When I go on vacation to a new destination, I like to think of myself as a traveler, rather than a tourist. Although I do enjoy sighteeing, I also love exploring the culture and daily life of the people who live in the country I am visiting. Shortly after my now husband and I decided to get married, we took an “engagementmoon” to St. Lucia to celebrate. We stayed at a wonderful all-inclusive resort and had a marvelous, relaxing time. However, I do wish we had ventured outside of the resort a bit more. The locals who worked at the resort were so warm and friendly, I would have appreciated learning more about their culture and island life. In the photo essay inspired by these vacation pictures, my character, Violet Goodwine, discovers the unique qualities of life on St. Lucia at Hotel Chocolat, and the Gros Islet Street Party.

On Friday morning, Violet Goodwine, strolled by the lagoon shaped pool on her way to the main lobby of the resort. A group of hotel guests stood in the low end following the instructions of the water aerobics teacher. About half of the lounge chairs circling the pool were already occupied. It was another sunny day in St. Lucia.

Violet had spent the first couple of days of her vacation relaxing by the pool, drinking colorful cocktails and walking on the beach. The resort was a beautiful, luxurious retreat, but after two days, Violet was ready to venture out and explore more of the island.

Strolling into the lobby, she pulled a stack of postcards from her hand-woven straw bag. She gave the postcards to the concierge, and asked him about day trips around the island. While they were talking, someone tapped Violet on the shoulder.

“Excuse me,” a vaguely familiar woman said in an Australian accent. “I couldn’t help overhearing. You’re looking for an excursion today, isn’t that right?”

“Right,” said Violet, smiling uncertainly at the petite, auburn haired woman who was dressed in cargo shorts, a bright blue polo shirt and sneakers.

The woman returned her smile and said warmly, “I’m Kaleigh. This is my third trip to St. Lucia. I love this island. It’s known as island of iguanas, you know.”

Violet laughed, thinking of the iguana she had spotted down by the tiki bar. “I’m Violet, she said holding out her hand for Kaleigh to shake. “I’ve seen you around the resort. You’re a solo traveler like me, aren’t you?”

“You’re right about that. Don’t you just love traveling on your own?” Kaleigh asked with a twinkle in her green eyes. “I certainly do, but sometimes it’s nice when you find someone to join in on your adventures. Do you like chocolate? I’m heading out to tour a cacao farm now. Care to come along?”

“The Hotel Chocolat? I’ve read about that place.” Violet was intrigued.

Kaleigh nodded and gestured to the door. “Come on, I have a taxi waiting. Let’s go sample a bit of St. Lucia life.”

Violet glanced over her shoulder at the concierge, who was now chatting with one of the desk clerks. Swept up in Kaleigh’s infectious enthusiasm, she said, “Why not? Let’s go”

The new friends took a taxi through the capital city of Castries and down the coast to the 140-acre estate. Along the way, their jovial driver pointed out the sights and told them a little bit about the Carib culture and history.

At Hotel Chocolat, they joined a small group of other visitors to tour the farm, learning all about their sustainable practices of growing cacao beans and making chocolate. The grounds were lush and green and the chocolate samples were rich and creamy. Violet and Kaleigh were excited to end the tour by making their own chocolate bar and then sitting down for an authentic St. Lucian lunch.

Sitting by the window with a view of the rain forest, they each ordered cacao beer-battered fish and chips. While they ate fresh and crispy fish, they chatted easily, talking about their chocolate experience and sharing travel stories.

“That was such a great tour,” Kaleigh said. “Who knew that chocolate grows on trees? And I loved making my own chocolate bar! I can’t wait to try it.”

“Me too.” Violet laughed. She took a couple of bites of fish and then said, “This place reminds me of a tour I took in Costa Rica to a rain forest ranch, where they were just starting out their cacao business. Thank you so much for inviting me along today. I feel like I’ve gotten a glimpse of the real St. Lucia.”

Kaleigh took a sip of wine. “No worries. I’m glad you came with me.” She wiped her mouth with her cloth napkin and went on, “If you want to see the real St. Lucia, we should go to the Gros Islet street party this evening. I went to it last year and it was awesome. They block off the streets on Friday nights in a fishing village not too far from our resort, and there’s food and drinks and music. What do you think?”

“That sounds terrific,” Violet said. “Tomorrow, there’s a cricket tournament at the national stadium. Would you want to check that out? Cricket is really popular here, apparently, and I’ve never seen a cricket game. It might be fun.”

“Sounds good to me,” Kayleigh said. She raised her glass in a toast and the two travlers clinked glasses, looking forward to experiencing true island life.