A few days ago my husband headed out on a grand adventure. The first leg of his journey was Dulles to LAX. Departing at 6:20 pm he arrived at LAX at 9 pm there (Midnight here). He killed a few hours and boarded another plane. This one to Auckland, New Zealand. His flight from LAX to New Zealand departed at 12 midnight and arrived in Auckland a day later (or two days later if you are in New Zealand) 13 hours later. All in all he left our house at 3pm Wednesday and landed in New Zealand at 4pm Thursday. About 24 hours in transit. By the time he got there it was already Friday in New Zealand. I am so confused. I had to add an international time zone clock to my iphone to keep up.
Though I am very excited and supportive of his trip, it was a little disconcerting to have him completely uncontactable for 16 hours (Midnight last night until about 4pm today when he confirmed he was alive and well and on the OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD). It is surely the furthest we've ever been apart in almost 20 years. Surely the furthest he's ever traveled since leaving Vietnam as a 3 year old and coming to the United States. He doesn't remember that journey but he certainly will remember this one.
This trip began as just a crazy thought. We have two friends currently taking leave of the working world and exploring the world. Between them their journeys are taking them from the US to Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and various parts of the U.K.
While Hung and I have both taken trips without each other and without our kids (hey it keeps us sane) this is by far the most ambitious undertaking. It is so much less expensive to fly 1 person and split expenses three ways than it would be to either 1) fly all 4 of us and cover all expenses or 2) find someone to take care of our kids for 10-12 days!
That and they are doing all kinds of things that I KNOW he will enjoy just as much (if not more) without me. Kayaking, caving, swimming with glowworms! I know there are people in the world who don't like to spend any time away from their significant other, and though we TRULY do like each other and love each other, we are so not those people. In all honesty, he probably is a little more that person than I am and it took a little push for him to get on board. He definitely did not lobby for this trip. He didn't resist too much, but I could tell that he would have never asked for it or pushed it.
I also know that it may seem a bit tit for tat that he'll be on this leg and I'll be on the Spain/Portugal leg. Truth be told that portion was planned first. I also know it may seem as if I pushed him to go out of a sense of guilt. I assure you I did not.
I pushed him to go because I know we each need adventure in our lives. We each need time to sit and listen to nothing but the thoughts in our heads. To look out at the wonders of the world and breathe deeply and close our eyes and just take it all in through all of our senses. We are parents, we are partners, but we are people too. Individuals. We deserve this. He deserves this and I am happy to pick up the slack, do the bus duty and TKD practices and figure out dinner and baths and bedtimes for a while, so that he can breathe it in, relax, experience and enjoy something he never in his wildest dreams even thought would come to pass.
He is selfless and giving and supportive of me and my every whim (including my yearly trips to St. John). He goes with the flow and lets me be me. He never asks for a thing in return.
Happy travels, honey. I hope you have the time of your life (well 2nd to that day in May 1999 when you said I do).
Day 10: Sunday - EASTER, Honeymoon, The Grateful Shed & Pool & RUTH, the Beach Bar Gathering, and High Tide
Well this is it guys! It is all over but the crying. Our last full day has arrived, for realz. I am sad but determined not to think about it too much. I had started organizing and packing the night before when in walks my hubby, "You're packing, this is usually when the tears start. Are you ok?" I actually was ok, considering. The thing about nice long trips and all of the togetherness with the family is that eventually I begin to miss my doggy, my home, my friends, my mama :) I wouldn't say I am ever HAPPY to leave, but often I am ready. Usually because I know I'll be back!
Today it is Easter Sunday. Amazingly the Easter Bunny managed to find the kids way out in Coral Bay! (FYI - I had packed small goodies for them and supplies to make mini Easter baskets, however, I noted earlier in the week that Chelsea Drug had Easter Baskets and fixings as well. I didn't check the prices.)
Ella's Goodies
And Max's
They were very excited
We all had a quick breakfast and got ready to head to the beach. Lunches packed, swimsuits donned, we were off.
At dinner the night before we were discussing favorite beaches and Les reminded me about Honeymoon! YES. Honeymoon it is. Honeymoon is at Caneel Bay. You go through the gates, get your parking pass and head to the left (not the first left - that's for employees, the 2nd left). Park ... the lot was virtually empty. Usually it is full enough that all the spots are taken and we have to kind of create a space. It is Easter, so I assume most people were brunching while we were beaching.
Speaking of Brunch ... still on my to do list after 8 or 9 trips --- BRUNCH at Miss Lucy's and now I have to add Brunch at Concordia (Tourist Trap Cheryl says its very good). This trip we had two Sundays on island and we STILL didn't manage to make it. Oh well. The call of the beach is strong.
We parked, got our stuff, and headed to the path. The walk to Honeymoon is about 10 minutes. Maybe 12. Not a bad walk at all, mostly flat, and you get to see some of the resort along the way. If you are not staying at Caneel there is a $10 fee to park, but if you purchase anything there they waive the parking fee. POMEGRANATE MOJITO anyone?
Ahhhhh....Honeymoon
It was very quiet when we arrived and we went all the way to the right of the beach (facing the water) and found a little niche up in the rocks and shade. There is always a great breeze at Honeymoon. The surf is a little rougher, but it is beautiful.
The little engineer got right to work
I took a few pictures with my funky iphone setting
Ellla decided it was too rough to snorkel (for her) so she just bobbed along in the water
While the boys busied themselves
Construction Zone
Mama lazed away enjoying this view
Happy Campers
Beach Buddy takes a break to rest and dry out
Ella did a little rock climbing
It was another Pbj day and soon enough the natives were hungry
After lunch the boys took a walk
And before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye to Honeymoon and the beaches of St. John for now
On the way out, I ducked into the bar to grab a drink (a mojito for me and a BBC for my hubby who had fallen in love with this drink on this trip) and took my receipt to get validated so we could park for free. And we took a few pictures around the ruins.
She looks so happy, He looks so Sleepy!
The possible culprit of our allergies
I don't think I am ever as happy or relaxed as I get by day 7-8 on St. John. Absolute JELLO.
With my flower from Ella.
We wanted to head home to clean up before our date with Ms. Ruth (and her pool) at the Grateful Shed. On the way, of course, we did a little more touring. We'd never made it past Love City Mini-mart on that road (I have no idea what the name of it is) in Coral Bay.
We discovered the Coral Bay Garden Center
And interrupted some lunching goats
You lookin at me?
Back to the house briefly, cleaned up and we are ready to head out again. No rest on the last day for us!!
Funniest Sign, I had to get a picture
STOP! Hammer Time!
We took centerline back to town and no lie, I was telling the kids how there are COWS on St. John. Neither believed me. They were all "yeah right mama. Sure!!!" A few curves later we come upon this one and about 4 others!
Mooooo
Earlier in the week, when I'd stopped by to see Ruth she'd invited us to see the progress on the house (When I was there last March ... it was still very much a work in progress) and to let the kids have a swim. I didn't want to intrude, but the kids were really missing having a pool and I knew they would be thrilled. She insisted saying they love to see people enjoy the pool. They hadn't gotten in too much recently because it was, get this, "Too Cold!" These people have gone soft!
I love Ruth. She is just about the best thing since sliced bread and Ron is the sweetest, most relaxed guy on the planet. I was excited to see the house - it is AMAZING by the way (I am still waiting on them to finish out the basement for me ... I even told them I'd take it as is ... who needs drywall?). The Grateful Shed is beautiful, it was so nice to see all the furnishings and the filled pool and how much all of the plant life had grown. Max was intrigued by the veggies Ron was growing - esp. the little tomatoes. He may have sampled a few. We were so busy on the tour and seeing all of the plants still waiting to go in the ground we almost (ALMOST) forgot all about the pool.
Soon enough the kiddos reminded us. Thank you Ruth ... They loved the entire trip but your pool is what I hear about the most. Ella had to write a report (she chose to write about spring break in St. John) and a good portion was dedicated to our visit to you! :) Thank you so so much!! One of the best things about St. John for me is the people - both those I've met who live there and those I've met through the forum who are as addicted to visiting as I am. I am pretty sure my husband often thinks I am a bit insane, but when he puts faces to names and gets to chat with people like Ruth and Ron and Pia and Les for extended periods of time, he never fails to walk away commenting about how incredibly genuine, nice and relaxed everyone is. Easy company. The best kind!
Happy Happy Girl
Here's Max telling/Showing Ms. Ruth how old he used to be (I think)
And the "But I don't want to get out" face
Eventually it was time to head to town for the Beach Bar gathering. We got the kids out, one more easily than the other, got them changed, and headed to town.
Innervisions was playing tonight and it was quite busy. I wandered down to Joe's Rum Hut to get my drink, I wasn't fighting the crowd at the BB. It was a fairly small gathering. Ruth & Ron, Beth Cruz & hubby, Cypressgirl and her daughter and friend, Bob & Anita, and I am SURE I am forgetting someone...
I enjoyed the music and company and soon enough it was sunset.
Soon the troops were getting hungry, so we headed over to High Tide for dinner. The service here was great and they were super friendly and accommodating to kids.
Shrimp Diablo for my hubby (SPICY)
Grilled Shrimp kabobs for me
The kiddos both had pasta and loved it. Cleaned their plates.
And, of course, you can't round off a trip without an ice cream from ISCREAM. Chocolate with chocolate sprinkles. Her grandmother would be proud!
Our day was almost done. We headed back to Coral Bay to rest, watch a movie, and finish up the packing. A few minutes into the movie I walked in to this
I think we'd successfully worn them both out!
I finished packing up a few things and read a book until pretty late. Sleep never comes easy for me on my last night.
Tomorrow: Bye Lameshur Cottage & Coral Bay, Bye Ruth, Bye Cruz Bay
Day 9: Bacon, Bagels and Beach. Sweet Plantains with the Pias!
I simply can't believe how fast our time is flying by. It's already our next to next to the last day :( For those who don't speak Amy we have two full days left and we are gonna make the most of them. It's officially Saturday! We've been on St. John a full week and still it feels like we just got there and have been there forever all at the same time. Like a heavenly time warp.
Again I woke to the wafting of bacon through the cottage. Mmmmmmm.....and coffee. That hubby is a keeper. I had almost overdosed on bagels by this point, so I had picked up some yogurt. I felt the need to have at least one non-carb per day! Breakfast consisted of bacon, just bacon, for the little guy. Bacon and eggs for daddy. Bacon, yogurt and a bagel for me. Cereal for the girl.
Knowing it was our 2nd to last day we packed up for the beach - towels, sunscreen, book, snacks, sammiches and, of course beverages - Gaterade for the girl. Apple juice for the boy. Sprite Zero +malibu for me. Malibu and coke for the hubs. We were set for a long day at the beach.
Maho LOVE again. Seriously, I know its a little boring, but I love Maho. It really is the perfect beach. You park right there, so there is no real distance to lug anything. There is plenty of shade. The water is no higher than a kid's shoulders a good 50 feet out. Calm, beautiful, simple, perfect Maho. This is why in our family its known as Maaahhhhhhhhho, emphasis on the ahhhhhhh....
One Happy Girl
Just keep swimming...he was determined to be like his SIS
One happy relaxed hubby
Even Beach Bunny got in on the relaxation
Max and me having a heart to heart
Me & the two kids I am lucky to have call me Mama
Soon everyone was busy doing a whole lot of nothing...except Max. I think we may have a future engineer on our hands.
I know I am beating a dead horse at this point but dayyyyum Maho is beautiful
I had retreated to my chair with a book with a view
Our Spongebob Sand Sculpture. And by "our" I mean my husband did this. I am responsible for organization of the chaos, he is the chief digger/sculptor/designer. I buy the tools, he does the work. Life on vacation very much resembles life at home.
Busy Boy
Note the new hat. My favorite long-time green hat was a wee bit small this trip so we invested in a new hat from Pink Papaya.
Then - 2009
Now - 2011
Sometimes I can trick myself into thinking they are not really growing up but then a hat won't fit or a pair of pants is 3 inches too short overnight and I realize I am just deluding myself. There was a family near by on this day with teen sons. I couldn't help but think I know I will blink and my kiddos will be there! SLOOOOOOW down, people!
This boy was on a mission.
Today Ella had her first BIG snorkeling reward. There was a very annoying lady on the beach with her three kids. She didn't talk, she yelled in this kind of sing songy voice. Very loudly. Anyway, that goodness for her because of course as soon as she saw the turtle her sons and EVERYONE ELSE ON THE BEACH knew about it. Annoying yes, useful ... also yes. We headed out and sure enough my little girl got to see her first turtle. He was feeding and she thought it was the coolest thing ever. "Mama that's my first real encounter with marine life!" (she's a geek in training). Nevermind she'd seen 1000 fish, they didn't count. The turtle was on a whole new level.
Eventually we got hungry and enjoyed our Pbjs on the beach. 4 hours or more later we decided it was time to pack it in.
Bye Maho for now...but definitely not forever.
Post-Sun, we decided to head to Coral Bay Cones for an ice cream treat for all. French vanilla with sprinkles for Ella, Max doesn't really like ice cream (I know, right?!?) so he picked out a nice packet of skittles, Mama was getting sleepy and wasn't likely to get a nap so I ordered a frozen caramel latte. We were all quite pleased. I also picked up a St. John t-shirt here that I love. Bright kelly green with ST. JOHN in big white block letters. Soon enough we were off to the cottage for showers, a show and breathing treatment. Max was much improved but I was determined to remain vigilant especially as we had a flight coming up in a few days.
I had a bit TOO much sun today. Best Investment of the Trip. This stuff is AWESOME. We applied it often and liberally and neither of us peeled a bit.
I had a little afternoon refreshment on the deck
Before I knew it, our babysitter arrived and it was time to head to Pia's for a pre-dinner cocktail and a tour of the house and an update on all of their home improvement projects. AMAZING. I had just been there a year and a month prior and I couldn't believe the work they had done on their place. I considered their house absolutely perfect, but the renovations they have made are beautiful, classy, and so well executed. Pia's vision is amazing and Les's execution flawless. So very impressive! I let them know that when we find our fixer upper, Les definitely has a side gig as my master of renovation! Anyone who is following their blog, knows there is no task he will not tackle.
Unfortunately, I forgot my camera so there is no evidence of the amazing dinner we had at Sweet Plantains. I started with a painkiller. One of the best I've ever had. I had to have an order of Sweet Plantains, how could you not? Saturday is curry night and the Masala Spiced Red Curry with shrimp was calling my name. Absolutely perfect evening with Pia and Les and my hubby. No kids, no worries, just easy conversation in the beautiful, warm Sweet Plantains atmosphere. Perfect night!
All good things must come to an end and soon enough with bellies full we headed back to the house to relieve Barbara and get the kids tucked in. They were so sad to see us home so soon. They really really really loved Barbara!
Tomorrow: Sunday - Honeymoon, The Grateful Shed & Pool & RUTH, the Beach Bar Gathering, and High Tide
A few days ago my husband headed out on a grand adventure. The first leg of his journey was Dulles to LAX. Departing at 6:20 pm he arrived at LAX at 9 pm there (Midnight here). He killed a few hours and boarded another plane. This one to Auckland, New Zealand. His flight from LAX to New Zealand departed at 12 midnight and arrived in Auckland a day later (or two days later if you are in New Zealand) 13 hours later. All in all he left our house at 3pm Wednesday and landed in New Zealand at 4pm Thursday. About 24 hours in transit. By the time he got there it was already Friday in New Zealand. I am so confused. I had to add an international time zone clock to my iphone to keep up.
