By the most fun coincidence, my very best American friend, author and Dutch expat, Jessica Lipowski, ended her first book tour in the US, and launched into a relaxing Caribbean cruise at the exact same time we were on our honeymoon. By sheer luck Jessica happened to be stopping in St Kitts for the day during the same week that we were in the country.

Fate had opened its doors so wide, there was no way I couldn’t take advantage. Jessica’s cruise docked early in the morning at St Kitts port in the capital, Basseterre. I rousted up Kees at 5am and pushed him into a 6am, 45-minute local ferryboat to meet with her.

There’s nothing more lasting and rewarding than the building of memories between friends when they’re on the road. I spotted Jess running down the planks and we crashed into each others’ arms and spun around in a display of love in front of all the debarking passengers.

We had very little time to explore but it was precious time. We searched the touristy streets to hire a taxi van to take us around to see the highlights. Before long we were packed into the back of a minivan, while memories of my prior taxis came rushing back. Kees and the driver kept us entertained with their lively, best of Bob Marley duets. During previous travel adventures like my 5-Countries in One Day Birthday Road Trip and my Bachelorette Party visiting all 12 Dutch Provinces, Jess had always been the self-appointed master of planning. I told Kees, “Relax. Enjoy this. Let’s see where we end up.” 

First we entered deep into the rainforest and explored the crumbing, solid block ruins of Wingfield Estate.

We then stood at an elevated point and marvelled at where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean and where Robert Redford lives atop the peak.

Rolled on a fertility rock, cooled off with mocha frappuccinos at the Marriott and dangled our toes in the surf before she had to return to her cruise by 3pm.

It was a delightful visit to Nevis’ sister island, St Kitts, made more memorable when sharing it with my friend. Back at our resort, the Four Seasons on Nevis we were hostages in their luxurious hands, I doubt that we would’ve ventured out had it not been for Jess’ guest appearance. Lucky me.

Savannah