I’m back to Blogging - Catching you up about Saba and us!

​The first time I heard of Covid-19, I literally giggled...it’s just a flu...WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL...over the next few months more news kept rolling in of people dying, even on other islands, this is close! The news reports were devastating...and on Sunday March 15th (I remember the exact date) the island announced that it was closing its boarders, and by Tuesday our hotel was empty...and honestly, I cried, all the unsureness was overwhelming! 

Windwardside

The days became weeks and weeks became months; is this the new normal?
We had to change our life plan! We reevaluate and restructure our business and are still doing this.... BUT we are so lucky, our friends, staff and even government have all come together during this difficult time and they have certainly made it “better”.

​​It’s made us realize we are ALWAYS fortunate to be on beautiful, peaceful Saba.
I liked my life before the virus more, but it isn't bad now either!

Besides it being a big emotional challenge without tourists and our steady fans coming to Saba. Saba has been the same! We have been living Covid-19 FREE since May 2020 (with a few people testing positive in quarantine), we have had 6 covid-19 infected people, of which non passed away.
 
Businesses, shops, banks, even dive shops have been open. While the change was strange (only having locals to cater to), it was a fantastic feeling to walk around without a mask and not worry about distancing rules! 
 
Restaurants are open, some have adjusted their menus, and the bars are still having a good time throwing parties.
 
Besides our weekly TGIF at Tropic’s Café – ‘Tipsy Goat Bar’ - we also had our annual New Year’s Eve White Party and fireworks display. We are always celebrating life daily and having a great time!

TGIF at Tropics Cafe

Sunset Cocktails

Our Annual New Years Eve White Party!

​Fortunately, our staff has remained with us! We’re deeply grateful for a government subsidy enabling some of our team to stay home with pay, and others approved to work a few hours a week.

Lissette- Tropics Cafe's Waitress

- Lissette has been taking Dutch classes - ze spreekt nu een beetje Nederlands!
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​ - Leanna has the extra time to be with her kids, and she’s been working out. The girl looks great! 

Leanna - Tropics Cafe's Waitress

Monica - Juliana's Hotel's Housekeeping

​- Monica got stuck in Santo Domingo during the first several months and got Covid, but she’s OK - returned home and started working again in September.
 
- Danly sadly had a stroke in May, which was so hard and sad to ship him off to St.Maarten to get treatment - thankfully, he is well and back cooking up a creative and delicious storm!

Danly - Tropics Cafe's Chef

Aron - Juliana's Hotel's Maintenance

- Aron has been happily busy with his projects, the only one working full time for us.

​- Armando is our new gardener helping with the yard work, and he’s getting our vegetable garden going again! ​

Armando - Juliana's Hotel's New Gardener

Xiomara - Juliana's Hotel's Frontdesk

- Xiomara was home with her grandkids and comes in once a week to take care of the bookkeeping and emails.
 
- Rodrigo did leave us; he has another job on the island, so you will still see him around. ​

Rodrigo's Farewell

- Wim and Johanna have been managing the property and > > > we got a new PUPPY! 
​Hermès is his name and a total joy… while being a puppy terror! ​

Johanna with Hermes at the Black Rocks

Hermes checking out the turtles at Lily Pond's pond.

Wim taking Hermes from a ride!

​There you have it - Some of our quick and in-depth news to re-connect with you all.
 Saba is doing fine! We’re just patiently waiting to welcome you home!