Today, A New Adventure Begins

[KevinS]

[FONT=&quot]A new island (Antigua) and a different post-Irma St Barth are ahead of me.

I’ve been up since 0-dark-thirty. Something is screwed up in my reservation record with the airline, and I have to check in at the counter. I’ll still have an expedited security line.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]For various reasons, some personal, some logistical, I’ve chosen to travel South through Antigua. I’ve been there before, several decades ago, by water. Given the many years between visits, it will be a new island for me, and a new stamp in my passport. Being uncomfortable with the connect time between my US flight and my inter-island flight, we’ll be overnighting in Antigua, and continuing on tomorrow afternoon. No worries, I have a room booked in a beachfront hotel, and a dinner reservation in a beachfront restaurant. [/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]Tomorrow, we move on to St Barth as the first guests in Rosita’s newly repaired and refurbished Villa Les Jardins d’Emmanuel, EMM. Rosita has kept me updated with regular photo updates, as well as a few early morning FB Messenger chats (Bonjour, Rosita!)[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]I’ve been to post-hurricane St Barth before, 22 years ago at this time, after Luis, Le Grand Nettoyer. This visit will be similar, but different. Luis was bad, but Irma was worse. I am certain that I know what to expect, but only actually being there, and seeing things with my own eyes, will tell me for sure. [/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]Some things I know for certain. 5-star hotels and restaurants are down for the season, with a likely Spring return of Le Chris. Some favorite restaurants will be closed, and others will be open. Some favorite shops will be closed (Segeco?), and others will be open. Tree canopy will be stripped Island-wide, and previously-unknown hidden enclaves, almost small villages, will be revealed. Privacy will also be reduced.[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]Everything else is a “let’s go look” situation. So, I’m going to go, and to look.[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]Some may ask why visit now, while the island is still recovering? I’m doing so because of the words of my best friend on the island, 22 years ago, after Luis. "Come, we need your money." The island isn’t ready for all of us to come back, but it is ready for some of us to come back. So I’m going.[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]In addition to cash, I’ve also packed my leather work gloves, and I already have a reacher/grabber/picker-up thingy stored at EMM, used in previous trash pick ups. I plan to offset part of the efforts of French Pastry Chefs by spending some time picking up hurricane debris, which is often a habitat for mosquito larvae. Perhaps I’ll participate in an organized cleanup, perhaps not - I’ve got everything that I need to work on my own, except trash bags, and they can be found under the kitchen counter in EMM. I’m sure that Rosita will give me permission to take a few.[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]I’ll keep y’all updated from time to time as this adventure progresses. [/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]I’m thinking Repaire or Crêperie for first night’s dinner tomorrow night...[/FONT][/FONT]

 

[Rosita]

Bon voyage Kate et Kevin
merci pour votre amitiés

 

[andynap]

Safe trip Kate and Kevin. Keep us up to date.

 

[Theresa]

Safe travels to you both. We look forward to those updates.

 

[cec1]

Sorry to read about last minute airline issue, Kevin . . . but I know that you'll overcome it & soon be winging your way to Caribbean environs. Enjoy your overnight in Antigua, & we look forward to seeing you & Kate in coming days. I'm also eagerly looking forward to your "boots on the ground" assessments of post-Irma SBH. Travel safe!

 

[amyb]

Bon voyage K&K. I will eagerly read your posts re things old and then things new.

As Phil always says..it is what it is. And I know our friends and business need our moral support and our money too.I am eager to show up and do my part.

Enjoy the new EMM, its pool and its gardens.
Wishing you Safe travels, smooth travels, and a great visit at the happy place!

Hugs
Amy

 

[rivertrash]

Best of luck today. We will be headed to Dallas to spend the night and then to SJU and SBH tomorrow.

 

[amyb]

Safe and smooth travels wished for you Dick and Cecie.

 

[Amery]

We leave Sat for sxm via Atlanta connection, then SBC. "The island isn't ready for all of us to come back, but it is ready for some of us to come back." Very well said.

 

[tim]

Appears the Forum will be treated to some great imbedded reporting in the next few weeks!

 

[BBT]

Safe travels will be a wonderful trip and break enjoy. Look forward to your posts and picture

 

[stbartshopper]

Good luck! Hope all travels are smooth after that first travail!

 

[julianne]

Safe travels, Kevin and Kate. Enjoy your Antiqua segway. And, of course, you'll surely christen the newly restored EMM with your usual flair...and champagne. Looking forward to your reports.

 

[BND]

Nice to get the reports of the "old hands." (that is, those with years of experience and friendships in St B.) Safe travels all; those of us who plan to come after the New Year look forward to hearing what you have to say and merci!!

 

[elgreaux]

safe travels Kevin & Kate.. I am sure everyone will be happy to see you and I love your pitch in and help mode... you'll have a great time, I'm sure!

 

[jbonine]

We (wife, two kids -- 6 and 8, and me) are heading down Sunday and staying at Villa Bikini in Lorient. Looking forward to the trip. Best part of the island -- the beaches and the people -- seem to be going strong. And our rental villa is in good shape, so we should be fine.

 

[amyb]

Like you, I plan to enjoy whatever is available. Patience, kindness, teamwork and cooperation---all work for me.

 

[tomchicken]

Looking forward to our second visit to EMM on January 9. We were also on St. Barth 22 years ago and remember all the tree and roof damage.

 

[LMAC]

Thank you for helping out in the clean-up department -- something many of us would do if we could. Look forward to your comments about the
situation.

Safe travels.