From Bequia, I took the cargo and passenger ferry to Canouan, in the heart of the Grenadine islands.
The port of entry and only settlement on the island is Charlestown, a quiet place with a pier, fishing boats on a beach, a small bank, a handful of restaurants serving rotis and jerk chicken, fruit vendors around a purpose-made market building, a government school, two guesthouses and homes rising up hills above the harbour.
On the evening that I got there, there was music and a barbeque going on at the village basketball court, as a fundraiser for a child with heart problems. Much of Charlestown seemed to be there, and I joined them, having rice and chicken under a tarpaulin and watching a lively game of dominos, where young players would bang their hand onto the table each time they threw down their tile. I've never seen such enthusiasm and passion for this game, which is widely played throughout the Caribbean.
Although not much goes on in Charlestown, it's good as a base to stay on Canouan for a couple of days.
Fishing off the pier was a popular activity. Below, there are large schools of 10 cm long transparent fish, which guys would catch as bait.
A boat named Goncalo, reflecing the Portuguese influence in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
From the top of Charlestown hill, the reef and lagoon on the windward side of the island could be seen.
I loved this very positive sign. It seemed the People's Bargainstore could do anything.
The fruit market building.
