A few days after I got back from DC, I ran into my friend Mindy's mom at church. She asked if I had another trip planned yet and when I said I hadn't, she asked what I thought about the Caribbean. "Excuse me?" was my response. Long story short... they had traded in their Palm Springs timeshare and lucked out in getting a three-bedroom place in the Caribbean. Since Lisa wasn't able to go, did I want to come out with them and surprise Mindy? I eventually agreed, with a great deal of arm twisting. Just kidding- of course I leaped at the opportunity!The entire thing was kept a surprise from Mindy. She didn't know I was coming on the trip until they woke me up in the Miami airport, after she and her bf (how husband!) Devon, flew in from Jacksonville. It was such a great experience, though.
First of all, let's talk about this resort. Amazing. Built on the land between the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea, there were gorgeous views all around. Lots of pools, right on the beach, a huge suite for the five of us, including this incredibly huge balcony that gave us the best views ever.
The next two days were spent driving around the islands. The first day we hit up St. Kitts. We went to an old fort (where I ran all the way down to the edge where the canons were), a Batik plantation (where we learned how to make Batik cloth), a black sand beach, a former sugar factory in the middle of the jungle and the capital city of Basseterre.
After two straight days of wandering around, Mindy, Devon and I decided to check out of the resort. We wound up getting some yummy drinks in one of the bars (the two outdoor ones were reserved for events). Miami Vices are delicious!
The next few days were the same routine- get up late, sit on the beach or by the pool, around 4:00 head over to the hammock to read, then dinner together and sitting out on the balcony at night. One night, Devon and I got to chat and get to know each other while Mindy went out with her parents. A few times we went snorkeling, once to see two old sunken ships, which was amazing. I read about twelve books with all the lying around in the sun. If you ignore the awful experience trying to get home (and make it back in time for my birthday party!!!), the whole trip was indescribable. Thank you again, McBrides!
We arrived the day before Easter so the next day, found a small Methodist church to celebrate the resurrection. The church was packed to the brim with people, lots of singing, a great sermon and very friendly island natives. We headed back to the hotel for this incredible brunch- so much food! Plus two people playing "Lady in Red" on steel drums.
The next two days were spent driving around the islands. The first day we hit up St. Kitts. We went to an old fort (where I ran all the way down to the edge where the canons were), a Batik plantation (where we learned how to make Batik cloth), a black sand beach, a former sugar factory in the middle of the jungle and the capital city of Basseterre.
The second day we took a ferry over to the sister island of Nevis, where Alexander Hamilton lived and Horatio Nelson played with his dear Emma. We wandered through the town, stopping by a Jewish cemetery, and then drove around the island, seeing a lot of the sights where Nelson left his mark, some old hotels, factories and plantations, and several sweet little churches.
After two straight days of wandering around, Mindy, Devon and I decided to check out of the resort. We wound up getting some yummy drinks in one of the bars (the two outdoor ones were reserved for events). Miami Vices are delicious! 
The next few days were the same routine- get up late, sit on the beach or by the pool, around 4:00 head over to the hammock to read, then dinner together and sitting out on the balcony at night. One night, Devon and I got to chat and get to know each other while Mindy went out with her parents. A few times we went snorkeling, once to see two old sunken ships, which was amazing. I read about twelve books with all the lying around in the sun. If you ignore the awful experience trying to get home (and make it back in time for my birthday party!!!), the whole trip was indescribable. Thank you again, McBrides!
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