Smooth Getaway Postcard From St. Lucia

I’m not a world traveler by any means. At one point, I was married to my job and had to fly back and forth between Washington DC and Montreal then drive up and down the New Jersey Turnpike between Port of Wilmington, Port of Newark and the Hudson Valley. There were a few spring break trips here and there to Florida, California, Cancun and Baja, Mexico. Still, nothing major.

This past year was a whirlwind though. I moved (big deal!), I got married (kewl!), and I went on the bestest honeymoon ever. St. Lucia was suggested by an old co-worker, but I had never even heard of it. So, I did a little internet research and sure, some of the pics looked nice.

The few reviews I read were all great. Yet, nothing compares to the actual experience: breathing in fresh and unpolluted air, eating local fruits and vegetables, and climbing the Pitons. My husband and I were blown away. It wasn’t just the breathtaking beauty of the land and sea, but also everything else. The local people were amazingly friendly and healthy, plus they had wonderful attitudes toward life.

I love being from New York: the hustle and bustle and “get out of my way I have work to do” attitude. Yet, this trip honestly made me remember the simple things in life. The whole week we kept hearing, “No worries man!” It was contagious! I came back with a new husband and a new viewpoint. Don’t stress over little things. Simple.

Anyway, these are some pics from our beautiful hike up the Pitons (2600 feet in elevation). It was an aggressive climb to put it nicely. The local guide’s advice? “Don’t fall off the edge.” Even so, it was worth every slip and slide on the wet forest rocks and every drop of sweat.

Katharine “Kat” Pascale is a Westchester mom, Girl Scout Troop leader, and former bean counter. Since 2011, she has run her own Publishing Company, Kat Pascale Publishing. The past few years have been a little busy for her, but never underestimate the mind of a creative writer. If it’s on her mind, it’s down on paper too. Follow her on Twitter @katpascale.