Trip Report, June 18-21, 2021

Friday, June 18

Today’s sail was on Spellbound with Captain Brent; I really liked him as he was very thorough and conscientious with his instructions to us. It was an around-the-island sail with stops at Creole Rock and Tintamarre. The sea at Creole Rock was pretty rough; as a result, I didn’t go into the water at Tintamarre. That was a bad decision in retrospect as folks who did saw turtles. It was a fun group of people, especially the honeymooning couple who happened to be staying at Divi.




There were actually six, but I couldn’t get them all in one photo.



I returned to my room and faced having to say goodbye to my beloved feline, Dexter. I was able to video in and talk to him before the vet came. After Dexter was gone, they swaddled him and took him to Elvin, his very bonded brother, so he could see that Dexter wouldn’t be coming back. My fabulous boarder sent me many pictures, which I appreciated. I stayed in for the evening as I was in no state to be out and about.

Saturday, June 19

Another sail, this one on Enigma with Captain Neil. Just as we got into the dinghy to be taken to the boat, it started raining. By the time we arrived at the boat, we were sopping wet. One of the crew gave me a towel, which was kind of him to do. I was able to get a little dry, but it didn’t take away the chill. Not a fun way to start the day so coffee was in order.

This little beach bar is back open; you get to it by driving beyond the police station/immigration. I tried to go last time I was on the island but couldn’t figure out what their hours of operation were. Folks who were staying at the Air BnB next door raved about it so I hope to get there this trip.



These folks must have a fabulous view!



We dropped anchor at Friar’s Bay, where a sailing club was doing lots of practicing.



Friar’s Bay Beach Café looked pretty empty. The guy who was cleaning his boat in the buff must have been below deck when this was snapped.




Neil’s son, Johann, is now doing the cooking on Enigma and it was a fantastic spread, perhaps even more so than previous sailings. Thus, when we returned to land, I wasn’t very hungry. Had a snack at The Palms before returning to Divi to get cleaned up.

Sunday, June 20

Met friends for Sunday brunch at Emilio’s. This had been my suggestion, and I was sorry I made it. There was an extensive spread for sure, but I thought the food was unexceptional and was disappointed overall.



The grounds at Emilio’s are beautiful.






The car needed gas so I headed toward Cadisco and then snapped several of the wonderful murals in Sandy Ground.



There was a local who was going to sit in front of the first one to eat his lunch. When he saw me stop, he came over to ask if I was going to take a picture as he didn’t want to be in the way. He pointed out the signature of “Jimmy” in the upper right and said Jimmy Sheik does a lot to help the local children. Here’s a YouTube link of him doing some painting.
LINK - JIMMY SHEIK







I decided to check out the Sunday afternoon music at Porto Cupecoy, where I ran in to a couple of locals I know who invited me to join their table. Some of the music was actually jazz! It was a pleasant way to spend some time.



After returning to Divi, I saw these kids fishing in Little Bay below my deck.



Late dinner at Mark’s Place, where they continue to do a tremendous take-out business.

Monday, June 21
I had intended to have a Divi Day, but it turned out that I needed to go to DK Gems to talk about a piece I’m having made (slider) to go with a ring I already have. This was at the time the island-wide power outage occurred so I had to bend underneath their sliding door as it wouldn’t go all the way up. Business accomplished, I went to The French Touch for lunch and asked Jean-Pierre what he could do without electricity. The answer was a nice avocado and mango salad.

Back to Divi, where I attended the Managers’ Party. Toward the end, RM5 LI came over and introduced themselves, and we talked about getting together the next day. Decided to stay at Divi for dinner. I just don’t understand why they can’t provide better food as the resort otherwise is very nice.

I am starting the home stretch of my Divi stay……

Always a pleasure to read your trip reports Linda. Thank you for taking the time to post.

Nice report and pictures. Tough situation with your kitty. Hope the rest of the trip goes well. Thank you.

Linda, your pictures are really beautiful!

Every time I see your reports, my first reaction is "Wow".

How do you and Carol take such beautiful photos?

Amazing pictures, as always! I saw somewhere a picture of Johan with Neil on his boat. Johan is really a great chef. Surely he is a great addition to the team. When we stayed above Happy Bay, we enjoyed watching the sailing school from afar. Regarding Emilio's, we ate there once, when Dino was still there, and actually wasn't super impressed, based on the Wathey's influence on the menu, I thought.

Liked the photos very much. Would like a photo of your slide. Thanks!

What a nice trip report. All your photos are spectacular - I’ve come to expect no less from you.

So sorry about your beloved kitty.

John Pierre makes an incredible fruit salad plate - everything is juicy and delicious. Last time we were there J had a huge chef salad and I had the fruit - sliced mangoes and pineapple, banana, grapes and something else and every bite was yummy.

I really think you need to spend a few more weeks so we can live vicariously on island time through your writing.

yes jewelery photos needed. Love to see what I might need. Need is such a funny word!😁

The slide photo will have to wait. It likely won't be done before I leave and is going to be shipped to me.

If you want a jewelry picture, here's one of a bracelet I lust after.

First, so sorry about your kitty. I cannot imagine having that happen while on vacation.

Re: Emilio's. Michael and I stopped by there to look at the brunch and I was not impressed so we did not eat there. The grounds are truly beautiful though.

One breakfast we totally enjoyed was at Vesna Taverna. It's not got the view that Emilio's does but the food sure is great!

Another one to try is Reveil Matin. I understand Astra also serves breakfast so that's on my list.

We thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast at Reveil Matin. It would work very well for brunch also, due to the size of their menu. The location isn't great, but the food is.

Thanks again for the post and pictures, Linda. Love all the painted walls and buildings in SXM.

Very very familiar with that bracelet. What 's missing is seeing the light dancing off it. We seem to have some of the same jewelers.

Did you find out the name of the little beach bar in your picture? And how exactly you get in there ?

Another fantastic report with beautiful photos. You truly capture the island and all it’s glory. Sorry again about your kitty. It was a pleasure meeting you Linda! .

I haven't been there yet so don't know the name. From Airport Road, turn off at the police station/immigration. Go by that building and follow the road, turning at the end so that you are on the road paralleling the ocean and now going the opposite direction. The beach bar isn't too far down on your left.

Well, that was taken during the island electricity blackout. There was no light to do any dancing!

Thanks for another lovely report. So sorry to hear about your cat but glad to hear your caretaker has been so thoughtful. Enjoy the days to come.

My recollection is the little beach bar in the picture used to be the "Guayabera Beach Club". They used to open early for breakfast and be open the rest of the day.

Guayabera Beach Club

Yee, that's it. Thanks!