Martinique! Don't be fooled by its size, this island has it all. My guest today hails from the island, and is an avid traveller having seen 51 countries! She teaches french and is a keen photographer. She will speak us through the history of the island, including the historic slavery it experienced and how it affects the island today. Welcome, Lesley. Episode highlights: [01:36] - born and raised in paris france, family originally from martinique inc. her parents[02:15] - Her great grandfather was a farmer / slave working in sugar plantation originally from Africa[04:42] - we were both caught in colombia at the same time during the start of pandemic[05:53] - @guide.martinique and @valorisation.martinique social media pages instagram promoting travel to Martinique, top emerging destination on Tripadvisor.[06:55] - Most direct flights are from France.[07:45] - black and white sand, waterfall, rainforest, surfing, everything you want.[08:15] - surfing community in martinique, north of island is amazing. Great for Professional surfers & beginners.[09:02] - most locals don't surf, mainly tourists[09:15] - population 385k[13:00] - average wage €1,300.00 gross (before tax), €500-600 PCM 1 bed flat.[14:10] - Lots of goods are imported[14:30] - Lesley interviewed the owner of Open air museum on slavery.[18:25] - french tv show there at the same time.[18:58] - visible effects of slavery today, gives example of Napoleon Bonaparte. Signs of colonisation still there[21:50] - safe to visit despite the sad and dark history[22:55] - french, english, creole spoken and some others[23:37] - Lesley offers french lessons online, for those who want to learn french.[24:44] - expat in martinique? job opportunities. Any european can come live here! Martinique part of France / EU[25:50] - caribbean islands are not always cheap to live, but cheaper than bahamas etc.[26:25] - foreigners and tourists very welcomed. Martinique people very friendly[27:10] - rainforest, hikes, beach, great diversity on island. Not extremely expensive. Great Rum![28:40] - Martinique also famous for its Rum.[29:30] - typical foods of Martinique, mix of african, french, south asian etc...[32:20] - special spice called colombo, where to buy?[35:02] - Saint-Pierre, Mount Pelee, heartbreaking place, old capital, 30k died from volcano. The paris of the west indies. A jailer in solitary confinement only survivor![40:30] - Want to relocate to Martinique? No visa needed from EU. Health system good. National Health Service available to all.[42:10] - famous music artists do exist from Martinique. E.G. Kassav', Zouk genre etc.[43:45] - Ethnic mix of island. Majority african heritage. Mix of french, carib indian, lebanese etc.[44:20] - top places Lesley recommends for a visit. Diamond Rock, Diamond Beach for sunset. Black sand beach in the North. Mentions other great places. Transparent waters all over.[47:20] - Dive in south and in the North, both clear but completely different colour.[48:00] - Lesley's Travel page down below, she is an avid photographer, uses Canon mk4Great conversation today, I don't know about you, but after this chat with Lesley, I can't wait to visit! For French Lessons with Lesley: @les.speak Lesley's Travel Page: @lesscape Open air museum 'La Savanne des esclaves' : @la_savane_des_esclaves Excellent Martinique Travel pages:  @guide.martinique @valorisation.martinique