Yesterday, I walked in Basseterre until my feet glowed in my flip-flops. There just happened to be a parade that was really cool. Young kids, the school band, and the big drums resounding off of the old buildings. It’s a little different here… everyone I have encountered is honest, and happy. It took some getting used to. I have been using both american money and the EC dollar. I run the calculations in my head as I receive change in EC. Often in the past on other islands I have been cheated on the exchange. Here, they point out my mistakes to keep me from shorting myself. The sidewalks are tight and uneven. Often people, very nicely dressed, step to the side and wait their turn to pass. You quickly find yourself returning the gesture.

I wanted to rent a car to explore, but now I am very happy I held back and called a taxi. It cost me $12.00 US into town, and after I watched my driver clear by inches on each side of his van, and NO parking available, I knew I had made the right decision. I haven’t seen any traffic lights here, and round-a-bouts are the norm.

This island is another example of (Now you see it-now you don’t). Right now, it is still in the, Island as I like them, mode. It is changing fast though. Condos, luxury homes, more luxurious shopping, and all of the electronic invasions of our privacy that we enjoy in the US. If you ever plan to come here, do it soon.

I have three new books that go to the editor soon. The main character, Louis, has discovered how to extend his life, in perfect health. He often escapes to his secret home on Nevis in all three books. I decided that I better verify my facts before the editor slices it to pieces. In the books, Louis meets an old island man that he plays chess with in the city square. It was up the street from the police station. In book three, Louis returns to the square to discover Charles has died of old age, while Louis now one-hundred-forty-five still looks thirty-four. Throughout the books, he learns that living an extended life is not the fantasy that we assume it to be.

I stepped off of the ferry and walked onto the pages of my book. I was looking for the square and after failing, inquired of a security man at a nearby bank. I told him I was an author, and a little bit about the book.

“Yes Sir! Follow this street past the police station on the left, and the park will be ahead on the right. You can not miss it. They are setting up Christmas decorations. AND… Sir! There used to be a man there that played chess and had never been beaten… but his name was not Charles.”

As I walked I felt light headed. It was like my pages had come to life.

This is a new writing style for me and I hope you enjoy them. At this point, they are called Longue’ Duree (Extended Life) I, II, and III. (I’m playing with IV)

#Banyan Books #Basseterre #Cruise #Travel #Vacation #St. Kitts #ADBanyan #DBAlexander