Another strange day on SXM, A bit overcast, and those winds continue to cool down the island. Since we haven't been over to Orient since Saturday, it was another day spent at Le String. Got there about 11 or so, and believe it or not, we were the only ones on the beach for a couple of hours. No one else in view for at least 100 yards in both directions. Later in the aftenoon, it picked up a little bit, but this was the quietest I have ever seen it. Ghost town. Wind was brisk, but very comfortable. There still has been ZERO humidity, which does make for a very comfortable day at the beach, without feeling you are frying. VERY relaxing, a very delicious lunch, and back to the lounger to let the ''sand gravity'' work. So relaxing, I ended up falling asleep in the chair.....for TWO HOURS. the sound of the wind, the feeling of the breeze, and that beautiful sound of the waves crashing was a great recipe for a great nap.
There is a. crapload of seaweed at the shoreline, but heard that Wednesday they are sending the tractor to clean it all up, till the next wave of it comes in.
Tonight, we went to the Greenhouse, which for some unknown reason to us, we have never been to before for dinner. I was craving prime rib, so ventured over to give it a try. Of course, we got there a bit late, and the prime rib was gone. What does one do?? We both looked at the menu, and decided to do something else we usually don't do. We ordered the ''lobster''. I use the quotes, because being a bred New Englander, the ONLY lobster is a good Maine lobster. Had the ''caribean'' lobster probably about fifteen or twenty years ago, and wasn't impressed then, but tonight, I am kicking myself for losing all these years without, while being on island!!! It was very delectable, and we both enjoyed it MUCH more than we expected. For future visits, Greenhouse will now be a must. I even thanked our waiter for running out of the ''prime rib''. So, so far this vacation has seen a bunch of new restaurants we have never visited before. Sale and Pepe, Bar Code, Greenhouse, Rendevous Lounge,and Melange (not for years so new to us again, All of them have been very great experiences. Guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.
After dinner was our nightly venture over to Casino Royale, where played for quite some time tonight. Quickly went into my pocket three more times than i wanted, but then caught a decent run, and for a few minutes went from down to up, and when things looked like it was going the other way again, i walked away with ALL my money back, so felt another winning night of breaking even was a win. So far, speaking of ''winning'', i am DEAD EVEN on two and half weeks. I'll take it.
Definitely feeling the reality that the end of our vacation is in plain sight. Don't know how the time has flown by so quickly, but sure doesn't feel that we have been here as long as we have been. Really feel for those who only come for a few days to a week, because i really can't see how anyone can unwind in such a short period of time. I consider ourselves very lucky and fortunate, that we get to enjoy SXM every year, for three amazing weeks.
We did find out today, that most places for Covid testing may be closed on Good Friday this week, so are planning to get our Covid tests on Wednesday. Heard on the French side, there is a drive up at the Red Cross, and no charge for the tests. Just bring passport, get tested, and get results emailed in a few hours. Since it is on our way to Orient for us, it will be a quick stop on Wednesday to get it done, without losing the day for finding a test sight, or having to pay for it. Really am looking forward to the day that we all will NOT have to undergo these tests, walk freely without the fear of Covid, and get back to a somewhat ''normal'' life again. I do miss seeing the wait staff and cooks at the restaurants faces, the faces of the dealers in the casino, the faces of shop keepers, and vendors on the beach, the faces of ''fellow'' passengers on the planes, etc. Praying that all this craziness gets behind us all, real fast.
More to follow, i hope.
