sherban wrote:Thanks to all you girls for sharing these reports. I have to admit, ya'll are way cooler than I'll ever be...sharing a villa with a bunch of people from all over the place, some you hardly know. Too cool.
Seriously, I admire all of you for your bravery!
Great reports too....cheers!
Sherban, Since I think this may be a common feeling, I wanted to respond so that if this comes up again (SOTB III), some that are on the fence might really give it some further consideration. Although this is just my point of view and maybe some of the others will chime in, I’d have to say that it's really not as difficult as you would think, and I truly feel that we all got along marvelously. We'd been emailing for nearly a year, which helped us to get to know each other somewhat, but it's because you don't know one another that you know you HAVE TO go with the right mind set if it's going to work and once everyone has locked-in and paid, it has to work; kind-of like being on your best behavior type thing. Though not spoken, of course there were probably some initial reservations by this one or that one about this one or that one but basically on that note, you hope that you're wrong and that everything will go well and you try to keep an open and positive mind. So many different personality types, etc coming together, (some wore make-up, some didn't, some did their hair, some didn't, some swore, some didn't) so realizing that everyone is just being who they are (thus, my belief and forum name b-as-u-r) and everyone accepting that. How dull would life be if we were all exactly the same? So, my observations, which I think attributed to the success: basically, no chiefs, an easy-going attitude by all, consideration of others, no real expectations, flexibility and an open itinerary. Let's face it, you're on an island that you all love, so you all already have something in common. Also, realizing that not everyone needs to do everything together all of the time. It's okay for some to go out while others opt to stay in. Another similarity, I can say that we were all very "casual" in nature, which means no fancy clothes, no fancy dinners, no need to have a schedule or routine. Anyway, I think that probably describes most people on this forum, or at least that's the sense I get. I do feel it was essential to have 3 rental cars, and I make it a point of noting this, since I was one of the ones that was originally opposed to the idea. (Well, not necessary for the first day with staggered arrivals, but after that, it offered for great flexibility, which is necessary among 9 women.) Picking a villa with enough room and ample common space was also key to the success. Our villa was awesome and there was enough room to afford some “alone” time if you’re one that requires that. I think most of the rooms were comparable, so no one felt slighted on their space. Our ages ranged from 39 (well, not too long ago…..okay, okay….46
) to 59, though I don’t think it would have mattered if anyone younger or older had been along. Well, I suppose if someone expressed an interest in doing body shots at Woody’s, then perhaps there wouldn’t have been any takers in our group. Then again, why close the door on that; maybe.
We had a first day grocery and liquor shop worked out, so that was not an issue. After that if we needed groceries at the store, someone would pick them up. We were very casual on this, but it seemed to work out. Perhaps we should have considered keeping an on-going list of people's wants?? Anyway, it worked out for us. We had no money issues, no issues over which beach to go to or what to do. Everyone pitched in on cleaning up, etc(loading the dishwasher, making coffee, wiping down the counters.) Many enjoyed snorkeling, some of the ladies went diving together, most everyone started the morning fairly early, some earlier than others; it really just worked. And with the 3 cars, no one had to wait around for others to get going. We all went to dinner a couple of times together and some of us went out on other nights, while some opted to stay at the villa. Sometimes we did take out (Candy’s barbeque), had pizza delivered, or made easy food (sandwiches) from the fridge. We stopped at Woody’s one day on our way home from the beach, which was an early dinner. We also hit Sun Dog café one afternoon and spent another afternoon in Coral Bay and had lunch at Shipwreck. Anyway, I could probably go on and on and on (even more), but let me just finish by saying that the week went by way too fast, there was an awesome group of women on this trip, and I can honestly say that I, for one, would do one of these trips again in a heartbeat. Ali~
Excellent pictures, too! 
