The "Zoo"!

Well, on Friday we went to the zoo with the Spouse's Club and we really had a good time. It wasn't the best zoo I've ever been to but considering it's on a Caribbean island it was nice. There were plenty of animals to see and there was also a nice playground for the kids when we were done walking. The highlights for us were the screaming bird and the rock chucking monkeys. (I was relieved that it was just rocks and not poo!) If you threw a rock in the cage the monkey would pick it up, climb half way up the cage, and then aim at someone and wing the rock at them. We had to be careful though because he was really good aim and threw really hard! Chuck almost lost a spleen in the line of fire. As for the screaming bird . . . well, I'll just let you see for yourself. (click on the video.)

Once we were done at the zoo we went home to take naps before going to dinner with Chuck and Geneva. We started off walking Maho trying to figure out why all the places were closed. Turns out that because High season starts in November a lot of businesses close around this time each year for a vacation before the big rush. We ended up at a little French Bistro close to the airport that turned out to be the slowest restaurant on the planet. It took over two and a half hours for them to serve the 6 of us dinner. The food was OK but after waiting that long for it I can't say I would like to go back again.

Saturday was beach day at Friar Bay. It was a nice beach with relatively calm, shallow water that was perfect for the kids. The boys had a blast playing with the other children and thanks to the other spouses I even got a little break from childcare to go on a hike to Happy Beach about a half mile away. After visiting the beach we went to Rick's for some free Iced Tea and Dinner with Chuck and Geneva. (It totally made up for dinner the night before.)

Sunday morning Tangra had a study group so the boys and I took Chuck and went to Ace Hardware and Kooyman (Caribbean Menards) to find a swiffer and a grill. Luckily we were able to find both. Once Tangra was done with her study group we decided to take the afternoon to tour the island some more. We went exploring on the french side for a while before getting Domino's for dinner and relaxing at home.

Today the boys and I did some shopping to stock up on the necessities and just hung out. Tonight was quarter wing night at Pineapple Pete's so Chuck came over and we had a cheap dinner. Now the boys are playing with their toys and getting ready for bed. I think that catches everyone up. Be sure to check out the pictures that I have added to the Photo Album!

Talk to you all soon,
Matt