July 4th, 2006

Happy 4th of July, Can you pick up my liver for me?

We had a nice quiet day today. Drove through Cole Bay today. Between the rocky beach, no sand, and the proximity of the Desalination plant and Fuel Farm, I’d see no reason to visit this. Probably the same for CAY Bay, which we saw form the Crazy Religious person overlook.

Stopped at Divi Resort at little bay. My initial observations are that the resort is nice, but the Pelican is nicer. The pools at Divi are small. The beach was fine, but my wife said she’d rather go back to Orient beach next week, when we had slated to go to Little Bay Beach. I agree.

Remy is reading this blah blah blah. I have to be careful what I write. We climbed Ft. Amsterdam. This Dutch side fort is still in very good condition. The kids also liked this. I’d recommend it to anyone. Looks like you can park anywhere, including by the SHIPWRECK Shop, and walk toward to the hill. As you aim for the FORT AMSTERDAM buildings, you’ll see a dirt “road” to the right of them. It’s self-explanatory after that.

After that, we traveld back to Philipsburg, and found parking in the $1.00 per hour lot. Here’s how to do it. Enter the lot on the south side, through the booth that says “EXIT.” Remarkably enough, there is no “Entrance.” This is the easy part. The parking lot is plit into three parts, left, middle and right, and they don’t connect. Keep in mind I’m talking 30-40 cars in each row. I sat at the beginning of the middle row, and waited for someone to pay and move from there. There was good turnaround, and at 10 AM, in ten minutes, my parking troubles were solved. Other than that, my only other plan for parking would be a casino and Valet. Although I did not see any of those.

Philipsburg was great. My kids and I spent about ½ hour talking with Nick Maley, AKA the “Yoda Guy” and we ended up buying 4 original paintings. He currently has TWO studios, One next to Pasgarahan Guest Hotel, where he spends most time, and one on “OLD STREET” down front street.

Went in “Last Mango in Paradise” My only observation is that for all the money I sent Jimmy Buffett over the years, the Christmas card he sent out in 1998 sucked. I’d take better pictures! As a matter of fact Jimmy, call me.
Stopped by “Shopper’s Paradise, outside “Old Street” which is the store of snoopy_leogirl,

Who was very helpful on Cruisecritic.com. Didn’t get to meet her, but bought some stuff. I visited the Holland House Hotel, and the Pasgarahan Guest hotel. Both are nice, but I am glad I’m at the Pelican versus them, especially with kids.

Spent some time at Great bay beach, behind Holland House Hotel. It’s a nice beach, but even with one ship in town, I’d not make a point of going there. If I were staying in Philipsburg, it would be a suitable beach.

Saw the SEGWAY vendor, and skipped it since I have done them in the Woodlands at home. If you have never ridden a SEGWAY, I’d highly recommend this while you are here.

Tasted about 12 different Guavaberry products, mostly thought they were fiar. Looking forward to going back to MADOUDOU though. Did manage to choke down two Guavaberry Coladas, in addition to the cooler of Carib that was glued to my shoulder for the day.

Tacky tourist t-shirts are 4 for $10 in the area near the courthouse. We spent some there, and went one our way, much to the glee of a person wanting our parking place.

Went to Guy’s Driftwood Beach Bar, across the beach from SSBB. I have to say that they are much more friendly, and gave us chairs to sit on on the beach, for the Price of a $1.50 Carib. Took some more video of planes coming and going, and acted like a complete idiot when a 747 geared up and blew me and Ryan away!

Found several of the Cigar places I have seen discussed here, and frankly was shocked by the prices. $35 for a type of Cohiba I know for a fact my uncle has smoked in Hong Kong for $12 U.S. at a five Star place. For the most part, Cigars seemed to be 300% overpriced. Sure I’ll get flamed on this one, but $35.00 for Monte Cristo, Romeo and Juliett, and Cohiba is a bit high.

Highly recommend it if you have never! The doctor says the skin grafts will heal much faster than my liver! Haha..

Back to the Pelican, and an 8:30 bedtime tonight. Home cooked Carribean Pasta with Garlic encrusted French bread, has left us in a food coma. Off to Saba tomorrow.

Until then!