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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