Aruba by Margot Justes

 

 

 

Last island on our itinerary, like Bonaire, it’s another gorgeous Dutch Island, and by far the most developed and wealthiest of the islands we visited. It was interesting to see the progression, and the distinctive personality of each island, while at the same time it’s a relaxing lesson. Life is slower,
it’s closer to home and the pressure to do everything in one day is not there.

Aruba is lively, energetic and filled with expensive shops, beautiful hotels and an abundance of tourists. If you like to shop, know your prices well. I bought T-shirts for my kiddies, and Aloe cream, which I will admit is fantastic for sunburns and general care, it's available on line, but a nice gift to bring back. Otherwise most things I could get home for less, tax savings notwithstanding.

Took a morning tour to visit a few boulders, and I had a lump on my head to prove it. To get to the top you had to crawl through a small hole, not that small since I fit, but it was too close for comfort. The guide said keep head low, of course I looked up and heard a resounding thud; that was my head and the boulder meeting. I lost, boulder is okay, but it was touch and go for a bit.

Once I reached to the top, it was worth the egg shape rock on my head. Aruba was below, the view was worth the headache, literally. The way back was interesting too, a gorge below, and the only thing between you and the bottom of the gorge were uneven, deep and shallow steps, and a life saving railing. I’m not the most coordinated individual, and all the way down I did not let go of the railing, and actually looked where I was going, something I tend not to do.

We visited an Aloe factory and I bought a few bottles of the stuff for gifts. Good thing the stuff works, since I had a nice sunburn, a farmer’s burn to be precise.

I also forget to wear a hat, not a smart thing to do when it’s scorching hot. It was neatly stashed in my purse, where it remained for the whole tour.

The afternoon was spent with my friend and next door neighbor. She was spending two weeks in Aruba and we met to do some sightseeing on our own. Aruba is a place where you go to relax and unwind. I’m not a beach person, but enjoy being around water, and no matter where you are there are always things to see.

After we boarded the ship, I went for a dip in the indoor pool, where the waves relaxed my achy muscles. It’s a tidal pool, the sea water is treated, but still salty, and as the ship lolls, so does the water in the pool,  you wind up riding the waves. Delicious feeling.

The captain announced that it was going to be a stormy night, and anyone susceptible to sea sickness, should take precautions, pills were available. I thought I had my sea legs firmly in place, but walking in a straight line was impossible.

Cheers,

Margot  Justes
A Hotel in Paris
A Hotel in Bath
Hearts & Daggers
Hot Crimes Cool Chicks
www.mjustes.com

 

Bonaire by Margot Justes

Bonaire is a beautiful, developed, rather wealthy, and arid Dutch island. The shopping is abundant but expensive, it’s best to know your prices.

Once we docked, a short stroll down the pier and across the street was a garden, and in the garden, an art fair. Tents were pitched and one display after another showcased the local talent. I was in heaven.  I bought a couple tiny original drawings for my kiddies, they both love fish, and these were local to the island. I tried to find a clown fish, but Nemo was not available.

This time I didn’t take a tour, but instead walked along the beautiful pristine shore, the water is crystal clear, and we could see fish and various reefs. This island is a paradise for snorkeling and scuba diving, and any other water activity. I’m a land lubber, but do appreciate natural beauty, and I find water mesmerizing.

I stopped for coffee, and in the al fresco setting, I listened as the water lapped against the rocks; the rhythmic sound of the waves almost put me to sleep. This is an island where you sit and enjoy, you do not rush,  you whisper a soft thank you just for being there. Truly relaxing.

Once we left the port, I watched our huge ship glide along the waves and not sink. I know water is heavy and there is displacement involved, but it’s still magic, and incredibly peaceful. After dinner, and the serene day on the island, I went for a swim and watched the stars. To make the day more perfect, I was alone in the pool, and Tom Jones serenaded me as I swam. I happen to love Tom Jones’ voice.

 As promised, the Barbados fish cake recipe courtesy of the Sunbury Plantation.

 Ingredients:

1/2 lb boneless salt or Cod fish
1lb flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Green seasonings/chives
Onions/Thyme
Sweet Pepper/Marjoram
Hot Pepper Salt to taste
Cooking oil (to fry)
Water to mix

Method

Soak salt fish overnight. Clean thoroughly, removing skin, vein and bones. Mince fish & chop all seasonings finely, including hot pepper. In a medium bowl combine all ingredients except salt. Gradually add water until mixture reaches to a ‘drop’ consistency. (Mixture must be able to drop from a teaspoon in small balls.) Add salt to taste. Fry in hot oil (deep fry) until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel; serve hot with dip of ketchup and hot pepper sauce mixed together.

The fish cakes were positively delicious.

Cheers,
Margot  Justes
A Hotel in Paris
A Hotel in Bath
Hearts & Daggers
Hot Crimes Cool Chicks
www.mjustes.com

Barbados by Margot Justes

Welcome to Barbados, even the name sounds exotic. We docked at an industrial port, where nothing could be seen but containers, more containers and a few cruise ships; Celebrity among them, I missed the cold towels and drinks that Celebrity provides on hot and humid days as you re-board. The little touches are important. Celebrity even had employees hold up signs and guide the passengers of the area, so that they could head to town or board the appropriate tour bus. I followed the Celebrity signs to get to my destination. Great customer service, that little commodity has become increasingly scarce. I am a Celebrity convert.

I fell in love with Barbados and would definitely go back, it is one of the most vital islands I have visited, the people are lively, exuberant and friendly. The island is developed and tourists abound, but it is the local population that really makes one feel welcome. I always think of pirates when I think of Barbados, and even the name evokes mysterious sunken treasures, mischief and mayhem.

The first stop of the our tour was the Gun Hill Signal Station, the view of the island from above was picture perfect. The name says it all, the station watched as ships entered the area, guns poised. Now, it is a museum that houses military artifacts.

We paid a visit to the Sunbury Plantation House, the sugar plantation is over 300 years old and gives an excellent example of life in the 18th and 19th Centuries. Originally bought by an Irishman, who was one of the first residents of Barbados. The house filled with antiques that span centuries, along with many carriages provides a visual tour of life in Barbados that spans 300 years; well worth a visit.

Along with a full tour of the plantation, and the sumptuous gardens, we had an opportunity to sit in the garden and sample rum punch, and positively delicious fish cakes. A visit to Barbados must include a sampling of Rum; it is abundant. Not a big fan of spiced rum, but became a huge fan of the fishcakes.

After visiting the plantation, we stopped at Orchid World. I have never seen so many orchids in one place,  the stunning colors, one exotic bloom after another, from white to black and anything in between.  The garden was huge, the vegetation rich and luscious, but the orchids were truly sublime.

I would be remiss, if I did not share the rum punch recipe that was given to us.

Bajan Rum Punch

Ingredients

1 of Sour (Lime Juice)
2 of Sweet (Liquid sugar syrup or sugar)
3 of Strong (Rum)
4 of Weak (Ice and/or water)
2 Dashes of Angostura bitters
Pinch of grated nutmeg
Method
Place ice in glass, add rum, liquid sugar, lime, top with water and 2 dashes of bitters. Grate some nutmeg on the top and serve. For a Sunbury Style Rum Punch, add 2 measures of pineapple juice. You may use your preferred unit of measure.

To go with the rum punch,  next week a recipe for the fish cakes. They were positively yummy.

Cheers,
Margot  Justes
A Hotel in Paris
A Hotel in Bath
Hearts & Daggers
Hot Crimes Cool Chicks
www.mjustes.com

 

Dominica by Margot Justes

Dominica is luscious, mountains, water and wild vegetation beckon. The natural and undeveloped beauty is one reason for a visit, the others would be scuba diving, tubing and kayaking; the preferred choice of activity for most tourists.

 I tried snorkeling once, many years ago, and decided it’s not for me. In between gulping and swallowing the yucky salt and fishy water, closing my eyes and wandering off-let’s just say those were not my best moments. I firmly decided, a swimming pool will do just fine, and a glass bottom boat, if I wanted to visit with the fish.

The morning was spent looking through the many tents that were set up right outside the dock. Local arts and crafts, along with the usual tourist paraphernalia.  Dominica is not as wealthy as St Kitts, and there were few shops, mostly tents, whereas St Kitts is undergoing major growth and development, not so in Dominica.

The afternoon tour I booked, took us through the rain forest, it seemed parched, but it’s their dry season. I never imagined a bone dry rain forest. On the way back we walked along a path between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean; on one side the usually calm sea, across the path the rolling powerful ocean waves, and in the middle gawking tourists. Our last stop was a two hundred year old church, simple yet colorful.

Our tour guide said that out of the twenty volcanoes in the Caribbean islands, thirteen of them are found on Dominica, maybe that is one of the reasons for the lack of development. However, there is reason to hope the economy will improve, according to our guide, Dominica is in the process of developing geo thermal energy to supply other islands, that should help the struggling economy.

After the tour, it was back to the ship, drained and exhausted, it was nice to sit, relax, and sip an espresso. It was only about 85; the temperature was a consistent 85F to 90F, but the extreme humidity just wiped me out. I went swimming after dinner, and was in bed by 10:30, sad but true.

Cheers,

Margot  Justes

A Hotel in Paris

A Hotel in Bath

Hearts & Daggers

Hot Crimes Cool Chicks

www.mjustes.com

St. Kitts by Margot Justes

 

 

I love to watch as we come into port, usually on deck ten where I walk, stop and continue on, this allows me to see all sides of the island. Beautiful way to start a morning. Coffee comes in handy, it’s always available makes the early morning doubly rewarding.

Booked an excursion that was an overview of St. Kitts, or saint Christopher, since this was once an English island, they drive on the wrong or right side of the road, depending on your point of view.

There are areas that are pristine and hardly populated, others are well developed boasting five star hotels.

The tropical flora and fauna is gorgeous, the flowers in full bloom. I actually saw a fan palm, beautiful spread out huge palm. I love palm trees, but have never seen a fan palm. It’s not hot, about 85F, but it’s incredibly humid and the sun is beating down, you simply wilt. I can’t imagine what  it’s like in the summer, and I don’t want to find out-this is perfect.

Went to see a batik factory, full of bright, vivid tropical colors. They use cotton, and I’m more used to seeing the African work, which uses linen and silk and much of the wax remains in the material, so it’s stiff.  In St. Kitts, the wax is removed and the material is soft and pliant.

I found a lovely water color print of Independence Square, drawn by a local artist. I try to buy something from every place I visit, one because they appeal to me, and it’s a lovely reminder of the visit.

Cheers,

Margot  Justes
A Hotel in Paris
A Hotel in Bath
Hearts & Daggers
Hot Crimes Cool Chicks
www.mjustes.com

Cruising the Caribbean by Margot Justes

The next two days were spent at sea, time to relax and do nothing, or immerse oneself in scheduled activities. Every evening a ‘compass’ is left on the bed outlining tomorrow’s agenda. It is always full. I love to walk, read and swim, and let’s not forget the non-stop meals, and snacks-hence the swimming and walking.

The day starts with coffee and the blog, and of course food. Breakfast was eaten in the dining room, less hectic and far more relaxing than the buffet at the Windjammer Café.

Spent the late morning in the solarium pool, floating in the ocean water-along with the salt, we got the waves too; pure heaven, warm and soothing.

Checked out the library, but didn’t stay long, along with the books, it was filled with cigar smoke. They do cigar tastings in the evenings, and the scent lingers long into the next day. There is shopping, stopped in the stores, and tasted a South African Amarula liqueur, made with marula fruit. It was delicious, brought home a bottle.

Before dinner, I stopped for an espresso and a snack, after all I did walk, and swim.  Tonight will be the first of two formal nights. I pack a dressy pair of black pants and a couple of sparkly tops, and I have black sandals that my granddaughter tells me are shiny. It works. I don’t lug many suitcases when I travel, one small expandable suitcase and a carry on, plus a large purse. It was nice to see everyone dress up, and I’ve come to the conclusion that most men look good in a tuxedo.

I’m not a meat eater, but ordered beef tenderloin, only because potatoes were on the menu. I’m Polish and love my potatoes, later I was told I could have potatoes every day. The dinners were exceptional, Royal Caribbean improved the quality of their food, and with feeding so many people, that is quite a feat.

Sorbet was a refreshing end to a delicious meal. I happen to like it, and I already consumed a yummy sweet with the espresso earlier in the day; a double chocolate espresso brownie. A decadent slice of heaven.

After dinner, I checked my e-mail and walked a bit on deck, the full moon shone on the water and reflected a soothing glow in the deep, almost pitch black sea. I love that time of day, I was alone on deck, and found the tranquility soothing. Sometimes you can see another cruise ship, or cargo ship in the distance.

You get into a routine of being pampered, and reality is far removed from everyday life. That is what vacation is all about, an escape, a glimpse of another life. Our first port of call is St. Kitts.  

 Cheers,

Margot  Justes
A Hotel in Paris
A Hotel in Bath
Hearts & Daggers
Hot Crimes Cool Chicks
www.mjustes.com

Vacation Day Two by Margot Justes

The morning was spent at the hotel restaurant, sitting outside in the sunny warmth, drinking coffee, writing my daily journal, and waiting for everyone to join me. I love mornings like that. After a buffet breakfast at the hotel that included everything from freshly squeezed orange juice, to an omelet station to plain Greek yogurt, and not bad restaurant coffee, the day was mine.

On my second day in Ft. Lauderdale, I found the Bonnet House, and wrote a blog about it. I love to walk, so taking a cab was not an option for me, I find pleasure in seeing as much as I can on foot, whenever possible.  All I can say it was an exhausting and exhilarating day, and the trek to find the Bonnet House was worth every blister.

After the visit I went back to the hotel to meet up with friends, who are gold members at the Hilton. Nothing went right for them from registration going forward, the staff apologized at every turn and were always ready with free vouchers; they were flowing at a rapid rate. The last mishap included a sixty dollar credit at the restaurant. Guess where we ate lunch? The management handled everything with aplomb, and abject apologies, and the ever ready free vouchers.

The hotel restaurant was located by the pool, a lovely place to sit and relax. I do not have a Hilton membership, but everything went according to plan, that included a beautiful room, with a view of the water, so there were no free vouchers for me. I do however intend to join the club.

Diet not going too well, after a solid breakfast, we had to use the sixty dollar voucher, after all, we were checking out the next morning for our cruise. A Margherita Pizza seemed like a good idea for lunch, filled with tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, it was delicious. The rest of the late afternoon was spent with friends. We fell in love with the Casablanca Café and we went back there again for dinner. We did not go hungry.  

I know we should have tried something new, and usually that is what happens-but you have to realize-the eggplant was simply amazing and not to be missed. I would go back there again just for the Moroccan eggplant. We saw a small fender bender on the A1A, no one was hurt and people involved were chatting amicably. The roar of the cars is amazing on that road, it seems to be non-stop.

After dinner, the walk along the shore was a delight, blisters and all; the area is stunning, we had a full moon and the reflection in the water was mesmerizing.

Cheers,

Margot  Justes

A Hotel in Paris

A Hotel in Bath

www.mjustes.com