Rocky's Bar

There's no better feeling than having a friendly bar waiting for your return after a long, hard day of sight seeing. And, one in a scenic setting is even better. Sitting at Rocky's Bar you can look out into the cerulean blue water of the Caribbean and dream away. The serene beauty is a perfect backdrop to the laid-back atmosphere of Rocky's and the fun and zany crowd it seems to draw. The cast of characters is straight out of an Elmore Leonard novel - especially the California surfer dude who posed as the hotel's dive instructor. He calls himself Captain Crabby and most of what comes out of his tanned, creased mouth is not fit for publishing but darn funny. Diver Dude a.k.a. Captain Crabby is a mainstay at the bar and he always has a story to tell. It's not a bad way to end a long, hot day loafing around the Caribbean. All you have to do is lift your Carib to the sky and salute Captain Crabby and all that's sacred at Bird Rock.

The Flamboyant "Flame" Tree

The Flame tree or Flamboyant tree as it is known, in St. Kitts, is as magnificent as it looks. The bright red flowers are a sight to behold and I have seen nothing like it in my home state. These majestic trees dot the landscape of St. Kitts and are proof positive of a colorful, wonderful land that is still begging to be explored. In the background is a catholic church which, I am told, rocks out to the magical music of the Island King himself, Bob Marley. How could it get any better?

First Motorcycle Ride

I was totally unprepared to be terrified and in pain all at once. The plethora of emotions and feelings that ran through my brain and body were mind boggling. All I wanted was to have some fun and let my hair down.

Within a few seconds, I thought "what have I signed up for?" The freezing air at 60 miles per hours hit me like fast moving Artic glacier, my eyes quickly teared up and bugs flew in and out of my mouth at a regular clip. My wide-legged stance on the back of the too-small seat( for my comfort level) soon had me wondering if this is what childbirth felt like and I had a terrible urge to pee. Would I ever make it back alive, I thought to myself.

The grand finale was taking off the skull cap helmet to reveal my rats nest hairstyle, which minutes early had looked pretty good. I was glad to get my legs back on the pavement and wonder if I have the nerve to try to again. Maybe.

The Quad at UNC-G

I wrote a letter to the editor this month and to my delight, it was published. I had to write when I heard that the Quad at UNC-G was up for possible demolition. There has been a public outcry, including mine to save the dorms on the Quad that date back to early 1900s. The best times of my college experience (and my life) all date back to UNC-G and times spent on the Quad. From parties, special events, sunbathing, to chilling out, it was a time I will never forget. I was young, naive and full of life and happiness with my friends at a college and a dorm that I loved. I vote for preserving history and letting new building take place elsewhere. Some things in life are sacred. The Quad is one of them.

Butterflies and the Order of Things

Butterflies have their order in our world and show us that life can be tough while we are waiting for change or something to happen. Like the butterfly, we must go through the cocooning part of life when it appears that nothing is happening. Eventually we emerge like the butterfly and our wait is rewarded.

Woodley Park Guest House

Courtney Lodico and husband, Joe, are the owners of Woodley Park Guest House which they run with Raymond and Laura Saba. It is a neat twist that Courtney and Laura are sisters and both are extraordinary hosts who know how to make guests feel at home. I am serious that you will simply NOT want to leave. We were late for most of our scheduled events because we had so much fun talking to the hosts at both B and B's. I don't regret a minute and you won't either. These B and B's are simply not to be missed when you go to D.C.

Here I am with Courtney, the vivacious host of Woodley Park.

Embassy Circle Guest House

The Embassy Circle Guest House offers great conversations, great food (depending on the season) and top-rate accomodations. Here is a sampling of hummus, baba gnoush and bruschetta - the best I have wrapped my lips around.

Pictured: Raymond and his lovely wife, Laura.