"A Lovely Island in the Atlantic Ocean" Saint Helena by NCCruiseGurl

The island of St. Helena isn't just a short hop from anywhere. From what I hear, the mail boat comes every 30 days, so you really must plan to go there. I was fortunate to visit this lovely island on a cruise in the fall of 2008.

We left Walvis Bay, Namibia and 2 1/2 days later we were in St. Helena. After a whirlwind 5 hours on the island we had to leave. I would love to return for a few days, but you just can't visit for that short time. While there, we did hear about a possible landing field/airport to be built.

The claim to fame of St. Helena is that this is the place where Napoleon was inprisioned before his death. We visited the reproduction of his home (The original structure was eaten by termites.) You may want to read the book, The Emperor's Last Island: A Journey to St. Helena by Julia Blackburn. The book gives you a good history of Napoleon's stay on the island.

We lucked up and were invited to take a tour with Colin in his convertible. Thirteen of us enjoyed bouncing around the island seeing the wonderful sights: Longwood-Napoleon's home, Jacob's Ladder-699 steps and 900 ft in length from downtown Jamestown, Plantation House (The Governor's Residence)- home of 5 large tortoises, and the island pool-there are no beaches on the island.

more later.......