I'm living vicariously through your family this week and really enjoying your reports while I'm sitting here in the midst of yet another ice storm. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

We met Dread I a few years ago and I bought one of his CD's, which I play when I get the winter blues. Interesting fella and a nice guy. As far as the local beach hawkers go, we too noticed a BIG increase during our visit last month. Usually I don't begrudge anyone out there trying to make a living, but it was a bit crazy this last trip. The same vendors kept coming around all day asking me the same question I had politely said 'no' to a short while before. In the past, I never had anyone actually wake me while I was napping to ask if I wanted a massage. Hello? Can't you see I'm quite relaxed already? But this last trip, after I got woken up multiple times, I put my straw hat over my eyes and ignored them, something which makes me feel incredibly rude, but 'no, thank you' means just that. I felt they should have respected the fact that I was napping. It does get tiresome which is why we enjoy the Club O end of the beach so much more.

Looking forward to your continued reports.