Get real. We got a personal guide from Will, a local guy who is smart enough to be sitting under a big shady almond tree when we decide to hike in the hot sun to find customs. Of course it's not at government dock where it should be.

Turns out that Mae's Bed and Breakfast is just at the top of the hill from the customs office. Shannon and Marika were sitting outside because the breeze was nice and government couldn't pay the electricity bill for this official office. The girls were sweet as ever, and called the immigration girl to come to us! I had plenty of time to explore Mae's.

Turns out the place is in ruins. It was originally the District Commissioner's home, then Mae turned it into a B&B. She got too old to care for it and passed it on to her son who clearly couldn't either...it survived two hurricanes recently and still stands proudly, albeit having had such an illustrious past so long ago.

No calling ahead for meals, no comfy overstuffed bed to fall into and definitely no long cool shower to stand under for as long as you want. Imagination is what's needed here too...would love to have seen it at it's zenith.

Bec