Kudos to Island Getaways

Pete (Mr. Marcia) · Post by **Pete (Mr. Marcia)** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 8:34 pm

I wanted to share a positive experience that I had with Island Getaways.

After 20+ years of working for large firms, I finally opened my own law firm. We only have been in business for a couple of weeks. Yet, Marcia and I are booked to be on island for two weeks starting at the end of April. I was getting nervous about going because I felt that I wouldn't be able to be in touch with my clients. (The new firm is just me and my assistant.)

So, I asked Kathy McHaughlin at Island Getaways whether she could talk to the villa owner about installing an internet connection so I could have email access. Seriously, two days later Kathy writes back, telling me that the owner agreed and a wireless connection will be installed. Okay, that's kind of cool.

Just thought I would share this positive experience.

Diana2 · Post by **Diana2** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 8:58 pm

We think that Kathy's the best too. We've been renting through her for many years. She's great.

Bandit · Post by **Bandit** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 10:09 pm

Way to go Pete! Congrats on the new office.

For $1.99 more I can tell you how to really catch up technology wise AND have money for that next vacation.

OK forget the $1.99. Here it is for FREE. You can't beat FREE!!!

When you "really" want to catch up technology wise, try buying a Crackberry. You can send/receive e-mail, it has voice-mail, a Rolodex, and web browser, and you won't have to ask each and every Villa owner to install an internet connection to have e-mail access every visit to paradise. Since you are self-employed, and like the rest of us are shouldering the non-taxpayers of the USA, I'm sure you will be able to make more than the two trips a year, right??? If you don't believe it can be done, just ask Jorge.

You also won't need that Assistant that you are paying minimum wage+ to, as her salary, should be enough to cover your annual trips to the islands. For the last two years, I have run my multi-million dollar business, you know the one that involves famous folks, from St. John while drinking with you at The Beach Bar and you didn't even know it. In fact nobody knew it!

Here's the secret...all you do is forward that office number to your Crackberry and your office is located wherever you are. Nobody else will know, of course, unless they call you and all they can hear is you mumbling with that rum-induced slurred speech and your e-mails won't go thru because you're at The Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost. Very simple. Oh that invoice for FREE Advice that is really $1.99 will be in the mail tomorrow. I need a Vacation.

Pete (Mr. Marcia) · Post by **Pete (Mr. Marcia)** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 10:24 pm

Ah, Mr. Bandit...been there, done that. Last year, when still employed by the mega-firm, I brought the Crackberry down to STJ with me. Guess what...no freakin' signal on island. So, the stupid thing was plain useless.

I'm done with those things...besides, typing with your thumbs is for text-messaging kids. I set the firm up with Macs. iMac in reception and acting as the server; macmini in the conf. room that also drives a 36" LCD monitor and macbooks for my assistant and me. I'll be taking the macbook down to STJ. If there is a wireless signal nearby, it will find it...and, I won't need to type with my thumbs.

I really hope not to use the laptop all that much while on vacation...that's not my idea of vacation. I just need to know that I can be available, if need be.

Anywho...the point was that I was pleased with the response from Kathy.

Marcia (Mrs. Pete) · Post by **Marcia (Mrs. Pete)** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 11:08 pm

I get to take my new notebook computer, too. :lol

While Pete is doing work, I can be doing "in the moment" trip reports.

Marcia Ann (Mrs. Pete)

Pete (Mr. Marcia) · Post by **Pete (Mr. Marcia)** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 11:12 pm

Sorry Kathy...I stuck an "H" in your name instead of an "L." I guess even when I am typing with my fingers I'm all thumbs.

Bandit · Post by **Bandit** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 7:36 am

One word: Cingular

Of course I quickly remember you have to have that seluded villa in Coral Bay for all of your makedness, I mean re-connecting, which means no Cingular.

Hate it!

silverheels · Post by **silverheels** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 5:37 pm

I have Cingular and regularly call from our boat in Coral Bay. Have not tried it in other locations in Coral Bay but at Skinny's and the boat the reception is great. Not so with Verizon.

mark & susan · Post by **mark & susan** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 6:22 pm

We also used Cingular all around Coral Bay last January, with no roaming charges..

Pete - Can you share what villa you are renting. I looked on the website but none of the houses they represent were really Coral Bay locations?

Pete (Mr. Marcia) · Post by **Pete (Mr. Marcia)** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 7:35 pm

mark & susan wrote:We also used Cingular all around Coral Bay last January, with no roaming charges..

Pete - Can you share what villa you are renting. I looked on the website but none of the houses they represent were really Coral Bay locations?

It is Daffodil, in the Fish Bay area. I don't know how Bandit got the notion that we stay in Coral Bay.

I also guess a shout out to the villa owners is in order, as they were kind enough to agree to install the wireless internet connection.

usvi-on-line