Day 9: Gibney, Pool, & Dinner at Sweet Plantains
Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:51 am
Day 9: Gibney, Pool, & Dinner at Sweet Plantains
For today, the Flip-Flops were on our own as the Gromits were heading to a beach that shall remain nameless but that was probably not the most gramma/kid friendly. Knowing my mama had never been to Gibney and as I think it is one of the most beautiful beaches (aren't they all) I wanted to take her there.
Up, breakfast (I think Mr. Flip-Flop was on bacon duty this morning and we had eggs and bagels too), and we were off.
On the way to Gibney, we passed Jumbie and saw the lot there ALREADY FULL! I was thinking our chances of getting a spot by the gate would be slim to none. Hmmmm...Wonder if Hubby will drop us off and hike down from Peace Hill
As we pull up we see we are only the 2nd car! SCORE.
We park, unload our piles of stuff and head down to the beach. No matter how many times I go to Maho, Francis, Gibney, Salt Pond, any STJ beach really, still I am a little bit speechless for a moment. A rarity for me. The natural beauty is just breathtaking!
While we were there, two weddings took place over at one of the Caneel Beaches.
Again, we demonstrate we have not learned how to all simultaneously look at the camera! 3 out of 4 ain't bad!
Mr. Flip-Flop just hanging out. Tip for guys out there - He found these althletic shirts (underarmor, nike etc) to serve as great rash guards. They dry very quickly.
Belly Flip really took a liking to decorating the trees with his sand toys.
Dude ... also had a diet enhanced with sand. Goldfish dropped in the sand, no problem. Eat it anyway. Fruit snacks dropped in the sand, again, no problem. Eat it anyway. Just another way he is SOOOOOO different than his sister. She's pretty easy going but sand on her food ... PLEASE. So undignified!
You looking at me?? Huh???
I feel like I got 10x as many pictures of my Belly Flop as my Mini Flip-Flop this trip but I think that it is really a function of 1) everytime he saw the camera he'd go, "CHhhhhhhheeeeeese!" and 2) he was stuck to me like glue for most of the trip and 3) she was too busy playing in the water to be bothered with me. If I could get her to LOOK at me it was a good thing, so I ended up with a lot of shots of the back or side of her head!
Isn't it beautiful?
Discussing proper rock skipping technique, she actually got it a time or two on this trip!
The Sahara Dust had really settled in by now.
Gram taught him to use his ice cream code as a telescope. It was too cute. No ice cream inside of course!
Flip-Flops happy place...
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree
Belly Flop thought these looked a lot like grapes and really wanted to eat some...we did not let him.
Soon it was lunch time! Nothing beats a PB&J on the beach!
And then time for a little more beach relaxation
Before we knew it, it was time to pack it in!
Everyone carries their own weight (the chairs provided by the house were VERY nice, light weight/backpack style and sturdy).
Ok maybe this guy (the short one) didn't pull his own weight, his daddy pulls his weight for him.
Partners in Crime
Yes we really did fit all that crap and 5 people into the Jeep!
Happy Dry Kids ready to head home
For parents out there I always packed a gallon size ziplock with dry clothes a diaper and undies for the girl and changed them out of their wet stuff at the beach. It made the ride home lots more comfy for them!
Back at the house we had our usual, naptime for Belly (though he fought it and ended up skipping his nap), pool time for mama and rest time for Mini. She was too tired to go to the pool so she watched a movie instead. Mr. Flip-Flop made a yummy concoction of tang, ice cream and orange rum. Like the milkshake version of a tango (orange rum and tang). YUMMMMMO. I enjoyed that pool side and continued trying to finish my book.
After a couple of hours I decided to go in and give Sweet Plantains a call to make sure they were open and to get a reservation if possible as we had a large group. No problem on either count and I was excited to FINALLY after 2 failed attempts on 2 seperate trips to try to eat there. I knew my hubby would love it as he loves spicy food and it was curry night! Score. Plus, this was a Kid-free night (THANKS AGAIN AMBER!). Double SCORE!
Before we head out, I had to get my little guy down for bedtime. He had skipped nap today (I blame Gram & Daddy) and was in NO mood to be handed off to anyone. I would not do that to Amber/Cousin Gromit. It was one of those times where he was so exhausted he couldn't settle down. There was crying and two attempts to lay him down unconscious where his eyes popped open just as his head hit the sheets! DOH! Third try was the charm, he just couldn't fight it anymore and he was down for the count. I had just enough time to throw on my clothes and we were off! (Luckily I'd showered before putting him down)!
Sweet Plantains was about 10 minutes from our house, right past Coccoloba and Island Blues. From the outside it doesn't look like anything, but the parking lot was packed! I was glad I'd called ahead for a reservation!
After we sat down, I quickly realized the table full of crazies next two us was none other than Nothingtolose & Cat and their crew. (They weren't really that crazy
) I didn't want to interrupt them as they were doing their apps & drinks crawl through Coral Bay apparently! That and I was pretty sure that Nothingtolose would definitely think I was stalking her after the Maho incident where I slammed on my brakes, threw my car in reverse and pulled up beside her as they were loading up their jeep. My husband didn't bat an eye. I am NOT a stalker. Really, I am not. I just think she's nice and should be my friend. LOL. Seriously, Cat & Nothingtolose are cool chicks and it was a great surprise to see them and chat for a few minutes!
Mr Flip-Flop & my Mama - unlike most in-law situations these two REALLY like each other, sometimes I think they like each other more than they like me
Thankfully for us, my mama was completely able to relax and enjoy her time in STJ. She was only there for 5 nights so we really tried to make the best of it for her. She was just happy to be there, didn't really ask for much and kept trying to force me to take money from her. I refused. This trip (as are all of our trips with her) was on us. She is an amazing mother and grandmother and it is the least I can do to repay her for all of the sacrifices she made for us (my brother and I) when we were kids. As I raise my own two kids I realize the infinite patience and love she had for us, especially considering she did it all on her own! Not to say she doesn't get on my last nerve from time to time, but this trip was definitely not one of those times. I think we have all realized life is too short to not enjoy each other!
We dined on the patio but Sweet Plantains also has a very nicely decorated, laid back islandy feel on the inside. My mama declared it the best atmosphere of the entire island.
I really wanted the 10 Cane & Coconut (10 Cane Rum, Cruzan Coconut Rum, Muddled Fresh Lime & Cane Juice) but they were out of something they needed to make them, so I settled on a glass of wine instead. Maybe next time!
Awwww aren't we sweet
We started with the spicy crab dip appetizer (sorry no food porn) to split. From their menu, 'spiced up crab meat baked with manchego cheese served with tostones'. It was awesome!
Hubby had the Red Curry Shrimp kicked up a notch. Yep he was sweating, though he said if he wasn't sweating he would have been disappointed!
I was going to have the Red Curry Chicken but they were running low on the chicken so I opted for my 2nd choice, the BBQ roasted pork. It was a GOOD decision.
We ended with the chocolate de jour (I have no recollection what it was - maybe cake?) but I remember it was yummy but I was SO full. I should mention that the service at Sweet Plantains was some of the best we got on the entire island. Our waitress was very on top of things and pleasant!
Post-Dinner we swung by Skinny Legs hoping for some live music, but were denied. It was close to closing time so we had a drink and then headed back to the house.
Tomorrow: LAST Beach Day, Skinnys Bike Rally, & Island Blues
For today, the Flip-Flops were on our own as the Gromits were heading to a beach that shall remain nameless but that was probably not the most gramma/kid friendly. Knowing my mama had never been to Gibney and as I think it is one of the most beautiful beaches (aren't they all) I wanted to take her there.
Up, breakfast (I think Mr. Flip-Flop was on bacon duty this morning and we had eggs and bagels too), and we were off.
On the way to Gibney, we passed Jumbie and saw the lot there ALREADY FULL! I was thinking our chances of getting a spot by the gate would be slim to none. Hmmmm...Wonder if Hubby will drop us off and hike down from Peace Hill
As we pull up we see we are only the 2nd car! SCORE. We park, unload our piles of stuff and head down to the beach. No matter how many times I go to Maho, Francis, Gibney, Salt Pond, any STJ beach really, still I am a little bit speechless for a moment. A rarity for me. The natural beauty is just breathtaking!
While we were there, two weddings took place over at one of the Caneel Beaches.
Again, we demonstrate we have not learned how to all simultaneously look at the camera! 3 out of 4 ain't bad!
Mr. Flip-Flop just hanging out. Tip for guys out there - He found these althletic shirts (underarmor, nike etc) to serve as great rash guards. They dry very quickly.
Belly Flip really took a liking to decorating the trees with his sand toys.
Dude ... also had a diet enhanced with sand. Goldfish dropped in the sand, no problem. Eat it anyway. Fruit snacks dropped in the sand, again, no problem. Eat it anyway. Just another way he is SOOOOOO different than his sister. She's pretty easy going but sand on her food ... PLEASE. So undignified!
You looking at me?? Huh???
I feel like I got 10x as many pictures of my Belly Flop as my Mini Flip-Flop this trip but I think that it is really a function of 1) everytime he saw the camera he'd go, "CHhhhhhhheeeeeese!" and 2) he was stuck to me like glue for most of the trip and 3) she was too busy playing in the water to be bothered with me. If I could get her to LOOK at me it was a good thing, so I ended up with a lot of shots of the back or side of her head!
Isn't it beautiful?
Discussing proper rock skipping technique, she actually got it a time or two on this trip!
The Sahara Dust had really settled in by now.
Gram taught him to use his ice cream code as a telescope. It was too cute. No ice cream inside of course!
Flip-Flops happy place...
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree
Belly Flop thought these looked a lot like grapes and really wanted to eat some...we did not let him.
Soon it was lunch time! Nothing beats a PB&J on the beach!
And then time for a little more beach relaxation
Before we knew it, it was time to pack it in!
Everyone carries their own weight (the chairs provided by the house were VERY nice, light weight/backpack style and sturdy).
Ok maybe this guy (the short one) didn't pull his own weight, his daddy pulls his weight for him.
Partners in Crime
Yes we really did fit all that crap and 5 people into the Jeep!
Happy Dry Kids ready to head home
For parents out there I always packed a gallon size ziplock with dry clothes a diaper and undies for the girl and changed them out of their wet stuff at the beach. It made the ride home lots more comfy for them!
Back at the house we had our usual, naptime for Belly (though he fought it and ended up skipping his nap), pool time for mama and rest time for Mini. She was too tired to go to the pool so she watched a movie instead. Mr. Flip-Flop made a yummy concoction of tang, ice cream and orange rum. Like the milkshake version of a tango (orange rum and tang). YUMMMMMO. I enjoyed that pool side and continued trying to finish my book.
After a couple of hours I decided to go in and give Sweet Plantains a call to make sure they were open and to get a reservation if possible as we had a large group. No problem on either count and I was excited to FINALLY after 2 failed attempts on 2 seperate trips to try to eat there. I knew my hubby would love it as he loves spicy food and it was curry night! Score. Plus, this was a Kid-free night (THANKS AGAIN AMBER!). Double SCORE!
Before we head out, I had to get my little guy down for bedtime. He had skipped nap today (I blame Gram & Daddy) and was in NO mood to be handed off to anyone. I would not do that to Amber/Cousin Gromit. It was one of those times where he was so exhausted he couldn't settle down. There was crying and two attempts to lay him down unconscious where his eyes popped open just as his head hit the sheets! DOH! Third try was the charm, he just couldn't fight it anymore and he was down for the count. I had just enough time to throw on my clothes and we were off! (Luckily I'd showered before putting him down)!
Sweet Plantains was about 10 minutes from our house, right past Coccoloba and Island Blues. From the outside it doesn't look like anything, but the parking lot was packed! I was glad I'd called ahead for a reservation!
After we sat down, I quickly realized the table full of crazies next two us was none other than Nothingtolose & Cat and their crew. (They weren't really that crazy
) I didn't want to interrupt them as they were doing their apps & drinks crawl through Coral Bay apparently! That and I was pretty sure that Nothingtolose would definitely think I was stalking her after the Maho incident where I slammed on my brakes, threw my car in reverse and pulled up beside her as they were loading up their jeep. My husband didn't bat an eye. I am NOT a stalker. Really, I am not. I just think she's nice and should be my friend. LOL. Seriously, Cat & Nothingtolose are cool chicks and it was a great surprise to see them and chat for a few minutes! Mr Flip-Flop & my Mama - unlike most in-law situations these two REALLY like each other, sometimes I think they like each other more than they like me
Thankfully for us, my mama was completely able to relax and enjoy her time in STJ. She was only there for 5 nights so we really tried to make the best of it for her. She was just happy to be there, didn't really ask for much and kept trying to force me to take money from her. I refused. This trip (as are all of our trips with her) was on us. She is an amazing mother and grandmother and it is the least I can do to repay her for all of the sacrifices she made for us (my brother and I) when we were kids. As I raise my own two kids I realize the infinite patience and love she had for us, especially considering she did it all on her own! Not to say she doesn't get on my last nerve from time to time, but this trip was definitely not one of those times. I think we have all realized life is too short to not enjoy each other!We dined on the patio but Sweet Plantains also has a very nicely decorated, laid back islandy feel on the inside. My mama declared it the best atmosphere of the entire island.
I really wanted the 10 Cane & Coconut (10 Cane Rum, Cruzan Coconut Rum, Muddled Fresh Lime & Cane Juice) but they were out of something they needed to make them, so I settled on a glass of wine instead. Maybe next time!
Awwww aren't we sweet
We started with the spicy crab dip appetizer (sorry no food porn) to split. From their menu, 'spiced up crab meat baked with manchego cheese served with tostones'. It was awesome!
Hubby had the Red Curry Shrimp kicked up a notch. Yep he was sweating, though he said if he wasn't sweating he would have been disappointed!
I was going to have the Red Curry Chicken but they were running low on the chicken so I opted for my 2nd choice, the BBQ roasted pork. It was a GOOD decision.
We ended with the chocolate de jour (I have no recollection what it was - maybe cake?) but I remember it was yummy but I was SO full. I should mention that the service at Sweet Plantains was some of the best we got on the entire island. Our waitress was very on top of things and pleasant!
Post-Dinner we swung by Skinny Legs hoping for some live music, but were denied. It was close to closing time so we had a drink and then headed back to the house.
Tomorrow: LAST Beach Day
, Skinnys Bike Rally, & Island Blues
