(Blog 9 as I continue with stories from our trip to St. Kitts.)

During our stay on St. Kitts Island, we were fortunate to have a lovely room at the Marriott Resort – thanks to the ‘student rate’ that Andy got for us.  The Ross Veterinary students provide for a lot of business and income on the island (hotel rates for visitors, fuel for their cars, groceries, and bar bills of course) and are generous to provide discounts.  The Marriott was gorgeous.  Our air-conditioned room was very comfortable and included a king size bed, TV, and bidet-equipped bathroom.  There were three pools to choose from and several stores and restaurants to handle any of our needs.  It was good enough for us.

Most of the natives on St. Kitts live in cement block houses.  The homes are not air-conditioned but get fresh air circulation by means of louvered window coverings.  Life is simple, hot, dusty, and tropical.  Any backyard space available is used for a vegetable garden or roaming space for chickens.  No backyard pools.  They are probably too costly and, besides, there is always the ocean to jump in to if you get too hot.

Besides the local housing, there is a newer crop of luxury housing popping up.  The locals do not live there.  These expensive new townhouse developments are being purchased by investors from other countries who want a place in paradise.  Literally.  If you buy property at the minimum cost of close to half a million dollars, you are granted automatic citizenship of St. Kitts.  There are many resort pieces of property hidden around the island.

On our day trip to Nevis Island, we walked the beach to the property of the Four Seasons Hotel.  Oh my.  It was so serene.  Remember the show, “Fantasy Island?”  It was so tropical, exclusive, relaxing, and tranquil.  The price tag was way beyond our reach and I understand people like Oprah and Justin Bieber have stayed there.  The exclusivity of the Four Seasons along with the first-class attention I am sure is given there must make it a heavenly and relaxing place to stay.

Another place we visited was Ottley’s Plantation on St. Kitts.  After a twisting and turning drive up the dirt road and above the dusty little towns that dotted the coast, we arrived at paradise!  Ottley’s is an old sugar plantation from the 1700’s that has been renovated into a luxury resort.  The tropical grounds were breath-taking and the main house looked like something out of an Ernest Hemmingway novel.  We had dinner at the The Royal Palm Restaurant which is nestled on the old stone grounds of the original sugar factory.  To say dinner was expensive is an understatement.  But dinner was outstanding and could easily be showcased in Gourmet Magazine.  It was worth it.

John 14:1-3 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.   In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

I have no idea what heaven will be like.  But I believe in God and I believe God’s word is true.  I believe He has a place prepared for us when our earthly lives are done.  I might suggest that heaven be like a tropical paradise.  Hmm … comfortable beds, tranquil breezes, relaxing ocean waves, soft sand, good food, exclusive privileges, and once we get there we can have automatic citizenship!

I am sure heaven will be heavenly.

But for a heavenly earthly destination, I do recommend the Caribbean.

just Laurel