It was finally the day of Granny's arrival. We took the bus to the airport early to meet her, as we wanted to get there in plenty of time. The kids were hopping around, constantly checking the arrivals monitors. She arrived right on time, ready for her Caribbean adventures!
Her hotel was right on the beach and was a lovely spot to take in the great views.
Patio along the boardwalk
View from the hotel dining room
First meal together at hotel
Lois having breakfast at the hotel
On the other side of the hotel, there were streets lined with stores filled with jewelry, clothing and electronics. We poked around several shops and Granny treated us to some lovely treasures and some necessities (Wavey had just blown out her flip flops).
Outside the Shipwreck Shop where Wavey found a great new bathing suit (Photo taken by Simon)
Street view from behind the hotel (Photo taken by Simon)
The beach was lined with beach bars and restaurants that were packed when the cruise ships were in town. We returned to eat at the Lazy Lizard as we enjoyed our food so much earlier in the winter.
Lunching at the Lazy Lizard in Philipsburg
Simon's "best ever" jerk chicken sandwich
Wavey's amazing sandwich and perfect onion rings (photo by Lois)
We got a late start to our second day with Granny, as we had some boat chores to do. We ran out of water aboard, and we had to come in to the marina to fill up with water and fuel. While we were doing this, the kids went to Granny's hotel and hung out with her on their own. (Again, no photos--what happens with Granny, stays with Granny...) Later in the day, we hopped on a local bus (actually a minivan with as many people crammed in as possible) and went to the French side to Marigot. We walked a lot around the town, and ended up having an early dinner at one of the restaurants along the Port La Royale marina next to lots of pretty yachts.
Marigot
Lobster by the marina in Marigot
Pizza for Wavey
My amazing mussels (Canadian, of course) in curry sauce
If it seems that we were eating most of the time, well, we were. I was enjoying eating out immensely; breaking out from the galley. However, when we weren't sampling some of the best food on the island, we were checking out some of attractions on the island. On day three, we took a cab to the Butterfly Farm to observe the gardens and amazing insects. We had a tour of this enclosed garden by Pamela, an Australian ex-pat who certainly knew her stuff about all things butterfly. We learned the difference between a chrysalis (made by butterflies) and a cocoon (made by moths). Butterflies like fermented fruit, which is why they are always drunk and can't fly straight. It was a great review of the life cycle of a butterfly which we could see all around us in different stages. (Photos below were taken by Simon.)
Chrysalides waiting to turn into butterflies
Chrysalides of various butterflies
Owl butterflies
Giant Atlas Moth - this amazing moth stays in its cocoon for six months and then lives for only five days!
Swallowtail caterpillar
We rubbed fermented fruit juice on our fingers and the butterflies came and licked it off.
Wavey observing mating butterflies
Simon's Owl butterfly having a taste
Wavey and Owl butterfly
Monarch
Beautiful colours!
Blue morpho sitting still (which is unusual!)
(taken by Lois)
After having a bit of a rest following our excursion, we decided to head to The Greenhouse restaurant, as Friday was lobster night. We had a lovely meal sitting outside beside Bobby's Marina. The kids entertained us (and neighbouring tables) by playing with the candles at the table.
Kids pretending to burn their fingers in the battery powered candles at The Greenhouse restaurant
Later, Wavey at the hotel under the bougainvillea tree at night after she decorated the bar with pink blooms
On our fourth day, we decided to take a cab to the French side to visit the town of Grand Case, which is known as the gastronomic capital of the island. The gorgeous beach is lined by loads of restaurants offering mostly French and Creole cuisine. There were some interesting shops and galleries dotted here and there and we poked into a few. As we were getting hungry, we decided to stop at a Ocean 82 (www.ocean-82.com), a scrumptious French restaurant with a spectacular view of the beach.
Dining in Grand Case
Lois' gazpacho
My beautiful Seafood Pot
I just about cried when the waiter brought me out this warm delicious gluten free dinner roll. And then he brought another one! Merci!
Kids playing on the beach below us, while we finished our meal
The kids were really lucky to each have a special night with Granny. They got to sleep in a big bed, snuggle with Granny, have a long, hot shower, and indulge in the breakfast buffet to start the day off. (John and I didn't get a sleepover, but we did sneak in a few hot showers while we visited--ohhh, it was so nice!) On Simon's night, their peaceful slumber was interrupted by a parade that went through the streets, a sort of warm up jump up in preparation for Carnival. It was complete with floats, food and drink trucks and loud music. They got to watch it from Lois' balcony.
Jump Up (photo by Lois)
On Sunday, and Lois' last full day with us, there was not a single cruise ship in port. Except for her hotel, the rest of the beach was pretty much shut down. It was the perfect day to spend on the beach, swimming and lounging with a good book. It was decadent to rent beach chairs and umbrellas. It felt like we were really on vacation.
Beach day
Last night on the town!
Wavey's early birthday passion fruit sorbet
On Granny's last day, we took a tour of the island that started with a visit to the Parrotte Ville Bird Sanctuary, and ended at the airport. Our guide Rufus, a native of the island, was a wealth of knowledge on both sides of the border. Parotte Ville Bird Sanctuary opened a little more than a year ago by some plant and bird enthusiasts. They have created a garden that is labelled by the names of the plants and their common medicinal uses. The owner also has a little museum, and they were happy to display items from the last couple of centuries.
Feeding the parrot
Blowing a kiss
Bird magnet
Bird trying to pick the button off the top of Lois' hat
I love birds, but admit I get a little freaked out when they are near my head. John is about the same, but he held it together a little better than I (at least on the outside.)
Everyone looks so calm. I am freaking out a bit with this bird on my shoulder
OK, now this is getting too personal (taken by Lois)
Wavey hanging out in the taxi after the birds
Holding (fake) gun used in the Pirates of the Caribbean 2 filmed in St. Martin
Border between the Dutch and French side
We pulled over to the side of the road about the same time that about four other tour buses did. There was no apparent reason why everyone was stopping, until we saw the iguanas. Living along the shore of a salt pond, there are hundreds (if not thousands) of iguanas living here. With the sounds of the taxis stopping, the iguanas emerged from the mangroves and came out to feast. Other tour operators brought lettuce from the store, but our guide brought out weeds he pulled from beside the road, which the iguanas seemed to prefer.
Feeding iguanas
Feeding frenzy
Amazing creatures
We made a brief stop on Orient Beach, which is a famous, long beach that is swimsuit optional at one end and clothing mandatory on the other. Our driver stopped at the place where the ends meet. The beach was packed, and we got to see a few people strolling starkers along the beach, and others clad in swim suits. The kids were keen to swim naked on the beach, but were not enthusiastic about seeing adults letting it all hang out. Due to our schedule, we did not test the waters. You will have to use your imagination, as I took no photos.
We arrived back at the airport just in time for Lois to get her woolies back on for the plane ride back to Ontario. Goodbyes are always hard for our crew.
Getting some last minute lovin'
As is our tradition, we chased and waved until we could no longer see Granny as she disappeared into the security gate. We reflected about our wonderful visit and the good feelings that still linger...
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