European island territories
 

We are thinking about heading to the Caribbean (I know, I know, there is a whole other forum on islands). Never been there, and thought maybe we might want to to a European territory, rather than, say, the US Virgin Islands. Wondering if any of you have visited Europe AND a corresponding island territory. Did the island capture some of the culture? And if so how? (food, customs, laws, etc.?) Or are the islands basically all interchangeable, being more a "tropical" culture (with different languages/accents). I also welcome any recommendations, too. Thanks.

Hi B,

>Or are the islands basically all interchangeable, ...<

No, they are not.

You will be much better off in the Carribean forum.

Hi Bitter.

You will find that SOME of the islands capture the culture of their European counterparts, but not all.

For instance, I live on a Dutch island and aside from some Dutch products being available here, it doesn't remind me even remotely of Holland. Same goes for the British islands, IMO.

You will get more of a Mediterranean feel, however, on the French islands such as St. Barth's and St. Martin.

Overall however, bear in mind that whether or not an island shares some of the culture of it's European counterpart, it IS still a Caribbean locale with mostly Caribbean natives and influences.

Any particular island you are looking at visiting?

Having been to Holland and France several times and being an annual visitor to St. Martin / Sint Maarten (half french and half dutch) and St. Barts (French), I'd have to say that I've observed a comparatively greater degree of French influence on the French territories than the equivalent on the Dutch. Street names, guilders and education taught in Dutch on teh Dutch lands, but little else that the casual tourist would notice. On the French side however, a greater number of French Nationals living, working (such as the constabulary) and visiting their islands, good French food (restaurants, bakeries and groceries) widespread, and French spoken everywhere. Martinique and Guadelopue are yet another great experience unto their own, especially the group of Islands off Guadeloupe called Les Saints where French prisoners, once banished to work on these islands, have resulted in one of the most strikingly attractive ethnic groups I've come across. I've seen little evidence of remnant British culture on Anguilla and St. Lucia (other than driving on the other side of the road), and the same goes for Antigua and St. Kitts which I think were both once British but which have some truly beautiful beaches.

All the Caribbean islands have evolved their own magical blend of foreign and local culture and you'll have a great time. Do post on the Caribbean board. Both Statia and Barbara1 will be of great help there.

I visted Martinique which belongs to France. Except for the language and nudity on the beach, I felt it was in no way like France. But this is neither good nor bad, Martinique was uniquely Martinique.

Every island is different and I agree with the others that you'll get better answers from the Caribbean board. Personally I liked St. Thomas, but a friend tells me St. John is even better, so next time I'm in the Carribbean I will check that out.

I've been to Guadeloupe which isn't officially a French territory, it is an overseas dept. There is a difference in those terms, for France at least, I don't know about other countries. French Polynesia is a territory, for example.

I liked Guadeloupe a lot, one reason because it isn't as popular with American tourists, but is very popular with French tourists. It is also more rural as it was more the agricultural island, whereas Martinique was more for trade and commerce. So, Guadeloupe was rather laid back in comparison, but is less sophisticated.

IN any case, yes, Guadeloupe does reflect some French influences, of course. I enjoyed it because I speak French and that was very helpful in getting by there -- I think I spoke French more there than I do sometimes in France. It is not at all like Europe, however, it is a Caribbean island, but there are many French products there, so that was noticeable (cars, groceries, etc.), as well as the language. Some items in restaurants would be influenced to some degree.

Nothing else was that European French, in particular, that I can think of, more Caribbean (customs, style, etc).

Thanks all. I was looking into St. Martin (the French and Netherland influence appealed to me, having been to the "mother" countries). Kind of trying to get a European fix, without traveling across so many time zones (and getting some sun). I also have and will research this on the Caribbean forum.

Bitter, I live 35 miles from St. Maarten/St. Martin and visit frequently, so I'd be happy to give you any info I can on the Caribbean forum.