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Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Charles Allen (170.143.252.---)
Date:   07-05-05 16:11

Just got back from an 11-day stay in Culebra, and stayed at Tamarindo Estates. First, the nice things about TE - it was very convenient in walking to the rocky beach for snorkeling; a dip in the pool was refreshing after being in the ocean (it was nice to get the salt off) and my wife and I had the pool all to ourselves every time we used it; if you went left at the beachfront, and around the end of Tamarindo Beach, you could find some really nice shells, although most were very small; the place was nicely kept up and the rooms were clean; the bedroom was air-conditioned with a wall unit and if you kept the door closed, was a nice little escape from the heat and humidity; Some things about TE which could use some improvement included better water pressure in the shower and better temperature control for the shower - Nancy used the shower first and said to watch out 'cause you could scald yourself if you weren't paying close attention (to avoid this problem, I just took showers using cold water during the entire stay, however, I have to say that the cold showers felt pretty good considering the outside temperatures); the TV set did not get any reception, even local channels, but the note near the TV said that video tapes were available at the main office in the video room - we tried several videos during our stay, and most of them did not work 'cause they looked pretty old and well used (I'm surprised that the rooms aren't hooked up to satellite or that the VCRs haven't been replaced with DVD players, considering the price of the rooms); we took books to read, but some television would have been nice or even videos that played, 'cause night came rather quickly (around 7:30); one of the reasons we choose TE was its proximity to the beachfront as well as its restaurant, which would have been convenient and nice; however, just a month or so before we arrived, the chef left and the restaurant closed, and was still closed throughout our stay (we left on July 3rd) - that wasn't cool.

As for the rest of the stay, the sand beaches were beautiful and the ocean wonderful to swim in; the rocky beaches offered snorkeling which was okay, but nothing spectacular, even at the Carlos Rosario beach (a couple spots were neat, but nothing to really write home about). We only ate at a couple of places, Mamacita's and El Eden; we tried a couple of others - we saw people sitting around at tables, but after 15 minutes waiting for somebody to notice us at each place, we left, free will and all; Mamacita's was a nice place, the iguanas are really neat, the food was pretty good and service hit and miss (what do you expect in the islands?), one day good, the next day not so good; El Eden was a nice place and the people there were very nice and friendly - I've seen a lot of comments on this forum about El Eden, especially their prices, but we weren't on a shoe-string budget (nor a lavish one) and we really didn't have a problem with the prices (considering supply and demand in the islands, the prices were reasonable); El Eden had great cold-cut sandwiches and desserts, and a decent wine/alcohol selection; we did want to use the wireless internet connections I've read about on the forum, but the two places which were supposed to have them, El Eden and Mamacita's, did not ... none ... nada; El Eden said that the arrangement did not work out with the person who was going to provide the service at their place, and Mamacita's staff had no idea if they had it or not (everytime we went there, NO signal could be had, whatsoever).

One day we took a day trip to Vieques; the ferry hours have recently changed - only Wednesdays to Vieques, and the ferry leaves Culebra at 9:00 am, and returns from Vieques at 2:30 pm - not much time to do anything; the good side - it's very inexpensive at $8 total, roundtrip for two.

Another day, we took a day trip to Culebrita; the sandy beach in the cove was beautiful and secluded - only a couple of sailboats were there when we went; but why Culebra Water Taxi dropped up off on the other side of the island and we had to walk about 15 minutes through mosquito-ridden paths to and from the cove beach is beyond me - all the guy had to do was go around the island and drop us off at the nice beach - maybe three more minutes of his time - go figure; by the way, we used a lot of deet during our stay - it was an absolute necessity in the evenings and on certain paths about the island; we knew this going in, so no surprise.

When we left and turned in the car to Carlos Jeeps, the total price for 11 days rental was $650, and that was a deal because they tried to tack on about $20 a day charge for additional liability insurance [even though I had my insurance card, and my agent (who I had to get on the phone) also reiterated that I was covered in Culebra] because I needed proof that I was covered which meant the actual document stating such - I had to have it faxed in to Carlos Jeeps from my insurance company; this is a bit of a shock when you're not expecting it; everything was made easier by my having my cell phone with me (I thought it might come in handy); this same charge was assessed against the couple staying in the room next to us, but the company was different than Carlos Jeeps; this appears to be a common charge among the various car rental places, so be aware.

Anyway, the trip was nice, but a bit too long and pricey for 11 days. It's good to be back home.

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: pucca (---.tju.edu)
Date:   07-10-05 17:48

Charles,
Thanks for the report.
Who is your cell phone carrier?

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: john smith (66.50.190.---)
Date:   07-10-05 22:47

Dear Charles.
You sound like a cruise ship type. Sounds
like you spent aq lot of time inspecting and
expecting the worse. At the restaurants that you
sat down at for 15 minutes and left, bet you
just sat there waiting for recognition, did it ever
occur to you to say hello. I know Culebra pretty
well, and own property in Vieques, we ignore
people like you. Hope you find something to your
liking someday, ELSEWHERE! SMITTY

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Charles Allen (170.143.252.---)
Date:   07-11-05 10:18

Pucca,

I use Verizon, they're pretty good; just make sure you update your phone; it's a simple procedure.

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Charles Allen (170.143.252.---)
Date:   07-11-05 10:44

Dear Mr. Smits,

I thought a trip report would include a fair assessment of my trip - both good and disappointing events. My intent was to help other travelers to the island, and I didn't sugar-coat it for the benefit of Culebra's landowners. Although we weren't served at a couple of the restaurants, all the other people we met thoughout the island were very pleasant and nice. However, it's a good thing we didn't meet you. I have looked at your past posts and you have a major chip on your shoulder for some odd reason. You are obviously a jerk, and your type is found everywhere, unfortunately.

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: john smith (66.50.189.---)
Date:   07-11-05 15:28

Mr.Allen,
Perhaps your ramblings and minute by minute diatribe
are important to you, but to residents, snow-birds, and
lovers of these islands it seems petty to say the least.
Your need to balance your comments are your needs
not ours. Wouldn't it have been easier to mention you had
all-in-all a great trip. People have been coming to these
Islands for years and love the idiosyncratic nature of life
here. They put up with water shortages, slow service,
cockroaches, et al. What they get in return is warm hearted
genuine service and nature unspoiled by overdevelopers
and hustlers. Your ad-nauseum scrutiny even included your
critique on the lack of internet service, although "We did
not want to use the wireless internet connections" Have
you ever had a great vacation, probably not. But try this,
get an isolation tank and get in it. Now its just you and your
critical mind. Even your wife will get a break from your
whining. Then you can write a report about yourself.
Don't bother posting a copy here, we already got the idea.
As you said "It's good to be back home" I wonder if "home"
feels the same about you. Smitty

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Peter Bowden (---.nycap.res.rr.com)
Date:   07-11-05 17:27

Hey Smitty,
This is a travel forum where travelers exchange information about their experiences. Of course they do, after all, represent opinions that you may or not agree with.

Your petty sniping and slander are doing "your" islands a disservice. If you are trying to keep tourists away then you are doing a fine job.

Here's an idea for you...get a life pal.

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: john smith (66.50.189.---)
Date:   07-11-05 22:25

mr. peter,
Welcome to the fray. Have you visited Vieques
or Culebra? Petty and sniping define Mr. Charles
Allen not me. We're trying to keep jerks away.
If your on a fault finding expedition, stay away.
If you love adventure and other cultures you
will love Culebra and Vieques. If you need someone
to hold your hand, insure your comfort, and
guarantee that you will be pleased, stay home.
If you visited these Islands you should know
that 99% of our visitors from Puerto Rico and
the U.S. love it, warts and all. If you are a nervous
about getting the best bang for your buck, you
will be disappointed, and you will miss the whole
point of undisturbed Islands. If you noticed Mr.
Allen's final comment that it was "pricey".
As to me getting a life...I have a great one. It's
based on openess, sharing, and tolerance. I live
in a culture that readily shares and is seldom
petty to others who have simply
opened their doors and hearts to us.,

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: joseph yurchak (66.50.189.---)
Date:   07-11-05 23:27

Smitty,
You got it right! Vieques and Culebra aren't for everybody
thats for sure. Its crazy but travel writers love these Islands
because they are so unpretentious. Yes it may be a little
rough for a pampered-type and they should be forwarned,
but these Islands don't need other jerks coming with
their high expectations. If natural beauty and down-home
friendliness aren't enough for you - Stay Away. Vieques
snowbirds and yearly visitors are mostly professionals.
They really appreciate the locals. Where else can you
go and meet a local who would rather buy you a beer than
try to sell you something!

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Peter Bowden (---.nycap.res.rr.com)
Date:   07-12-05 05:49

The fact that I've visited both islands and enjoy them and their people (with one exception it seems) doesn't alter the fact that I think you are a mean spirited jerk. There are many ways to say things and the way you choose to express yourself is disappointing to say the least.

I can think of no one more ill suited to be an ambassador of Vieques than you mr smitty. Thankfully you seem to be the exception rather than the rule.

you say, "I have a great one. It's based on openess, sharing, and tolerance."

Tolerance? You sure know how to make yourself feel good about yourself but the rest of us not so much.

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: john smith (66.50.189.---)
Date:   07-12-05 12:09

Hey Peter,
This is my life, yours apparently is wasted
on worrying if I'm polite or not. These
Islands are filled with tolerant gracious
people. I don't like the been-there-done-that
type of tourist who need to emote their
disatisfaction to the world, although they
do serve a purpose - they warn other like-minded
jerks to stay away. I f you were involved
in tourism here you would understand. Thank
God there are only a few of these types that
mistakenly show up. Their atitude is we must
cater to their every whim and they are always
expecting the worst. Anyone who would
visit a restaurant in the Caribbean and twice leave
because no one "recognized us" is looking
for problems. Puerto Ricans are polite and friendly
by nature. When they walk into a restaurant they
greet other diners with "Buen Provecho" It's a
courtesy and means they are their to have a good
time also. You say you like these Islands, think
a little. Puerto Ricans are famous for showing respect,
they deserve the same in return.

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Peter Bowden (---.alb.choiceone.net)
Date:   07-12-05 14:02

Obviously you aren't Puerto Rican then.

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: ron (---.columbus.res.rr.com)
Date:   07-12-05 14:47

John,
I'm not sure why you are so irate unless you own one of the establishments that Charles didn't get "recognized". I hope you didn't think he was upset at not being "recognized" as far as people knowing him. I think he meant to say that he didn't get any service for fifteen minutes. I don't care where in the world you are while vacationing but there is one thing for sure, service is a plus. If it wasn't for tourists where would Culebra be without them? And many other destinations. Talk about unemployment!! O.K. I agree. It would still be a wonderful island and many of us, including myself, would enjoy going there. The fact of the matter is people will not come back if they have bad experiences. O.K. now how do the locals make money if there are no tourists? This forum would also not be here. If you look up the definition of forum it states: "an opportunity for open discussions". This means ANY discussions. Why are you getting all upset about this? Charles probably won't come back so leave it alone. I am offended by you calling people "jerks". That is lame!!!
If people have a bad taste for the island when they leave and then they write about it negatively,let them go. You are right, we don't need them back. I will say it again, this is a forum so expect anything. I have visited Culbra seven times now and I have had serious service issues where I'm standing in front of a clerk and for almost twenty minutes I had to listen to her talk to a friend while other people were behind me waiting wondering what the heck I was doing. A little "island time" is fine but when you are being stared down and not giving ANY service is wrong. No, islanders don't have to cater to tourists but it would help sometimes. I love Culebra, Puerto Rico and Vieques. I have dream of opening a businees either in Culebra or Vieques. First I understand that I would have to earn my way. What I mean is being locally accepted by working my butt off and making freinds and neighbors. This is the way to do it. I am sorry that you are so offended by peoples comments but I would get over it. I am coming to Culebra for the eighth time next year and I can't wait to stay in my rented home and go to Juanita Bananas where, at both places, they have exceptional service!!!
RJ

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: john smith (66.50.189.---)
Date:   07-12-05 15:37

Ron,
Other than your personal remarks about me, you
got it right. I can tell you have visited often just
by your comments. You also seem to get it about
moving here. My intention is to separate the wheat
from the shaff. Maybe I'm too sensitive, but I
have a high degree of respect for Island life and the
way the Viequenses live. There's more good than
bad for sure. If you have visited seven times you
surely know what I'm talking about. I don't like
pettiness, so I call a spade a spade. While some are
offended I get e-mail that says - go for it! You would
be welcome in Vieques as well as Culebra. You and I would
get along fine. This part of the Caribbean is a special
place for special people.

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Peter Bowden (---.alb.choiceone.net)
Date:   07-12-05 15:52

Clearly you're a legend in your own mind there mr smitty.

You must be pleased that you turned out so well.

I only feel sorry for the poor citizens of Vieques who have to put up with your smug gringo attitude. Clearly you are ALL about pettiness.

By the way it is "chaff" not "shaff" mr wonderful.

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: john smith (66.50.189.---)
Date:   07-12-05 16:26

Peter,
Let me quote you
"What I find annoying is people who find a quiet little island and then blab all over the internet about it guaranteeing that it will be ruined.
Some people just HAVE to share. I don't know why that is but I suspect that it is an ego trip on their part." Maybe we are on the same page. If
you take your position and add the experience I've had living on
these Islands you would understand that ranting is looked down
upon, and yet we are forced into this new scutiny and expectation
game. This isn't about me, I get along fine with my friends in
Vieques (Culebra too). These Islands have for a long time been
very hospitable to tourists, but at the same don't want to become
a resort only destination.

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date:   07-12-05 16:34

Gentlemen,

Let's all take a deep breath here. Remember that the inherent weakness in posting to a bulletin board is that writing tends to be 2 dimensional rather than three. In our imagination we add the third dimension, reading between the lines. It sometimes happens that this can end up in a relatively harmless rhetorical statement being thought of as a personal attack. Once that happens the exchange quickly devolves into a flame war. I know this because I've jumped to false conclusions myself, and said stuff I regretted. From what I've read here and posts from the past, I believe each of you has a legitimate love of Culebra. The 'veterans' realize that occasional slow service is a small price to pay to preserve the essence of the kicked back Culebra experience. Additionally, this thread might be a great place to note that the quality of service varies, not only from establishment to establishment but from one year to the next, owing to ownership changes and who hires the best help. Good help is at a premium on Culebra, believe it or not. First time visitors do well to realize these issues. If you go to Mamacita's or the Dinghy, and they are swamped, belly up to the bar for a Presidente or a foo-foo drink, until they can get caught up. After all, spending 15 minutes gazing out at the Encinada or making friends with an iguana beats the hell out of instantaneous gratification from a tuxedoed waiter in the asphalt jungle any day!

Cheers,
Doug

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: ron (---.columbus.res.rr.com)
Date:   07-12-05 16:42

John,
My personal remarks were not intended to be crass. I am sorry for that. Thank you for your kind response. I love Culebra, Vieques and Puerto Rico. I am intending to live there someday. I wish I had listened to my realtor years ago and opened up a new liquor store that is now El Eden. Boy did I blow it by not jumping on it right away. I do have my eyes set on a place in Vieques at the start of the Malecon as soon as you take a right into Esparanza. I know the owner and it is an excpeptional spot. This is a mony maker. A few years from now it will be a gold mine. The only problem is Vieques is right behind Culebra as far as prices for real estate. They are asking $600,000 for the property any it needs serious help. I also tried to buy the Bio-bay business in Vieques but I was too late. It's under contract now. I approached Island Adventures, back in January, and told them I was more than interested. It was under contract then but I was told that it probably wouldn't go through. I must tell you a little info on myself. I am a chef. When visiting Vieques the opportunities there are insurmountable. The island is the little known, until the last years publications in every newspaper in the states. In my opinion, Vieques has so much potential. The beaches, people, restaurant/bars etc, etc. This will be the next booming Caribbean island. Again thank you for a nice reply and as you can see if you want to send me an e-mail back it will not show up on the forum. Respectfully,
RJ

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: ron (---.columbus.res.rr.com)
Date:   07-12-05 16:46

John,
In the past my post didn't make it to the forum if I clicked on the box below. Sorry.
RJ

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Peter Bowden (---.alb.choiceone.net)
Date:   07-12-05 16:51

OK smitty I'm up for a truce.

I think we both know that V & C are under a lot of pressure now that the bombing has stopped.

I guess that the bottom line is that Mr. Allen's "rant" is something that you should welcome since it will go a long way to dissuade finicky travelers from visiting.

I have to say that your posts are a bit of a paradox...you promote the locals as being famous for "showing respect" and yet belittle a visitor who complains because he feels that he can't get any while there.

Let me ask something and I'm not really trying to antagonize you but, don't you feel any sort of guilt for moving there and depriving a local of a job?

How do you feel about johnny-come-lately, non-Puerto Ricans buying up properties there after the brave Viequenses spent years struggling to free themselves from the US Navy?

My respect for them is immense and I wish them well as they try to maintain control of their destiny in spite of the politicians ans investment-minded gringos.

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: ron (---.columbus.res.rr.com)
Date:   07-12-05 16:54

Doug,
I have read many of your replies and this time I don't think you are needed. Thank you anyways.
RJ

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: ron (---.columbus.res.rr.com)
Date:   07-12-05 16:56

Peter,
GREAT REPLY!!!!!!!!!!!

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: john smith (66.50.189.---)
Date:   07-12-05 17:54

To Doug, you are on the money!
To Ron, Vieques has more growth potential, pay your "dues"
You will be fine. Culebra is more insular.
To Peter,
I didn't take anyone's job, I'm on disability
from the VA. Nevertheless, the NA's have played an
important role in the developement of tourism in
Vieques and Culebra. They generally came in for the lifestyle
and integrated fairly well. The new developements in Vieques
are generally PuertoRican High Rollers who dread the thought
of actually living here. They want to max out on their investmen t
and the hell with everybody else. They also want tax breaks and
incentives so they can compete with locals. Great huh?

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Peter Bowden (---.nycap.res.rr.com)
Date:   07-12-05 19:03

No not great.
I
t seems that the best solution would be for the locals and like minded NAs to beat the big interests at their own game. Tap into that wonderful Viequenses' hospitality and resurrect this part of the Caribbean as a special
place for special people. Veiques has fought "against" for so long that I hope she hasn't forgotten how to fight "for" something.

I've heard that it might be possible for the municipality to turn the old bunkers into eco-lodging. That would be a novel idea and there's even an infrastructure (road, power) in place already.

Isabel Segunda is also rife with possibilities and I can see where ron is tempted. So much potential...so much pressure.

While the island's beaches are an attraction, the people of Vieques and the story of their tribulation are what bind my heart to the place. This is an aspect of Vieques that should remain forefront and the story should be told and retold to all who visit so it is remembered and honored.

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Charles Allen (170.143.252.---)
Date:   07-13-05 10:36

Guys, guys,

All this fuss over a simple trip report. If I seemed to "rant", I apologise. It's just that I noticed many people wanted to know what it was like to stay at Tamarindo Estates, so I tried to let them know in detail; the restaurant was a major selling point of staying there, so when it still remained closed after at least a month after the chef left, that's disappointing and people considering TE as a place to stay should know that - the restaurant is still not scheduled to open anytime soon.

Many folks have also expressed an interest in internet connections, including WIFI - a lot of visitors to Culebra want to sent back pictures of the island to their friends; the two places mentioned on the forum as having WIFI service did not, in fact, have such service, and I thought I would update the forum as to that fact.

I also wanted to let people know about the gouging they're going to get from the car rental places (if they're not prepared) from the additional liability aspects they hit you with the moment you arrive (having your insurance card is not sufficient to avoid these additional charges of approximately $20.00 per day, as they insist that you have the actual insurance contract with you; this is not disclosed when you make a reservation, as they wait until you arrive at the island, and they're the only game in town).

As for the service comments, I'm sorry; poor service can be found anywhere, even in the nicest places.

Culebra has some of the best sand beaches in the Caribbean and I was privileged to see them.

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: ron (---.columbus.res.rr.com)
Date:   07-13-05 15:45

Charles,
You did well at giving your comments. The only thing I must comment on, is that there are more than one Jeep rentals on the island. I rent from the other and have never, in seven trips, been charged like that. We pay around 45-50 bucks a day and that is a good price in our minds. Think about how much it costs to have a fleet of cars on the island and having to fix them all without a car parts store around. Everything has to come from the big island if not the U.S. They can't even dispose of tires the way us lazy Americans do by throwing them in a dumpster or wherever else. They have to pay for tire disposal. This is a good thing. I lived on Lake Erie for years and back in the sixties you could walk accross tires on the lake. Before bellyaching about cost, do your homework before you go on vacations.
RJ

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: john smith (66.50.189.---)
Date:   07-13-05 18:37

Well Charles we hate to see you go. It was
almost fun listening to your whining and in the
end you gave it one more shot, whatta guy. Why
don't you post where you are going next and we
can prepare the new inspectees for you arrival.
Just think, people will "notice" you and your
"free will" in less than fifteen minutes. Oh better yet,
we'll make sure they have internet service (even though
you don't intend to use it). In fact, why don't you
post a list of things and we'll see what we can do.
After your sharing, we'd like to share you with the
rest of the world - all of it. Remember you can't come
back till you do it all ... keep us posted.
Smitty

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Peter Bowden (---.alb.choiceone.net)
Date:   07-14-05 09:53

You are just like a little pit bull there mr smitty. Once you get your teeth in, you just keep on shakin'.

In your haste to fire off your testy responses you should take a moment to get your facts straight. Mr. Allen stated that he DID want to use the wireless internet connection and then found out on arrival that it wasn't available. Believe it or not, this is something that a visitor to the island might like to know.

Perhaps you should pay less attention to the voices in your head and more to what people are actually saying.

Remember, Costa Bonita is a different place than Bahia Marina and Mr. Allen DID want to access the internet.

In all your posts you've managed to come off as mean spirited and a little stupid as well.

Just calling a "spade a spade" mr smitty.

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: john smith (66.50.189.---)
Date:   07-14-05 11:43

Peter,
You are right. I got the internet thing wrong, or the post
was changed. Where I'm "coming from" is: People who
have lived or snowbirded these Islands for the last twenty
or thirty years belong to a very faithful group of tourists
that increase every year with like minded people. Recently
with the exposure of Vieques and Culebra, we are getting
more "been there..done that" type of tourist. It's a bad
fit for us, the locals, and the tourists themselves. This is
truly paradise lost and we don't need an invasion of "luxury
resorts" and the kind of people they attract. Their expectation
level is out of whack for what they are about to experience.
You don't expect internet cafe's at Macchu Picchu. Although
Internet is being advertised by some, the systems are new
start-ups with bugs etc. If Charles was a little more relaxed
he would have found out that locals have been helping tourists
for years with internet service by letting them use their
computers or connections. Now that's something to write
about! But if you insist on being disappointed or misinformed
your going to be unhappy no matter what we do and you
miss the whole point. As to me being a pit-bull, guilty. My
intent is to stir up conversation. Those who love these
Islands understand. Smitty

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Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Peter Bowden (---.alb.choiceone.net)
Date:   07-14-05 12:00

Well then smitty maybe you should try taking a more helpful tack rather than just lashing out and jumping to (often wrong) conclusions.

I'm sure, if you calm down, you could find a way to wave off the "been there did that" types without coming across as such a curmudgeon.

I think that you're going to be in for a hard time of it with your attitude now that "your" island has been discovered. We will be coming and you locals are just going to have to figure out a way to deal with us.

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Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: john smith (66.50.189.---)
Date:   07-14-05 13:49

Peter,
First, I don't particularly have an issue with you.
Secondly, this is not my Island, I am simply a
guest. Being petty is not my forte. But when
I see it, I respond. When I have made a mistake,
I admit it. If what I've done is uncomfortable to
you I'm sorry. My remarks are intended to provoke
debate, you can't do it by whimping out. Remember
a lot of good comments came from you and Ron and
even a half-ass retraction from Charles. My e-mail
is overwhelmingly supportive.
Best to you, Smitty

Reply To This Message
Re: Trip report; stay at Tamarindo
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Peter Bowden (---.alb.choiceone.net)
Date:   07-14-05 14:24

I'm sure you'll have plenty of support from other ex-pats who have been on the island for years. That makes perfect sense...misery loves company ;>)

I wish you well with life on the "newly discovered" island as we tourists arrive in greater numbers.

Actually it should provide you with a great deal of amusement as they discover the rustic reality behind all the travel writer's rosey reports.

If I were in your shoes, I'd probably be a little testy too but hey, try not to take it out on us tourists...reserve that for the corrupt politicians and johnny-come-lately NAs that way that are trying so hard to profit from the situation.

Tell you what mr smitty, next time I'm headed down that way I'll e-mail you and we can get together and raise a glass to curmedgeons everywhere.

My best to you too sir.

Peter Bowden

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