April 2003 

Hi everyone,

It has been a crazy season and should usually wind down after Easter. This year with Easter falling so late in the month and then the “Paz Para Vieques” celebration that will occur the beginning of May, it should remain busy for a few extra weeks! There is no calendar of events yet for the party planned for April 30th – May 2nd. This activity is being planned in anticipation of the Navy’s departure from Vieques. The good news for some is that the Department of Interior will be turning over the almost 15,000 acres of land to be managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. With the addition of this land and the approximate 4000 acres they manage on the western end of Vieques, we will now have the largest refuge in the Caribbean. A spokesperson from Fish and Wildlife told me that they are planning to have access to red and blue beaches available as soon as possible, maybe even in May. What a joy it will be to get back to red and blue and some of the other gorgeous beaches located out on Camp Garcia! 
Recently friends have shown up on the island. One is an old friend and boss from my days at Macy’s. Robin is having a great time, it is her 5th trip to Vieques. I can’t help but remind her often about the time she told me that she never goes to the same place twice as there are so many places to see in the world! She too has been seduced by Vieques and it is always a pleasure to have her around. Wally is back on the island, he shows up the end of March, beginning of April each year. I think he said it was his 10th year in Vieques! He said he loved it a few weeks ago when he called the Mar Azul and asked for Al. When Reenie asked who was calling she knew exactly who it was and so did Al. Wally is one of those rare travelers who becomes your best friend for the 2 weeks that he is here. We do miss Mary Beth though who has been unable to join him for the 2nd year in a row. And last but not least are buddies Jean and David. These 2 guys have also been seduced and return each year. When a few months have gone by I get an email from one or the other telling me that they hope to get back soon. They really surprised me this week, they had left instructions for someone to inform me of their arrival, I didn’t get the message and they showed up at work catching me completely off guard! It is great when people come to visit me at the Crow’s Nest/Island Café on Monday nights as I usually have time to chat and catch up. Tuesday Happy Hour is usually too busy to talk about anything at Island Café, if you work there that is! It is always a pleasure to have people tell me that they read this online and love keeping up with the island via “What’s Happenin’”.
Wyndham has officially opened Martineau Bay and it is truly gorgeous. I have not made it out there for a meal yet but I hear the food and drinks are great. Right now they are serving Indian Food in the restaurant at night. For anyone coming to visit, they are serving breakfast, lunch and dinner by reservation only as they do not have all the staff in place or completely trained just yet. The deck surrounding the great house is awesome, big tables and very comfortable chairs, with an incredible view of Puerto Rico. They should have the spa opened by the end of May and services will be available by appointment to non-guests as well as guests. I’m not sure if Vieques is ready for this, however, their casino could be finished by the end of the year. I wonder if there will be a golf course in the future as well! I can imagine going out there and playing a couple of hands of blackjack! 
For those of you planning a visit in the coming months remember that this is the time of year that restaurants change their schedules according to the number of people on the island. We always recommend calling ahead for reservations regardless of the number of people on the island. Many of the restaurants are small and can only handle a limited number of guests. If there are no reservations in the book there might only be one wait person available any given night. None of us (staff) are happy (because we can’t offer good service) when all of a sudden the restaurant is packed at 7pm and you can’t get waited on for 30 minutes! Be a kind soul, call ahead and make reservations! This will make your experience a much more enjoyable one!
For those of you that have special dietary needs many of the restaurants can accommodate you if you call ahead and let the chef/cook know. Some restaurants offer vegan or vegetarian items. Tropical Baby in Esperanza is a great place for those who are strict vegans or vegetarians. With Baby in the kitchen you are assured that her vegan pans have never had a piece of fish or meat touch them. She says that is not the case in many kitchens that offer vegetarian specials. Also for those who are renting a house and like to cook remember you can get most of the items you enjoy eating at Chef Michael’s in Epseranza or at Vieques Health Foods in Monte Santo. Karen, at the health food store, has a good selection of things for those with dietary restrictions. For the gourmet home cook, you will be thrilled with the amazing selection of things at Chef Michael’s, your feel good store! 
More at www.enchanted-isle.com/food 

There are two big events taking place in Vieques this month. The first is the cultural festival held at the fort beginning April 11th – 13th. There is great Puerto Rican folk music played in the evening and a nice display of crafts and souvenirs by local Viequenses. The event begins around 7:30pm at night and continues until about midnight. On Sunday the festival begins with a children’s program starting at about 3:30pm, there will be clowns and dance exhibits for the younger crowd. In addition the fort will be open to the public during the event and the art work for the tee shirt and commemorative poster will be on display. This year they had students competing for the honor of having their work used for the festival.

The other major event of the month is the Via Cruces. This is the local “passion play” which reenacts the life of Christ including the resurrection and crucifixion. This has been performed in Esperanza for the past 10 years but began in the plaza about 20 years ago. Originally it was organized by the Catholic Church, these days people of all denominations are involved. The program/parade begins around 6pm at the Catholic Church in Esperanza and then proceeds along the Malecon and finishes at the Green Store. It is a very powerful and emotional performance. All are welcome to join in the procession or just watch from the side of the road.
Well I have to cut this one short, have friends to entertain! Happy Easter to all of you.
Judy

PS: If there is anything you would like to see in the newsletter or have any feedback please email Ask Judy. Thanks.  askjudy@enchanted-isle.com 

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