I did a forty-five minute ferry crossing from St. Kitts this morning. It was a calm day on the Caribbean with happy companions from many different countries. In the above photo, I was up in the mountains with the Atlantic behind me. I have completed three books that I hope will be out this next year. In each book, the main character runs to Nevis for peace and solitude. St. Kitts/Nevis are a sovereign country and therefor a safe haven for him. I had done all of my research on the internet, and took this opportunity to get my facts straight before the readers point it out to me.

The volcano on Nevis, from the beach.

Down the street from the Police Station, and the Fire Department, is a small park type area. In my book Louis often played chess with an old island man named Charles. Charles always won, and was undefeated by all challengers. While I was trying to locate this park, a security guard at the bank told me that there is a man that plays chess and checkers in the square, is rarely defeated, but his name is not, Charles.

As I worked my way around the island, I spotted a small building by itself. Newcastle Pottery had many un-glazed pieces to offer and had to wipe her hands from the large piece she was creating, to take my money. When the piece is to her liking, she fires it behind the building, in coconut husks.

Toward the end of my circumnavigation of Nevis, I had a delicious lunch at Sunshine Beach Bar. Bob Marley played on the speakers as the breeze blew in from the Caribbean. I was told to order a Killer Bee to drink, which I did. They reminded me of a scaled down Painkiller in the BVI. After a few of them, I walked a bit slower. If coming to Nevis, this is a place you must stop.

I have lived here before, in my books. As a writer, this is a new experience. As I walk through the streets I see all of the characters, experiences, storms, and tragedies, that were only in my head yesterday. Often I look at places, pointing to tell someone about my experience there. I had to laugh at myself realizing that it is only fiction.

Alex

#BANYAN #NEVIS #BOOK #ST. KITTS #POTTERY #VOLCANO #BEACH #VACATION #ADVENTURE #FERRY #CARIBBEAN #Newcastle Pottery #Sunshine