gwen. My 1st mother in law made a glorious pot whenever we visited.
Save a lot is the store that has frozen gandules in my area. Haven’t found them at Publix or Winn Dixie here.
Hi Kathy,
Thank you for your comment. I am glad that your are familiar with this dish and know how good it is! I will definitely be making this again soon, especially with lots of Sofrito in the freezer!
The International market here had the pidgeon peas both frozen and in cans. I just happened to see them in the International section at Publix today, so I assume they are becoming more readily available.
Gwen
Gwen, wow….just wow! What gorgeous photos of such a beautiful place (or places). This really does look and sound like a fairytale place. Beautiful. I love the photo of the cats and the one with the old men. I wish you had added more pics of food 😀 And that Arroz con Gandules is fabulous! With home-smoked meat? Yowzers! Absolutely stunning and glad you and R could go on this. Boy would I love to join you on a culinary adventure! x
Woah! Such gorgeous pictures Gwen! I just feel like i went on a holiday! 🙂
I can’t get over the stunning colors. I am dreaming of visiting there one day. I’m so happy you had such a wonderful trip. Your arroz con gandules looks fantastic!
Oh how I love cruising and I love this recipe! I can’t wait to give it a try!
I was introduced to this dish from my Dominican Kitchen assistant and I love it! Your recipe looks wonderful. We make it very simply with rice and pigeon peas which are readily available here at all of our markets. Beautiful photos too!