Top 10 Interesting Facts from KeyParadise issuu magazine

1.) The flag of St. Barths (besides the French flag colors) is composed of the Lily flower – reminder that it belongs to France, Maltese cross – referring to possession by the Order of Malta, and the crown – symbolism of Swedish period, a bird – a Pelican as their emblem (the Pelican which is also on the St. Martin flag, means that you would want to fly from one island to another to discover new treasures.)

St. Barths was originally called “Ouanalao” by the Arawaks (original island inhabitants) in 1493. Columbus discovered St. Barths and named the island after his brother, Bartolomeo Commander Poincy of Malta settled in St. Barths in 1648…..

2.) Also features the many different villas. And also, services for Island Hopping is also there, from Anguilla to St. Martin (also features a little bit about the island), to many others.

3.) Getting around the island has many different ways. It can be renting a car, motorcycle, bicycle, quad, electric car, and of course taxi. The Caribean Discovery company has these services (except) but they would much rather suggest that tourists use bicycles because it is good for the environment and is also a form of exercise. On the other hand, ADAT Taxi Services has Taxi service for people and they also have a complete list of drivers and the cellphone numbers of these drivers. Excellent up to date service contacts. Even Limousine services are offered by L&C Company

4.) There are many historical spots and places in St. Barths that tells about the culture and heritage of where St. Barths originated and came from. Some of these places include: Place Vanadis, The Wall House (has a history museum), Fort Oscar (used to be French intelligence service but now closed), The Dinzey House (rest, a good example of architecture of the past), The Water Cistern (used to collect rainwater for the islanders but now not used), The Brick House (once a symbol for elegance and wealth), The Wooden House (does not have the typical stones ground floor unlike others), Anglican Church, Catholic Church, The Swedish Belltower (used to call the religious to service), Swedish Prison (used to be a place of celebration, then turned to prison, then to school and school cafeteria, then sub-prefecture), Swedish Presbytery (built for the first swedish pastor, later as house of the doctor and island surveyor, became a mixed school then finally a restaurant), The Major’s House on the place (was where the act of transfer of St Barts to France was signed), Governor’s Mansion (used to be offices of records, governor’s mansion, town hall, and is to be restored to become Swedish cultural house), Gustavia Lighthouse (right next to Fort Gustavia, the original lantern is at display in Museum of St. Barthelemy), The Arawack (located at roundabout Turmoil, symbolizes st.barths soul, this warrior reproduces the cry of nature and with his spear protect the island. the 2 islands animal symbols: pelican and iguana are at his his side), Saline (where salt was collected for 3 centuries), Territorial Museum (discover traditional habitat, straw work, customs and costumes of an earlier time), P’tit Collectionneur (moment of history through objects collected by Andre Berry).

Also has Creole Houses, Traditional Costumes, Crafts and Basket-making.

5.) Despite not much rain in St. Barths, there is still vegetation.

West coast is drier with shrubs and cacti, East coast is greener with more tropical vegetation like floral species which adorn the landscape. There also many trees and fruits like Papaya, Pomegranate/Grenade, Guava, Mango, Kenet. There is also Fauna like: Land Turtle, Iguana, Lizards, Cabris (goats), Insects, Crawlers. Also, Birds like: Hummingbirds, Pipiris, Sugar Birds, Laughing Gulls, Egrets, Pelicans, Paille en queue (huge seabird). There are also aquatic fauna like: Sea Turtles, Stingrays, Lion Fish, Parrot Fish, Sharks (2 types both are harmless), Dolphins and Whales (seen in February to May). Even shellfish like: Conch, Lobsters.

6.) Has also natural pools. 2 in Grand Fond and in Petit Cul de Sac beach. Remember not to go without safety especially when the sea is rough.

7.) Activities in the island

Land activities include Petanque, a French sport. For calm activities, Dominoes, board or card games and even scrabble.

Water activities/sports: Diving, Snorkeling, JetSki, Jetlev Flyer, Windsurfing, Kytesurf, Surfing, Standup paddling, Clear bottom Canoeing, Waterskiing/wakeboarding, Rod and reel fishing, deep sea fishing, sailing, boat rentals, aquabiking,

8.) Gastronomy is also something that should be discovered in the island. Features the many new and exciting restaurants and the food and other cuisine meals and specialties and the stories behind their creation.

9.) Fashion is also very rampant with many different boutiques and shops around.

10.) St. Barths also boasts of many great artists, musicians and bands that play with awesome sound. Plus the nightclubs.

Source: http://issuu.com/timalmax/docs/keyparadise2014_131104