HGTV: House Hunters International in St.Lucia TONIGHT

Tonight on HGTV ... 

House Hunters International, a Golf Pro Searches for a Luxury Home in St. Lucia. 

(Episode HHINT-1310H)

After selling his trucking business, Glenn Sorensen decided to move to his favorite vacation spot, the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. With plans of opening a golf pro shop on the north side of the island, Glenn knows he wants to buy a place in that area. While he can spend over a million dollars, he's not going to tell his agent, Simon Octave, the limit, in hopes of driving a hard bargain. But, with dreams of private ocean access, beautiful views, privacy and luxury details, Glenn discovers that he may have to pay a lot more than he had planned.

Tune In:

June 29, 2010 10:30 PM e/p

June 29, 2010 1:30 AM e/p

August 19, 2010 11:00 PM e/p

August 19, 2010 2:00 AM e/p

St.Lucia ... MUST SEE VIDEO!

Hate to say this publicly, lovely island

... but they need to deal with the crime!

My Piece of Heaven: Vermont - "Be Content"

Vermont is the best kept secret on earth.  The place where "Andy Griffith" meets "Little House on A Prairie," I still tease. I was proud to call myself a Vermonter for five years, to have had my first and only child there and to be an island girl who could handle Vermont's cold.   Thankful and blessed that my family and us (my hubby and I) also have roots there, not family, but a piece of heaven, on Vermont earth.  

'Though a newbie to Virginia, I hope to return to Vermont, before Miami, Florida, someday.   

Vermont ...   

It's the place that every time, before I board a small plane to visit, flight representatives and attendants, double check my boarding pass.  

The place where, if I see just one more black person like myself, I'll give that lil' reassuring nod and smile.  

A small island girl, placed in a small, quaint state where everyone could know your name.  The vibe is very similar to island life ... nothing really changes and 'cause of color, we do tend to stick out. Yet, I walk about confidently that I am still very much a Vermonter.  Heart and soul.   

I'd like to think I'm a cosmopolitan lady but in Vermont, my life feels simple, better yet peaceful. So simple that I don't even wear heels, except when visiting my favorite bar, Red Square in downtown Burlington.  

Vermont is the place where I kick off my shoes, and roam fields of grass, or walk through a garden of mud.  It's just the feeling of the earth beneath my feet and feeling grounded. It truly takes me back to my childhood and tomboy days in St.Lucia, reminding me of my old (well my parents still live there) neighborhood, Bonne Terre. 

Twenty five years ago, Bonne Terre seemed almost mine.  Vermont brings back those same feelings today.  An age of innocence, purity and reckless abandon.  It's the way the wind blows, that gravel road, the wafting of Murray's cow manure, the existence of fruit trees in the back yard. The essence of a natural and much to discover playground. Those last few months, I watched my almost four year old, climb piles of stones, touch the soil, help plant almost every tree and water them. She ate icicles, swung on her own and cried when she fell and bruised herself.  Quite diabolical, I laughed but so proud, I had to teach her to toughen up.  At least, I did not tell her, like I used to, "only boys cry!"  I was reminded so much of my younger self, when I saw her lil' being. 

"Bonne Terre," translated from French, means "Good Land."  It's the love, that sense of pride and well being that allows my daughter to now enjoy "Bonne Terre," on that lil' piece of heaven, on Vermont earth. Perfectly named too 'cause of the history of the French in Vermont, "Verres Monts" translates to "Green Mountains," and Vermont is The Green Mountain State.

Three months, of travelling back and forth between Virginia and Vermont was all worth it. This Spring and early Summer will not be forgotten.  There were so many family moments, lessons taught and learnt among 3 generations, my family and others. There is much love.  

It is important for me to mention my dear friend, Lisa too.  Lisa and I have been friends from 5, Ave Maria school days. We lost contact for many years but somehow found each other in our early twenties. It took an old song that she loved, "Rumors" to remind me of her one day, only to have her email two days later, asking if I were her childhood friend.  You've seen her numerous times, on this blog ... she is one of my biggest supporters, other than my parents.

Lisa and I always make time to visit each other. I visit her in Boston or she would often visit me in Vermont. Vermont is a four hour drive from Boston, and it quickly became Lisa's getaway spot.  When the two of us get together, we are free spirits, well met. We live like today is our last. What more could a friend ask for?

This past Memorial Weekend, Lisa made the trek to Vermont. Not our usual lime (hangout), to be on a farm, much less in the presence of parents but we had an enjoyable time.  It's unheard of for us to go to our favorite Church Street bar, Red Square for just one night. The rest of her time was spent with my parents, an older co-worker of my hubby's, Armand and neighbors during an all day barbecue. 

This was the first time ever, Lisa had to excuse herself to go to sleep.  It was funny.  We usually see each other for 2 day periods of which I drink vodka with her one day and she drinks tequila with me the other.  Needless to say, we each suffer tremendously from drinking the others' drink.  Anyway after a night at Red Square, the next day we had a bbq start at 2PM.  We ate, drank, listened to adult jokes ... up till midnight when Lisa left to go to bed.  I could not believe it.  I had to go look for her.  She returned only to depart to bed again.  The next morning, in our usual F. word all over the place language, she could not believe that my parents had lasted so long.  LOL!  She felt as she drank, the more drunk she got ... but my parents were still holding conversations like we had not been drinking all day! That was so funny. 

Lisa has now become like a sister to me.  She in my eyes, has become a part of my family. I'm so happy to have been a part of every moment.  More so that my daughter, friend and husband could share it too. Truly as a society, we need to go back to basics, in every sense when it comes to family and the environment.  We need to be more considerate, compassionate and loyal.

My favorite lesson, from my dad, short and sweet, says it all, "BE CONTENT!"

Ordinarily, I would not share any of this on this blog. Though this experience is worth sharing.  It's a side of me that you won't usually see. I love nature, the outdoors, the fields, flowers, shadows, swings, my garden, cutting the lawn, cats, so many random things but of course drinking and being with my family!

I hope this inspires you in some simple way ... to look at the world around you and be content with whatever it is that you do have.  Learn to make the most of it. God knows, there is so much to be thankful for. 

The Stone Wall Built by Me. 

Memorial Weekend - Lisa and I were dancing away to house music in the Blue Room, in Red Square.  The next day, we had a BBQ competition between my hubby and dad. It was a draw. It was that good. You may ask, what was my contribution.  I mixed drinks. One tequila, 2 tequila, 3 tequila, 4 ... till I got tired and made by the jug.  One jug, 2 jugs, 3 jugs, 4!  MARGARITAS ONLY!

My Love Affair with Boys' Toys, particularly JOHN DEERE.

I always stress that I like tomboy chic.  I am still very much the tomboy. Girly girl, I am but certainly not afraid to work, rake, shovel, get my hands dirty or cut the grass. In fact, I think I do it better, and far sexier too.  LOL! My new love affair though is with John Deere. I jump on, much with the attitude of how my father taught me to drink, "Certainly I can put any man under the table. I MAN UP!"

...And all the other random pictures of things that I love about Vermont

United HEMISPHERES - 3 Perfect Days

You've probably noticed them in the seat pocket in front of you, inflight magazines.  

Since I am quite the traveller and more so with United Airlines, I love the UNITED HEMISPHERES Magazine.  As big as, well as old as I am, I always just skim through magazines for their pictures, never interested in reading articles.  Yet, a United Hemispheres Mag, seems to peak my interest every time.  

My favorite feature in every monthly issue is its most notable, "Three Perfect Days." In case, you have no travel plans with United Airlines, any time soon, you can certainly make use of the section.  

Three Perfect Days is a 3 day guide of what to do, inclusive of maps in American cities or in various cities spanning the globe.     

Buddha

Spent the last couple of hours watching this PBS documentary, The Buddha.  Filmmaker David Grubin presents the story of the Buddha's life and teachings.  I felt peace.

The great Buddha on Lantau Island, taken during my trip to Hong Kong.

Josephine Baker - Le Château des Milandes

Never been to France, but this will be on my agenda when I do!

The Château des Milandes is a small castle in the commune of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle in the Dordogne département of France. Built around 1489, it was the main house of the lords of Caumont until 1535, who preferred to live in this manor house instead of the large, uncomfortable medieval castle of Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle.  In 1940, the entertainer Josephine Baker rented the château and then bought it in 1947. - Wiki

Le Château des Milandes

Read more: Josephine Baker

Phuket, Thailand - Day One

Travel Tips for Long Flights:

- Wear Black ... it never looks dirty and also looks more formal, even if simple!

- Comfy, loose pants, even if they are dress pants ... pants allow flexibility, feet can come up on the seat.

- Wear glasses .. I learnt that mid flight my eyes were drying out, and the in flight liquor was not helping!

- Carry Socks ... keeps your toesies warm and comfy!

... And although my daughter did not embark on this trip with us, she is quite the lil' traveller and once travelled with us to Amsterdam. Read my article, "Airports, Planes and Baby!"

Phuket, Thailand - Day On

My husband’s itinerary was for us to immediately leave Bangkok and head to Phuket, Thailand. That flight took an hour and the service on Thai Airlines was impeccable. The flight attendants still continuously served drinks and handed us a light snack box which included:

- a meat filled savory pastry, very similar to Hispanic pastelitos (savory pastries hispanics usually eat with their café cubnao/ cordito)

- a Thai sweet which out of respect I eventually got down my throat but, it was a hard chew and swallow. It was like a tasteless, gelatin like substance … white like coconut milk, yet did not taste any hint of coconut with a cherry of some sort in the center.

- a lil juice of various fruits that lingered on the back of my tongue. Loved it!

So before we landed in Phuket, the flight attendant gave the speech about drugs over the intercom. Never heard any kind of warning such as that before. And instantly I remembered the movie, "Brokedown Palace" with Claire Danes and Kate Beckinsale, two women are arrested for smuggling while vacationing in Thailand. I thought, no way was I planning on getting locked up in any Thai jails. So that message flew right over my head.

The landing view in Phuket, reminded me of Hewanorra International Airport in Vieux Fort, St.Lucia. The beach was adjacent to the runway. Anyway we got out our bags, and there I was already on my Blackberry and then realized that I was in the international arrivals, getting my bags and still was yet to get to Customs. So I instantly hid my phone since in the US, you’re not allowed to be on mobile devices until you’ve cleared any security areas. So noting my disrespect, I looked up and not a single customs agent at either of the 2 desks … and we ALL just slowly filed out and bang I was hit by the heat of Thailand.

Think Piarco International, Trinidad and Hewanorra, St.Lucia … white, completely open buildings. No fancy big city beyond ... just the view of scenery and very simple locals.

PHUKET, THAILAND

So the taxi hardly spoke English, so that was a quiet ride, although I tried to divulge that I was from an island on the other side of the world. I don’t think he quite got it, or even cared. LOL!

After about a half hour - 45 minute drive, we went up this hill, following and passing numerous people on scooters, taxis, etc. ... And then the sight before me was a city. For my St.Lucian friends, very similar to that view you first get when you drive up Mongiraud hill and see that first sight view of Rodney Bay. I saw roof tops and out into the distance, the horizon … this was Patong Beach, Phuket! The very area hit by the tsunami a few years ago that dreadful christmas! Once we drove along the steets to get to our hotel, more and more scooters. Some with 3 passengers. Babies, children, between 2 adults. Adults on handle bars. Who knew? … And totally fearless as they drove by.

My heart started to race with excitement, this is where I wanted to be … all of a sudden. I felt like a child ready to discover and run free! There was something I had to uncover. I’ve felt like that about any other place I’ve visited before. So not quite sure what that feeling was about …. And at that point I was not thinking about The Lost Symbol that I just read, nor was it excitement 'cause of 32^nd birthday in days.

It was interesting to see the locals and then the “dirty whites” … you know those who’ve made Phuket their home too. They almost look brown, slightly dirty blond but those blue eyes, never lie!

Our hotel was Courtyard by Marriott Hotel Phuket at Patong Beach, Thailand. The hotel was lovely. Let’s say luxurious compared to the environment we had just driven into. So I start taking pictures of as usual, of the things which catch my eye. ... And don’t you just love how they framed those small pictures in this huge frame? I absolutely, loved this idea!

… And now hungry, a quick shower and we were out to explore. Walking along the streets of Patong Beach, and being harassed by tuk tuk drivers, taxi drivers, vendors on the road and Thai masseueses who sit outside the massage palours. I began to wonder “Why on EARTH did my husband ever bring me here? … It’s so not me, not my thing!” LMAO. It felt sleazy and dirty! Even the sand did not look white, it was brown.

So back to, ... Thai massage palour masseuses were in hoards, there are just so many. With Thai women young and old standing out front, like prey, calling and beckoning us to enter as we walked by. I recall one situation that stuck in my head. Three white boys, probably army guys, were walking down the middle of this street that was riddled with lil bars. One guy, the shirtless one was hot. … And in that instant when I noticed him, it was all like slow motion after that … a female thai bartender noticed him too and started to call and heckle them. In my best Thai accent, “Come here honey! Have drink?” she shouts that out in to the streets. And then it was a chorus as if all the women had also taken notice! Hard to believe I studied all this since I was walking away but my head was turned as far back to catch all the hooting and hollering. The guys totally flattered, smile … and wow, they did look good, especially that shirtless one. LOL! And it was in that instant, I realized that Thai women are in control, in control of something. … Still to be discovered! (Ahh ... still more to come!)

“Why did my husband bring me here?” … they keep following me, giving me prices every time I ask to look at something. When I shop, I like to be left alone and if I ask for help, then I expect to be doted on!  They don't only speak Thai, or English ... they're speaking to me in French!  ... And I think, "I dressed the part for Halloween, I'm certainly not French!"

Ok, I really need a drink … there are bars everywhere. Why do they all look sleazy with dirty whites, old and young … with Thai young women by their sides? I almost feel like I may catch some thing! Is it prostitution? Is it those 20/20, Dateline stories of foreigners visiting, involved and participating in the sex trade?

“This is so not me!”

Time to eat. Once again, I pick up and study the weirdest things … so I noticed our waiter touching his face, almost like picking it and I thought and soon he’s about to hand me a plate of food … “Good God!” So I immediately draw Charlie’s attention to it.

… And I can tell you now, that I don’t know if it’s a Thai thing, but they do it every where, at all times, in public. They are always examining their face in windows, mirrors, etc … touching, squeezing pimples and black heads. I saw more than 10 people doing this on this trip, just too many not to believe that I’m not unto something!

Anyway one lil drink ... a Phuket cocktail, really it could have been stronger! Slightly tired … I just enjoyed my meal and laughed it all off. Really not in the mood to clash with the culture, I needed to get back to the hotel and rest. Thinking that we're only a few hours in, we needed to find something to do with our time, and that evening, we booked a day tour to Phi Phi Island and the surrounding islands for the next day!

My Flight to Thailand!

INTRO:

For those of you, only now being introduced to me … before I started this blog, I was an avid personal journal writer on Hi5, http://nyree7.hi5.com/.  I built such a following; from my friends, those who sort of knew me and those who never knew me till then.  I often miss those Hi5 days when I expressed every and anything that was on my mind, or when I made characters of the real life people that entered my life and the various situations that engaged me in my life daily. 

When I found out I was pregnant, not only did life change but I went into hiding, becoming very protective … I stopped writing in my journal.  A fear that if my then pregnancy did not go as planned, how could I take back what I had disclosed to the world! 

That Hi5 journal revealed my 2 personalities.  What I referred to as the good me and the actual me … the one who is the trouble maker, my lil devil of sorts, THE BITCH!  She says exactly what’s on her mind, she speaks the truth in my head but "good me" keeps it bottled in so as not to risk hurting anyone.  She too is always tempting “good me” to be a lil more risqué!  ... And then, the negotiator of the two, is Ms Reason.  

So when I had my daughter, Facebook was starting to be the new “IT” social networking site and I could post hundreds more pictures.  … And the journal option was not available to me on Facebook.  So I started, The Sweet 7 since staying home with a baby and not being able to go out to shop allowed me to satisfy my need but it also limited what I felt I truly could reveal about myself on this blog.   I am hoping that after 2 years with you … that you welcome this change!

So welcome to a lil’ glimpse into my world … I will reveal my notes on my 24 hour trip to Thailand, which started me off at Washington, D.C to Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Bangkok, Thailand, and a few hours later, to Phuket, Thailand. 

To begin … you’re going to take most of this 24 hour flight with me, and in days to come, I’ll take you on vacation with me to Thailand.

Nov 9, At 10:50PM, we were supposed to embark on a journey to Thailand, instead a flight delay due to mechanical pressurization problems, caused us to leave at 12AM EST time.

After some dinner and a glass of white wine, a few chapters of Dan Brown’s “The Lost Symbol,”  I fell out.

I awake again at what seems to be 4:30AM EST, really only slept for the last four hours.  In the aisle across from me a passenger has his window slightly ajar and it’s bright outside like daylight, not sure if it’s early AM or late PM or somewhere in between.

 4:50 AM EST – We’re still over the Atlantic, west of cities London and Paris.

I’ve tuned into in flight Music Channel 12,where I’m greeted by my favorite artist of all time PRINCE, “Purple Rain.”  Finishing any minute now … what’s next?

Next song, The Go Gos “Vacation”

2821 miles travelled

I switch!  (ODD when I listen to music!)

5AM EST: The passenger in front of me got fed up with the opened, light inducing window from the passenger side of me who is knocked out, and shuts it close as he heads to the back of the plane.  The cabin is dark again!

9:15 AM EST: Woke up about an hour ago, Charlie (my husband) was sleeping on my lap when a flight attendant, walked by and asked if he’d like some eye covers (not certain what the proper name is), due to my reading light which I have on over head.  We’re flying over the Black Sea; north of Istanbul, South of Kiev and east of Bucharest. 

Time since departure 9 hours and 5 minutes. 

Distance traveled 5314 miles

Reading the Lost Symbol – according to the Mayan calendar the end of the world is December 21, 2012!  What does that mean? (Mayan Math) ... BTW, that's my husband's people.  His family is from Guatemala!  Just want to say that the book clarifies, that really that date, "will not be the end on mankind, but really a change in the way we think!"

For the truth about the end of days: Study the Bible

Read The Book of Revelation

Yes, that’s where my mind was at, thanks to this book!

9:50 AM EST: Still reading but The Lost Symbol has me more interested in tattooing my body, right side of my hip with a Scorpion, and in Thailand it shall be done!  I will put this symbol on me, ‘cause I am so and will always be SCORPIO!

“What we have done for ourselves alone, dies with us;

What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal"

---- reminds me of this blog, The Sweet 7 … and my feeling about The Sweet 7.  … And even this new tattoo will die with me!  Hmm, TWISTED, I know.

Still reading, just discovered that a character in the book, Mal’ahk is …. (don’t want to reveal for those who are yet to read this book) , a feeling that I got when I was half way through, in Chapter 62.  Not sure how I feel.  Must mention it to Christina (my friend) who already read the book and when I mentioned my thoughts to her from about Chapter 62, her only response was “continue reading!”  "Hmm, what does it say when I tune into my 3^rd person?  I MUST LISTEN!"

 10:55 AM EST: DISTURBED still with the revelation, I discovered earlier.  Again, not sure exactly how I feel. 

So apparently I begin to think music, ‘cause I’m listening to Charlie’s IPOD which has my ITUNES playlist uploaded …

Slighty into sexual songs …

Lloyd – Pusha

Twista & Akon – On Top

Alicia Keys – Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart

Vybz Kartel – Sexy & Seductive & Yuh Love

Mario ft Diddy – Thinking About You

2:55PM EST Landed in Dubai, but barely enough time to catch our Thai Airlines flight to Bangkok.  Only concern is that my checked luggage makes it in time.  Yep, I landed here same day for my birthday trip last year, November 10^th.  CRAZY … what does that mean in the cycle of life and time?

We made the Thai flight …

 

Watching Julie/Julia.  And the smell of Thai food swarms the cabin.  The first bit of Thai, since my trip … I can’t wait. 

One thought, about landing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates … despite being in an Arab country and even while seated in this Thai Airline … I am realizing the power of a smile and it’s the only form of communication that I use that seems to be getting me by.  Not only differences in languages is a set back but in Dubai … women are second class citizens, not to be listened to any way!

Another random thought … Every male Thai Airline flight attendant is NOT the least bit gay!  No offense! I hope you get what I’m saying … with airline seats that are pink, purple and orange … certainly not the kind of color scheme where I’d expect to see what seems to be very straight men! 

As for those drink carts.  They have been up and down the aisle from the time we boarded (took off).  So what's up with US Airlines? I had a glass of wine served in the cutest, lil’ stemless glass, reminiscent of a shot glass.  I handed mine to Charlie so he could put it away …. for keeping!  LOL!  I hope I have 6 by the end of this six hour flight, to Bangkok.  Ok 4 will do, 6 glasses is way too much.  LOL!

Drinking white wine: Charette Chardonay 2007

Meal Choice: Chicken or Shrimp with Rice … and I’m in economy!

 3:40 PM EST: We’ve got 4 glasses!  Ghetto, I know. Not only, but it also means I'm knockin back the wine! LMAO.

 6:20 PM EST: Finished reading The Lost Symbol and I AM ELIGHTENED.  More so interested in reading the Bible. 

Also very interested in reading about SENSUALITY, Burlesque, Moulin Rouge … I see POWER.  There’s something about being charming … a seductress of sorts.

My lil advice: After reading The Lost Symbol, I am certain now that ...

God is within me, and not above me!  

I am the CREATOR and not the CREATED!  

So I ran back through this book  in which I’m making my lil notes and realized that I have my BUCKET LIST (as of Thanksgiving and watching the Wendy Williams Show, my bucket list will now be called my BASKET LIST) that I made a few weeks ago.  Honestly without even concentrating or forcing myself to live out, I’m already knocking them off.  Not sure if it’s because it’s on paper, and out and exposed into the world and not just in my thoughts.  

I have been reading (working on my mind), I am exercising (working on my body) and after reading the Lost Symbol, I know I need to work on my spirit.  Take time to create a BASKET LIST of sorts, no matter how big or small.   Go learn a new dance, or a new art, try something you've never done before, or even do something which terrifies you or you hate to do … And make it happen, we are THE CREATORS.  

The world is at your fingertips!

Make it happen today, don’t wait for tomorrow!

 Again, I rant and rave …

 From the start of this trip, I want another tattoo, THAILAND WILL TATTOO ME!

Some more songs come to mind:

Black Ryno - Bike Back

Trey Songz - Say Ahh  (just became my b'day anthem!)

Attaca Pescante ft Kardinal Offishall - Make it Funky For Me Rmx

The Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs - Heads Will Roll

Each lady on this Thai flight got this corsage before de-boarding ... we've arrived Bangkok, Thailand!

 

 

 

The Beach ... Phi Phi Island, Thailand

So I was recently in Thailand for my birthday ... and had a blast! Definitely lots to tell but I have not been home, in Virginia for more than 6 hours since my trip. I am in Vermont 'cause I came to pick up my daughter who stayed with my parents and I figured I might as well stay with them a bit. Anyway with Thanksgiving in a few days, not sure when I'll settle down to give you the run down on my Thai trip. Anyway in the mean time, here is a lil' video!

Web sites & Tours for Women Travelers

My friends joke that I don't stay home longer than a month. Truth be told, I don't!  Yet, when I found the following article, "Web sites & Tours for Women Travelers" in the Washington Beacon, September issue, under the Travel & Leisure section (Page 61), I instantly thought of my grandmother. My mom's mom! 

In my childhood, she would travel for months. What was amazing, she'd never tell any one what her travel plans were. ... And in a time when emails were not a way of life, a post card would arrive, from some fantastic locale around the globe, just to let us know, she was still alive and where she was! Even more amazing, my grandfather got the updates just the same way too!  LOL!  This article reminded me of how far ahead of her time she truly was! Kudos. 

Here are the Web sites & Tours for Women Travelers

See Jane Fly
Holiday Goddess
Journey Woman
Senior Women's Travel
Solo Lady
UGoGurl
WanderLust & Lipstick
Women on the Road
Women travel Tips
Bella Online
Guava Woman's Travel Magazine
Women Travel the World


Tour Operators targeting Women
Adventure Women
Adventurous Wench
Canyon Calling
Explorations in Travel
Great Women's Vacations
Sights & Soul Travels
South American Journeys
Wander Woman
Women Tours

Haha.  Just got an email "It's a go!"  ... CODE from a girlfriend telling me she paid for her airline ticket to come visit me!  LOL!

St.Lucia Fever - Jade Mountain Resort

My neighbor recently mentioned an interest in choosing St.Lucia as her honeymoon destination in November, so I put together a long list of things to do!  In addtion, last week, I posted pictures of Nicole Murphy and even of Kendra Wilkinson and Hank Baskett while on their honeymoon in my island home.

Yesterday, I cleared my mailbox and the August 2009 cover of Conde Nast's Traveler looked quite familiar. Immediately, I skimmed through the magazine ... on Page 4:

On the Cover

Peak experience: St.Lucia's Jade Mountain resort has an inifinity-edge pool with views of the volcanic Pitons. See page 80 - Conde Nast Traveler

St. Lucia's Jade Mountain has been named Number One in the Caribbean and Number Three worldwide based on the results of a 2009 Travel + Leisure "World's Best Awards" readers' survey, once again hoisting the island nation on the winners' plinth for quality accommodation.

Travel + Leisure magazine announced the winners of their elaborate survey on the NBC Today Show on Friday, July 10th and on their website.  To be featured in their upcoming August issue, Travel + Leisure's prestigious annual World's Best Awards survey asked readers to select their favorite hotels, cruises, airlines, outfitters, cities, and islands around the world.

Then in US Weekly's upcoming issue, to hit newsstands on Friday, Kendra Wilkinson and Hank Baskett reveal their St.Lucia honeymoon pictures at that very resort, Jade Mountain.  

These words were posted on her official site a few days ago, "Hiiiii guys!!!! So the honeymoon is really just flyyyyying by but me n hank are still having the most incredible time!!!!!!!! I never ever want to leave :(."

LIAT Airlines Special

jetBlue Happy Jetting

jetBlue Happy Jetting is offering an escape to Saint Lucia, Kingston (Jamaica) and Barbados so travelers can indulge in sunny skies and warm tropical breezes with low sale fares! New York to the Caribbean for $99* oneway. Fare valid from the U.S. only. Taxes, fees and restrictions apply. Flights to Saint Lucia operate on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays.

Sale details:

• Fares are valid from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

• Booking dates are June 4–17, 2009.

• Travel dates are:

For Barbados: October 1 through November 14, 2009

For Saint Lucia: October 26 through November 14, 2009. Flights to 

Saint Lucia operate on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays.

For Kingston: October 30 through November 14, 2009

My Recent St.Lucia Trip - May 2009

I'd lie, if I did not say I'm ready to go back.  There's something about this fish bowl experience that is limiting and grinds on my nerves.  So on to the next big adventure. Sad to say, we're leaving Vermont but I am charmed that we're moving to Washington, D.C. ... And this recent trip to my island home, St.Lucia must come to an end. 

Usually, I don't venture to hotels on the island, but I visited these three hotels below for various reasons. I'm thrilled I got a chance to, 'cause they all took my breath away. It was just something about the decor, especially the furniture! With backdrop views of either the Atlantic Ocean or Caribbean Sea and the beautiful St.Lucian coastline. I simply felt I was transported to some far away land. ... And this surely exposes my love affair with food (and drink).

... And my cousin reminded me, "Why leave it for someone else to enjoy!" 

Cap Maison - Ask about the Ladies Luncheon.

Cotton Bay Village - Keep your eyes out for one particular celeb! 

Calabash Cove - Who would have thought?