Visitors' Journal: 2003 - 2011
Where the story begins
This story begins when I moved to
Nevis four years ago. Like butter in
the tropics, my heart softened, and
the lush, blossomed, breeze-swept
mountain claimed an intangible,
yet, sure hold on my being.
Missing my three brothers, and five
sisters and parents I wanted to entice
them to visit me.
I discovered the book, "Swords, Ships
and Sugar," by Vincent Hubbard, at
the Museum and asked Joan Robinson
if she'd mail a copy to each one of
them, as my first Christmas gifts
from Nevis. That was before any
of them came. So she did, and ten
family members have visited since then.
Ensuing vacation diary entries capture only a
few of our activities during their tropical visit.
- Mamie
Arrival
Yes!! We arrived last night after
a short jaunt from San Juan. There
was Mamie, waiting for us at the new
terminal, ready to whisk us home.
We all embraced and hugged while
she exclaimed, "you all need some sun!"
I smiled, arched my neck for the easterly
breezes to kiss my face, and then we all
got in the car and headed south.
It was so dark last night I didn't know
what I was missing until I woke up
this morning and looked toward the
mountain: the colors of new sunrise
Mixed with the color of the rainforest
To create a hot, rosy green glow; and
The sea reflected mad mystical sparks
As the sun's rays slowly reached the sea.
I can hardly wait to immerse my
Body in the calm warm waters; feel
The tension from work slip out of my
mind and every pore...
Afternoon
Richard, Mamie, Sheila and I relaxed
On the beach under an umbrella while
The kids played in the sand right up
Until the "green flash" flashed.
There came a "Rasta" fellow riding
bareback along the water's edge,
leading three horses. Sheila asked
him to bring his horses tomorrow, for
an afternoon seaside ride. I will not go.
I'll make Mamie go.
We cooked at home and spent the
entire evening talking, laughing,
reconnecting and planning our Nevis
visit.
-Kitty
Sunday
Good Morning!
It was a classic beach day.
Starting out at Tequila Sheila's
for fresh sea air and a lovingly-
prepared repast. We ordered eggs
benedict, juice and fresh coffee
from a beachside table with a
stunning view of St. Kitts across the
glistening aqua channel.
Later, we met friends, Livia and
Duane for an afternoon of sun
and sea - blending into a gentle
bonfire-lit evening of buttered
lobster, rice and beans, and salad
at Sunshines.
-Kitty
Monday Morning
We chatted with Ms. Anna when
she passed this morning, before she
had to be at work.
Then we drank some jelly water
that a friend from a local village
brought for us.
Mamie took me to Hamilton to
see what the Parry brothers' were
working on. Isaiah is a wood
sculptor and Kultcha does
drawings. Afterwards, we went
souvenir-hunting through town
exploring all the little shops in
Solomon,s and Sim Daniel's plaza
and along Main Street. Every
nook and cranny has a cute
little shop with their special wares.
-Sheila
Tuesday
Tonight we were pampered by
the new owners of Montpelier Inn,
Lincoln and Muffin Hoffman,
and Timothy and Meredith Hoffman.
My attention drifted from the
present to the past, imagining
an era of gracious Plantation living.
We enjoyed a casual elegance, the
artistry of chef, Mark Roberts, and
a smile by Eddison. Hospitality at
its very finest.
-Sheila
Wednesday
Edris, my neighbor from Doctor Penn
Heights, invited Kitty and me to come
for lunch: a rare treat found
anywhere: freshly-grown veggies
picked from her own garden, and
prepared in expert began style,
natural and savory.
Curried tofu, potatoes, and squash,
and the pineapple-upside-down cake
with freshly-whipped soursop icing
were my favorites. Kitty has lived with
cancer for over ten years, so we
appreciate the value of wholesome,
organically-prepared food. Edris hopes
to open her Eden Life Center in 2003.
-M
Thursday
"Kit" and "Shebie" drove to Stoney
Grove to pick up fish and johnny
cakes that June prepared today from
El & J Snackette. June was my first
neighbor in Nevis and my introduction
to the "snackette." Lots of villages
have snackettes where you can
sample local dishes, or sit and drink a
beverage with the neighbors, or
watch the domino champs smack
their winning tiles on the domino
table.
-M
Friday
Morning
Everyone went on hikes today.
Everyone but me. I get to stay
here on the veranda, sipping iced
tea, reading my book...ah, finally,
peace and quiet...
- Kitty
Afternoon
Mamie met us at Arlene's
snackette across the street from
where Akito and Tonito Willett
and neighborhood pals play
cricket at the corner of Government
and Pump roads. (when they aren't
playing real games at Grove Park.)
Elquemedo Willett, their father,
was the first cricketer from the
Leeward Islands ever to play on
the West Indies Cricket Team.
It's fun to watch the tradition
continue.
- Sheila
Saturday
I'd heard about Jade Spa where
Prof. Charles McWilliams, a
naturopath, was practicing
massotherapy, so we
accompanied Kitty for a
treatment.
While she went in for her session,
Sheila opted for a shiatsu back
massage and I chose a fabulous
Tui-Na facial.
Afterwards, we discussed who
had the more enjoyable morning
over pizza and iced green tea.
I've got to come back and do all
at once!
Next Entry >>
This story begins when I moved to
Nevis four years ago. Like butter in
the tropics, my heart softened, and
the lush, blossomed, breeze-swept
mountain claimed an intangible,
yet, sure hold on my being.
Missing my three brothers, and five
sisters and parents I wanted to entice
them to visit me.
I discovered the book, "Swords, Ships
and Sugar," by Vincent Hubbard, at
the Museum and asked Joan Robinson
if she'd mail a copy to each one of
them, as my first Christmas gifts
from Nevis. That was before any
of them came. So she did, and ten
family members have visited since then.
Ensuing vacation diary entries capture only a
few of our activities during their tropical visit.
- Mamie
Arrival
Yes!! We arrived last night after
a short jaunt from San Juan. There
was Mamie, waiting for us at the new
terminal, ready to whisk us home.
We all embraced and hugged while
she exclaimed, "you all need some sun!"
I smiled, arched my neck for the easterly
breezes to kiss my face, and then we all
got in the car and headed south.
It was so dark last night I didn't know
what I was missing until I woke up
this morning and looked toward the
mountain: the colors of new sunrise
Mixed with the color of the rainforest
To create a hot, rosy green glow; and
The sea reflected mad mystical sparks
As the sun's rays slowly reached the sea.
I can hardly wait to immerse my
Body in the calm warm waters; feel
The tension from work slip out of my
mind and every pore...
Afternoon
Richard, Mamie, Sheila and I relaxed
On the beach under an umbrella while
The kids played in the sand right up
Until the "green flash" flashed.
There came a "Rasta" fellow riding
bareback along the water's edge,
leading three horses. Sheila asked
him to bring his horses tomorrow, for
an afternoon seaside ride. I will not go.
I'll make Mamie go.
We cooked at home and spent the
entire evening talking, laughing,
reconnecting and planning our Nevis
visit.
-Kitty
Sunday
Good Morning!
It was a classic beach day.
Starting out at Tequila Sheila's
for fresh sea air and a lovingly-
prepared repast. We ordered eggs
benedict, juice and fresh coffee
from a beachside table with a
stunning view of St. Kitts across the
glistening aqua channel.
Later, we met friends, Livia and
Duane for an afternoon of sun
and sea - blending into a gentle
bonfire-lit evening of buttered
lobster, rice and beans, and salad
at Sunshines.
-Kitty
Monday Morning
We chatted with Ms. Anna when
she passed this morning, before she
had to be at work.
Then we drank some jelly water
that a friend from a local village
brought for us.
Mamie took me to Hamilton to
see what the Parry brothers' were
working on. Isaiah is a wood
sculptor and Kultcha does
drawings. Afterwards, we went
souvenir-hunting through town
exploring all the little shops in
Solomon,s and Sim Daniel's plaza
and along Main Street. Every
nook and cranny has a cute
little shop with their special wares.
-Sheila
Tuesday
Tonight we were pampered by
the new owners of Montpelier Inn,
Lincoln and Muffin Hoffman,
and Timothy and Meredith Hoffman.
My attention drifted from the
present to the past, imagining
an era of gracious Plantation living.
We enjoyed a casual elegance, the
artistry of chef, Mark Roberts, and
a smile by Eddison. Hospitality at
its very finest.
-Sheila
Wednesday
Edris, my neighbor from Doctor Penn
Heights, invited Kitty and me to come
for lunch: a rare treat found
anywhere: freshly-grown veggies
picked from her own garden, and
prepared in expert began style,
natural and savory.
Curried tofu, potatoes, and squash,
and the pineapple-upside-down cake
with freshly-whipped soursop icing
were my favorites. Kitty has lived with
cancer for over ten years, so we
appreciate the value of wholesome,
organically-prepared food. Edris hopes
to open her Eden Life Center in 2003.
-M
Thursday
"Kit" and "Shebie" drove to Stoney
Grove to pick up fish and johnny
cakes that June prepared today from
El & J Snackette. June was my first
neighbor in Nevis and my introduction
to the "snackette." Lots of villages
have snackettes where you can
sample local dishes, or sit and drink a
beverage with the neighbors, or
watch the domino champs smack
their winning tiles on the domino
table.
-M
Friday
Morning
Everyone went on hikes today.
Everyone but me. I get to stay
here on the veranda, sipping iced
tea, reading my book...ah, finally,
peace and quiet...
- Kitty
Afternoon
Mamie met us at Arlene's
snackette across the street from
where Akito and Tonito Willett
and neighborhood pals play
cricket at the corner of Government
and Pump roads. (when they aren't
playing real games at Grove Park.)
Elquemedo Willett, their father,
was the first cricketer from the
Leeward Islands ever to play on
the West Indies Cricket Team.
It's fun to watch the tradition
continue.
- Sheila
Saturday
I'd heard about Jade Spa where
Prof. Charles McWilliams, a
naturopath, was practicing
massotherapy, so we
accompanied Kitty for a
treatment.
While she went in for her session,
Sheila opted for a shiatsu back
massage and I chose a fabulous
Tui-Na facial.
Afterwards, we discussed who
had the more enjoyable morning
over pizza and iced green tea.
I've got to come back and do all
at once!
Next Entry >>