.......idle jottings continued

Does anyone like St.Tom ?

Why ?

No, I have yet to find anyone who likes it. We are currently looking at two voyages right after New Year's in 2018, so that we can book onboard next month. They are both 9 days, start & end on the same day. Trapper & I generally like to stay on the island for a few days before the cruise. The voyage on the I is RT St Martin, and the II begins in St Thomas. Much nicer itinerary on the II (IMO), but St Thomas? I don't know if I can handle it. Where are you staying? That's one of the problems.

And yes, I do realize that many would be quite grateful to have this problem, and that it is not really a problem at all.

No, I have yet to find anyone who likes it. We are currently looking at two voyages right after New Year's in 2018, so that we can book onboard next month. They are both 9 days, start & end on the same day. Trapper & I generally like to stay on the island for a few days before the cruise. The voyage on the I is RT St Martin, and the II begins in St Thomas. Much nicer itinerary on the II (IMO), but St Thomas? I don't know if I can handle it. Where are you staying? That's one of the problems.

 

And yes, I do realize that many would be quite grateful to have this problem, and that it is not really a problem at all.

Hum is honoured (Brits use a "u" in case you think Hum cannot spel: joke) it's Lady Zimmy as Hum "lives and breathes".

We are staying at:

MARRIOTT FRENCHMAN’S REEF & MORNING STAR BEACH RESORT

ctbjr1309 put us on to it a few years back. We popped over to the hotel where he and his lovely lady were staying. We liked their apartment and had a great meal at the main outdoor restaurant. So we booked on the next visit. We arrived really late and finally got to the room. Five minutes later "boom, boom, boom" !

A ruddy disco !

Changing rooms took ages.

And so expensive !

Next time we are staying at Best Western Emerald Beach.

It's clean.

That's all Hum has to say for it......oh and it's cheaper.

Commander Courageous kindly invited us to use his day room after the Transatlantic crossing.

However Kathy loves it there but she is nicer than grumpy Hum.

And for the next one after Best Western, we are staying in Miami overnight and flying down first thing but we will be hanging around to board.

Blondie found a jewellers and camera shop there which had some bargains (it's just in the marina).

 

Next time we are staying at Best Western Emerald Beach.

Really????

Even miserly old Ragnar stayed at the Ritz-Carlton. They have a catamaran for snorkeling and sunset cruising (good drinks and snacks included). Plus convenient to Red Hook ferry if you want to pop over to St. John. We had breakfasts and two dinners at the RC, fairly good.

They play a rough game of changing rates constantly, just keep checking their website until they momentarily become lucid and drop the price to a "reasonable" level. It'll be back up to insanity the next day.

With US Immigration preparing to implement the Donald's vastly more stringent vetting procedures such as actually asking to see an incomers passport, let's start taking bets on how long immigration at Miami Airport will take to make the decision or otherwise to allow Mr Hum into the good ol' US of A.

Naturally, Blondie will be waved through and straight into the waiting limo...whilst in a grim, dimly lit room the rubber gloves are brought out their packet for the search to commence.

Really????

Really !!!

Charlie, it may have escaped your notice but that little, insignificant island "across the pond" from you, now re-named "Little Britain" decided to go it alone and leave a crazy, Socialist organisation called the European Union for a variety of reasons culminating in the insane decision by Angela Merkel to invite the whole of the Muslim world to Europe, all at once (thus also de-stabilising the regions they left, causing terrible multi-cultural problems in the Balkans and surrounding countries, lead to the Turks playing up and not integrating into those countries that welcomed them etc....)

So the stubborn Brits decided to leave: a consequence of this was a significant de-valuation of our pound sterling when compared against the almighty, testosterone enhanced US dollar (even though the US has a truly terrible debt: how does that work ?).

Now this makes Britain a cheap place to visit and shop (though hotel prices in London are silly), conversely for us Brits, everything in "dollar land" is expensive.

And so, we came to the decision, we are not paying "silly money" (for us Brits) on a one/two night stay and hence our decision to stay at said establishment.

It is friendly, clean and close to airport and marina.

Having said that, at the Marriott Frenchmans hotel, we have a lovely room with a nice Ocean view. It is clean, large, quiet-ish, has a lovely bed too.

We had a nice trip from the airport to hotel by a friendly driver who was happy for us to stop and pick up one or two things from a gas station.

We were greeted at hotel by nice lobby man, escorted to front desk, processed quickly and friendly and bags taken to room.

All in all, very good service and we know the food will be good.

So to be fair, it is an acceptable place to stay but expensive.

Remember chums, Hum said he would never fly through Miami because of the queues, hostile attitude (admittedly only of one) guy at passport control, well that's all changed, it is automated and there are people on hand to guide you.

And remember Hum said the Premium Lounge at Miami had it's a/c set to "frozen meat storage" levels, well that has improved too and they had Taittinger champagne and only large red wine glasses to drink from !!

And the American Airline crew were nice. A few lovely glasses of US Chardonnay. Hum avoided the food but had a lovely "pretzel" roll: a first for Hum. Gosh nice American bread.

So we arrived just after 10.00pm.

Experience through the US was very good and significantly improved: no longer fear going through America.

British, London airports can learn a lot from the Yanks.

Originally Posted by Ragnar Danneskjold View Post

Hmm, maybe we should add a visit to Deutschland to our trip.

Well be warned the Baron and Baronness are clubbers.

Don't expect to get back home until the wee small hours.

TOYB-expert and nightlife-specialist Hum puts it in a nutshell: Whenever the Lords of Heidelberg go out for (a) drink, it might become a bit late ... :D

Mrs. and Mr. Raggy are always welcome in Germany - if you bear with Hum, you might put up with us, too. The greatest difference to Hum and blondie is, that we drink Palatinate winemaker sparkling wine instead of French Champagne and Heidelberg Gin instead of Spanish Mare.

(When in Rome - do as the Romans do!) ;)

 

So we arrived just after 10.00pm.

Experience through the US was very good and significantly improved: no longer fear going through America.

British, London airports can learn a lot from the Yanks.

That advisory talking to you gave them last time must have shaken them up!

Delighted to hear that you have passed through the colony without any metaphorical or otherwise bruising and out into the sunshine of the Caribbean.

Have a wonderful trip meandering around the islands.

Really !!!

 

 

Charlie, it may have escaped your notice but that little, insignificant island "across the pond" from you, now re-named "Little Britain" decided to go it alone and leave a crazy, Socialist organisation called the European Union for a variety of reasons culminating in the insane decision by Angela Merkel to invite the whole of the Muslim world to Europe, all at once (thus also de-stabilising the regions they left, causing terrible multi-cultural problems in the Balkans and surrounding countries, lead to the Turks playing up and not integrating into those countries that welcomed them etc....)

 

So the stubborn Brits decided to leave: a consequence of this was a significant de-valuation of our pound sterling when compared against the almighty, testosterone enhanced US dollar (even though the US has a truly terrible debt: how does that work ?).

Now this makes Britain a cheap place to visit and shop (though hotel prices in London are silly), conversely for us Brits, everything in "dollar land" is expensive.

 

And so, we came to the decision, we are not paying "silly money" (for us Brits) on a one/two night stay and hence our decision to stay at said establishment.

It is friendly, clean and close to airport and marina.

 

Having said that, at the Marriott Frenchmans hotel, we have a lovely room with a nice Ocean view. It is clean, large, quiet-ish, has a lovely bed too.

We had a nice trip from the airport to hotel by a friendly driver who was happy for us to stop and pick up one or two things from a gas station.

We were greeted at hotel by nice lobby man, escorted to front desk, processed quickly and friendly and bags taken to room.

All in all, very good service and we know the food will be good.

So to be fair, it is an acceptable place to stay but expensive.

 

Remember chums, Hum said he would never fly through Miami because of the queues, hostile attitude (admittedly only of one) guy at passport control, well that's all changed, it is automated and there are people on hand to guide you.

 

And remember Hum said the Premium Lounge at Miami had it's a/c set to "frozen meat storage" levels, well that has improved too and they had Taittinger champagne and only large red wine glasses to drink from !!

 

And the American Airline crew were nice. A few lovely glasses of US Chardonnay. Hum avoided the food but had a lovely "pretzel" roll: a first for Hum. Gosh nice American bread.

 

So we arrived just after 10.00pm.

Experience through the US was very good and significantly improved: no longer fear going through America.

British, London airports can learn a lot from the Yanks.

You are welcome. I spoke with them (customs, homeland security, FBI ICE, CIA, etc) about your impending visit. As, in their words, "we owe you one for defusing the Anguilla situation" they promised to grease the skids for Ho-Hum on this side of the pond. Glad to help anytime Mr. Hum. :D

Really????

Emerald Bay is a fine choice. Reasonable, walking distance from airport, 5 min taxi to SeaDream, beach, beach bar, friendly staff.

We stayed a year ago as they were transitioning from being a Best Western to an independent hotel, which impacted computer system and towel availability! But was not a problem.

We also spent the day there a few weeks back after disembarking SD and hung out at the beach bar and beach waiting for our flight.

A dozen others from SD did the same and we also met a large group of Norwegian ladies who were about to embark and join Mr B's wife for the week. Had met a few of them from the year before, yoga retreat.....

Also met a commentator from MSNBC at the beach bar a few weeks back... smart political advisor...

Quote button not working, but wanted to comment on your spelling lesson to Zimmy, Hum. Yes, I'm trying to get her used to how the Brits have totally corrupted the English language. When we move to Canada she will have to remember that I will then be a labour arbiter. Not sure if our neighbours to the north keep a spare tyre in the boot, but I'm sure we can learn all that stuff, eh?

Quote button not working, but wanted to comment on your spelling lesson to Zimmy, Hum. Yes, I'm trying to get her used to how the Brits have totally corrupted the English language. When we move to Canada she will have to remember that I will then be a labour arbiter. Not sure if our neighbours to the north keep a spare tyre in the boot, but I'm sure we can learn all that stuff, eh?

And then you get to translate Cockney. Not to mention Scots.:eek::D

Emerald Bay is a fine choice. Reasonable, walking distance from airport, 5 min taxi to SeaDream, beach, beach bar, friendly staff..

Just to be clear, I was not casting aspersions on the Emerald Beach Resort at all. I'm confident that it's a lovely, well situated and reasonably priced hotel. I'm simply intrigued by the thought of h-h and Blondie staying at a Best Western. However, a quick review of the website shows it to be a Best Western Plus. So, I feel better now. Slightly.

Just to be clear, I was not casting aspersions on the Emerald Beach Resort at all. I'm confident that it's a lovely, well situated and reasonably priced hotel. I'm simply intrigued by the thought of h-h and Blondie staying at a Best Western. However, a quick review of the website shows it to be a Best Western Plus. So, I feel better now. Slightly.

Wait till you see where they will be stayin if they end up out here in Westworld....:eek::D

With US Immigration preparing to implement the Donald's vastly more stringent vetting procedures such as actually asking to see an incomers passport, let's start taking bets on how long immigration at Miami Airport will take to make the decision or otherwise to allow Mr Hum into the good ol' US of A.

 

Naturally, Blondie will be waved through and straight into the waiting limo...whilst in a grim, dimly lit room the rubber gloves are brought out their packet for the search to commence.

Haha......we must be psychic !!!

Just posted about wonderful Miami airport.

If only it were the "rubber gloves" !

"Open wide for me now, Mr.Hum" !!

Hum combined the search with his annual colonoscopy check at Miami airport.

Got to know the boys quite well. Hum always asked about their wives and kids.

"It ain't personal Hum" they would say.

It is for Hum, was Hum's reply.

The things they found up there !

A lava lamp !

Now that must have been there since that acid party in 1972 !

No idea how it got there !

Remember falling over awkwardly (naked) at a free love rave about that time and landing badly on something or other (now Hum knows).

But it was finding the floor lamp stand that had them all shaking their heads !

Funny thing is, the lava lamp works just like new !

Hum sold the floor lamp stand at auction a year ago, so the money from the find came in handy especially when Hum was at bottom, which is funny when you think about it, seeing as that was from whence it came !

Oh the synchronicity of life events ehh chums ?

That advisory talking to you gave them last time must have shaken them up!

 

Delighted to hear that you have passed through the colony without any metaphorical or otherwise bruising and out into the sunshine of the Caribbean.

 

Have a wonderful trip meandering around the islands.

You are welcome. I spoke with them (customs, homeland security, FBI ICE, CIA, etc) about your impending visit. As, in their words, "we owe you one for defusing the Anguilla situation" they promised to grease the skids for Ho-Hum on this side of the pond. Glad to help anytime Mr. Hum. :D

So there you have it MACT, Jim has some "pull" now he's firmly ensconced in the Trump administration.

Though Hum will miss the boys at Miami airport.

Just to be clear, I was not casting aspersions on the Emerald Beach Resort at all. I'm confident that it's a lovely, well situated and reasonably priced hotel. I'm simply intrigued by the thought of h-h and Blondie staying at a Best Western. However, a quick review of the website shows it to be a Best Western Plus. So, I feel better now. Slightly.

Hahaha.........you sly old dog !!!

So we assume you will be swopping to the Emerald Beach Resort then Charlie !

By the way, were you aware that our respective "much better halves" were emailing one another earlier today to discover the whereabouts of a jewellery sales lady ?

Hum spent one hour in a jewellery shop earlier today !!

Deep joy !

Quote button not working, but wanted to comment on your spelling lesson to Zimmy, Hum. Yes, I'm trying to get her used to how the Brits have totally corrupted the English language. When we move to Canada she will have to remember that I will then be a labour arbiter. Not sure if our neighbours to the north keep a spare tyre in the boot, but I'm sure we can learn all that stuff, eh?

Oh your being very feisty and provocative today TrapperZ !

"The Brits have totally corrupted the English language " !

Outrageous !

So when does the long trek north to "Trudeau-land" begin with your escape from "Trump-land" ?

You couldn't get two wholly different leaders !

There are quite a few SD chums in the Montreal area who are sympathetic with your outlook and values that would "put you up" before you start your new life there.

One little suggestion.

And Hum is thinking of dearest Zimmy mostly.

Leave it until the Spring.

It will be warmer.

Chums report the weather is -22C and with wind chill it is considerably lower.

Besides, maybe it won't be so bad with the Donald........Hum's trying to be positive, after all he is certainly better than he had been.

PS Hum likes the feistiness and provocativeness TZ.

Hahaha.........you sly old dog !!!

 

So we assume you will be swopping to the Emerald Beach Resort then Charlie !

 

By the way, were you aware that our respective "much better halves" were emailing one another earlier today to discover the whereabouts of a jewellery sales lady ?

Hum spent one hour in a jewellery shop earlier today !!

Deep joy !

Sly old dog? Well, at least partially correct......

Swapping to EBR? No plans as yet. For our next transit thru STT we are booked elsewhere.

As for the foray to the jewelry shop, yes I was most definitely in that loop not to mention that I was not involved and had no economic stake in the outcome. Very surprised to hear in fact that no purchases took place. Oh, well maybe next time. The more shocking news though was your participation. You obviously have a much greater tolerance for jewelry stores and sales people than I do........

In any event, best wishes for an outstanding time on board. We must wait 6 long weeks until we are back on SD.

"The Brits have totally corrupted the English language " !

Outrageous !

 

 

Besides, maybe it won't be so bad with the Donald........Hum's trying to be positive, after all he is certainly better than he had been.

 

OK Hum,

Now before you mention Donald's unprecedented spelling error today, let me explain. I know Jim and Raggy will understand.

We have decided to add 3 new words to the Merriam Webster dictionary.

"unpresidented" as in what happened to Hillary.

"unsenated" and "unhoused" is what happened to the Democrats.

Just wanted to keep you abreast of Donald's accomplishments. Happy sailing and a very bigly Merry Christmas to you and Blondie.

Bigly. Just love bigly.:D

Such a thing as too bigly. Never having 62 guests at our house again :eek::eek::eek: While a good time, the stress, time, and cost would make us think many more times than twice about doing it again... At least no one spilled red wine on the hand-woven Afghani carpets :D. Rather just meet up with 62 chums on Seadream :)

Very, very tired, will likely go quiet for awhile. Unless, of course, ho-hum baits me...

Hum being quiet??? Really??? Whoops! Just saw a flock of pigs fly by. Hum has too much inside he must let out.....:eek: If not, he would explode....:D

You are welcome. I spoke with them (customs, homeland security, FBI ICE, CIA, etc) about your impending visit. As, in their words, "we owe you one for defusing the Anguilla situation" they promised to grease the skids for Ho-Hum on this side of the pond. Glad to help anytime Mr. Hum. :D

A previous quote from the Original Ho-Hum.....As you can see from the dates, they live a long time.... We now have the results of centuries of inbreeding in the Hum line. :eek::D:D

Hum's on to you Jimmy boy !

You see chums how that dastardly scheming character seeks to manipulate Hum to post.

It was Hum's post of a few days ago that caused Jim to go into manipulation overdrive !

Hum is in need of rest and recuperation .....

That's all Hum has to say ..............for a while........in fact for quite a while........it is time for spiritual contemplation, study and shenanigans with chums

).

The funny thing is, quite a few other dear chums have joined in too !

Well Hum boards SDII in a few hours time.

Glad to be leaving sorry St.Thomas.

There is a competition at the airport to come up with a new welcome slogan to the island.

This is Hum's entry:

"Abandon all ye hope (of friendly and efficient service with a smile) to all whom enter"

Yes it is based on Dante's "Divine Comedy" but don't suppose that'll bother the judges.

Hum signed the entry, Jim Avery (and gave his address on the form).

That'll teach ye Jim !

The US bought the island from the Danish for $25 million of gold.

The Dane's did well out of the deal !

Such a thing as too bigly. Never having 62 guests at our house again :eek::eek::eek: While a good time, the stress, time, and cost would make us think many more times than twice about doing it again... At least no one spilled red wine on the hand-woven Afghani carpets :D. Rather just meet up with 62 chums on Seadream :)

 

Very, very tired, will likely go quiet for awhile. Unless, of course, ho-hum baits me...

To paraphrase:

"Let Hum count the ways"

And one other:

"Be afraid, BIGLY afraid"

Word comes out this morning that a far right nutso from the UK is behind

the fake internet stories designed to denegrate HRC and give a boost

to The Donald.

Yes, one James Dawson is the man behind the effort, working we

understand, in a backyard garage not too far from Poshland. As if

the Brits don't have enough problems to occupy their time, we wind

up with another Steve Bannon.

All this just because we threw a few tea bags in the harbor a few years ago.

Get over it!

Hum's on to you Jimmy boy !

 

 

Glad to be leaving sorry St.Thomas.

There is a competition at the airport to come up with a new welcome slogan to the island.

This is Hum's entry:

"Abandon all ye hope (of friendly and efficient service with a smile) to all whom enter"

 

Yes it is based on Dante's "Divine Comedy" but don't suppose that'll bother the judges.

 

Hum signed the entry, Jim Avery (and gave his address on the form).

That'll teach ye Jim !

 

The US bought the island from the Danish for $25 million of gold.

The Dane's did well out of the deal !

How about "Eat and get out!"?