My Last night in Paradise…until next year!!

I jumped out of bed today as I wanted a full last day and we had always been late to the breakfast daily, only 2 stations had been opened- I wanted the full feast. Jules had not gotten out of bed yet. I had such a yummy scramble and 2 cups of my yummy coffee.  I hung with my Blair friend chatting on the patio of dining until Julie arrived. Like I have shared, this is truly the friendliest place to experience- The Club Med way is an incredible way to travel. Andy is leaving at 11, he stopped by our table to chat, exchange information, and spend some last moments. He had books he was leaving behind, I immediately thought of Diane. She is the older retired attorney from Ohio with the Judge husband, just to refresh your brain. She has been asking us and others if we would leave her books. She is here for 3 weeks. I found her and made her day. 🙂 The simple things in life…..

We headed out for a full beach day today, actually skipped Crazy Signs today. We got beach chairs in front if Sharkie’s again, as I love having the music in the background. The sun is shining bright today and I couldn’t have asked for a better day. I mean whose kidding, everyday is perfection in Turks & Caicos. Julie and I went on a double Kayak. We had always done it individually and decided to change it up. The sea was SO calm today and dreamy waters as always! We paddled SO far out and had the best conversations about the meaning of life and how to live your full purpose, not just the mundane rat race way. Shared a few happy tears together, we are both feelers and love being in tune with our emotions. How this adventure has been so reflective in the human connection with wise souls who know how to enjoy life’s every moment! The depth of every conversation had all week has been enlightening, and carefree. A time to slow down and just BE. We were out there for an hour and decided to go in and try paddle boarding. Julie likes it a lot. I must say I did it a few times here, and I prefer the kayak. 

Got back on our chairs, I grabbed us Fish Tacos & Margaritas from The Shark. Relaxed with my book. I had wanted to check out the Grace Bay Club Hotel- one of the fancy 5 star resorts here, its only 2 down from our spot. Julie wasn’t interested….I took a nice beach walk and explored the grounds. It is quite beautiful, with a lovely pool, gorgeous lobby, an outdoor restaurant and is your usual quiet pristine place. Kids playing by the pool and in the sand building castles. As I was leaving, 2 Hasidic guys in turquoise keepahs and tzi tzi passed by and wished me a Shabbat Shalom. It was a warming moment that added a smile to my face, as I had just finished my Gedale Fenster class. Signs are everywhere when you are open and aware, love it! I took some photos of the place for memory and walked back. I personally prefer the action, energy, and music vibe at our spot. I could see how no activities on a property would be a normal regular beach getaway you would have anywhere. 

Mitch had joined Julie on the beach chairs and they were chatting. He shared many more stories, showed us photos of his adorable nieces at home. An old GO, named Travis from NJ is visiting for the week. He used to work here…nice guy, actually from Bradley Beach where my favorite breakfast place is, The Buttered Biscuit. He knew all about it and the yummy known Grilled Coffee Cake. A true Shelton, who talks non- stop food, Ha. Mitch stayed with us and he and Jules chatted it up, the rain started with some storm clouds. I got us an early grilled cheese today, my last one- my stomach will be thanking me upon return home. A visit to see Vicki, a diet, and back to my daily hikes/walks. So fun to lay in the rain at the beach. Its not cold, so it all feels nice and truly looks beautiful in these waters. The artistic contrasts of colors is a painting. The white sand getting sprinkled, with the bright constant changes of color in this pristine waters, with the sky blue/white/ grey is a sight to see, that my camera doesn’t do it justice. My eyes take it all in. You all need to book a trip- yes, for sure add it to a Bucket List. We have loved this place and will return. Next time we will need to explore the Island more. There is cliff diving around, shipwrecks, a deserted boat graveyard, etc. for next year…..

Julie joined all the boys for VolleyBall. She is the only girl player, and a confident one for sure. I watched my last sunset on the beach. Decided to go to the pool, the downpour of rain really began. Swimming in the rain was SO peaceful & Exhilarating. A few others were in pool playing games on the other end, had the pool to myself practically. It was 530 and almost dark. Funny thing, I saw a couple who were questioning the bright red lights on the Main Stage, I overheard them talking. I said oh….are you new here? They had just arrived today, it dawns on me this was our entry day, Sat- and wow we have been here a full week. Honestly I cant recall staying in one hotel room fully unpacked for this long in years. I always either stay with friends, move hotels, or change cities/ villages often. Im not a sit still traveler. This Island style has calmed me, and has been quite enjoyable, if I didn’t already mention. I explained to them that there are unreal Vegas type performances every night that start at 9:30, not to miss them as they are so fun and entertaining. I also made them aware you dance all night until midnight. I said “ Welcome to Club Med”, like the personal greeter. They were sooooo excited to have arrived! Wanted to go get ready for the nights fun to begin. Super cute!

Made my way back to the room for that amazing hot shower, which feels SO good after a sandy beach day. We don’t really ever rest, its time to get ready to go down to dinner, tonights theme is blue & White. Dinner arrival is 8, it was yummy, a mish mosh of trying many items. A great Italian Meatball soup we shared along with a slice of 4 cheese pizza, I got Chicken Cordon Blue, we shared some lemon meringue pie. Both had some red wine. Met 2 new ladies, one from Kentucky, the other from San Diego. They met on a singles travel group trip in Thailand 1.5 years ago and have been on multiple trips together ever since. We shared our parasailing stories with them, as they are considering, but very freaked out. They were nice ladies….just making more friends 🙂

We made our way to the show. We stop and have another wise chat with Paola, he shared his military photos from IDF days in Israel. These photos were powerful, there he is in full military gear, guns and all in the middle of the desert in Israel with sunsets, caves, Arab scenery behind, Palestinian villages. Shared crazy war stories and told us so much, too much to share. Jules had tears in her eyes, as Israel is a very moving topic to her with great pride! She thanked him for serving and risking his life. We are both beyond intrigued by him, and who he is. He described life as “ we are all just stardust” , so true!! How you come into this world and how you leave this world. We are all just the same! He will be quite successful one day, mark my words- this guy is on the track to making his life whatever he wants it to be. Which he has been doing at only the age of 28, mind- blowing!! He understands the importance of true inner happiness in my opinion. He lives with a smile on his face daily, beyond an appreciative & grateful day. I told him about my book, “And I Breathed. “ Another goodie like these The wild stories he told us were bloody and crazy scary, healing, selfless, and helpful, but all  impressive and made him who he is today. When on a rescue mission, He had been cursed by a person who spit blood in his face, his military guide had explained in order to break the curse, he needed to carry a live chicken up this deserted mountain and kill it at the top. He did as he was told. Crazy wild life. Learning & Growing constantly!

The show starts at 9:30, it was another great performance. We loved all the dance numbers, these guys move so well. It was mainly singing & Dancing tonight. Then its time to stand up for Hands Up….Infreaking love this song. Some other interactive dances…we partake. Then we see our Staten Island couple Malissa & John. I chat with him about life, death, and loss. He father passed away only in December, Jules had bonded with him late night the evening before and told him we needed to chat. He has been the usual wreck after losing a parent, I suggested a bereavement group, he has been contemplating a therapist. He is hopeful this get away will allow him to start processing more once home. I prepared him for the Re- Entry depression regardless. We both shared stories about our dads, it was beautiful. Keeping the legacy and their presence alive within you at all times. I told him my dad had totally been here with us, he got tears in his eyes. He shared more and his entire family. He is a pisces, another emotional water sign like myself. I love men who can feel with their hearts and express emotions. His mom had passed 6 years prior, so he shared more about the feeling of being parentless, my worst nightmare! Thank G- D not there yet, and will make my mom live to 97. We all shared FB info and Julie will visit them in NY. We ended up hanging out with them the rest of the night. Malissa is Israeli , a Leo and John is a Catholic Italian. They met 8 years ago outside of a bar at 4 am and the rest is history. He is 41, she is 34. They had traveled the world for 7 months 2 years ago. Now that nothing is tying them to NY, they want to move Internationally to experience more life has to offer. They had tried to get jobs here, but will see how life unfolds once home. 

We four danced and chatted all night. Danielle, I showed them our Staten Island Ferry pics from our NYC trip. John imitated hoe Julie has a happy flowing strut as she flows walking around the dance floor, he commented, “ she farts glitter”! A funny happy East Coast guy. Julie was trying to get me to dance with my hips, only moving my pelvic area…..this was a trip! I felt like my mother as I could not do what they all were requesting. John was my best teacher and got me to shake my knees and move my butt in this crazy dance way. Laughter was in full force and we had a great last night. Alexandra the Shakie bart tender was hanging with us too, telling her life story and history at CM. 

We took many group photos and I realized it was midnight and I had not started packing yet. In denial about leaving. We just got confirmation that Cathy has pulled this last minute International trip off, at the last moment got her Covid results, purchased the needed Covid insurance, uploaded and received her Approval Application to travel. She boarded the plane from LAX at midnight and will be arriving today. Let Chapter 2 begin for Julie. I am jealous!!

Im sitting on my breakfast patio , finishing this entry. Im sure Ill write one more time to report my last half way and journey home. Getting picked up at 2:30, for my 5 pm flight through Miami. Will be back in Arizona by midnight. 

Love you all! Hugs & Kisses

Love laurie sue

Aka dora