Alone Again, Naturally

Ahh, there is something about being totally alone in paradise that is so satisfying. Yes, its a little lonely, I would love it if Pepper and Gem were with me, but that's really all I need, they entertain me to no end with their play fights.



Excuse the diversion, back to the story for today. I thought that if I showed up at Petite Colombe before 10 I would get my hands on a pain au chocolat, but alas, there were none left. I had to settle on - get this - a glazed croissant stuffed with chocolate and cream. So sad. Given that I had to fly out at 3:15 today, I wanted to top off the tan at Gouvener (or however you spell it) beach. Once I figured out how to get there, it was clear that we were totally on the wrong path when we tried to find it the other day. I had been there years ago and as soon as I started passing the "Private Property" signs I recognized it and started getting giddy. I wish I didn't have to pay attention to the road because I would have rather been able to gawk at the incredible estates in the hills that surround the beach. Holy crap. Fi had told us yesterday that a property across the street from our villa recently sold for 11 million euros - that's almost 17 million dollars. And it wasn't out of this world spectacular. But these were. So this is how those ultra rich people live. Huh. I cannot even imagine what the estate is like that has a big gate backing right up to the beach. Again, holy crap.

Here are some views:






This is actually a view from a hill on the way to St. Jean:


The beach was as breathtaking as I remember it (I HATE that I just used that word, but seriously, you walk down the path and can't help but say a four-letter word out loud when you get a glimpse). Even though I was alone, I still said one. Once again, pictures cannot convey, but here is a try:




I practically had the beach to myself, there were about 10 other people there. The major difference between this beach and Saline is the surf and the depth. At Saline, you could walk out pretty far and the water was very calm. Here, it got deep a little too quickly, and there was a constant influx of waves, but nothing major. By far 2 of the nicest beaches I have been to. Next: Thailand.

OK, enough daydreaming about my next adventure. I went home to pack up and made a quick stop at my favorite store in St. Jean, Glamour, to see if there were any last minute fashions calling my name. There was: the coolest belt ever. See how easy it is? Then a stop at Kiki et Mo for a panini and diet coke to go, a fill up at the gas station and then to the bench at the airstrip (you can't really call it an airport) to wait for my flight. I realized I still had some euros left so ran upstairs to the shop to dispense of them. To my surpise, the Winair guy came up there and said "Mademoiselle, ve are vaiting for you (insert french accent)" and escorted me to my private plane. Yep, this one was just for me and my 2 pilots. I am just loving my life of leisure. That was until I started sweating like a horse in the plane. It sure was hot in there.

So that's it, another getaway-a-la-Erin comes to an end. This time no hard feelings due to a freeloading duo of dufuses. I now sit here in Princess Juliana Airport in St. Martin waiting for my connection to San Juan where I will have dinner tonight with an old high school friend, Effie, who lives there. In the coming days I will post some do's and don'ts, faves and non-faves of the trip so stay tuned.

WAIT, ONE LAST THING:
I know you are all dying to see T.A. Well, since the trip is over, I thought I could add this. I thought that black and white would really capture the moment: