A visit to Martinique!

Martinique!
Don't be fooled by its size, this island has it all. My guest today hails from the island, and is an avid traveller having seen 51 countries! She teaches french and is a keen photographer. She will speak us through the history of the island, including the historic slavery it experienced and how it affects the island today.
Welcome, Lesley.

Episode highlights:

• [01:36] - born and raised in paris france, family originally from martinique inc. her parents
• [02:15] - Her great grandfather was a farmer / slave working in sugar plantation originally from Africa
• [04:42] - we were both caught in colombia at the same time during the start of pandemic
• [05:53] - @guide.martinique and @valorisation.martinique social media pages instagram promoting travel to Martinique, top emerging destination on Tripadvisor.
• [06:55] - Most direct flights are from France.
• [07:45] - black and white sand, waterfall, rainforest, surfing, everything you want.
• [08:15] - surfing community in martinique, north of island is amazing. Great for Professional surfers & beginners.
• [09:02] - most locals don't surf, mainly tourists
• [09:15] - population 385k
• [13:00] - average wage €1,300.00 gross (before tax), €500-600 PCM 1 bed flat.
• [14:10] - Lots of goods are imported
• [14:30] - Lesley interviewed the owner of Open air museum on slavery.
• [18:25] - french tv show there at the same time.
• [18:58] - visible effects of slavery today, gives example of Napoleon Bonaparte. Signs of colonisation still there
• [21:50] - safe to visit despite the sad and dark history
• [22:55] - french, english, creole spoken and some others
• [23:37] - Lesley offers french lessons online, for those who want to learn french.
• [24:44] - expat in martinique? job opportunities. Any european can come live here! Martinique part of France / EU
• [25:50] - caribbean islands are not always cheap to live, but cheaper than bahamas etc.
• [26:25] - foreigners and tourists very welcomed. Martinique people very friendly
• [27:10] - rainforest, hikes, beach, great diversity on island. Not extremely expensive. Great Rum!
• [28:40] - Martinique also famous for its Rum.
• [29:30] - typical foods of Martinique, mix of african, french, south asian etc...
• [32:20] - special spice called colombo, where to buy?
• [35:02] - Saint-Pierre, Mount Pelee, heartbreaking place, old capital, 30k died from volcano. The paris of the west indies. A jailer in solitary confinement only survivor!
• [40:30] - Want to relocate to Martinique? No visa needed from EU. Health system good. National Health Service available to all.
• [42:10] - famous music artists do exist from Martinique. E.G. Kassav', Zouk genre etc.
• [43:45] - Ethnic mix of island. Majority african heritage. Mix of french, carib indian, lebanese etc.
• [44:20] - top places Lesley recommends for a visit. Diamond Rock, Diamond Beach for sunset. Black sand beach in the North. Mentions other great places. Transparent waters all over.
• [47:20] - Dive in south and in the North, both clear but completely different colour.
• [48:00] - Lesley's Travel page down below, she is an avid photographer, uses Canon mk4

Great conversation today, I don't know about you, but after this chat with Lesley, I can't wait to visit!

For French Lessons with Lesley: @less_peek
Lesley's Travel Page: @lesscape

Open air museum 'La Savanne des esclaves' : @la_savane_des_esclaves

Excellent Martinique Travel pages: 

@guide.martinique
@valorisation.martinique

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