Hello All!!
Sorry it took so long to post, but the pile on my desk at work prevented me from posting before now.....
Mark and I got back on Tuesday night. We had a fabulous time. Yes, even though we got flooded and stranded at the Houston Airport when we left, and missed a day of our vacation, I did arrive albeit a bit late for my birthday party at BC's. (Sleeping in an airport with no food, a broken air conditioner, it was 50 degrees in there, and 100,000 other people was an experience I never want to repeat. I felt like a refugee from Kosovo. 27 hours of pure hell) Party was to start at noon, and we landed at 2:30. Ran and got our cart, so we could head to BC's. Funny thing....While I was waiting for Mark to get the cart and pay the rental fees, a man was standing there next to me. We started shooting the breeze, and I asked the man what he was up to that day. His response? "I went to a birthday party at BC's today, but it was a bummer as the birthday girl didn't show up. Her flight was cancelled." I busted out laughing, and said, "Well, that would be me. I'm Debbie!! We just got in." Well wouldn't ya know? It was the infamous Bill Thornton!!! We laughed and hugged. He escorted us back to BC's and the party started!!! ElleD and Capt. Jesse were still there. Met Bruce and Charlene and got to see my banner. Everyone was in such a festive mood. Choo Choo and SWMBO weren't there physically, but were DEFINATELY there in spirit. So was my dear friend JaneinPA. Had a few drinks and toasted all around. Many had already left the party and headed to the Palapa, so in the cart we hopped and to the Palapa. Yes, Barefoot Skinny kept his promise. He was there and doing what he does best. He is a super person. It was a ball!! Mr. B and gang was there, Sandshaker, Orionhunter and her son, and so was Munichchick and her husband, but I didn't realize it at the time. (We bumped into eachother later at Mangos) Over the course of the next few days I got to meet Mr. and Mrs ZEKE, Gary, KOZ from Denver and his wife, Pegster, Ibanole and her husband,and Gary. I couldn't have been more delighted.
The first few days of the trip were bright and sunny, but the wind was horrendous. No snorkel or sailing trips were going out, so we basically just relaxed and partied. Unfortunately, my feet and legs swelled up horribly, but Bruce came to the rescue and obtained some medication from the pharmacy. I can't say enough good things about he and Charlene. Super people. As I retained water in my feet, Mark was retaining Belikin in his belly.... LOL.
We stayed at the Seven Seas for the first 6 nights (we missed one) and just loved it. We were on the third floor and the view was spectacular. The pool was very nice and Sherrie at the front desk was a doll. Bent over backwards for us and just the nicest person. She had water and cold Belikins waiting for us...... After our ordeal, it was like heaven........ The rooms are deocorated very cute, and it was sure nice to have our own kitchen. We LOVE the local breakfast sausage, and had it almost everymorning....Papi's breakfast burritos were pretty hard to beat........
The first snorkel trip was fabulous. Got to see so many things. Have to say here though, from one day to the next, the snorkeling, even in the same exact place, can be so different. After the wind completely died, the snorkeling was not as good. So those of you that have had bad diving experiences, it may very well have been the nature of the reef on that particular day.
The people were such a joy. Always smiling and happy and always willing to help or accomodate. We were totally at ease. For those of you wanting to bring things for the children, we found out that on Wednesdays, there is a children's clinic. Lines of sick and miserable children..... Bring those goodies to the clinic so nurse Natalie can bring a little cheer to those sick babies. It would mean so much.......
Best places to eat that we tried were Papi's Diner and also Sweet Basils. The salads at Sweet Basils were AWESOME!!! Smoked salmon, shrimp, capers, artichoke hearts, sweet oninons, etc. It was truly a treat. Jambels was as good as ever. Can't be beat, and an unusual surprise was the Jade Garden. Had curried lobster there that was just delicious.
The Palapa and BC's were our favorite haunts. Best places in the world to relax and hang out.
BC's had the best panty rippers and Papi's had the best pina coladas.
Finally got around to having my cake at BC's. I was able to gather everyone up for the festivities and it was a blast. Even Paisano had a piece of cake. He was to cute. Had whipped cream all over his sweet face. A couple of local kids were there and wanted cake. Of course they had some, but within 10 minutes, 15 more kids were in line. It was to cute. All were treated. Charlene was a sweetheart. She ran and got extra plates and forks. Paisano ended up being our buddy. He kept calling me his little monkey. He made quick friends with Mark. Mark found out he was from the middle east, and said a couple things to him in Arabic. (The ONLY two things he knew)Paisano was ecstatic. His whole face lit up, and he immediately started rattling off tons of arabic and was even singing in his language. He was drumming on the bar and so very happy. Mark was clueless, but just kept nodding and laughing. I think to this minute, Paisano thinks Mark is an Arab! LOL Mark's deep tan, black hair and black beard of course didn't help disuade him......
We went fishing one day with Gil Gonzales. What a wonderful fisherman!! I've never caught so many fish!! Many types of snapper. I didn't realize there were so many different kinds. He used a GPS unit to locate some caves, and man did the fish bite!!! He took us fishing last year, so we were delighted we were able to find him again. Papi was a dear and cooked our catch for us, and we also cooked some up at our Seven Seas kitchen and also at Sandshaker's. What a treat to meet her and Gary!!! The cook at Jambel's set Mark up with some Jerk spices, so our home cooked fish was SUPER!
Went sailing on the Me Too with Hustler Tours. It was still a bit breezy but a PERFECT day to sail. It was glorious. Had lunch at The Sand Box on Caye Caulker and was NOT disappointed. It was the first day of lobster season and had my first lobster meal. To die for. The conch fritters were just as good as I remembered them, but were so spicey I cried. YUM!! Even hubby had to order extra water.......
Both Mark and I got massages on one of the really windy days for lack of something better to do....LOL.... We used a gal named Vicki and had the massages done at her lovely home. It was pure bliss. $60 for 1 hour and 15 minutes of heaven. She had these pillow things filled with warm water under the sheets that you just melted into. I felt like a limp noodle when she was done. Mark fell asleep!!! Vicki said it was the best compliment she could get. Means he was REALLY relaxed.....
The last three days we stayed at Coconuts. the rooms were lovely and airconditioned. They have a very nice beach bar with two very wonderful bar tenders. The breakfasts were continental, but you could sit out under two huge trees and watch the world go by...... The local dogs frolicked in the water in the morning and were such a delight and a good source of intertainment. The resident cat fell in love with Mark, and wouldn't leave him alone. Even brought him a lizard one morning.... EEWWWWWWWWW!!!!!
Well folks, I could write for another 2 hours, but I had better let it go... We had a wonderful time, and the Seven Seas and Coconuts were both just wonderful. So much to say, but I'll just wait for questions from you. I have tons of digital pictures, but have to figure out how to post them first. (Not really computer saavy) Love to all and sure wish I was still there........
Debbie
[This message has been edited by Debbie (edited 06-24-2001).]
[This message has been edited by Debbie (edited 06-25-2001).]