ahhhh Nevis, a disjointed trip report

Old Aug 5th, 2006, 07:46 AM
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ahhhh Nevis, a disjointed trip report

I have such respect for those here who write trip reports in an orderly and concise fashion...you know who you are

If you read my "Wedding post", you will know that by the time I arrived in Nevis, I was pretty much crawling from wall to wall...holding on to anything in sight (even a plant/bush) just to get myself up a few stairs.

The airport in Nevis is wonderful...small, all on one level, with kind porters readily available for those who overpack ;-)

It is a distinct contrast from SJU where access to the American Eagle flights is downstairs with access by escaltor or elevator...or a frightening staircase. I needed escalator or elevator...both out of order. It is at this point that I'm really going to weep, so the kind gentleman redirecting passengers, positioned himself at the bottom of the stairs, just to catch me (I assume) should I fall ;-)

Nisbet is a very quick ride from the airport, which was truly a blessing. I think I had the same person greet me at Nisbet that Alya encountered. Although there are vehicles to deliver luggage, she insisted that I walk to my assigned room. I won't belabor the point because she is truly not representative of Nisbet or Nevis and is no longer emplyed at Nisbet.

I had requested a second floor Premier suite, based on my reading and Alya's comments about the ground level Prmier suites. Although I could not fault these suites in any manner (except that the balcony was not screened) it lacked the caribbean feel that I treasure. After several days I transferred to a Deluxe cottage which was wonderful. A separate living room in the front of the cottage...completely screened with the adjoining bedroom behind it. Although I'm never concerned about the bathrooms ;-), these have recently been refurbished and have a tasteful amount of granite and tile.

Just outside the fron of the cottage was a lovely patio shaded by the ever present palms with two loungers....lovely.

The resort is a former coconut plantation so the palms are everywhere....everything green and meticulously manicured, while still keeping that authentic, old Caribbean feeling.

The staff is truly gracious, kind and caring. The pride in their island is clear and their smiles are genuine. Once again, i enjoyed many conversations with the staff and consider that many will remain friends.

Nisbet is now managed by Bev and Wally Pachtel (sp ? ) formerly managers at Meridian Club and Guana Island. Their presence and the desire to please is part of the reason that Nisbet is a happy place. Bev and I share a love of mystery novels, so she would often stop by to see when she could expect another book from me. I think I have her well-stocked for quite a few months

I am not a foodie in the true definition, as i don't eat any seafood and one or two bites of each course is quite enough for me. I am a foodie because i really do care about preparation and presentation (and because I seem to watch Food Network almost as often as I'm tuned to CNN of MSNBC ). The food was incredible ! Breakfast had a wide variety of choices and always a daily special. Lunch menu also provided many choices and a special. The dinner menu changes nightly and my only problem was that if I found anything I loved, and I did, I never knew if I'd find it again ;-)

The chef is imaginative and his presentations are gorgeous. His desserts are works of art for the eye and the palate...and I'll admit to ordering two on some nights. It was like being the proverbial kid in a candy store

I did tour the island and saw what I could, without the ability to get out and explore. I was struck not just by the natural beauty of the island, but by how clean it is. I know that sounds odd...but when visiting Charlestown, I had to remind myself that most of the buildings are true Caribbean construction, centuries old in many cases.

There is much history here and getting to see some of the churches, some just with partial structure remaining, but the surrounding grounds lovingly maintained.

I didn't make it to Sunshine's...but I think it was a wise choice not to try. I mean here comes a woman who needs support from someone else to walk, arriving at the bar and ordering a Killer Bee. I wouldn't have served me ;-) !

Fortunately the bartenders at Nisbet have some specials of their own. My favorite was something named a "Bush Whacker"...you know I couldn't resist that ;-) !

I know this is honeymoon season, but I still searched for guests in the older age range...not many. A nice mix, of Brits and Americans and very few children during my visit.

Ahhh Nevis, a special place with special people ! Just imagine how long this TR might have been if I were able to get out and about ;-) ! Be thankful for small blessings !

Marion
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Old Aug 5th, 2006, 08:08 AM
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Marion, I'm so glad that you loved Nevis and Nisbet and I'm thrilled to read your trip report. If you have to be laid up somewhere, it's not too shabby. I'm just sorry that you were in such pain and discomfort the whole time--I had fondly imagined that after a week or two of non-exertion that your back might have been feeling better. I hope that it is by now, at any rate.

Loved your comment about the Bush Whacker drink--I ordered one on the same premise when I was there. They had a particularly nice frou-frou drink selection at their beach bar, as I recall.

I, for one, would love to hear a bit more about the desserts. And perhaps a suggested reading list of the books you especially enjoyed. And maybe a bit about the Hermitage and what you liked about it on your island tour.

Thanks, and so glad to have you back for a while! When and where will your next trip be?
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Old Aug 5th, 2006, 08:52 AM
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Ahhh desserts ;-) ! I did not meet the chef, but believe he is Italian or at least certainly knows his way with pasta and wondeful vegetarian selections. There was always something truly appealing for vegetarians, what I would call a Mediterranian influence.

With desserts he is all French Souffles, both cold and hot, creme brulee topped with local fruits, crepes with various fruit toppings, he's also fond of his pastry skills, so many desserts were presented in almond tuile cups, some in phyllo or as a version of a Napolean. Also lots of berries, marinated in Grand Marnier, Drambuie or Cointreau and served with a vanilla or chocolate creme or zabligone. Shall I continue with this torture or do you get the general idea of why I often ordered two

My comments about Hermitage are here somewhere...I'll search and top for you.

Books I discovered Peter Robinson (wonderful writing style) and read "Piece of my Heart".

I also discovered Laurie R. King and read two of her Mary Russell novels. Mary Russell is the fictional wife of Sherlock Holmes. Loved the style here too...and read two "The Game", set in 1924 India and "Locked Rooms" set in San Francisco.

Ann Perry is a favorite, and took myself to Victorian era London with "Dark Assasin".

David Baldacci and his "The Camel Club" is timely, and compelling.

Laura Lippman, a former journalist from Baltimore, is also a favorite. Fast reads but great characters with surprising plot twists.

Elizabeth George and Deborah Crombie head my list of favorites. New releases from both of them in the fall....hopefully in time for my visit to one of Tiverton's properties in Duncans for two weeks in November. It's only 40 minutes outside of MBJ and I thought a shorter drive might mean that my daughters and their husbands would join me for Thanksgiving...alas, not so.

Medical appointment for me on Wednesday...this is not curing itself, no matter how I wish and pray that it will.

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Old Aug 5th, 2006, 09:42 AM
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Marion, I wish you were close enough for me to drop myself off and show you some back exercises. I'm with you on back surgery. Would be my last choice.

My favorite books of late: Kim Edward's "The Memory Keeper's Daughter". Also just finished "The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeanette Walls. Now reading " Eat, pray, love: one womans's search for everything across Italy, India and Indonesia" by Elizabeth Gilbert. I tell my husband if I would have to choose between him and books.....well... Owa
 
Old Aug 5th, 2006, 10:08 AM
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What a fabulous description of those desserts. My mouth is watering now, thank you very much. Somehow, my Lean Cuisine lunch here at work isn't very satisfying in the face of what I've just read.
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Old Aug 5th, 2006, 10:22 AM
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But it's berry season here where we are


Fresh berries, a splash of your favorite cordial and top with low fat Cool Whip to which you might add a little vanilla or Frangelico...courtesy of Food Network.

If that doesn't do it...stop off at a local bakery and remember my *two bite* tradition ;-)

I didn't mean to torture you, but you did ask

Marion
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Old Aug 5th, 2006, 10:38 AM
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Marion,

Thanks for the descriptions of the Nesbit rooms. One of these days I'm hoping to be able to spend a few days there either before or after the Hermitage.

There's something about desserts and vacations, isn't there?

CW
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Old Aug 5th, 2006, 08:22 PM
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Marion, I was so hoping that your back would be better by now. Good luck at the dr.
I enjoyed your report. You must go back when you are feeling better so that you can get out and about!
I do agree that some great friendships can be made at the place at which one is staying. I will never forget our buddies at Oualie.
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Old Aug 5th, 2006, 08:53 PM
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oh dear Marion
I am so sorry about your back. I hope surgery isn't necessary.

Nevis sounds wonderful.How did you get to tour the island?
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Old Aug 5th, 2006, 09:07 PM
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Thanks for the Nevis report....it sounded very relaxing for your, despite your back issues. Would you return to Nevis and Nisbet? Where does Nevis rank on your "top islands to visit list"? Welcome home!
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Old Aug 6th, 2006, 06:48 AM
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JAGIRL,

Thanks for your concern, and believe me if the *S* word is mentioned or even whispered, I'll be out of the office in the blink of an eye ;-)

The island taxi tour was arranged through Nisbet. It's a 3 hour tour for $60 US. All drivers have to pass an island history exam There wasn't a single question that Nelvita couldn't answer

CS,

Hope the girls are thriving and that maybe you and Mrs. CS are getting settled into a routine which includes more nighttime sleep !

Jamaica is still my favorite place...but Nevis is right up there as a close second. Yes, I would/will return to Nisbet, but will add on some time at Hermitage.

FWIW, I still prefer a villa vacation over a resort I'll be anxious to hear how you feel after your time at Silver Sands.

I should have mentioned, in the original report, the wonderful Spa at Nisbet ! I had several long massages with Valencia who was almost the magician that I hoped she could be. She and her husband David were extremely kind. I asked her if she knew of a local craftsman who might carve walking sticks. Even on a masssage table I can't simply ask for a cane...I'm still trying to support the local economy ;-) I had a good laugh at myself over that one !

But later that evening, Val and David presented we with a locally carved walking stick They refused payment of any kind, and it's now residing in the Great House for future guests in need

Marion
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Old Aug 6th, 2006, 09:45 AM
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Thanks Marion for the trip report Hope all goes well with your Doctor appointment! Usually best to go conservative with the back as long as you can. Do you have a herniated disc? Good luck!!!!!!
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Old Aug 6th, 2006, 03:26 PM
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Marion, here's to positve thoughts being sent your way for a full recovery without surgical intervention. Just an FYI have you ever considered some massage therapy? Nothing heavy duty Swedish for relaxation and possibly some energy work such as Reiki. Has worked wonders for me.
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Old Aug 6th, 2006, 07:10 PM
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Marion,
You mean you'll be hobbling out of the office in something close to the blink of an eye!

I do hope this thing heals itself and you won't require that *S* thing.

I'm searching for a Caribbean vacation. I too will be going solo. A vacation from my own Caribbean island!

I'm waffling all over the place! From Bequia to St. Lucia to Nevis to Tobago!
I just can't for the life of me seem to choose one.

What made you choose Nevis over all the others? Pray do tell.
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Old Aug 7th, 2006, 02:18 PM
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JAGIRL......I am glad to know that someone can't decide on their next destination, besides me!
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Old Aug 8th, 2006, 06:43 AM
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Marion, please keep us posted about your back and your consult with the Dr. Loved your update about the massage & walking stick!

JAGIRL and iw, why choose just one?

JAGIRL in particular, it seems like you could do some nice island hopping from JA.

iw, how are you coping with the loss of your sweet pooch?
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Old Aug 8th, 2006, 08:41 AM
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ahh ej,
Island hopping actually isn't that easy. I wish it was!!

So far St.Lucia, Tobago, St. Vincent & the Grenadines (Bequia in particular) and Nevis are on the list. I'm looking at combining St. Lucia and the Grenadines in one trip though.
Plus I'm determined to go to Bermuda next year.

I'm doing as much research on this Board as I can...and am finding that you guys are extremely helpful!

Every question I have so far has already been asked.

So many places...so little time!
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Old Aug 8th, 2006, 09:09 AM
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I hear ya! Sorry to read that island hopping is harder from JA than I thought. I just figured you could fly Air Jamaica to St. Lucia, then a local carrier to St Vincent to see Bequia, then a local carrier to Grenada, back to Jamaica on Air Jamaica. Of course, I never tried to do a routing!

But since half the fun is in the planning, you must be having a good deal of fun indeed, considering your island list!
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Old Aug 8th, 2006, 09:55 AM
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We are going to stay 3 days at the Nisbet Plantation in a superior room. Did you see those rooms? Are they nice also.
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Old Aug 8th, 2006, 11:02 AM
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I can fly Mobay to St. Lucia. That's the easy part. I just wish I could go everywhere on a direct flight!

I can't go Grenada to Mobay. I have to go through New York I think. It's the same with going to Puerto Rico. I have to go through Miami.

BWIA has flights to some EC islands...but BWee only leaves from Kingston

Island hopping is just more involved than I had hoped.

The Cayman Islands and the ABC islands are easy to get to but are, on a matter of principle, off my list. I refuse to get a visa to travel within the Caribbean.

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