What a beach! Club Med Les Boucaniers -- Sept. 15-25

I chose Club Med Buccaneer's Creek in Martinique to celebrate my 40th because I knew I wanted to get away. This was our first time on the island, but not our first time traveling to a Club Med resort. This one was very different from Club Med Cancun, Turks & Caicos and the Bahamas. I would only recommend this one if you speak French! English was not the strong suit among the GOs (Gentils Organisateurs) and local employees. We had too many lost-in-translation moments. We especially enjoyed GOs Elodie, Matt, Francky and Muss. Because Scott & I like this all-inclusive French franchise so much, I think it would behoove us to take some French classes! I would like to know more than, "rosé s'il vous plaît" when answering which wine do I want with my meal.

Where was Club Med's signature white and regular chocolate bread every day? I asked around and got the answer: "Tuesday." But Tuesday was the day we were to leave for our St. Lucia excursion at 7:25 am. Would we miss it? "UGH" I thought. Thankfully, the restaurant was open early for us and I saw the chocolate bread! It was warm to the touch. I was in heaven. I knew I probably wouldn't see this again so I took 3 slices. Looking back, I should have had 4. LOL. Sadly, there was never any white chocolate bread. Beggars can't be choosers.

But don't get me wrong, reader. I was there for the beach and to relax. I made the best of the many hiccups. (Including me and Scott Babe fighting colds!)

Also, I should note, there were no other Americans. You saw in my previous posting how long our layover in San Juan was! It's a pain to get to from the U.S. Scott even said, "Never again!" This wasn't the case in the 1980's. I just learned that my colleague went to Club Med Martinique when she was in her 20's.  She met MANY Americans and even ended up dating a guy from Connecticut. Today, there seem to be only direct flights from Montreal and Paris.

The Beach:

The Pool:

I took these pool pics when the pool just opened, at 9 am.

Our Room:

We were in the Joie de vivre (Joy of living) building, on the 2nd floor

We especially loved our room. No bugs or mosquitoes and the AC worked like a charm!

Our balcony with ocean view!

I always take the room pictures right when we arrive BUT not this time. It was after 11 pm when we got to the resort and I was wiped out!

*More Martinique postings to come. ♥

Layover in San Juan

Our day began early! 

Alarm clock set to 5 something to catch our 8 am flight from JFK to San Juan en route to the Caribbean island of Martinique. We had quite a few hours to kill in San Juan. I was ready with an itinerary with the help of a few of my colleagues, whose families are from Puerto Rico. 

We took a cab to Old San Juan and had the driver drop us off in front of the restaurant. But first, we snapped a few pictures before venturing inside:

Scott's pretty Instagram (Yes, that's a real pigeon)

El Jibarito:

Pastelillos de carne to start and the local beer!

My dish: Chicken & veggies in Creole Sauce 

Pasteles de masa rellenos de cerdo

Plaza del Quinto Centenario (Quincentennial Square):

Totem Pole: Designed by Jaime Suarez in 1992, the totemic monument was the main part of the 500th anniversary commemoration of Columbus' discovery of the New World. It is about 40 feet tall and is made of black granite and (supposedly) actual Taino ceramic pieces.

Awwwwww! The fountain turned off :-(

Castillo San Felipe del Morro Kite Park:

Castillo San Felipe del Morro Fortress:

Far right photo: Sentry Box -- Sentries stood guard in these observation posts strategically located throughout the fortifications and city walls.

Those semi-circles were originally for tracks that allowed the canons to be aimed at different angles.

Do you see the sleeping baby? ♥

El San Juan Resort & Casino:  

We stopped here for a fancy cocktail and a bite to eat before our flight to Martinique.

So good! ♥

My little doll baby

Nearly 16 years ago, I was driving to work (Ron Galella) in slushy, icy conditions on route 80.

I was struck by an 18-wheeler on my drivers side. My car spun around a few times.

I ended up suffering from post-traumatic stress.

It was Christmas time, my ex didn't like to see me sad. He surprised me with a kitten.She was the runt of the litter from the Dover pound and came with fleas. I loved her at first sight.

~

Today, Scott and I had to say good-bye to "the Pooch," "wild animal," "my little doll baby," "my little golden girl."

Please enjoy some of my favorite photos:

2005: Tanning

2006: Pooch with beloved Molly (also known as Show Kitty)

2007

October 27, 2008 - We just got home from a trip to SF and Hawaii. Pooch never liked us to go away. She would be attached to me like a magnet in bed. 

2010: Scott Babe proof-reading a paper I wrote for my Medieval Art History class. It's because of this class that I met Chrissy, also known as Mrs. Robinson. She has taken sweet care of the Pooch for us in the past and one time left us the following adorable pen drawing:

Last night. ♥