Wow on Wednesday!

Can we talk about consumables? 

We arose in St Maarten packed, checked out, and returned the rent-a-car, but before we headed to the ferry a stop at Zee Best Bakery was in order.  Hmm what to order… nope there was not a moment of indecision.  They make a croissant as only a Frenchman can.  They carefully slice it and spread fresh homemade almond paste and rejoin the gluten delight.  The finishing touch is powder sugar sprinkled over sliced almonds.  There are not many things that I have put in my mouth that compare with this treat.  It makes you want to get up in the morning.  

The winds were howling so it appeared we would have a rockin’ and rollin’ ride over to Anguilla.  As I said in an earlier post this is a big weekend in Anguilla.  There is a major sailboat race and music on multiple stages.  We rode over with a group from Jamaica named Radical Band. 

The 4 young men were eager to be playing on Anguilla, and entertained us across the water with their enthusiasm.  I sure hope they become rich and famous one day and I have the back in the day photo.  We are going to try to go see them Friday night.

Upon our arrival at Carimar Beach Resort, we were greeted by a friendly staff, that pleasantly brought us the news that our car was ready, but not our room.  We walked the grounds to get our first impressions and they were very positive.  40 paces from our room to be we saw the beach.  The point and shoot captured our first view of the beach.  The place is immaculately kept and everyone is so friendly.

  

Off to the Sandy Ground, a small town on the island, for lunch.  The Sandy Ground was a flurry of activity as boats being launched for the big race tomorrow were driven into the sea by a tractor.  Johnno’s was our restaurant choice, and when the catch of the day was Grouper there was no reason to look at the menu.   Grouper sandwich, Rice & Peas, and Salad for both of us please was our order.  Everything about this plate was amazing.  

The next destination was the grocery store to pick up a few items for the room.  Janet with the map playing navigator struggled to get us going in the right direction.  There are very few street signs and too much to look at out the window.  Hey it is only an island about 3 miles wide and 16 miles long so you can only get so lost.  Albeit were glad to finally locate the store until we saw the prices.  Janet looked at her healthy crunch cereal and saw $15.50!  Her heart sank until young boy explained that the prices were marked in Eastern Caribbean Dollars and the exchange rate was 1 US to 2.70 ECD.  Still expensive, but Janet will be able to eat in the morning.  Returning back to Carimar with no navigational errors we got to our room (it is beautiful I may add) and off to the beach.

Janet got her swim in, and with a healthy current behind her swam almost the entire view of the webcam.  The swim back was not as fun.

For our first evening dinner on Anguilla we chose the Straw Hat.  I can honestly say that I have had better meals - but not many!  I have eaten where there were nicer views – but not many!  However I have never had better service anywhere!  And that includes the Inn at Little Washington.   Located on the water and with a local musician quietly playing in the background, Janet and I had one of those memorable dinners that we will chat about in years to come. 

First impressions of Anguillans and the island…  There are some mighty nice folks who live in paradise.  First impression of the cuisine on Anguilla… OH MY!  And many of the big names are right on the road we are staying and within a half mile.  The guy next to us commented that nowhere will you find this many high end restaurants on a strip of road except maybe 46 ST Manhattan  - NY, NY!  Restaurant Road!  This has the possibilities of being a very expensive vacation.