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Grenadines and More Part One
It is vacation
time and it is the Christmas holidays. These two events don’t always go hand in
hand. Unfortunately this is one of the few times that we can all travel together
due to the kids busy schedules. We will make the best of the crowds and the
hassle of traveling during the holidays. Our destination is the Grenadines in
the Caribbean. Our venture to our destination was the typical holiday
hassles....late flights, missed flights and grumpy people. We relax exactly two
days at our destination when the children become restless.
Attempted to entertain kids and spouse today with journey to the nearby island
of Bequia. There is supposed to be a fabulous turtle farm there and a quaint
little town. Just the thing for my little savages. Our resort island has no
television, no phone and very limited internet access. Kids are going crazy
after 2 days. Let spouse know we must up the ante but he says they have the
entire ocean to play in with dilapidated water toys.
Make arrangements to go on private boat after hearing about the scrum we will
have to go through to get on the ferry. Concierge looks askance at me and says
the seas are very rough; assure her that we are all good sailors. Not to worry.
Conner decides to come only after I tell him about the world renowned turtle
expert. He says it better be good, in the Christmas spirit of things.
We make it to the island on the 18 foot craft. Craig became my human water
shield as we are soaked in the stern of the boat. Things do not bode well from
there. The boat captains advise us to take a hike to the nearby town. Not a long
jaunt but very hot. Stop in all boutiques to take advantage of air conditioning.
Craig and boys too stupid to figure this out and swelter in the heat outside.
Ask Craig several times for money for small purchases. He becomes increasingly
crabby as I did not bring money or a credit card. Tell him I have no pockets and
did bring sunscreen and camera. He remains grumpy. We make it to boat museum but
it is a bust. Begin the trudge home, Craig begins rebelling and chomping at the
bit. He is too big a man to take this infernal heat. What do I think he is? A
camel? No one should be made to walk in this hell hole. Gently remind him to get
a stiff upper lip as he is bringing everyone down and being a bad sport. Boys
tell him to “man up”. This is one of Craig’s favorite phrases and he does not
appreciate the comment used.
Return to original destination where we are to meet taxi. Wait approximately one
hour with no sight of taxi. Tell boat drivers that we will take one of the many
taxis down the road. They insist that this is the best driver and he will be
here in ten minutes. They said that three ten minutes ago. Anyway the taxi
driver shows up.
We leave for the turtle farm. Lovely drive on the way however the turtle farm is
also a bust. Kids in good spirits and ask many turtle related questions. Craig
paces like a wild animal. He says he is hungry. We are all hungry. This is not a
good thing to bring up and tell him so. He says the turtle guy has another thing
coming if he thinks these poor turtles can survive in the wild after living in
captivity with kibbles for food. Kids and I tell him he is full of malarkey.
We are driven back to boat. All of us insist that we must leave now as weather
is looking dicey. Craig overrules everyone when I am in bathroom and I find him
sitting in restaurant with a beer. He wants a cheeseburger. I believe his next
words were; “Those boat captains don't know anything, the weather is fine.”
Scarf down burger and run to boat.
Fight raging seas on way back, swells 8 feet high. Kids in high form and leap at
each wave. Craig moves to back with me. After sleeping on his stone tablet last
night his back hurts. Notice his karma has become very bad as lamp fell on his
head this a.m. while he was sleeping.
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