At least I think it is take two. I was here in Jan 2014 certainly (which I figured out simply by doing a search on the blog).
the tourist shopping area
We waited till the first of the crush made it off the ship before stepping out into the heat and humidity. It isn’t a far walk to either the Archeological Museum or the Fort (which is now a local history museum). The first is free, the second a whopping $5/US.
The Archeological Museum is signed in both the local language (which reads like a combination of original amerindian, dutch and spanish smashed up together) and English. At one time a private residence; grants enabled the board to convert, update and maintain. It is open, bright and easy to navigate with steps, ramps, elevators so that anyone can get around. The descriptions are no more than a sixth grade reading level and many are pointedly directed toward school age children. The story is told of the original inhabitants (probably ~1000 CE), various European exploring groups and subsequent conquerors. Although not really stressed, it seems obvious that the closest mainland links are Venezuela. There was information on local archeology, pottery, house construction and use of shells. Domestic animals, long a part of the European household did not appear until the Spanish in the 1500s.
pre-ceramic era house
Lastly there was a lovely exhibit of local art.
Back out in the heat and trekking along looking for shade Cheré and I avoided all the high end name stores on our way to the old Fort. Not large, most but not all of the wall has been maintained. In case you have any difficulty in finding it – tall square clock tower and two canons out in front (pretty broad hint). Inside, it is a local history museum with friendly staff, a lot of rusted shop and farm implements and a building focusing on “then and now.” So showcased are furniture, old household implements, music making and musical instruments and dolls (one looks definitely like E II).
1800’s outdoor kitchen
yes, a real telephone
sewing basket
Most interesting was an oral history project involving young people on the island.
Their instructions were to find the oldest possession in their family and track down its history through relatives, written documents. Posters gave the information and a video ran with each one of the 20 telling their story in turn. The objects ranged from a gold watch to a cactus soup recipe to cookie iron.
Outdoors we noted birds and iguanas…while confirming that there were a lot of shops with the purpose of separating the tourists from their money. Assume the presence of everyone of the awful cruise ship jewelry shops, most brand name stores, and a lot of bars. When you leave the ships (We and the Adventure of the Seas were in port today) if you turn left and walk down the main street you will find stores more attuned to the local populations (groceries) which is where I imagine most of the crew went.
Linda – what bird is this
Other things to do – the troll ride looks to be short but might be fun. Water sports are certainly an option. Lots of food and drink.
Post Box
It was a nice time, warm. We found no tacky Santa shirts, bought no magnets. At 1000 this morning which was well before we docked the Serenade had held its “Milestone Recognition” so I have my crystal paperweight. Don’t need to add anything else to the suitcase…
(photos to follow)
