July 14th
Jon: “I think I broke my liver.”
Body: “Uh, you have a liver? “
Woke up early and ate the rest of the refrigerator. After two weeks, the omelet I made with “everything Left” was great! Let’s see if I have this right:
A six-egg, spaghetti sauce reduction, 4 cheese topped, rum drenched omelet with a side of Baby back ribs, Macaroni and cheese, with wilted Lebanese salad, and orange juice flambé. Served on a bed of day-old Chocolate Croissants and a Blue cheese side.
It’s really not as bad as it sounds. You should try it? Want the recipe?
Went down to the airport and checked luggage, and Returned Chairs and Cooler and a fan to Unity, who was going to hold it for Craig at Pack-LITE. He and I agreed that he’d be there at 1 PM, or I could leave them. Ehiel at Unity I asked my question directly about if I should pre-vacuum the car before returning it, and they assumed me, astonished, that noone spends a vacation vacuuming a car.
Since I didn’t have to be out of the room, we left our carry-ons there, and went to the beach. On Pelican beach, and finally met Kesemy, the beach guy Dan M recommended. Dan has known him for 20 years. When I introduced myself, and mentioned I knew Dan over the internet (I used two weeks of his on this trip), Kesemy instantly knew exactly who I was referring, mentioned his name, wife, and asked about their son. WOW great memory with one sentence. I updated Kesemy on the son’s college plans, as Dan suggested, and we had a great conversation. I only wished I had spent more time on property to get to know him better.
Hey Mistuh Papuh-man, it’s time to go home. Time to go home, time to go home.
(If you have never read don’t Stop the Carnival by Hermann woulk, while you are on vacation , you are missing out. Them go buy Buffett’s version of the paly the co-produced. It rocks!
We stopped on the balcony to say “Goodbye Paradise” (a family tradition) and talk of things we liked best. It always makes me cry. Coz, I’m a wuss.
We dressed, checked out in less than five minutes, after dropping the towel attendant a ten, and wished everyone onsite goodbye. The towel ladies were friendly, yet firm, and commented that my kids had the best manners they had seen in a long time. (Doesn’t hurt that I pre-warned them that if they weren’t nice and polite, the towel ladies would jump through the windows and chased you!).
I’d definitely never arrive or leave the Pelican on Saturday or Sunday. This was just too easy on Friday. Who knows, next time we’ll arrive Wednesday?
Ran into several people we “knew” in the airport, having met them on the island over the past 16 days. WOW small world. Kay and Bob are teachers, and we have run into them unplanned three times this trip.
Boarded, flew home with a stop through Miami, that took less than 30 minutes, including immigration, customs, rechecking our luggage AND going through security all over again. Still had 1 hour plus to eat at Chili’s express, and finish off the last four of our Carib, my wife stashed in her carry-on.
I declared everything, brought back 21 bottles of MADOUDOU, and paid Tariffs on nothing. I simply listed “Local French Rum” and $400 in the amount column, and was not even asked. My wife got a bag searched, as she did not realize we had dropped a lighter in there from BBB the night of the TTOL Party. We’re smokers so I didn’t even realize we had done it that night, (while smoking an infrequent cigar). They asked her for it, and she gave it up without incident.
Got home and our driver had 3 bottles of water cold for us. Mentioning he knew we’d need it..
Collapse..
Oddly enough, I don’t need a vacation form this vacation.
Cheers everyone, thanks for reading.
-Jon
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END OF DAY _____________________________________________________________________________________
Jon and Minda Joslin
and their "Perfectly Parented" children,
Remy and Ryan, relaxing at the beach in St Martin
Saturday, July 15, 2006
July 13th
July 13th
Hangover cure? Don’t sober up.
Woke up and visited my new home, Le Sucherie. Wow it’s so boring here. Get up early, eat magnificent French pastries, etc.etc.etc. Our mission today was a hike up Pic Paradis. For purposes of security, I’m not going to comment on how, why or whether this is a good idea. I’ll focus this story only on what we did on Loterie Farms property.
Loterie Farm
I’ll say that we drove to Loterie Farms, parked right next to stairs that lead to the restaurant, and hiked their property and beyond.
Jon and Minda at Loterie Farm
I’d recommend anyone who wants to see the rain forest go and do the “Hidden Forest” hike on their property. There were no security concerns there at all. Hike was $5.00 each, kids free, and on a scale of 1-10, I’d rate it a 4 if you are a hiker, 6 if you are old and fat (I’m not commenting on which I am).
45 minutes of strenuous hiking, and 800’ elevation gain to the high point, and my 6 and 8 year old did it with two rest breaks. Go early, Rest overy 200 steps, take lots of water. We were done by 10:30, having started early, before the cruise ship “Zip line” people got there.
The zip lines looked moderately interesting, but 10-30 feet above ground, and after climbing as a sponsored professional for years in Boulder, jumping out of planes all over the world, I wasn’t interested. (PS, I don’t recommend D.B Cooper imitations on commercial aircraft.. they HATE IT!
Loterie property was incredible, and just about snuck in as the high point of the trip. The hike described above starts in a 300 year old Mango Patch, where the stench of rotting mangos overwhelms to senses.
Huge 300 Year old Mango Tree
Walking through the first 200-300 yards, was like skating on ice, as their were literally hundreds of mangos dropped.
Mango Fields
We had mango trees in Key West earlier in life, but nothing like this. Imagine 1000+ mangos lining the path! I made a complete idiot of myself when I took off my clothes, wallowed about screaming “YOU CAN BURY ME HERE!”. Anyway…
View form Loterie Farm
The hike was excellent, and the top of the Loterie farm piece takes you to 800’, with clear views across the valley, and back down below.
Minda at Chewbacca Rock
The “map” they have to show you where to go looks tough, but it was easy.
Subtle Signs Can actually lead you to where others have been before.. You have to look closely.
We finished and came off the mountain at 10:30, making this one of the earliest days we had so far.
We stopped by the Butterfly Famr to say goodbye.
Butterfly Farm
We also decided to make it our last trip to Orient Beach.
Club "O" Sign
It was a bit windy when we arrived, but turned to a breeze after a while. Mom and the kids set up around KON Tiki, and I “took a walk” to Club O. It was nice, and definitely something I could do again, as I proved on my third time there. Met the reggae singer Dread “I” before I left, and my son would not give up the CD player he was carrying, as he loved the music. When I told him he was standing with the Artist, he loved it and asked for a picture. I paid $15 for his CD, and didn’t try to negotiate. It’s great!.
Ryan and Reggae Superstar "DREAD I"
Left orient beach with the intention of getting an early dinner, but decided to stop by SSBB and switch the $25 t-shirt I bought earlier, as it was dye stained on one shoulder. (YES $25.00!). It’s totally the principal, and they exchanged it no problem.
Run.. Run like the Wind!
SSBB is like Crack, in that this was our fifth evening there. We had a great time, and a full day, and it was still only 4:45 PM by the time we got there. The only traffic we saw was at the RUM JUMBIE sign (which needs a traffic circle, by the way).
Evidence at Bamboo Bernie's
After 15 minutes or so, We watched our first plane of the week take off TOWARD the ocean, instead of the mountains. My son asked why, and a guy standing nearby gave an explanation of weights, and ground speed, etc. that made me think instantly he was a pilot.
Rainbow in Paradise
He was indeed, for Delta, and we ended up spending the next couple of hours with them at Bamboo Bernies, playing Beat the Clock (affectionately known as KILL THY LIVER, in 30 MINUTE INCREMENTS). We felt like we had know them our whole lives, I am pretty close to a million-miler on Delta, and he has flown for them for 24 years. Their daughter was 14, son 17, and they had a great time with our kids. Great times, and I know we’ll see them again, as they are from Atlanta.
Make it a Double
As if this wasn’t enough, we stopped for our intended dinner, 4 hours later than expected, at Lee’s Roadside Grill. BIG BIG Thumbs up. I had a Mahi-Mahi and Shrimp Scampi special. The fish was “catch” and I believe it. It was simply put, the best fish I ever had. So good, that my wife, daughter and son all ate that dish too. Excellent stuff. It literally was grilled like a steak, and well worth the $20 price tag.
My son joined the singer on the stage. Yes, my 6 year old is a showboat, pumping up the crowd with a rendition of Twinkle Twinkle. When he was finished, he told the singer thank you and if he knew any “Harder” songs, he’d come back and sing again. That was priceless!
Ryan Sings at Lee's Roadside Grill
A late evening, and the packing begins.
Ryan Doing Shots of Tequila
_____________________________________________________________________________________
END OF DAY _____________________________________________________________________________________
Hangover cure? Don’t sober up.
Woke up and visited my new home, Le Sucherie. Wow it’s so boring here. Get up early, eat magnificent French pastries, etc.etc.etc. Our mission today was a hike up Pic Paradis. For purposes of security, I’m not going to comment on how, why or whether this is a good idea. I’ll focus this story only on what we did on Loterie Farms property.
Loterie Farm
I’ll say that we drove to Loterie Farms, parked right next to stairs that lead to the restaurant, and hiked their property and beyond.
Jon and Minda at Loterie Farm
I’d recommend anyone who wants to see the rain forest go and do the “Hidden Forest” hike on their property. There were no security concerns there at all. Hike was $5.00 each, kids free, and on a scale of 1-10, I’d rate it a 4 if you are a hiker, 6 if you are old and fat (I’m not commenting on which I am).
45 minutes of strenuous hiking, and 800’ elevation gain to the high point, and my 6 and 8 year old did it with two rest breaks. Go early, Rest overy 200 steps, take lots of water. We were done by 10:30, having started early, before the cruise ship “Zip line” people got there.
The zip lines looked moderately interesting, but 10-30 feet above ground, and after climbing as a sponsored professional for years in Boulder, jumping out of planes all over the world, I wasn’t interested. (PS, I don’t recommend D.B Cooper imitations on commercial aircraft.. they HATE IT!
Loterie property was incredible, and just about snuck in as the high point of the trip. The hike described above starts in a 300 year old Mango Patch, where the stench of rotting mangos overwhelms to senses.
Huge 300 Year old Mango Tree
Walking through the first 200-300 yards, was like skating on ice, as their were literally hundreds of mangos dropped.
Mango Fields
We had mango trees in Key West earlier in life, but nothing like this. Imagine 1000+ mangos lining the path! I made a complete idiot of myself when I took off my clothes, wallowed about screaming “YOU CAN BURY ME HERE!”. Anyway…
View form Loterie Farm
The hike was excellent, and the top of the Loterie farm piece takes you to 800’, with clear views across the valley, and back down below.
Minda at Chewbacca Rock
The “map” they have to show you where to go looks tough, but it was easy.
Subtle Signs Can actually lead you to where others have been before.. You have to look closely.
We finished and came off the mountain at 10:30, making this one of the earliest days we had so far.
We stopped by the Butterfly Famr to say goodbye.
Butterfly Farm
We also decided to make it our last trip to Orient Beach.
Club "O" Sign
It was a bit windy when we arrived, but turned to a breeze after a while. Mom and the kids set up around KON Tiki, and I “took a walk” to Club O. It was nice, and definitely something I could do again, as I proved on my third time there. Met the reggae singer Dread “I” before I left, and my son would not give up the CD player he was carrying, as he loved the music. When I told him he was standing with the Artist, he loved it and asked for a picture. I paid $15 for his CD, and didn’t try to negotiate. It’s great!.
Ryan and Reggae Superstar "DREAD I"
Left orient beach with the intention of getting an early dinner, but decided to stop by SSBB and switch the $25 t-shirt I bought earlier, as it was dye stained on one shoulder. (YES $25.00!). It’s totally the principal, and they exchanged it no problem.
Run.. Run like the Wind!
SSBB is like Crack, in that this was our fifth evening there. We had a great time, and a full day, and it was still only 4:45 PM by the time we got there. The only traffic we saw was at the RUM JUMBIE sign (which needs a traffic circle, by the way).
Evidence at Bamboo Bernie's
After 15 minutes or so, We watched our first plane of the week take off TOWARD the ocean, instead of the mountains. My son asked why, and a guy standing nearby gave an explanation of weights, and ground speed, etc. that made me think instantly he was a pilot.
Rainbow in Paradise
He was indeed, for Delta, and we ended up spending the next couple of hours with them at Bamboo Bernies, playing Beat the Clock (affectionately known as KILL THY LIVER, in 30 MINUTE INCREMENTS). We felt like we had know them our whole lives, I am pretty close to a million-miler on Delta, and he has flown for them for 24 years. Their daughter was 14, son 17, and they had a great time with our kids. Great times, and I know we’ll see them again, as they are from Atlanta.
Make it a Double
As if this wasn’t enough, we stopped for our intended dinner, 4 hours later than expected, at Lee’s Roadside Grill. BIG BIG Thumbs up. I had a Mahi-Mahi and Shrimp Scampi special. The fish was “catch” and I believe it. It was simply put, the best fish I ever had. So good, that my wife, daughter and son all ate that dish too. Excellent stuff. It literally was grilled like a steak, and well worth the $20 price tag.
My son joined the singer on the stage. Yes, my 6 year old is a showboat, pumping up the crowd with a rendition of Twinkle Twinkle. When he was finished, he told the singer thank you and if he knew any “Harder” songs, he’d come back and sing again. That was priceless!
Ryan Sings at Lee's Roadside Grill
A late evening, and the packing begins.
Ryan Doing Shots of Tequila
_____________________________________________________________________________________
END OF DAY _____________________________________________________________________________________
July 12th
July 12th, 2006
Liver - Two gentlemen will be over shortly to remove it.
Woke up and for the third day in a row, hit Le Sucherie for pastries (get the idea they ROCK?). Somehow, after visiting them nearly every day, I have failed to visit the Fitness spa upstairs. See belly, large. Then it was off for Pinel island, off the French Cul-De-Sac side of the island.
Pinel Island
Note to anyone who cares. The boats run over to Pinel every ½ hour, and return on the hour. Each boat holds 12 people, or 40 if you are on St Martin, and there is no Coast Guard.
Pinel Island 3
Hopefully, the water depth keeps fatalities to a minimum, because we were frightfully overloaded. Now, anyone good at math problems should be able to figure out that if the boats go over fully loaded at ten AM, and every ½ hour, and BACK to St Martin at 1,2,3 and 4 PM, there’s a math issue here.
Found the greatest Babysitter for the kids on Pinel
Babysitter for Ryan
Babysitter for Remy
We noticed at 2 PM it was time to get on the boat. With two more boats there were about 100+ people left on Pinel Island.
Anyway, Pinel was supposed to be good snorkeling, but LEFT of the boat pier, all the way around to the restaurants, it was DEVOID of marine life. Lots of SEA grass, but no real fish to see. The big draw here is the fact that the beach starts about 2” deep, and stays less than knee deep for 100-200 yards offshore in some places. That was cool. Not sure fi the really good snorkeling is RIGHT of the boat pier, but saw a tacky tourist type boat go there with a whole group.
Mom and Dad, Relaxing
Rented 2 chairs and an umbrella. They were nice, even though we moved them to get away form some of the people nearby. They start you like 1 foot apart, and the topless girl next to me was to big a distraction. (I kept spilling my beer). Once we dragged the chairs down 50’ and reset the umbrella, We had that end of the beach to ourselves.
More Feet in Paradise
About 2 PM, having had almost 5 hours of Pinel, we decided to leave and see a couple of east-side beaches before we went home. We headed the warning that the 4 PM boat was the last (The driver indicated that “if you miss the 4 PM boat, don’t worry, I’ll bring the coffee the next morning at 10 AM!”).
Left Pinel Island and went down to Dawn’s Beach, after parking at, and hitting the marina grocery store across from Mr. Busby’s, and asking permission to leave our car there. We walked through Mr. Busby’s, and talked briefly to the Owner(?) who was informative, said the Westin should provide 800 jobs, most from local, and provide much more security, and safety in that people will not be hanging around not working.
Westin construction 2
I hope for the island’s sake he’s right. But having 1000 guests within walking distance won’t hurt his business. He was funny too, as when we were talking, a hawker came by and asked if I wanted Remy’s hair braided. He jumped in front of us, and started ranting to her, that HE was BALD, and had not hair to braid, and started “crying” that she was picking on him. It was pretty funny, as he didn’t let up yelling louder and louder until she was about 50 feet away. I asked him if he wanted to join us for the rest of the day.
I liked Dawn’s beach, and added it as a must do for more time next time. The Westin is coming along, seems to be 2 floors framed. Mr’s B’s is there, but we had eaten earlier, and passed, but did buy a beer, and tell her to keep up the good fight against “the man” (Hi Dale, your expression used here!). the corporate people have been trying to chase her off the beach.
Had a good visit to dawn’s, and the kids enjoyed the surf, which was second only to Guyana beach in size. We left and Minda got the idea that she wanted to go back to Philipsburg, and shop for more jewelry. Since she works hard at home, taking care of the house, kids dog, etc. and is the Thriftiest person I have ever met, I pulled off my dry bag wallet, handed her all my cash, and my platinum card and said, spend whatever you want.. Understand, Minda is not normal. I hesitate to say this, because it’ll sound bad, but dang it, if I gave anyone else say $600 in cash, and a Platinum card with a $100K limit, they’d do the right thing (You know, call me from Monaco 6 weeks later and ask for another card).
Minda spent the next hour or so in Philipsburg, alone, while I took the kids to the beach. I kept a $20 bill for beer and gave her the rest. In retrospect, I wasn’t really taking a chance, was I?
Went on to Guyana beach with the Kids. Met a really nice French lady and her three kids, who said I must live there, as I was out of the tourist path. She showed me where the kids could and couldn’t enter, and we talked for a while.
Remy at Guyana Beach
As I was leaving, I met Cleveland, the owner of the Bar that sometimes opens on Guyana Beach (Mr B’s Jazz Club?). he said he just sold his business, and he hated the Cruise ships, who charged passengers $80 for a daily excursion, then paid him $12.50 a head to provide a drink, lunch, and chairs for the day. Then he indicated he waits 6 weeks for his money from the cruise ships. Ouch.
He seemed happy to have sold, and I thanked him for his parking lot, as it got me much closer. Went back to Philipsburg, picked up Minda nad found out the damage. She’s worth every penny I might add.
She jumped in and indicated she had found a ring for 850 and another for 1700. I was flabbergasted, and amazed that she would actually do it.. Very proud as a matter of fact, and she was happy.
Sidebar: Anyone who knows Minda has already jumped to the punch line, which was she meant $8.50 and $17.00. Married 15 years, I sat in stone cold silence for 10 minutes before realizing there was no way in the world she could have spend $2500.00, even with permission.. PS, she loves her sterling silver rings…
Haha.
Got back and had pasta, and shrimp, at the Pelican, and swam while Minda took a turn cooking.
Simpson Bay
Goodnight, and sleeeppp.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
END OF DAY _____________________________________________________________________________________
Liver - Two gentlemen will be over shortly to remove it.
Woke up and for the third day in a row, hit Le Sucherie for pastries (get the idea they ROCK?). Somehow, after visiting them nearly every day, I have failed to visit the Fitness spa upstairs. See belly, large. Then it was off for Pinel island, off the French Cul-De-Sac side of the island.
Pinel Island
Note to anyone who cares. The boats run over to Pinel every ½ hour, and return on the hour. Each boat holds 12 people, or 40 if you are on St Martin, and there is no Coast Guard.
Pinel Island 3
Hopefully, the water depth keeps fatalities to a minimum, because we were frightfully overloaded. Now, anyone good at math problems should be able to figure out that if the boats go over fully loaded at ten AM, and every ½ hour, and BACK to St Martin at 1,2,3 and 4 PM, there’s a math issue here.
Found the greatest Babysitter for the kids on Pinel
Babysitter for Ryan
Babysitter for Remy
We noticed at 2 PM it was time to get on the boat. With two more boats there were about 100+ people left on Pinel Island.
Anyway, Pinel was supposed to be good snorkeling, but LEFT of the boat pier, all the way around to the restaurants, it was DEVOID of marine life. Lots of SEA grass, but no real fish to see. The big draw here is the fact that the beach starts about 2” deep, and stays less than knee deep for 100-200 yards offshore in some places. That was cool. Not sure fi the really good snorkeling is RIGHT of the boat pier, but saw a tacky tourist type boat go there with a whole group.
Mom and Dad, Relaxing
Rented 2 chairs and an umbrella. They were nice, even though we moved them to get away form some of the people nearby. They start you like 1 foot apart, and the topless girl next to me was to big a distraction. (I kept spilling my beer). Once we dragged the chairs down 50’ and reset the umbrella, We had that end of the beach to ourselves.
More Feet in Paradise
About 2 PM, having had almost 5 hours of Pinel, we decided to leave and see a couple of east-side beaches before we went home. We headed the warning that the 4 PM boat was the last (The driver indicated that “if you miss the 4 PM boat, don’t worry, I’ll bring the coffee the next morning at 10 AM!”).
Left Pinel Island and went down to Dawn’s Beach, after parking at, and hitting the marina grocery store across from Mr. Busby’s, and asking permission to leave our car there. We walked through Mr. Busby’s, and talked briefly to the Owner(?) who was informative, said the Westin should provide 800 jobs, most from local, and provide much more security, and safety in that people will not be hanging around not working.
Westin construction 2
I hope for the island’s sake he’s right. But having 1000 guests within walking distance won’t hurt his business. He was funny too, as when we were talking, a hawker came by and asked if I wanted Remy’s hair braided. He jumped in front of us, and started ranting to her, that HE was BALD, and had not hair to braid, and started “crying” that she was picking on him. It was pretty funny, as he didn’t let up yelling louder and louder until she was about 50 feet away. I asked him if he wanted to join us for the rest of the day.
I liked Dawn’s beach, and added it as a must do for more time next time. The Westin is coming along, seems to be 2 floors framed. Mr’s B’s is there, but we had eaten earlier, and passed, but did buy a beer, and tell her to keep up the good fight against “the man” (Hi Dale, your expression used here!). the corporate people have been trying to chase her off the beach.
Had a good visit to dawn’s, and the kids enjoyed the surf, which was second only to Guyana beach in size. We left and Minda got the idea that she wanted to go back to Philipsburg, and shop for more jewelry. Since she works hard at home, taking care of the house, kids dog, etc. and is the Thriftiest person I have ever met, I pulled off my dry bag wallet, handed her all my cash, and my platinum card and said, spend whatever you want.. Understand, Minda is not normal. I hesitate to say this, because it’ll sound bad, but dang it, if I gave anyone else say $600 in cash, and a Platinum card with a $100K limit, they’d do the right thing (You know, call me from Monaco 6 weeks later and ask for another card).
Minda spent the next hour or so in Philipsburg, alone, while I took the kids to the beach. I kept a $20 bill for beer and gave her the rest. In retrospect, I wasn’t really taking a chance, was I?
Went on to Guyana beach with the Kids. Met a really nice French lady and her three kids, who said I must live there, as I was out of the tourist path. She showed me where the kids could and couldn’t enter, and we talked for a while.
Remy at Guyana Beach
As I was leaving, I met Cleveland, the owner of the Bar that sometimes opens on Guyana Beach (Mr B’s Jazz Club?). he said he just sold his business, and he hated the Cruise ships, who charged passengers $80 for a daily excursion, then paid him $12.50 a head to provide a drink, lunch, and chairs for the day. Then he indicated he waits 6 weeks for his money from the cruise ships. Ouch.
He seemed happy to have sold, and I thanked him for his parking lot, as it got me much closer. Went back to Philipsburg, picked up Minda nad found out the damage. She’s worth every penny I might add.
She jumped in and indicated she had found a ring for 850 and another for 1700. I was flabbergasted, and amazed that she would actually do it.. Very proud as a matter of fact, and she was happy.
Sidebar: Anyone who knows Minda has already jumped to the punch line, which was she meant $8.50 and $17.00. Married 15 years, I sat in stone cold silence for 10 minutes before realizing there was no way in the world she could have spend $2500.00, even with permission.. PS, she loves her sterling silver rings…
Haha.
Got back and had pasta, and shrimp, at the Pelican, and swam while Minda took a turn cooking.
Simpson Bay
Goodnight, and sleeeppp.
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END OF DAY _____________________________________________________________________________________
July 11th
July 11th, 2006
Broken livers don’t taste as good with fava beans unless you marinate them in the chianti first.
Woke up early again today. For a vacation, I have been up before 7 AM every day.. Must be that I am up at 5:30 every day at home. Or maybe the copious amounts of Rum, Beer, etc. nahhhh.
Trolling While sailing
Went to Prickley Pear, and island off the western coast of Anguilla today. Chartered a trip on Lambata, with Aqua Mania Adventures.
Anchor Man
Everything went well, and Aqua Mania Adventures had previously taken us to Saba, on Edge II. They had convinced me to pay for the second Charter, plus the departure taxes, back on July 5th. Good idea.. EXCEPT… They could not find my ticket. I had my receipt, and they put me on the manifest (Good sign that I was actually going to get on the boat), but they kept saying they could not find my ticket.
Sounds like their problem, I kept whispering… Their problem. Finally they got bored of looking, and sent me to get on the boat. The sail was awesome, and much smoother across the open seas, the trip to Tintamarre of previous. I got my hands dirty hoisting sails, since I am a master sailor (meaning my dad was in the navy, and I have watched “Land of the Lost”). The reward was the first rum drink of the day, shared by a crewmate, who oddly enough, refused to drink, since it was 8 AM.
Hoisting the Mainsail
The sail was less than an hour, and we arrived at what had been promised as the best snorkeling around. I’d add the beach rocked too! We snorkeled and saw much more than on St Martin (on either side). After swimming several times with about 6 sting rays, I went in and had lunch. Prickley Pear Breach restaurant (they need a marketing department!). Lunch was baby-back ribs, Mahi, and chicken, all of which were notable, and recommended. This is the only restaurant on the island, and they actually had a drink cabana out on the beach, complete with MY blender. (For those who don’t know, me I own a $600 blender. For those who know me, this is a perfectly normal thing).
The World's Best Blender
At lunch, I met a couple of nice girls, and then their parents. We played a nice game of “Thank God Jon is married because he sucks at guessing ages!” The girls I assumed were late college age turned out to be 19… and 14….. I assured her dad I was just chatting, and my wife got a kick out of it. (I’ll be in the dog house, level three if anyone needs me, haha).
Lambata and Swaglia II in Prickley Pear
Later, I returned to the water for several more hours of snorkeling, both with and without the kids. They are fish, and had a lot of fun, and Ryan even dove time and time again to swim with the Sting Rays.
Seen this Fish?
I saw small barracuda, Tons of species of fish, and even a sea turtle. He was elusive..
Big Mouth Baracuda
The sail home took us back past Le Samana, on Bay Longue, the $1500 a night resort (funny to hear how the locals describe how much this place costs.
Heave, HO!
It got more and more expensive as the weeks went by…. We stopped off the cost there, and dove in the water a bunch, off the side of the 15’ deck.
Remy 15' Jump off the CAT
Ryan and Remy both loved it, and we were in about 14’ of water. The crew popped Champagne, and we floated around on noodles, and drank champagne. Looks like the 22 gallon container of rum punch was getting low, haha.
OOPS, Heaved... When we should have Ho'd
That's Better....
The Ladies have hoisted the Mailsail
Finished at Bay Longue, and sailed back to Kim Sha Beach, or more accurately, the Pelican Resort Marina.
My new Boat
A couple of notes for those who care.
1). The marina building will be done in November 2007. (Island time).
2). The Sample UNIT is not done, except for the outside, and will be within the month. We sat next to this about 4 times, and never noticed it. I’m not sure which views the sample unit blocks, but I didn’t see any. The marina building itself is another story, but I’m staying out of that argument.
3). The units will be 1/12 ownership for $74,000 each. (I am not sure if 1/12 is 30.4166 days, or 4 weeks?) Time-share owners may be able to explain this one.
4). I think I’m the proud owner of three of these. I may be retired.
Walked back to the room, and decided to hang at the pool and the room for a while, since I was blowing .11 and Minda .139 from the Rum.. WOW. No driving for us for a couple of hours. The kids had some more homemade Mac and Cheese, French style. 4 kinds of cheeses, and a box of Kraft. It was excellent, and I highly recommend Kraft plus $10.00 or so of assorted French cheeses..
Feet in Paradise
Later that evening (read when I was at .025), I went out and picked up some of the best Lebanese food we have even had (remembering of course I spent a year in a Lebanese prison camp). Aldywyn just before the bridge, across from Ric’s Place. We had heard this was good, but WOW. $17.00 later, I had double the food we could finish in one takeout meal. Had a grilled Chicken breast on a salad, Lebanese Beef Shaved from the rotis, and an order of Garlic Hummus, complete with grilled pita bread. All of it was cheap, excellent, and the Lebanese “hottie” (her word not mine) made the takeout the best!
Sidebar: more on the Lebanese “hottie.” She kept asking me to go to the club later, the entire time I was ordering she said she’d “meet me there later”, and handed me a card that was to a topless bar nearby. Something deep inside me told me that she wasn’t going to show, even though she showed a particular liking to me, being that I’m double her age.
When I got back, my wife mentioned I was not allowed out anymore.
Rest, sleep slumber…
_____________________________________________________________________________________
END OF DAY _____________________________________________________________________________________
Broken livers don’t taste as good with fava beans unless you marinate them in the chianti first.
Woke up early again today. For a vacation, I have been up before 7 AM every day.. Must be that I am up at 5:30 every day at home. Or maybe the copious amounts of Rum, Beer, etc. nahhhh.
Trolling While sailing
Went to Prickley Pear, and island off the western coast of Anguilla today. Chartered a trip on Lambata, with Aqua Mania Adventures.
Anchor Man
Everything went well, and Aqua Mania Adventures had previously taken us to Saba, on Edge II. They had convinced me to pay for the second Charter, plus the departure taxes, back on July 5th. Good idea.. EXCEPT… They could not find my ticket. I had my receipt, and they put me on the manifest (Good sign that I was actually going to get on the boat), but they kept saying they could not find my ticket.
Sounds like their problem, I kept whispering… Their problem. Finally they got bored of looking, and sent me to get on the boat. The sail was awesome, and much smoother across the open seas, the trip to Tintamarre of previous. I got my hands dirty hoisting sails, since I am a master sailor (meaning my dad was in the navy, and I have watched “Land of the Lost”). The reward was the first rum drink of the day, shared by a crewmate, who oddly enough, refused to drink, since it was 8 AM.
Hoisting the Mainsail
The sail was less than an hour, and we arrived at what had been promised as the best snorkeling around. I’d add the beach rocked too! We snorkeled and saw much more than on St Martin (on either side). After swimming several times with about 6 sting rays, I went in and had lunch. Prickley Pear Breach restaurant (they need a marketing department!). Lunch was baby-back ribs, Mahi, and chicken, all of which were notable, and recommended. This is the only restaurant on the island, and they actually had a drink cabana out on the beach, complete with MY blender. (For those who don’t know, me I own a $600 blender. For those who know me, this is a perfectly normal thing).
The World's Best Blender
At lunch, I met a couple of nice girls, and then their parents. We played a nice game of “Thank God Jon is married because he sucks at guessing ages!” The girls I assumed were late college age turned out to be 19… and 14….. I assured her dad I was just chatting, and my wife got a kick out of it. (I’ll be in the dog house, level three if anyone needs me, haha).
Lambata and Swaglia II in Prickley Pear
Later, I returned to the water for several more hours of snorkeling, both with and without the kids. They are fish, and had a lot of fun, and Ryan even dove time and time again to swim with the Sting Rays.
Seen this Fish?
I saw small barracuda, Tons of species of fish, and even a sea turtle. He was elusive..
Big Mouth Baracuda
The sail home took us back past Le Samana, on Bay Longue, the $1500 a night resort (funny to hear how the locals describe how much this place costs.
Heave, HO!
It got more and more expensive as the weeks went by…. We stopped off the cost there, and dove in the water a bunch, off the side of the 15’ deck.
Remy 15' Jump off the CAT
Ryan and Remy both loved it, and we were in about 14’ of water. The crew popped Champagne, and we floated around on noodles, and drank champagne. Looks like the 22 gallon container of rum punch was getting low, haha.
OOPS, Heaved... When we should have Ho'd
That's Better....
The Ladies have hoisted the Mailsail
Finished at Bay Longue, and sailed back to Kim Sha Beach, or more accurately, the Pelican Resort Marina.
My new Boat
A couple of notes for those who care.
1). The marina building will be done in November 2007. (Island time).
2). The Sample UNIT is not done, except for the outside, and will be within the month. We sat next to this about 4 times, and never noticed it. I’m not sure which views the sample unit blocks, but I didn’t see any. The marina building itself is another story, but I’m staying out of that argument.
3). The units will be 1/12 ownership for $74,000 each. (I am not sure if 1/12 is 30.4166 days, or 4 weeks?) Time-share owners may be able to explain this one.
4). I think I’m the proud owner of three of these. I may be retired.
Walked back to the room, and decided to hang at the pool and the room for a while, since I was blowing .11 and Minda .139 from the Rum.. WOW. No driving for us for a couple of hours. The kids had some more homemade Mac and Cheese, French style. 4 kinds of cheeses, and a box of Kraft. It was excellent, and I highly recommend Kraft plus $10.00 or so of assorted French cheeses..
Feet in Paradise
Later that evening (read when I was at .025), I went out and picked up some of the best Lebanese food we have even had (remembering of course I spent a year in a Lebanese prison camp). Aldywyn just before the bridge, across from Ric’s Place. We had heard this was good, but WOW. $17.00 later, I had double the food we could finish in one takeout meal. Had a grilled Chicken breast on a salad, Lebanese Beef Shaved from the rotis, and an order of Garlic Hummus, complete with grilled pita bread. All of it was cheap, excellent, and the Lebanese “hottie” (her word not mine) made the takeout the best!
Sidebar: more on the Lebanese “hottie.” She kept asking me to go to the club later, the entire time I was ordering she said she’d “meet me there later”, and handed me a card that was to a topless bar nearby. Something deep inside me told me that she wasn’t going to show, even though she showed a particular liking to me, being that I’m double her age.
When I got back, my wife mentioned I was not allowed out anymore.
Rest, sleep slumber…
_____________________________________________________________________________________
END OF DAY _____________________________________________________________________________________
July 10th
July 10th, 2006
Liver - A tasty hangover cure:
A lot of good people lost their jobs today… It was hard to imagine, and harder to have not been there for it. Out company sold recently, and today was the announcement of the restructuring that would include a lot of friends losing their jobs. To all those who help build our company and will not be making the journey forward with us, I’d liked to have been there today, to say thanks for all the memories, and wish that in the name of progress, this wasn’t the only way.
Progress.. It hurts. Now we pick up the pieces, and go forward. 600 where we used to be 1000. good luck all, and I wish I were there today.
We decided to go into Philipsburg again today, and the weather was perfect for it. A bit cloudy, and just a touch of a breeze, that made shopping that much better. Guess what we were shopping for?
A Jewel-encrusted Patek Phillippe watch? Breitling? Not today I fear. Minda found a diamond tennis bracelet, Diamond Broach, and a white Gold 18” Chain after a mere 2 hours, and 5 stores. “This is my first sale of the day, very lucky” “Let me get you my BESTEST best price, ok?” Do you mean as opposed to the other three you have been dragging em along with? Haha,..
You know your personality has worn off onto your kids, when your 8 year old says, “Dad, I know we’re bored, and want this just to be over with, but that’s too much”
The Stresses of Vacation
I think she’s going to be a police negotiator, or a Lawyer… A Lawyer..Oh well, I can always tell people she’s in prison when they ask what she does.
Crepe Shoppe, End of Old Street
Found some internet Access at the Internet Café in Philipsburg, and exchanged emails and sympathy for some of the above named people, affected in our company’s sale. I did not really spend any time looking for free access, as I found plenty for around $3-4 per hour. After catching my wife in a McDonald’s, I managed to escape before anyone saw me. This one unfortunately counted, as they had a fish sandwich while waiting my return. OK, I can’t take the pressure, I ATE A FRECH FRY!!! IT WAS GOOD, settled my recent liver problem, and enabled me to keep drinking.. IT WAS GOOD. I’d do it again! And blast all those tourist who say they don’t.. I LOVED IT!! Best French FRY I HAD ALL WEEK.. now please, please let me be….
(oops, that wasn’t supposed to get written). And now back to our story.
Left Front street, and headed back to Rima’s, to toss down another $150.00. Evidently the first time was not enough, but they did remember us. He smirked and said “We knew you’d be back.”
Went back to Orient beach, and then to MADOUDOU “factory,” where I met back up with the French lady who runs it. She indictated there are 4 painters that do the work, and we managed to drop several hundred dollars. We both sampled, and my SCENT-DOG son managed to identify, coconut, mango, Vanilla, Clove, and many other scents. If anyone needs a perfume-ologist, I have a candidate.
Ended the day with a return trip to BBB, this time to eat and drink. It was so handy to the Pelican resort, and the food was good and fast.
Hermit Crab at BBB
“Attention, You must order from the bar. Attention..” My wife had a dang good cheeseburger, while the kids scarfed up a couple of HUGE hot dog. I had the Caribbean Italian Sausage, which return trippers to the island know of course is an Italian sausage eaten anywhere in the Caribbean. It was also huge, had grilled peppers, and was awesome..
And that’s when I made the mistake. The big mistake.. The kind of mistake you really really only dream about. I found Baron.
Baron. Baron. Baron. Baron was an innocent looking orange sauce on the side of the bar in a small ordinary food service bottle. It looked like a Walmart generic hot sauce.
Sidebar: If you don’t know by now, I love hot things. I lot to eat them, rub them on my face, and generally will eat anything in the world. I am the hot sauce Champion of the World. There exists only two things I cannot eat (and one of those is a planet.. The other? Pure CAP). I grow peppers for fun, and routinely have 10-12 species lingering in the Hot Texas sun. I Floss with them, chew them for heartburn relief, and well, let’s not talk about what I rub on Hemmor$%@.. Ok, over the line there folks..
Baron… Is hot. Really Hot.. Really really really frickin’ hot! Scotch Bonnet peppers in a BUTANE sauce!! I’m not sure if it was sun-drenched lips from being at the beach for 10 days I in a row, but I was burning!! Two beers and multiple glasses of water later (I know I know, Milk is better, but the goats here are ugly!) I was in no better shape.. WOW, that my friends was DAVE’s INSANITY SAUCE hot.
If you don’t know Dave’s just do this. Turn your burner on high, leave for two hours, come back in and press you lips to the burner, and stack a cinder block on the back of your head. Then, tell people you tried Dave’s.
I failed to meet Neil again, but I definitely would have begged a case of Baron’s from him. So, for my loving family, you get no Christmas Hot sauce if we don’t have a good Texas Habanero harvest this year.
At the end of the day, You're another day older!
Next we stumbled back up to the pool until 9 PM.
Sailboat holding up the waning sun
Where I managed to pull my lips out of the pool filter, and wander back to the room, where the nightly 10 second ritual of falling asleep once again reared it’s head!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
END OF DAY _____________________________________________________________________________________
Liver - A tasty hangover cure:
A lot of good people lost their jobs today… It was hard to imagine, and harder to have not been there for it. Out company sold recently, and today was the announcement of the restructuring that would include a lot of friends losing their jobs. To all those who help build our company and will not be making the journey forward with us, I’d liked to have been there today, to say thanks for all the memories, and wish that in the name of progress, this wasn’t the only way.
Progress.. It hurts. Now we pick up the pieces, and go forward. 600 where we used to be 1000. good luck all, and I wish I were there today.
We decided to go into Philipsburg again today, and the weather was perfect for it. A bit cloudy, and just a touch of a breeze, that made shopping that much better. Guess what we were shopping for?
A Jewel-encrusted Patek Phillippe watch? Breitling? Not today I fear. Minda found a diamond tennis bracelet, Diamond Broach, and a white Gold 18” Chain after a mere 2 hours, and 5 stores. “This is my first sale of the day, very lucky” “Let me get you my BESTEST best price, ok?” Do you mean as opposed to the other three you have been dragging em along with? Haha,..
You know your personality has worn off onto your kids, when your 8 year old says, “Dad, I know we’re bored, and want this just to be over with, but that’s too much”
The Stresses of Vacation
I think she’s going to be a police negotiator, or a Lawyer… A Lawyer..Oh well, I can always tell people she’s in prison when they ask what she does.
Crepe Shoppe, End of Old Street
Found some internet Access at the Internet Café in Philipsburg, and exchanged emails and sympathy for some of the above named people, affected in our company’s sale. I did not really spend any time looking for free access, as I found plenty for around $3-4 per hour. After catching my wife in a McDonald’s, I managed to escape before anyone saw me. This one unfortunately counted, as they had a fish sandwich while waiting my return. OK, I can’t take the pressure, I ATE A FRECH FRY!!! IT WAS GOOD, settled my recent liver problem, and enabled me to keep drinking.. IT WAS GOOD. I’d do it again! And blast all those tourist who say they don’t.. I LOVED IT!! Best French FRY I HAD ALL WEEK.. now please, please let me be….
(oops, that wasn’t supposed to get written). And now back to our story.
Left Front street, and headed back to Rima’s, to toss down another $150.00. Evidently the first time was not enough, but they did remember us. He smirked and said “We knew you’d be back.”
Went back to Orient beach, and then to MADOUDOU “factory,” where I met back up with the French lady who runs it. She indictated there are 4 painters that do the work, and we managed to drop several hundred dollars. We both sampled, and my SCENT-DOG son managed to identify, coconut, mango, Vanilla, Clove, and many other scents. If anyone needs a perfume-ologist, I have a candidate.
Ended the day with a return trip to BBB, this time to eat and drink. It was so handy to the Pelican resort, and the food was good and fast.
Hermit Crab at BBB
“Attention, You must order from the bar. Attention..” My wife had a dang good cheeseburger, while the kids scarfed up a couple of HUGE hot dog. I had the Caribbean Italian Sausage, which return trippers to the island know of course is an Italian sausage eaten anywhere in the Caribbean. It was also huge, had grilled peppers, and was awesome..
And that’s when I made the mistake. The big mistake.. The kind of mistake you really really only dream about. I found Baron.
Baron. Baron. Baron. Baron was an innocent looking orange sauce on the side of the bar in a small ordinary food service bottle. It looked like a Walmart generic hot sauce.
Sidebar: If you don’t know by now, I love hot things. I lot to eat them, rub them on my face, and generally will eat anything in the world. I am the hot sauce Champion of the World. There exists only two things I cannot eat (and one of those is a planet.. The other? Pure CAP). I grow peppers for fun, and routinely have 10-12 species lingering in the Hot Texas sun. I Floss with them, chew them for heartburn relief, and well, let’s not talk about what I rub on Hemmor$%@.. Ok, over the line there folks..
Baron… Is hot. Really Hot.. Really really really frickin’ hot! Scotch Bonnet peppers in a BUTANE sauce!! I’m not sure if it was sun-drenched lips from being at the beach for 10 days I in a row, but I was burning!! Two beers and multiple glasses of water later (I know I know, Milk is better, but the goats here are ugly!) I was in no better shape.. WOW, that my friends was DAVE’s INSANITY SAUCE hot.
If you don’t know Dave’s just do this. Turn your burner on high, leave for two hours, come back in and press you lips to the burner, and stack a cinder block on the back of your head. Then, tell people you tried Dave’s.
I failed to meet Neil again, but I definitely would have begged a case of Baron’s from him. So, for my loving family, you get no Christmas Hot sauce if we don’t have a good Texas Habanero harvest this year.
At the end of the day, You're another day older!
Next we stumbled back up to the pool until 9 PM.
Sailboat holding up the waning sun
Where I managed to pull my lips out of the pool filter, and wander back to the room, where the nightly 10 second ritual of falling asleep once again reared it’s head!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
END OF DAY _____________________________________________________________________________________
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
July 9th
July 9th, 2006
You know what I find helps end a Liver hangover?A big, fat chimichanga with extra sour cream and guacamole. ---Oh, no, wait. That’s what makes you puke some more. My bad.
Baie Plum
Woke up early today, and headed out to Baie Plum. Nice beach but overall the sand is harsh. The snorkeling is best we have found, on the far left end of the beach. Had a good time snorkeling with two girls in their early twenties. They decided that clothing was too much, and went out on the rocks to sunbathe. Minda said I enjoyed it, and would love it if they were also … Oops, spoke too soon.
Beach Access to Baie Plum
Beach access to Baie Plum is easy yo find if you know what you are looking for.
Big ole Jet Airliner
Finished up the day by going back to Maho Beach, where Jon fought off the forces of evil.
Evil Plane Lines up to Fight SuperJON
SuperJON Fights off the evil Plane.. Remy runs for cover
Took a couple of pix by the sign, and almost watched Minda turn into a pancake, as a car driving down the WRONG side of the airport road, passed a Scooter doing a wheelie. Note the panie on Jon's fact as minda keeps saying SMILE!
CAR!!! GET OUT OF THE ROAD!!!
Also went to to Baie Rouge, and Simpson Bay. Both nice beaches for a future trip too. We finally saw the drawbridge up, and then going down, which has bveen a daily question from the kids. Translated: “Dan can we sit in traffic on purpose?”.. haha Got pictures though.
Drawbridge UP!
Went to dinner at Pineapple Pete’s. Met the owner and had several occasions to talk to him. Great Service.
Pineapple Pete
Had two waiters, one of which was Max, the nephew of Pete from Australia. He had been in town 10 days, and came to the island to work, and found out his uncles owned the restaurant by applying for a job. They had not met previously, I believe he told me.. WOW Small world. 10,000 miles later and your uncle owns the restaurant you go in for a job.
Great service, the Lobster Thermidor was awesome, and our 6 and 8 year olds were the hit of the evening with surrounding diners, as they hung Large raw onions from their ears.
Remy as a teenager
Ryan and His Onion Earring
They also put on their “Hollywood” Dark sunglasses, and gave their best pose. Nearby diners asked them to keep it up, as they also took pictures. It’s such a shame they are so painfully shy huh.
The Rock Stars of Pineapple Pete's
Minda had Grouper stuffed with crab, and we added a Shrimp Biscue, Shrimp Cocktail. The kids had burgers.. Total Bill was $130 with another very generous add-on tip, as the service was exceptional. Between Max and the other waiter, we also had three visits from Pete, and at least 6 others stop by and touch our table.
I lost a bet to Max, Who turned out to be 18. I guessed 28. Age guessing is not a strong point.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
END OF DAY _____________________________________________________________________________________
You know what I find helps end a Liver hangover?A big, fat chimichanga with extra sour cream and guacamole. ---Oh, no, wait. That’s what makes you puke some more. My bad.
Baie Plum
Woke up early today, and headed out to Baie Plum. Nice beach but overall the sand is harsh. The snorkeling is best we have found, on the far left end of the beach. Had a good time snorkeling with two girls in their early twenties. They decided that clothing was too much, and went out on the rocks to sunbathe. Minda said I enjoyed it, and would love it if they were also … Oops, spoke too soon.
Beach Access to Baie Plum
Beach access to Baie Plum is easy yo find if you know what you are looking for.
Big ole Jet Airliner
Finished up the day by going back to Maho Beach, where Jon fought off the forces of evil.
Evil Plane Lines up to Fight SuperJON
SuperJON Fights off the evil Plane.. Remy runs for cover
Took a couple of pix by the sign, and almost watched Minda turn into a pancake, as a car driving down the WRONG side of the airport road, passed a Scooter doing a wheelie. Note the panie on Jon's fact as minda keeps saying SMILE!
CAR!!! GET OUT OF THE ROAD!!!
Also went to to Baie Rouge, and Simpson Bay. Both nice beaches for a future trip too. We finally saw the drawbridge up, and then going down, which has bveen a daily question from the kids. Translated: “Dan can we sit in traffic on purpose?”.. haha Got pictures though.
Drawbridge UP!
Went to dinner at Pineapple Pete’s. Met the owner and had several occasions to talk to him. Great Service.
Pineapple Pete
Had two waiters, one of which was Max, the nephew of Pete from Australia. He had been in town 10 days, and came to the island to work, and found out his uncles owned the restaurant by applying for a job. They had not met previously, I believe he told me.. WOW Small world. 10,000 miles later and your uncle owns the restaurant you go in for a job.
Great service, the Lobster Thermidor was awesome, and our 6 and 8 year olds were the hit of the evening with surrounding diners, as they hung Large raw onions from their ears.
Remy as a teenager
Ryan and His Onion Earring
They also put on their “Hollywood” Dark sunglasses, and gave their best pose. Nearby diners asked them to keep it up, as they also took pictures. It’s such a shame they are so painfully shy huh.
The Rock Stars of Pineapple Pete's
Minda had Grouper stuffed with crab, and we added a Shrimp Biscue, Shrimp Cocktail. The kids had burgers.. Total Bill was $130 with another very generous add-on tip, as the service was exceptional. Between Max and the other waiter, we also had three visits from Pete, and at least 6 others stop by and touch our table.
I lost a bet to Max, Who turned out to be 18. I guessed 28. Age guessing is not a strong point.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
END OF DAY _____________________________________________________________________________________
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