Hopefully all of you, whether you are travelers, residents or happened here by chance, will find this update to be informative as to what is happening here on Isla Nena.
We are officially into Hurricane Season, July-November, however most of us don't worry until closer to September. With any luck we will not be on the receiving end of any big storms this season! We need all of you to keep your fingers crossed for us! But just in case follow the weather stations. Make sure you have your hurricane supplies, don't wait until the last minute to purchase your bottled water, batteries and non-perishable foods. If you are traveling this time of year be prepared for the unexpected. Vacations have been unpleasant for those who were not aware that storms had hit the area and showed up to find the Inns not fully functional. Please remember that most of us are very busy securing our homes and businesses during the threat of a storm and can not reach you. If you have ever had the opportunity to be here during or after a storm it is amazing. The community really pulls together to get the island cleaned up and back to normal ASAP. As major storms don't happen often do not let the idea of one deter you from visiting, just be prepared.
There are a few new businesses on the Island that I would like to bring you up to date on. We have a new Pharmacy open 7 days a week! Isla Nena Pharmacy is located close to the ferry dock and across the street from Al's Mar Azul. They also have some food supplies and gift items. They are very helpful and friendly and speak
English to assist with any questions you might have. Weekdays they are open from about 8 until 7:00, Sat. I believe is 9-6:00 and Sun. 10-2:00. This is a real plus for the island.
Mr. Kuhn has opened The Sombrero Viejo, a great local bar. It is at the same location where he operated his
VIECO Supply business, just off the main street in Isabel. He still sells liquor and wine by the bottle but now has a terrific little bar too. You may find some locals playing dominoes, playing pool or darts there. Mr. Kuhn is an institution, having lived here for over 50 years. The décor includes many of the hats he has worn over that time period plus a few given for decoration, hanging on the walls! He also has the best prices for beer and alcohol anywhere on the island. I was there recently to have a drink with a friend and we had a Dewar's, a Drambuie, and 2 bags of peanuts for $5.00, it doesn't get much better than that! Hopefully that was the regular price and I am not passing on bad information!!
My favorite new business is the fruit and vegetable stand located across the street from the school as you leave town going towards Esperanza. It is not fancy, as a matter of fact it is just a canopy in front of a refrigerated trailer but don't let that stop you from making a trip there. Fuhrman (not sure if I spelled that right) the owner is a delightful gentleman who has won the hearts of many of us for bringing a wonderful selection of fruits and vegetables here. You may not find the idea of being able to get watercress very exciting but we sure do. You will not see many vegetables sitting out in the sun so be sure to ask what he has in the truck. The best part is that you only buy what you need, nothing is pre-packed. He offers the best selection and the best prices on the island and I sure hope all of you will frequent his stand.
The Fiesta Patronales has been canceled this summer however there will be a Festival Viequense a la Virgin Carmen taking place in the park in Esperanza July 13-17. This should fill the void of Patronales for many locals. I understand that there will be several musical groups performing over the weekend as well as food and other concessions. If you have the chance, stop by and enjoy the great Latin music, learn to dance Salsa and Merengue with the locals and try some of the native foods. Embrace the difference in cultures; these outings are usually great fun.
Well that about does it for this edition of What's
Happenin'.
A special message to Peg, we all miss you and hope you and Stella are doing well.
Thanks for reading!
Judy
PS If any of you would like to see something specific in this newsletter please contact the webmaster and I will do my best to investigate for you.
Email: whats_happenin@enchanted-isle.com
