Another week has come and gone on Saba, and it was certainly one for the books! From tackling tech woes to navigating island social scenes and even embarking on a journey to the States, there was never a dull moment. Let’s dive into the highlights, shall we?
Monday morning kicked off with a familiar rhythm: a backlog of Friday’s emails. Thankfully, the day unfolded smoothly, allowing for a good deal of productivity. A significant win for the day was finally securing travel insurance for an upcoming trip north. Finding a company that offers medical coverage in the USA for American citizens proved to be a bit of a quest, but success was sweet. The evening was a quiet one, a perfect opportunity to recharge after a busy start to the week.
Tuesday began with the serene practice of nine minutes of Tai Chi walking. It’s a truly enjoyable start to the day, and the back patio provides an ideal backdrop for this peaceful endeavor. Lunch brought a delicious C(hicken)BLT from The Hideaway — a truly substantial and satisfying meal. The afternoon, however, presented a familiar foe: tech issues. This time, it was the Microsoft Authenticator app playing hard to get.
After work, a return to The Hideaway for a well-deserved cocktail was in order. I managed to catch up with Darren, who shared fantastic news about a job offer. It sounds like the perfect fit for him, and I couldn’t be happier to hear about his success!
The night, however, brought a touch of insomnia, leading to a late-night chat with Samantha. She’ll be returning to Saba with me after my trip, and the excitement is palpable. Our new house offers ample space for both togetherness and individual pursuits, a delightful upgrade from her previous visit. The new location, the beautiful grounds, and the charming 1850 structure, complete with decorative pineapples, have truly captured the hearts of Dave, Albus, and myself.
Wednesday’s lunch was a tasty egg salad sandwich from Bizzy B, enjoyed at home to allow Albus some much-needed outdoor time. This high-energy pup certainly needs opportunities to burn off some steam, though lately, his preferred activity is overseeing his domain from the top of the stairs or, even better, the corner of the cistern.
The evening brought the much-anticipated girls’ night. A quick stop to see Jennifer at Everytings, then straight to Colibri for their special loaded potato balls. The hunch proved correct: by 6 PM, only the portion Jennifer had reserved remained. And they were, as expected, absolutely delicious – a true testament to Chef Tanner’s skill!
With Jill joining the group, a change of scenery was decided upon. Neither Jill nor I had ever ventured to Zanzibar, primarily due to the loud music. However, Jennifer and Anise assured us of a quieter upstairs area complete with a kitchen and a separate smoking deck. So, as the sun dipped below the horizon, we made our way from Colibri to Zanzibar. The rumors were true! Upstairs, the music was a pleasant background hum, a stark contrast to the lively downstairs. The evening was going wonderfully until a man arrived, searching for a friend who had gone to Wells Bay that morning and hadn’t returned. Saba’s numerous trails, often with challenging terrain, mean that such disappearances are taken seriously, and everyone hoped for a swift and safe return. Shortly after the somber interlude, we all headed home.
Thursday began with an unexpectedly early alarm – 4:45am, thanks to a 5pm doctor’s appointment reminder mistakenly set for AM. Since sleep was no longer an option, it seemed like a prime opportunity to witness the sunrise. Stepping onto the front porch, however, revealed a rather mediocre display. A photo was taken, not for its beauty, but to document the uninspiring start to the day.
Work presented its own set of challenges, with connectivity issues plaguing the day and rendering the phone largely useless. The plan to address this is to order Starlink as a backup, with hopes of having it installed before returning to Saba. A telehealth appointment after work brought good news: a positive report to the doctor about overall well-being and a lack of mental health concerns. Feeling a bit lazy, and with Dave’s birthday celebration planned for the following day, a quiet night in was the perfect end to the day.
Friday morning was dedicated to packing for the trip to the United States. The workday felt like a countdown to Dave’s birthday celebration. Initially, it was thought Dave would want to go out, but his preference was to host friends at home. Last-minute invitations were sent, and most were able to join the festivities.
The evening was a delightful gathering of good friends, filled with lively conversation and laughter. The sense of community and the supportive, kind nature of the people we’ve met on Saba are truly cherished. After a wonderful night, bedtime arrived around midnight, with a 6am wake-up call to finalize packing for a 10am flight. Arriving at the airport by 9am, earlier than strictly necessary for Saba’s airport, but a welcome buffer against any last-minute stress.
The flight from Saba to Sint Maarten was smooth, though I did notice a significant amount of sargassum in the water below. Sint Maarten airport, recently remodeled, offered more to explore this time around as my connection to Orlando required another check-in. The renovations are impressive, though the signage could still use some improvement; I wasn’t the only one asking for directions.
The flight to Orlando was uneventful, save for a young child’s thirty-minute tantrum in the row ahead. It was a debate whether the tantrum itself or the fellow passenger’s complaints about it were more trying. Nevertheless, arrival was successful, customs were a breeze, and only a brief weather delay at baggage claim caused a minor hold-up. Finally, Dad picked me up, and a delicious dinner at Tijuana Flats, featuring a favorite chimichanga, was enjoyed on the way home. The evening concluded with a relaxing chat on the lanai before an early night.
While the journey unfolded, Albus embarked on his own adventure! He scaled the wall behind the she-shed and made a grand entrance into the upstairs neighbor’s house to say hello. A true “spicy nugget” indeed! Dave has since patched the escape route, hopefully preventing any further unauthorized outings.
Sunday morning began with setting up the workstation for the week, ensuring everything was ready to go. A trip to Publix for groceries followed, and the sheer abundance of options compared to Saba’s market was almost overwhelming. A conscious effort was made to avoid overbuying, though Italian Sweet Cream creamer, of course, made its way into the cart.
Dad had a craving for swordfish, leading to a delightful lunch at The Wharf near Margaritaville. The added bonus was finding catfish bites on the menu, another personal favorite. Everything was excellent, and the afternoon concluded with a stop at Coldstone for some much-missed ice cream. Once home, my dad opted for a rest, so I spent some time by the pool, catching up with friends via text and chat. It’s been a full and fulfilling week, and I’m looking forward to what the next one holds!