A Time in France

Our last full day was spent, after a quiet overnight sailing, in the town of St. Pierre. The islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon are just twenty kilometres off the coast of Newfoundland, and are part of France.
(It turns out that this has an importance in recent, as well as more distant, history. France's vast North American holdings were gradually whittled away by their conflicts with the Brits, and this is all that remains. And in the thirties, during American prohibition, these islands were the only place in North America where it was legal to to sell and trade alcohol. So it became the place where Canadian liquor was taken to be shipped illegally to the U.S.)
A pretty little town of six thousand, perched on rock. Quaint in many ways, narrow streets and painted houses. High unemployment now that the fisheries have almost disappeared. But still doing okay thanks to the central French government. Sixty percent of the jobs here are government jobs. Income tax is pegged at ten percent. Social services are good, as they are in France itself. Education is free, up to and including university or college, although students need to go to France for post-secondary education. And the state will even cover some of the cost of transportation for the students.
We had a lovely time there. My only regret is that I missed the store which was selling red berets. Paul Dean, the geologist, got one and it looked wonderful.
Back on the ship for an early departure, since we had a long way to go. That evening, after supper, was the talent night (this place really was a lot like a summer camp!), and Darlene was performing a song with another women, Martha.




The night went well, and we were all tired when we went to bed in a rocky ship on a windy ocean. Tomorrow as back to St. John's.
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Location:St. Pierre et Miquelon