You tube with Michael Gross

[didier]

My argument is that SBH is at a tipping point but--as going back isn't possible--those who want balance have the edge because the "pushers" are in it for profit and that POV is shortsighted. So glad I'm returning in October, Ellen!

not coming till october when all the craziness starts. why not come in the summer when you can indeed see the real st. barths? I think people see what they want to see, not always what is really there. look closer and you will see..........

 

[cec1]

Agreed!

I, for one, can appreciate the tremendous amount of research, interviews, and sheer information that Michael gathered, then assimilated, organized, and wove into a cohesive narrative. That's especially impressive on a small island, where people don't always trust outsiders or readily share information.

Impressive, for sure!

 

[amyb]

After watching the video interview, thank you Eve for making it available, I came away thinking that Michael Gross truly wants old St Barth to remain a remote and serene destination. Most pages thrilled me and brought back wonderful memories of my island time. Some pages were not as enjoyable such as the revealing of Gross’s real estate knowledge though definitely his bailiwick which stirred up many of the old unsolved issues that refuse to go away.

Gross did get to write the book he wanted to write, and we in time get to read it. I, as you all know by now, adore this hard to get to island paradise. Yes it is changing. What isn’t? Take the time to explore and discover the rock for yourselves. Or instead choose to pick a beach, sit on your lounge and enjoy the sun and sand and beach service and the sound of the surf. Or, remain in your rental house and enjoy the magical views and your sand free pool. People have options. My parents danced to a song, TO EACH HIS OWN. Blaze new trails and count your blessings that you got to visit or live or even to own a piece of this paradise. For me, after my first stay, I heard that off stage voice saying PILGRIM, YOUR SEARCH HAS ENDED. There is no place or people I would rather hang with than those who, like me, GET IT, warts and scandals and all.

 

[cec1]

After watching the video interview, thank you Eve for making it available, I came away thinking that Michael Gross truly wants old St Barth to remain a remote and serene destination. Most pages thrilled me and brought back wonderful memories of my island time. Some pages were not as enjoyable such as the revealing of Gross’s real estate knowledge though definitely his bailiwick which stirred up many of the old unsolved issues that refuse to go away.

Gross did get to write the book he wanted to write, and we in time get to read it. I, as you all know by now, adore this hard to get to island paradise. Yes it is changing. What isn’t? Take the time to explore and discover the rock for yourselves. Or instead choose to pick a beach, sit on your lounge and enjoy the sun and sand and beach service and the sound of the surf. Or, remain in your rental house and enjoy the magical views and your sand free pool. People have options. My parents danced to a song, TO EACH HIS OWN. Blaze new trails and count your blessings that you got to visit or live or even to own a piece of this paradise. For me, after my first stay, I heard that off stage voice saying PILGRIM, YOUR SEARCH HAS ENDED. There is no place or people I would rather hang with than those who, like me, GET IT, warts and scandals and all.

D'accord!

 

[didier]

grand fond at night....still the same from the song......caught up with you yesterday...still the same....turning on your charm...still the same.

st. barths is still the same...you just have to get out of your villa or hotel room.

 

[MichaelG]

not coming till october when all the craziness starts. why not come in the summer when you can indeed see the real st. barths? I think people see what they want to see, not always what is really there. look closer and you will see..........

I've been in August, November, January, February, and March. The real St Barth is there year round, though I think I'll continue to avoid the holidays. That's worked for me for 35+ years. I see no reason t change now.

 

[MichaelG]

After watching the video interview, thank you Eve for making it available, I came away thinking that Michael Gross truly wants old St Barth to remain a remote and serene destination. Most pages thrilled me and brought back wonderful memories of my island time. Some pages were not as enjoyable such as the revealing of Gross’s real estate knowledge though definitely his bailiwick which stirred up many of the old unsolved issues that refuse to go away.

Gross did get to write the book he wanted to write, and we in time get to read it. I, as you all know by now, adore this hard to get to island paradise. Yes it is changing. What isn’t? Take the time to explore and discover the rock for yourselves. Or instead choose to pick a beach, sit on your lounge and enjoy the sun and sand and beach service and the sound of the surf. Or, remain in your rental house and enjoy the magical views and your sand free pool. People have options. My parents danced to a song, TO EACH HIS OWN. Blaze new trails and count your blessings that you got to visit or live or even to own a piece of this paradise. For me, after my first stay, I heard that off stage voice saying PILGRIM, YOUR SEARCH HAS ENDED. There is no place or people I would rather hang with than those who, like me, GET IT, warts and scandals and all.

well said, Amy!

 

[amyb]

not coming till october when all the craziness starts. why not come in the summer when you can indeed see the real st. barths? I think people see what they want to see, not always what is really there. look closer and you will see..........

Love the Moonglow!

 

[jamiem4]

I’ll look forward to seeing you in October!
Dennis

We will get to see you, Ellen and friends in October as well!

 

[elgreaux]

We will get to see you, Ellen and friends in October as well!

We can plan a Treasured Island party !

 

[cec1]

grand fond at night....still the same from the song......caught up with you yesterday...still the same....turning on your charm...still the same.

st. barths is still the same...you just have to get out of your villa or hotel room.View attachment 73176

Beautiful photo . . . but, from “old” days — pre-sidewalks & road barriers?

 

[didier]

yep, just before the work was started. however, its still beautiful there.

 

[cec1]

yep, just before the work was started. however, its still beautiful there.

yep, just before the work was started. however, its still beautiful there.

I still pull over in the area to stop — in awe! — to admire the beauty.

 

[cassidain]

I still pull over in the area to stop — in awe! — to admire the beauty.

at the time, there were those hurling that the new walls and parking areas and sidewalks would despoil the traditional, centuries-old landscape.
it's certainly safer and more user-friendly.
less "sauvage", assuredly
but, it's well-done . . . in a XXI century manner

 

[amyb]

progress, yes. But I came to miss the heart stopping fear incurred upon meeting a truck coming at your vehicle head on!

 

[hydraaa]

I just finished the book that I was fortunate enough to be able to borrow.

I will probably get crucified by the masses here, but I'm glad I did not buy my own copy. Truthfully did not care for the book, or his writing style.

Don't disagree...halfway through the book and it's getting tedious...if you want to be a historian, it's a great book...I love the island...would love some of the history...but I'm getting bogged down...
Will finish book and give my final assessment...but 1st half was slow...and yes, I appreciate all the research...but I do that in my day job and was expecting a "light read"...
Maybe the problem was less in the book and more on my expectations...

 

[JEK]

Don't disagree...halfway through the book and it's getting tedious...if you want to be a historian, it's a great book...I love the island...would love some of the history...but I'm getting bogged down...
Will finish book and give my final assessment...but 1st half was slow...and yes, I appreciate all the research...but I do that in my day job and was expecting a "light read"...
Maybe the problem was less in the book and more on my expectations...

I have sent a copy of the book to a friend in Thailand who lived and worked on the island for many years. Awaiting his review.

 

[cassidain]

I have sent a copy of the book to a friend in Thailand who lived and worked on the island for many years. Awaiting his review.

yes. would be interested in his perspective.

 

[Dennis]

yes. would be interested in his perspective.

I’d read HIS book!

 

[cassidain]

I’d read HIS book!

« HIS » meaning The Andy’s book?
Oh yeah