Bon Jour!
Here’s the bottom line: we’re having a relaxing time here but the weather leaves a lot to desire. Then again it’s warm, I’m not working and I’m reading lots.
The initial sentence gives you a good idea of how I’m feeling about this trip so far. There’s the good and the not so good.
The trip started (on Thursday morning) with the car service calling at 6 AM to say the driver had a problem and there would be a half hour delay. We took a yellow cab instead; it wasn’t a problem at that hour of the day to get one. The flights were fine but the operative word is flightS. I much prefer going to an island where one doesn’t have to change planes. Then again several people had warned us about the crazy landing at St. Barth’s; how the tiny plane comes in over the mountain and it looks … well you get the picture. Here comes the good: they’ve lengthened the runway (or done something) because it’s not so bad any more; in fact it was just fine.
The hotel is one of the largest on the Island BUT it’s one of the smaller hotels we’ve stayed in in the Caribbean (& as most of you know, we’ve been to lots of the Caribbean islands). The room is fine (nothing special); the bathroom is too small. The hotel has 2 pools. We’ve been going to the “tranquil pool” which is by the spa. We have literally been the only people at this pool 2 days in a row now. It’s very odd; I can’t figure it out but it’s fine with me. The downside is there aren’t any services (such as banana daiquiris) by this pool.
Other not so good: no nice place for our daily walks; no lovely golf course to walk around as in Nevis last year so we walked on the road the last 2 days. But it’s too annoying with the cars plus the hills are unbearable. Tomorrow we’ll go to the fitness center.
The most disappointing aspect of this trip so far is the weather. It’s rained for part of both days so far. While there have been periods of sun, there are more periods of clouds and it’s not as hot as I like. BUT it is warm and I guess from a health point of view, it’s better for us. I’m even using sunscreen (yes, I am Mom!)
So mostly what I’m doing is reading. Read a book called “A Father’s Affair”; it was OK. Just finished “Absent Friends” which I liked and recommend. Nancy: thanks for the book; it reminded me of Mystic River (even though it all takes place in NYC and a lot of it centers on 9/11). (Nancy: what’s happening with Peter?)
The Island is considered the gastronomic center of the Caribbean. I’ll wait to pass judgment on that until the end. The first night we ate here in the hotel at their “fancy” restaurant; supposed to be one of the best on the Island; was quite nice. Last night we went to a Thai restaurant. Yes folks Marty too! The appetizers were fabulous but the main courses were mediocre.
Since it’s Chinese New Year’s and we missed our annual dinner with our family (Sarah: I’m waiting for an update from you! others have weighed in; pun intended!), Marty wanted to go to a Chinese banquet here. We actually found one; we’re going tonight; I’ll let you know how it is.
We’ve been exploring the Island; as with all of these Islands, there’s not much to see; even less here than in many we’ve been to; been to the local towns (even went to a few art galleries) and to some of the beaches.
So I’m sure now I’ve told most of you more than you care to know. Even though it’s not perfect, I’m still glad to be here. Hope all of you are doing well. Do write.
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