<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />After we arrived at Divi, I decided that three of my trip goals were to take pictures of the north beach at Pinel, hike to Petite Caye Beach and take pictures there, and meet painter Roland Richardson. The hike to the opposite side of Pinel wasn't as far as I had expected and I accomplished that easily. The only other person was a man collecting rock samples. There is a lot of petrified brain coral there. The day prior I had no trouble finding the island's landfill in French Cul De Sac and began my effort to hike to Petite Caye Beach. After ten minutes of hiking across the rocks, I decided this was not such a good idea and I turned back, wondering if I had the right route.
Roslyn and I made plans to visit Roland Richardson's gallery in Marigot. This was a highlight of our trip. The gallery is open thurdays. We got there just before the 10:30 opening time and waited. A man came out and opened the shop and I excitedly told my wife "that's him!" He met with us and several other couples and took us through the gallery and the courtyard, which is filled with flowers. A camera crew came in a short time later to interview him, but despite this he stayed with us until we were ready to go. He said he had been raised in the home next door and had later studied art in Europe. He is fluent in both English and French. We purchased a beautiful print and he wrapped it for us. There was no pressure to purchase anything whatsover. We were impressed. We were able to take the print on board the jet when we left, without issues. I had stopped at The Mailbox and they had advised me that I did not really need to ship it back.
We went to Casino Royale once and Great Bay Casino 4 times. Luck was with me as we won 4 of 5 nights with the video blackjack table.
Another highlight was our visits at Dinner at the Toucan Restaurant at the Divi with our friends Marisol, Walter and Geraldine, who keep the restaurant running smoothly. Yes, the fort is fenced off, but I did not ask why. We were upgraded from a studio to a casita, which was in a convenient location, but did not have a clear, ocean view. Our next door neighbors were a very nice couple from Ottawa.
The photos I took of Orient Beach were taken from near the top of the rock by CoCo Beach. Not a difficult climb.
Besides the Divi, we ate at Pineapple Pete's (always great), and Cheri's (the fish I had was a bit strong, didn't care for it). The drinks there, and at Sunset Bar and Grill were excellent. Had ice cream at Hagendaas.
LeSand looks like it could be very successful, assuming it can pull in enough people to keep it going. It appeared to be an upscale beach bar, etc.
I encountered a herd of bulls (with large horns) in the middle of the street as I was driving out of the Friar's Beach area. I just waited my turn.
The beach at Cupecoy early in the week was in the best condition I have ever seen it. The signs indicate that the property is being offered for commercial development, confirmed by Danny, who says that it has been up for sale for over a year without success. Parking is by the Ocean Club.
Galion Beach was gorgeous, as was Mullet and Little Bay. I did not get to Bay Rouge, Long Beach or Plum Beach this trip, as I spent more time at Orient this year. I discovered a little league baseball stadium on Pond Island in Philipsburg, which was open. I went in and took pictures. They have select teams that play teams from other neighboring islands. There has been discussions of bringing cricket to the island, but this has not materialized, apparently.
I can recommend Leisure Car Rental. They were there on time upon arrival and departure, to the minute! I will use them again.
Great trip, could not have been better. (except no TTOL party , which I missed).
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