Submitted by Catherine Carr on the 2020 winter session study abroad program in Martinique sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures…
We finished off our first week in Martinique with a hike in the Caravelle Peninsula. We started the hike by learning about the old sugar plantation which used to be there, and how some owners of plantations were gifted the land for their service during war. The hike took us through the nature reserve. We hiked up to the top of the hill where the lighthouse which is the tallest lighthouse of France sits, and learned more about the surrounding peninsula. On a clear day, our tour guides said that you can see Mt. Pelée and even the island of Dominica. We hiked to a different section of the island which houses the mangroves that are a type of trees which grow in very shallow water and can protect the coastlines from erosion. These mangroves also give shelter for fish to hide from predators. Our group then hiked around the mangroves to enjoy some time on the beach before taking our hike back up to the old sugar plantation. We’ve spent the week getting adjusted to life in Martinique with our host families and getting settled in classes. We are all looking forward to the rest of our program and discovering more things about Martinique.