Lauri

Just wondering if anyone has ever gone to the Friday night 'jump ups' in Gros Islet.
My fiance and I will be staying at Ladera for our honeymoon next week, and were interested in going to the 'jump ups', the Friday night street carnival. However, we were curious as to how long of a drive it would be, how much a taxi would cost, and if anyone else had gone (what were your experiences, etc). We will be leaving on the 19th so any response before then would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Lauri

Laurie

Lauri - I would say that it is at least two hours from Ladera to Gros Islet. This is because the roads are so twisty, full of pot holes and narrow that it takes a long while to get anywhere on St Lucia. When we went we did not make it to Gros Islet because of this. Our second day, we drove from Ladera to Gros Islet which took about two hours, but of course we were not familiar with the roads, but it was during the day. If you go, take a taxi (I bet it will be expensive) and arrange for it to pick you up before midnight and drive you back. What we heard when we were in St Lucia is that it gets a little wild after midnight and it might not be a good idea to stay later than that. I bet once you get there, Gros Islet will not be something you are so interested in doing. It is so wonderful to be in Soufriere and at Ladera that spending four hours of your vacation in a car will not seem attractive. But if you do go, just be careful and have a great time. I know you will absolutely love Ladera. Congratulations on your wedding and honeymoon.

Kay

Lauri:

It looks like we will be at Ladera on our honeymoon at the same time. We are arriving on the 18th. We will have to meet

Kay

Lauri

Thanks Laurie for your response. You are right, wasting four hours in a car, especially on a honeymoon, does not sound like a good idea. I love the idea of anything carnival but was concerned about getting trapped after a certain hour and the cost. From what I can gather, it is easy to go through $1,000 in a week; we don't need to waste any on a taxi if we can help it. Here is are a few silly questions for you, if you don't mind. Were the rooms at Ladera equipped with an iron and ironing board; should we bring our own cork screw or can they provide; and is there a radio or cd player in the room? Just trying to figure out what to pack. Thanks again,
Lauri

Laurie

Lauri - Sorry I took so long responding, but I haven't checked this site in a while. I probably missed you but to answer your questions - there is not an iron and ironing board that I remember, but I had no intention of ironing anything. But I am reasonably sure you can get one from the front desk. I know you can borrow blow dryers at the front desk and just keep it in your room while you're there. There is no phone, t.v., radio, or cd player in the room. you are truly away from it all. It is very easy to go through $1,000 in a week, but easy to budget, also, and spend less. Especially if you do the meal plan. Cork screw is also something I never noticed in the room although they do have ice buckets in the room, which they fill for you every day, and glasses, but even if there isn't one in the room, ask to borrow one at the bar and I bet they will accomodate you. They were so great when we were there, it's hard to imagine they won't help you out with any request, if they can. Enjoy.

diane

Went to Jump Up a few years ago. Our hotel had a shuttle that took us there. It was interesting however, don't brinf a wallet or expensive jewelry - didn't have a problem but it's crowded & you don't want to tempy anyone. Also - the natives LIKE american women. I had 2 young guys rubbing up agaist me while I was dancing w/ my husband. If you can't handle yourself, don't go.