Monday we hit the pool early. Vickie went by the Calypso Café and got some donuts, which went great with the rum punch, I started drinking around 07:00 since we really didn’t have anything else. By the middle of the morning, they said they were going to head off for the grocery store. At this point I suggested I would stay put and keep an eye on the pool. Just bring more mixers. They came back later and all I really heard was the streets are so narrow that one time Jerry’s mirror got brushed back (possibly on a woman). Also that the grocery store, an IGA, was quite minimal in it’s selection and that the prices were high. However, we got the basics for sustenance for the rest of the week and they joined me back at the pool. Vickie made sure I was properly coated with sunscreen, and Jerry brought me a wonderful sandwich.
I told them a story about while they were gone. I decided to explore, and after checking out the various shops and restaurants (all very expensive) and ended up at the pool bar where you can sit in the water and socialize at the bar. While I’m sitting there this fellow with quite a number of tattoos, all of which were high quality, sort of gruffly said to me the classic “Whad’a you lookin at?” Now you have to remember I was wearing my Stevie Wonder black RayBans, and the chance of him being able to see my eyes was slim or nothing. Since he was quite large I decided to ignore the whole situation and soon left the pool bar back to My Space at the other pool. After sitting and contemplating the whole situation over several more rum punches, I decided to go back and find the guy. I found him, and very politely asked him what his problem was. He said sorry forget about it, he was having a bad day. I accepted that and went on about my business. Interestingly enough later on that evening, he came over and shook my hand and said he wanted to apologize, he was really sorry; it was just a bad moment for him. Amazing how human interaction goes. If I had been confrontational with him at the first meeting………I probably would have got my ass whipped and been in big trouble in a foreign country. As it turned out, I turned the other cheek, and all was well.
The next day I asked Jerry if we could try and find a local produce market so I could get some ingredients for a couple of dinners. He agreed and despite his harrowing first driving experience, we set out again. This was my first time as navigator. I’ll have to admit it is pretty weird sitting behind the dashboard where you are used to driving except all the controls are on the other side. We soon learned the technique of me watching the left side and folding the mirror when necessary with Jerry driving and doing the same on the right. Roundabouts are especially challenging. We found a little market down by the ferry terminal (ferry to Nevis) and I got some nice produce. We then headed on around the island on some of the skinniest roads I have ever seen. The roads are about a lane and ½ wide, and they allow parking on most of them. It’s pretty insane driving. After a while, Jerry made a right turn and we found ourselves headed up the access road to Brimstone Hill Fortress.
Brimstone Hill Fortress is a very significant point in the history of the Caribbean. Because of this fort and its commanding view of the surrounding waters, the English managed to maintain control of the West Indies and its lucrative sugar trade for hundreds of years. We got to the top of the winding access road and found it was $8 per person to visit plus $5 for an electronic guide phone thingie. We were a little hesitant about the steep entrance fee, but after viewing the fort, we were pleasantly surprised. Wisely, St. Kitts and England have turned preservation of Fort George over to a private foundation. All the money collected goes to support a small staff and the preservation of the fort. The Island Government contributes an annual stipend to assist with the work. The electronic guide really wasn’t necessary for us as Jerry and I had both read, “The Sweet Trade a History of St. Kitts” before coming here. We knew the significance the fort but it was just so cool seeing it in person. The views from atop the fort were astounding.
We continued our trip around the island, and in the process discovered we really didn’t need to spend the $89 per person to ride the old sugar cane train. The tracks ran pretty much parallel to the road and we got to see most of everything the train would have. Also we discovered the train only goes half way around the island and then they make you get off and get on busses. We followed our map and soon we were back at the resort. I just discovered recorded on my pocket recorder: I was supposed to report, on the way home from the fort, we saw 2 monkeys, 2 rainbows, and a site where they are building an old folks home that we all decided is where we want to end up. Also on the return trip we drove past the land fill which my compatriots that can smell said smelled pretty bad. Brenda commented it was quite a waste of beachfront property to make it a landfill. I figure in 10 years there will be high-rise condos on top of that landfill.
Would like to take a minute to diverge into a discussion of the Marriott Beach Club here at the St. Kitts Royal Marriot Hotel and Casino. We have stayed at numerous Marriott Vacation Club properties, and many other time-share properties under different company management. This Marriott is a little curious in that it’s a hotel and casino first, and then a time-share second. In order to build their time-share units, they are converting hotel buildings to time share buildings. It has only really been open as a time-share for about 2 years. They don’t quite have it right yet. We waited 18 months to get a trade to a unit here for our unit in Aruba. I’m not sure it was worth the wait. The grounds are beautiful, the pools are very nice, and the beach is large. It just escapes me what the issue is, but I think it’s the hustle bustle of the Hotel and Casino. People are always coming and going and the time-share is just a tiny part of the operation. The units are nicely appointed, but not up to the standards we expect from Marriott. Examples are Sunday when we arrived, I reported the exhaust fan did not work in my bathroom, it is Thursday and no mention made of it. (I even gave the General Manager a note at the Tues night Owners Reception---that was a joke) And then there is the whole issue with the Internet access. No one seems to care, no one talks to each other, and all they do is jerk me around. This is at what is supposed to be a 5 star resort----whatever that means. And the windows are all cloudy in our bedroom, there are only three chairs for the deck for a unit designed for at least 2 couples. There is no broiler pan in the stove, and no cookie sheet for heating bread. I could go on and on but you get the drift. Rant over.
One cool thing that has happened, a family of Lesser Antillean Bull Finches has adopted us. I noticed them scurrying around looking for cracker crumbs when we were snacking, so I gave them some cracker. Now they come right up to the door and chirp merrily asking for crackers. Their sound is quite pleasant, and they are fun company. The males are very pretty with an orange red neck with the rest very black. About the size of our North American Goldfinches. They are very unafraid, and when we really ignore them, they will come in and sit on the back of the dining room chair and chirp loudly.
Well off to the pool for some sun and relaxation. Seems like I did that yesterday, and the day before, oh well it’s a dirty job but someone has to do it.
More later,
Wes
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