With the weather changing, it definitely seems everyone wants to go to an island.
This past week the most popular destination was Guadeloupe, and I have to say, I’m a bit envious of all these people planning trips to glorious beaches and laid back islands. When do I get to go?
Guadeloupe is an archipelago located in the Leeward Islands, in the Lesser Antilles, with a land area of 1,628 square kilometres (629 sq. mi) and a population of 400,000, and most importantly, it is the first overseas region of France. All the more reason why I should go. As someone with a Masters in French Studies, I really should visit ALL overseas regions of France, especially the ones that are islands. I owe it to my education, I mean, really.
Fun facts about Guadeloupe:
Guadeloupe is part of France, and therefore part of the European Union, and the currency on the island is the Euro.
During his second trip to America, seeking fresh water in November 1493, Christopher Columbus became the first European to land on Guadeloupe.
In 1946 the colony of Guadeloupe became an overseas department of France, and in 1974 it became an administrative center. Its deputies sit in the French National Assembly in Paris.
Guadeloupe’s culture is probably best known for the islanders’ literary achievements, particularly the poetry of Saint-John Perse, the pseudonym used by Alexis Léger.
Tourism is a key industry in Guadeloupe, with 83.3% of tourists visiting from metropolitan France, 10.8% coming from the rest of Europe, 3.4% coming from the United States, 1.5% coming from Canada, 0.4% coming from South America and 0.6% coming from the rest of the world.
Guadeloupe is also internationally best known for hosting the Karujet Race – Jet Ski World Championship since 1998. This amazing 9-stage, 4-day event unites competitors from all around the world (mostly Caribbeans, Americans and Europeans).
Yeah, I know. That’s exactly how I feel. Le sigh…maybe my next work trip should be San Juan, Sosua, then Guadeloupe – a little tour of the islands. It seems to be where everyone wants to go. Best that I know it personally, right?
