Mr L's latest vacation...

Ok, ok. So I'm actually a bit further away than you might have thought, but I reckon I've still travelled fewer miles than quite a few UK twitchers this week! Yes, travelling again, I may be addicted. This is actually my last trip of 2013, and it has admittedly been a rather good year. I'm currently soaking it up (rum, mainly) on the island of Saint Lucia in the Caribbean, a welcome break from my normal life of fun and frolics at Canary Wharf. Whilst this trip is firmly R&R, relaxation and chilling out, I would be lying if I said there were no birds. Didn't bring a camera though....

Actually I lied. Of course I did, I cannot conceive of ever going anywhere without a camera. So far it has got me into trouble with the marketing manager of the hotel, worried that I was a paparazzi after her guests. Nice thinking, but firstly I was one of her guests, and secondly I would be completely unable to recognise a celebrity even if one were lying next to me on the next sun-lounger along. Subsequently it got me into trouble with security guard, at which point I called an extremely effusive and apologetic marketing manager.....

Hassles aside, the hotel is sensational. We have a roof terrace with a plunge pool and a fan, and a tree at eye level which is full of Bananaquits, various Hummingbirds, Carib Grackles and Lesser Antillean Beer-driking Bullfinches. It has also hosted a Scaly-breasted Thrasher, a Grey Kingbird, and a Grey Trembler. Broad-winged Hawks soar overhead, and out in the bay Frigatebirds wheel about. It is warm and muggy, with occasional rain showers clearing the air, and I am very happy. Lots of fresh fish is being eaten, and a great many rum-based cocktails are being drunk - it's important to support the local economy....