Where are we today? The Salvation Islands, Devil's Island -- French Guiana
What a fascinating place! Monkeys, huge rodents, peacocks, tropical flowers and jungle, and macabre history -- what more can you ask for. I wasn't expecting it to be as compelling a place to visit as it is. Although our itinerary says "Devil's Island" (Ile du Diable), we technically explored Île Royale as the Ile du Diable is off limits nowadays. Royale is one of the three Îles de Salut (Salvation Islands). They were called Salvation because early missionaries sought shelter there when there were plagues on the mainland of French Guiana (Guyane). The prisoners who were sent here when the Îles de Salut were part of a notorious prison colony didn't think this place had anything to do with salvation or health. French people sentenced to be sent here called Devil's Island the Dry Guillotine; in other words, a certain -- if bloodless -- death sentence. In the Islands' worst years, 75% to 90% of all prisoners perished. Journalist who brought attention to th...