Magnifique Martinique

After lounging around and doing as I please during the long weekend and after reading this article in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel on Martinique, I can’t keep from wanting to purchase my ticket to zoom off and away. I’ve long been interested in the French caribbean island, Martinique and for no good reason other than my affection for islands. The story which looks to have originally appeared in the NY Times at some point in the past takes island deprived readers down the 50-mile stretch that has somewhat been forgotten by American travelers. They note that 84 percent of the annual visitors are from Europe, but even with decreased American interest Delta will start weekly direct flights in December. So it sounds as though American interest is back on the rise. I’m down to go.

From their detailed travel tale you’ll learn Martinique is more than a French speaking island paradise. It offers Gallic Creole food, snorkeling, hiking and tons of history if you dig combining time on the beach with a visit to attractions like “La Savane des Esclaves.” Oh, and in case you’ve forgotten Martinique is also the birthplace of Napoleon’s love, Empress Josephine. One week should be enough for the average visitor though I think I could use three right around my own annual celebration of my birth in May if not sooner.

Word for the Travel Wise (06/17/06)

As summer quickly comes near I can’t keep from thinking of great beach destinations to spend simmering days in the hot sun cooling off by the ocean. Malta maybe? Ibiza perhaps? Jamaica sounds good. Beyond anything I’d love to take off to a place in the Carribbean like Martinique, St. Lucia or Guadalupe before hurricane season really kicks in with fierce everyday rains, but chances are that trip won’t be happening soon. Until it does I’ll just keep dreaming – as always.

Today’s word is a French word used in Martinique:

pensées – thoughts

French is the third largest Romance language in the world in terms of native speakers according to the Wikipedia and is the official language of 29 countries. There are a number of places to learn French abroad which include Canada and Switzerland in addition to France. Amerispan offers immersion programs in all three of the countries and more info can be found by clicking here. Search other study abroad programs at some of these sites here: Coeur de France, Accord French Language School, and Transitions Abroad to name only a few. Swing over to My Language Exchange where you are sure to find someone willing to exchange their lingo skills for some of your own. Free online sources for learning French include France-Pub, French Assistant, and the BBC Languages.

Past French words: confiture, difficile, frottis, ma reum (mère)