Trip Report Part 3, November 28-November 30, 2018

Wednesday, November 28

Lunch was a repeat of a very nice experience in June: a girls’ lunch at Sol e Luna, which offers a three-course, fixed-price meal for 24 Euro.





My choices were beef tartare (fabulous!), tuna steak (very good), and chocolate fondue (absolutely yummy). We had a really nice time with each other and with the food; a lovely couple of hours.

A couple of the gals came back to my condo for a glass of wine on my expansive porch. On the way to/from Sol e Luna, we had passed the Christmas House in the Friar’s Bay area and wanted to check it out. So one of the gals and I headed back to take a tour. What an interesting place! There is something Christmasy in every nook and cranny, and the matriarch of the family, Bernadine, talked with us a bit and gave us some guavaberry punch. She starts decorating in late September and then takes everything down after the holidays; it must take all her time, there is so much.







On the way back, we stopped at Mezza Luna for dinner; it was just okay.

Thursday, November 29

I needed some down time and a “me” day so headed ”home” – to Divi. Before hitting the beach, I stopped to say hello to a couple of the sales folks I’m on Facebook with. Big mistake as it turned into another pitch to give up my nonmandatory contract in favor of points. The numbers and benefits just don’t pencil out for me.

There were lots more people on the beach than there are in June, but it’s still a beautiful beach with very calm water and no drop-off. It was heavenly lounging on a chair at my home resort, and I loved being back there.



I had a sandwich at the Seabreeze Café and walked up to my building. It appears to be occupied now, and workers were busy at the buildings at the top of the hill.

It looked like it was going to be a beautiful sunset so I went to Dany’s Beach Bar for a punch and photo opportunities. No green flash and clouds on the horizon, but pretty nonetheless.




Friday, November 30

Went to Pinel Island with IslandGem, and it was a very pleasant time. Although there were some black clouds threatening, it did not rain and the sun was out most of the time.



We hung out at Yellow Beach and had lunch there. My tuna tartare was very good.

After leaving Pinel, we drove to Anse Marcel. If you have read my previous posts, you know this is my favorite beach on the island. While the water is still as gorgeous as ever, the devastation is still heart-breaking. It does appear that rebuilding of Anse Marcel Beach Club has commenced as there are now some palapas, and there are frames for a couple of other buildings. Nothing at all is happening where the Riu used to be. Clearly, it’s going to be awhile before this area is back to what it used to be.





We then dropped by Tijon and said hello to John and Cyndi. John will be staying on island for awhile as he’s training a new manager; Cyndi will be going to the States for the holidays. Some of the items for sale in their boutique include glass pieces by SXMNorm.



Dinner was at 3 Amigos in Maho; I had heard they have a new chef. There was hardly anyone there, but the fajitas I had were very good. Spent a little time after dinner at The Hole in the Wall listening to Bobby Barron and Ronnie Santana.

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Apparently I’m getting picture-happy so am going to break this last week down into a few separate reports.

Thanks for the report! I am happy that the Christmas house was decorated this year. I wondered about it, as I thought someone said that it wasn't decorated last year. I'm sure it was a fascinating stop. If we are ever on island at the right time again, we will definitely try to make time to tour it.

I read somewhere that AMBC was opening soon, which I thought was not correct. Hopefully by your trip next June, it will be open.

Thanks for another really nice report and pictures. You do get around and that is good.

Nice report Linda. It has been fun spending time with you.

Continue to enjoy your reports, especially the photos. If you can, take a few photos of your get together Monday night. Would love to see some faces. Thanks again.

Great report and photos, Linda! Wish I were better at doing photos. Sigh.

We too love Anse Marcel beach and miss it greatly. So nice to see the beginnings of something happening there. Perhaps during our next visit, it will be back. One can hope.

When I saw Week 3, I thought, "oh know has that much time passed already for you?" I really enjoy your reports Linda. It's good to see that Sol e Luna changes up their prix fixe menu as most of the menu items were different than when I dined there. Someone in our party wanted to go back the following day but we decided on another place.

I was thinking that I would not have been excited with that menu, as it seems to be very fish-centric, and I am not a big fan of fish..

There was beef on the menu Carol as the main dish when we were there. I had the fish so can't remember what cut of meat it was?

I was looking particularly at the appetizers and didn't see anything I wanted.. Regardless, that's my issue, as I am not a fish person.

I knew we were soulmates! lol

We learned to like Sol e Luna when we stayed at Mt Vernon. Cheap lodging with 1st class chow.

Weve never had lunch there. Was it crowded? Was any ody using the lou gers and plunge pools?

We had a 1 PM lunch reservation, and they were busy. When I was there in June, not very busy.

Didn't see anyone using plunge pools or loungers.

Seafood is the thing to eat in the Caribbean. It is a shame you are not a fish lover. I usually always order some type of seafood at restaurants here.

I don't like FISH. I eat seafood, like shrimp or lobster or crab.

You like shell fish!

OK!

Mezza Luna - I had a similar "ok" experience there in July 2017. They are consistent.

I've been told they were once the best restaurant on the island. Certainly not the case now.

Thanks for the report and plug for my glass at Tijon.

Hey Norm, have you done a report from your most recent trip? Looking forward to seeing it.