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St. Louis Help

Author: Herb (67.65.139.---)
Date: 07-05-07 10:41

I am thinking of taking the plunge to Culebra. I live in St. Louis and would like to talk with someone about their experiences. PM me and we can talk.

Herb

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Re: St. Louis Help

Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com)
Date: 07-05-07 12:42

Herb,

I live in the 'burbs. What would you like to know?

Doug

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Re: St. Louis Help

Author: Herb (67.65.139.---)
Date: 07-05-07 12:49

Hey Doug, I work at St Louis Univ Hospital and live in Eureka. I need to know as much as possible. We have usually done the "Apple All Inclusive" thing so this would be significantly different for us.

Herb

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Re: St. Louis Help

Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com)
Date: 07-05-07 14:42

When are you thinking of going? I'll be glad to show you the ropes, especially regarding the travel arrangements strategy. If you've been reading the posts here, you have an excellent resource for deciding how to spend your time and money while you are there.

I'll email you from my home account.

Doug

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Re: St. Louis Help

Author: richard (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net)
Date: 07-05-07 16:15

not quite sure what being from STL has to do with it, but there are several of us poking around here (former myself).

Based on his posts, I'd say you're in very good hands with Doug's advice.

your biggest adjustment will it not being an inclusive arrangement, but then most things in life aren't, so take what you can find. My Aunt and Uncle refer to it as living off the land. They find the most interesting Mom + Pop places in rural MO that way.

service will be spottier, be aware of business hours and do what I call pre-need planning (meaning stocking the room/house with some basics - at the very least sandwich stuff and smokes and ok a stash of liquor).

there will be no concierge for advice, but don't be shy and ask locals and fellow visitors lots of questions and it sounds like most of the guest house owners are very helpful (I usu. rent a house).

but most of all relax and forget I-44 for a few days.

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Re: St. Louis Help

Author: Herb (67.65.139.---)
Date: 07-05-07 16:26

Thanks Richard, you're no slouch in the posting department either. While I say we have done the AI for our trips, we have always gone on the very tight budget method, ie really cheap. I suspect this will be a little more relaxing and laid back, and I will still be the same cheap guy that I have been before. I love to snorkel and sail, I suspect the sailing will be out of my price range, but I suspect the snorkeling will be in my wheel house. :) Other than that, sitting on the beach will be a beautiful thing.

Are you kidding me?! I-44 is nothing compared to the nightmare on 40!!!

Herb

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Re: St. Louis Help

Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com)
Date: 07-05-07 16:51

Since I'm not a wealthy guy, I should be reasonably helpful. I also know from multiple Culebra experiences when it makes sense to spend an extra buck or two- something I call "grief to buck analysis". Richard, did I know you were from STL?

Doug

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Re: St. Louis Help

Author: richard (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net)
Date: 07-05-07 16:51

given your Eureka to SLU commute, I sort of assumed it would be easy for you to avoid 40 these days...

but anyway Doug's been more than I have and more recently I think.

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Re: St. Louis Help

Author: richard (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net)
Date: 07-05-07 17:19

I thought I dropped you that link to historic STL architecture once:

http://www.builtstlouis.net/

fascinating galleries of what's being saved and what's being lost both in the burbs and the City.

but very Off-Topic for this place.

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Re: St. Louis Help

Author: Herb (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date: 07-05-07 17:24

Oh yeah, you are correct, I do not get on 40 to come to Eureka. But it has always been my philosophy for 25 years..... Never ever get on 40, and especially now with reconstruction. Thanks for the link.

Herb

yep, way off topic. do u think we are killing the bandwidth?

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Re: St. Louis Help

Author: richard (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net)
Date: 07-05-07 21:54

sorry Herb, that was a link I thought I sent Doug once,, but enjoy if you find it interesting, I remember you now, you gave me info on sleep apnea last Fall....

bandwisth? nobody seems to be posting here right now anyway.

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Re: St. Louis Help

Author: Herb (67.65.139.---)
Date: 07-06-07 10:28

Interesting link....kind of sad as well.

Yep, I remember corresponding with you last fall. I hope I was able to help you out. I got some new equipment this spring. The best solution for battery operation is to rent a car and remove the battery every night and then replace it in the morning. (Do not place the battery directly on the ground) It does not drain the battery very much and the car will start perfectly and will recharge with driving. A simple operation for those of us that have a small amount of mechanical aptitude (very small).

Any way, Doug and I are playing phone tag at this time. We should hook up soon.

Regards
Herb

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Re: St. Louis Help

Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com)
Date: 07-06-07 14:39

Richard,

I do remember, now that you mention it. The primary thing that sets STL apart from other places regarding a trip to Culebra is the need to arrive at SJU in time to catch a hop to Culebra or be stuck the night in San Juan - not a horrible fate, but not optimal for a Culebra lover. Same thing going back - need to allow enough time to get to SJU a couple hours before departure, in case the cruise passengers have overrun the airport security lines (quite likely). AA dropped STL as a hub a few years back and it's difficult to find many flights that allow those connections.

Doug

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Re: St. Louis Help

Author: richard (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net)
Date: 07-06-07 14:54

good point Doug, and one I guess is valid for a lot of cities - I lose perspective flying out of DC.

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Re: St. Louis Help

Author: Herb (67.65.139.---)
Date: 07-06-07 15:18

I talked with Doug earlier today. I want to say, "thank you" on the board for your valuable help.

Herb

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Re: St. Louis Help

Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com)
Date: 07-06-07 15:46

Shucks, 'twarn't nuthin'.

Enjoy your trip.

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Re: St. Louis Help

Author: Ty Watson (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date: 08-03-07 09:57

First off....Hey Dougie! Hope things are going well for you. Give me a call sometime...Doug and I used to work together and he helped me and the wife plan our honeymoon to Culebra last October and everything he said was accurate...he's defnitely a veteran of that area and gave us some great advice...the one thing that I can say after being there is that you have to be very loose in your daily plan..just take things as they come and dont try to plan too much..just feel the flow of the island and you'll have a great time. The people were very friendly, Ive traveled all around the globe and the true island feel is definitely something you will get from your adventures here. The rum flows freely most nights as do the friendly nature of everyone there. Another thing I can recommend is if you have a rooster close to your casa grab a handfull of pebbles and give em a toss at the little noise makers..they will drive you nuts at 5 in the morning (sometimes earlier). Other than that just make sure you have a decent place to relax and bring some good reading material becuase there is quite a bit of downtime during the day, especially on those days where it rains. I also know the Eureka area, my parents still live there as do most of my friends and can say that you will start listening to Raggae a lot more when you get back. Bring extra cash if you can because the meals are fantastic but can get a little pricey..you can get by with a burger and such but I could get that here...we ate most local dishes all the time and it was delicious. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

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Re: St. Louis Help

Author: Ty Watson (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date: 08-03-07 10:09

btw....here are some photos of our trip...
http://picasaweb.google.com/onlyrotary1989/HoneymoonInCulebraAndAnHourInSanJuan

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Re: St. Louis Help

Author: bosie (---.ulmer.com)
Date: 08-03-07 14:29

Hey Ty,
Great pics!

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