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Trip Report ??
#136642
07/25/2017 04:56 PM
07/25/2017 04:56 PM
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 575 New Jersey
ProfLangue
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 575
New Jersey
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I rarely write a trip report since the one I wrote about ten years ago, specifying the restaurants my husband and I had patronized, what we ate, prices, service, etc. I thought it would be informative, but was accused of thinking I was a food critic. I know there are trolls on every site, but still decided it was no longer worth my effort.
My husband and I had been coming to St. M since '98 and considered it, like many of you, our special place, our retreat. When I lost him in Dec., 2011, I didn't think I could possibly return, but I did - that very first summer, along with some of his ashes that I set off from two of his favorite beaches - Friar's and Baie Rouge - to send him on another adventure.
Every year since, I bring friends with me, "losing myself" in showing them my St. M. This year was different; my second week guest had to cancel at the last minute, due to a family emergency, so when my initial guest left, I found myself "alone". I placed that in quotes because I have friends on island, both residents and those who we meet up with every year, but my actual living arrangements were solo.
So many complain about the increase in crime, etc. which is true - in fact, last Monday my friend and I were prevented from turning into a side street in Philipsburg because of police tape across the street. We later found out that an attempted robbery of a jewelry store on Front Street had occurred just prior to our arrival. But that doesn't blind me to the beauty of the island.
By being alone (at times), I experienced a catharsis; I found a new beauty on the island by not sharing it, in the moment, with someone else. Today, for instance, I went to Karakter alone (having already been to a different beach each of the past ten days). By 11:30, there were no chairs to be found, so I went to Plan B and walked to the far end to settle in at El Zafiro. What a great choice - being practically alone on the beach (two women on my far left, one man on my far right), pastis in hand, incredibly blue and green water under gorgeous blue skies, I'm now feeling the urge to travel the world alone, glomming onto the notion of being the mysterious woman. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />
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Re: Trip Report ??
[Re: ProfLangue]
#136643
07/25/2017 05:13 PM
07/25/2017 05:13 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,562 Long Island, NY
RICKnGRACE_LI_NY
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,562
Long Island, NY
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<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
How great for you! It must be both difficult and amazing to do what you are doing.
I am glad you found El Zafiro. We think it is great.
Rick and Grace
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Re: Trip Report ??
[Re: kdsdance]
#136646
07/25/2017 05:35 PM
07/25/2017 05:35 PM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864 Portland, OR
jazzgal
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
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kdsdance said: I have now learned I much prefer travelling alone to bringing a guest. I do, too! I have brought friends with me some trips and traveled solo other trips. I really like being able to do things on the absolute spur of the moment and not having to take anyone else's schedule into account. I suppose that sounds selfish, but it's the way I like to travel.
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Re: Trip Report ??
[Re: ProfLangue]
#136649
07/25/2017 06:16 PM
07/25/2017 06:16 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
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Kudos to you, and I have to say, I'm so sorry you were made to feel uncomfortable posting here in the past. Every last one of us can see the same places and enjoy the same things yet experiencing different effects and walking away with totally different feelings and perspectives and that's okay.
I'm glad you returned (and plan to continue doing so....) and doing the solo thing is going well, and I'm with Beerman. Don those dark and mysterious glasses and enjoy your moments in any way you choose. You're entitled!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Trip Report ??
[Re: ProfLangue]
#136650
07/25/2017 06:31 PM
07/25/2017 06:31 PM
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Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 656 Maine
SXMbeacher
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 656
Maine
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I applaud your courage and fortitude! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> I would only hope my wife would do the same!........ And please try posting your trip reports again and don't worry what the 1% might say. 99% will enjoy it!
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Re: Trip Report ??
[Re: ProfLangue]
#136651
07/25/2017 06:40 PM
07/25/2017 06:40 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
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Glad you have been able to return by yourself, and please don't let anyone prevent you from posting about your experiences..
Carol Hill
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Re: Trip Report ??
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#136654
07/26/2017 07:41 AM
07/26/2017 07:41 AM
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 108 Florida
Kamehameha
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 108
Florida
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I think you're my new hero! Post away!
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