I watched from our balcony as we docked early this morning. Adjacent to the pier was a magnificent beach with dazzling white sand and crystal clear turquoise water. Hundreds of beach chairs were set up and ready for tourists. Palm trees provided shade for many of the chairs, and vendors were eagerly awaiting thirsty and hungry beach goers, or tourists who had forgotten to bring a hat or sunscreen!
When we got off the ship we walked down the pier to the cruise terminal to meet our tour guide. The terminal was a charming area brimming with souvenir shops and local residents who greeted us with friendly smiles. We climbed aboard our tour bus which was a large off-road vehicle filled with bench seats. Luckily, there were stairs to climb in which made it much easier to get in than the last time we went off-roading.
Our guide told us that the island is part of the British overseas territories. However, they have their own local government. Grand Turk is a very small island which is one mile wide and seven miles long. All of the spectacular beaches are public and can be enjoyed throughout the year since the island receives only a minimal amount of rain. There are 4500 permanent residents, although the population swells with tourists since it is one of the top diving sites in the world. The guide told us that the island has the third largest barrier reef in the world, which attracts thousands of divers year round. The water turns from a light turquoise blue to deep navy not far from the shore. Evidently, the ocean floor drops from 35 feet to 1300 feet, making the port quite accessible to cruise ships. Goods and services are quite expensive here since nearly everything must be imported. Gasoline is $6.20/gallon.
As we began our tour of the island we passed many wild horses, goats, dogs, and donkeys along the sides of the road as well as in the fields. They are allowed to roam free throughout the island so drivers must be very careful. There is not much foliage on the island. Grand Turk has quite a barren and windswept appearance. There are a few scattered sea grapes, acacia, mahogany, buttonwood, and Caribbean pine trees as well as numerous mangroves but I didn't notice many colorful flowers like we have seen on many other islands. The highest point on the island is only about 150 feet in elevation so it is quite a flat island.
We spotted the NASA Friendship 2 space capsule, which splashed down just offshore in February, 1962. It sets proudly in a specially designed area just off the main road so people can enjoy this important piece of history. We passed an old house, built in 1830, which is believed to be haunted. The most recent owners of the house claimed that they saw the ghost of the original owner who had only one arm, moving through the house. The home is abandoned at the present time. If anyone wants to move to Grand Turk you can probably get this house for a good price! One of the best views on the island is from Her Majesty's Prison, last occupied in 1994. It is located along the beach just outside of town. Quite a lovely location.
Our first stop was at a wonderful arts and crafts street market. Unlike many places on our cruise, these goods were really made on this island. If we weren't so tight on space, I would have bought many more items. However, we only bought a couple of items, including a beautiful leather mask. The people here are extremely warm and friendly. It was really a pleasure to talk with them. Although they would love to sell their wares, they were very respectful and not at all pushy like some of the vendors we have seen at other ports. Very enjoyable stop.
We stopped to observe the oldest church on the island. Like everything else here it was a dignified structure, with few frills. It was interesting to note that this island has escaped the temptation to build high rise buildings on every inch of their shoreline. There were many hotels on the coastline but there was also plenty of open space so everyone can enjoy the magnificent ocean views. The hotels are one and two stories and quite unpretentious.
We made a brief stop to enjoy a lovely view of the gorgeous coastline with the stunning coral reefs and crystal clear turquoise water. This island is blessed with many beautiful sandy beaches that are great for swimming, as well as snorkeling or diving.
Our final stop was at the island's lighthouse. It was a charming building located on top of a small limestone hill, with an attached kerosene storage house attached to it. The lighthouse was actually constructed in the United Kingdom and shipped to the island and has been in use since the mid 1800's. It was placed at its location to warn sailors of the nearby shallow reefs. Although it was originally lit with reflectors and kerosene lamps it was updated in the 1970's and now has electric lights. We had a nice time walking around the grounds, browsing through the ever present gift shop, and checking out the zip line they are constructing on the grounds. Should be a spectacular ride when it is completed since it will overlook the beautiful coastline and coral reefs.
It was time for us to return to the ship and get ready for the crew show! Our butler is singing two songs in the show and I feel like a proud mommy to see him up there. On these long cruises we become very attached and fond of our crew, particularly the ones who cared for us. So excited to have an opportunity to see them in the spotlight. We also have a special reunion dinner tonight with the 2014 world cruise passengers who have also been on this cruise. We have made some wonderful, lifelong friends and we will miss seeing them on a regular basis. Guess we'll have to take another Silversea cruise in the future. Now, it's time to get ready for our last port of call, Nassau, Bahamas. Also, I MUST start packing since we go home on Tuesday. Sooo excited to see my family again. That's the toughest part of traveling for such a long time - missing my kids, grandkids, and mom.
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