Warning! I’m long winded!

The big guy finally talked me into doing 2 weeks. He has spoiled me now as I don’t think I could go back to one. We had an outstanding time!!! After much discussion, booked our flights for the first time on Sun Country out of Minneapolis, worked out well. Met a large group of fellow Iowans at the airport that we would see often later. The only hitch on the flight was getting thru immigration upon arrival. I don’t think there were that many planes to arrive at one time, just that they were slow. In fact, I don’t know if the girl whose line we were in was new, bored, or just lazy as she took her sweet time doing anything. Did bond with a great young couple, 1st time visitors, that we would spend time with throughout the coming week. Finally got thru and met the Unity driver right out front and we were off. We rent from Michael every year and have never had a problem. Spent 1st week at privately rented condo in Pelican Marina Residences. Other than 1 extra night a year ago, have never stayed on the Simpson Bay side. We don’t spend a lot of time in our room but as we are early risers, even on vacation, we really enjoy sitting on the balcony watching the sun come up and the island coming to life having our coffee and pastries. After a long day of travel and getting settled decided to walk a bit around the Pelican complex as we had never been there. Stopped for pizza at the bakery across corner from Red Piano, must say it was very good. Also had their pastries every morning for breakfast.

First full day, glorious weather, found us headed for Karachters and the Simpson Bay beach, 1st time beach for us, had a good day, free chairs w/food or drink. Had wraps that were good. Dinner that evening was the Wharf, an every trip tradition for us. However, that has come to an end, we were very disappointed in the food, not at all as good as we remember. Monday was Mullet, we love that beach and Rosie’s ribs. Dinner was Halseys, definitely good, actually one of the best evening meals of the trip; had an outstanding Conch and lobster bisque to start. Tuesday, low cruise ship day so was Phillipsburg and shopping. Had business w/Deepti, lovely as ever. Dinner was at the new Peg Leg before visit to the casino. Both of us had salads which were quite good. Wednesday was another favorite beach, Bay Rouge and Gus’s. Another lovely day. Planned to end evening at Uncle Harry’s, another ‘used to be favorite’. Had planned this to be our lobster night, but not at $36.00/lb. Geez, I wouldn’t pay that for one of my certified Angus beef steaks, let alone a Caribbean lobster. We decided on apps and drinks. Had 1 beer, 1 ice tea, and calamari appetizer, which was tough, overcooked, and most likely out of a box. I did not supervise the paying of the bill but when discussed later, he definitely was over billed at close to $30.00. As we were leaving, a party of 8 did the same before they even ordered drinks. From there went to the Atlantis and had the pizza. Tasty as usual and had a nice conversation with folks at the next table; gambling not so good, was the only trip to Atlantis if that tells you something and it wasn’t due to luck of the draw. Thursday was Orient. Quite windy but did enjoy just hanging out. I did catch up w/Luis and get my handmade suit ordered. Thanks to the TTOlers that had responded to my earlier question on that. Quite exciting for me! Orient isn’t one of my favorite beaches simply because I like them less crowded but I do enjoy the people watching and Baywatch. Took a license plate to Andy and Cheryl and had Andy’s mussels, geez they were good and really enjoyed. We enjoy Baywatch, never a bad meal, and yes, I know it is beach food but it works for us. Dinner that evening, a new place for us, The Boathouse. We thought the food was very good, had the lobster special. We will return. Lucky night also as I hit the big 3 across on .50 for the 1st time ever. Covered that new suit plus another. Friday was spent at the Pelican beach, another 1st. A little too crowded for us, and perhaps a few too many kids. No offense to those that take their children, just prefer a little more quiet atmosphere. Later in day went to OBBR to drop extra luggage for move the next day. Dinner at Chesterfields, another 1st. Was very good, service just a bit lacking only because the girl was new, but management picked up on it and offered us a drink. We had not indicated we had a problem w/her so I was impressed he noticed. We will be back. That evening we prepared to move; we knew the owners were coming in after us thus because of our appreciation, we left a bottle of wine in the fridge for them. Received an email the next day that they had found and thoroughly enjoyed it. That made us feel great! At some point in time during our 1st week, we finally made the 1st of several trips to Hilma’s. In a word, great! We loved her Johnny cakes and conversation!!!

Some random pics on part 2