Happy New Year, blog readers! Or, as this post is technically about the days *surrounding* New Year’s, maybe “Happy Slightly-Past-New-Year’s” is more accurate. Either way, let’s dive into the Saba shenanigans!
New Year’s Eve day started with a half-day at work (huzzah!), followed by a trip to Windwardside. Fueled by a *smidge* more BBD rum (it’s research, I swear!), I seized the opportunity to ask Hermes’ dad for permission to write a “Day in the Life of Hermes” post. For those not in the know, Hermes is basically the king of Saba, holding court at Juliana’s Hotel. Think of it as a canine celebrity profile. And guess what? Permission granted! Stay tuned for that tail-wagging tale.
As the year drew to a close, I found myself in a reflective mood. 2025, you were a doozy, but even in the midst of the chaos, some incredible people really stepped up. So, I sent out some appropriately sappy texts expressing my gratitude. I’m already loving the community we’re building here on Saba, and I can’t wait to meet more of the island’s quirky characters. So far, this island life decision is looking pretty darn good.
Saba does New Year’s Eve fireworks, but your girl was getting sleepy. I set an alarm for 11:50 PM, determined not to miss the show. But alas, my patio view was… nonexistent. I could hear the explosions, but seeing them would have required a barefoot trek up a hill in my pajamas. Laziness won, and I went back to bed, a complete fireworks failure.
But fear not! I redeemed myself with an early-morning sunrise viewing. I also had a video chat with my bestie, and while I was busy with her, Dave was accepting an invite for us to join some island peeps at the Swinging Doors later that evening. They would have a great view of tonight’s fireworks, which was especially nice since I’d missed out on the official New Year’s Eve show. We also had the Emerald Sakara visiting Saba today, so Dave & I decided to head into town to do some people-watching.
Unfortunately for the tourists, literally everything but The Jewel Cottage was closed, so after a little bit of people watching we headed to the Tipsy Goat Bar. We had a light lunch and chatted with some of the tourists, before heading back to the house for the afternoon.
We met up with everyone later and watched the fireworks, and they were great! Well worth going back out to see them, especially since I missed the official show the night before.
The next morning brought a startling realization: I was about to run out of clean tops! I had foolishly assumed my twelve or so Caribbean-friendly shirts would last until laundry day. Turns out, laundry here is every *other* week, not weekly. Oops!
A desperate plea to Dave resulted in a trip to the clothing store in The Bottom (yep, the *only* clothing store on Saba). Of course, it was closed for the holiday. Luckily, I snagged a souvenir Saba t-shirt at Everytings, just enough to tide me over. Crisis averted (for now!).
While in town, we grabbed bread from the Bizzy B and some groceries. And then, a glorious discovery: Smirnoff Ice! Grape flavored, no less. I grabbed a six-pack and made some catch-up calls to Dori and Samantha. Dori was back from her California holiday with her grandkids, and Samantha and I chatted about future plans, including my writing aspirations. Samantha, as always, gave me great advice, and I took copious notes.
Fueled by Dubliner cheese, crackers, and my newly acquired Smirnoff Ice, I checked in on Jenn, who was battling a Connecticut cold snap. Jenn also has some exciting plans for the new year, and I’m thrilled to see her focusing on herself. Figuring out what you want is half the battle, right?
Speaking of the new year, I’m not big on resolutions. I prefer “percolating ideas” that deserve my attention. But if resolutions are your thing, go for it! Change is hard, but staying stuck is harder.
As the sun went down, I changed into a comfy loungewear set (thanks, Redtag Ricky!) and settled in for the night. Dave, surprisingly, suggested we hit up karaoke at The Hideaway. Dave *never* wants to go out, especially since he’s made it abundantly clear he had no intention of singing. But, I changed again and out we went!
I’m still on the hunt for my signature island drink, and tonight I went with an amaretto sour. And guess what? It was served in an official Disaronno Sour Jar! I’ve ordered these in many places over the years, but this was the first time it came in anything other than a standard glass. It’s the little things…lol
Until next time, Saba-lovers!