Hello to all on the Forum! I have been trying to keep up with what has been going on but had lost my password; thanks to our Moderator, I have a new one and can post! After a pretty long absence, I was motivated by this actual thread to comment, as it seems to address the very essence of why many of us have been on this site over many years. I was also very sad to not make this great "meet up"...what a wonderful way to reconnect and keep up. Although we all do not know each other from personal, face to face experience, I feel as though so many of you have become both friends and terrific sources of information, but even more, our members are interesting, talented, and educated people who really teach us a lot about many things, not just SBH. Davesdad and I had high hopes of coming down, even though our beloved Le Guanahani is not back yet, but it wasn't in the cards this year with my Mom's passing and our dog ate my vacation budget with emergency surgery...our hope is next year in April, when Le Guanahani is back! I know GMP62 from a previous trip and I hope we can meet up again when you are there next April, too! (I think you also owe me a visit in San Diego, girlfriend..!) I have corresponded with KevinS, my Veuve hero, and hope I am on island again with you and Kate at some future time. You all know that if you are in the San Diego area, we can also have a "meet up" off island...I have rosé wine, y'all..!!! I do want you to know that I have been doing my part from afar to keep up the SBH economy: did you know that some of your favorite stores will send you things?? I have been ordering from Pati de St Barth, and the exquisite Vanita Rosa on line, and both were fabulous experiences and everything came perfectly. If you are a Ligne St Barth fanatic, they will send, but you can also purchase their line through beautyhabit.com so you don't have withdrawl symptoms. (OK, you pay a little more, but it keeps you until you get back to the island.) My shopping budget was dedicated to SBH brands. I even got a personal letter from Valérie Bourdin of Vanita Rosa, my fashion idol (!!!) who is keeping the art of lace in France alive with her amazing creations. I heard they moved from the little pink store down to the main street and I hope to visit soon..It was my way of giving back along with some contributions. I just want to say thank you to all of you who write such wonderful posts, and especially Ellen, whose eloquence is always a happy discovery when I tune in. I really have reflected upon what is gone on the island and what is now, and it is a little like starting over, rediscovery and renewal. Shedding a few tears about what has disappeared, I can say that I look forward to Santa Fe's new direction, although losing Manu was a great loss for Davesdad and me. And the little café in the alley near Roberto Cavalli store? I think Franck ran it? It is nice to know that La Gloriette has been reincarnated from what it was as we loved Albert's little resto on the beach. L'Esprit is still there, which is my personal favorite, so I know that will be such a great experience to come back. And Nikki Beach is still Nikki..best place to spend Sunday lunch! There, I feel better already
Last but not least, a big hug and shout out to our dear Amy and Phil, who are the rock (and roll) of the website. I wish you all good health and many returns to this
9.653 mi² island of our dreams. Amazing how a little tiny spot in the ocean can engender so much love... I wish a fast recovery and many good things for all of the people who have had to undergo such a complete disruption to the life they knew before the hurricanes. I really do sympathize as our California fires are starting again, and we never know when we have to run...Love from Davesmom and Davesdad