Paradise Perspectives
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Paradise Perspectives
A Native's Guide to the History, Culture, and Culinary Delights of Statia with Shandra Rouse
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Let's explore St. Eustatius a.k.a. Statia a.k.a. The Golden Rock today alongside Shandra Rouse as she unveils the hidden splendors of her island.
As a Statia native and a maven in marketing and travel, Shandra brings a treasure trove of tales and insights, revealing the island's rich history and vibrant culture. Forget any preconceived notions of a sleepy isle; we're here to show you a Statia alive with hiking thrills, historical escapades, and a culinary scene that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
It's a conversation that will leave you yearning to recharge your soul in this tranquil Caribbean paradise.
Follow Shandra Rouse on Instagram and watch the vlog she made about her home island here.
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Discovering Stacia
Speaker 1Welcome to Paradise Perspectives , a podcast about Caribbean travel from the locals perspective , and get ready for some authentic Caribbean travel tips , recommendations and more from the people who live where you vacation . Straight from Paradise . I'm your host and island friend , rizal , the Traveling Island Girl , and just like that we find ourselves in a new month , a new year and a new season of Paradise Perspectives . I am so excited , but mostly I'm excited that you took the time out of your very busy schedule to listen to the show today . Thank you so much .
Speaker 1Now , this is January , people . This is the month of planning . This is what we do . We plan for the rest of the year , and that's exactly what this podcast is going to help us do today Plan , plan our next Caribbean vacation , that is .
Speaker 1And how can you not be excited about ? Sunshine , beaches , rum punch , am I right ? Well , the island we are visiting today may not be exactly known for its beaches , but believe me that by the time you are done listening to this episode , you'll be asking yourself why haven't I booked my ticket to this Caribbean island yet ? Yeah , you just wait for it . In today's episode , we are visiting Saint Eustacea , more popularly known as Stacia and nicknamed the Golden Rock , which you'll find out why in a little bit , and to help me tell you the story of gorgeous Stacia and get you all hot and bothered to visit is my good friend , the beautiful and talented Chandra Rouse . She recently moved back to her native Stacia after 13 years in corporate America . She's a dynamic professional with a passion for marketing and the travel industry . Seriously , she could be my twin . Chandra has gained valuable experience while in the US , with her most recent role actually being part of a Royal Caribbean's marketing team where she made a significant contribution , or multiple contributions , I should say .
Speaker 1Now back in Stacia . Chandra finds herself in , you know , her home island , and she has launched her own marketing company called Duo Branded Get it Banded branded . I love that name . So she is serving multiple industries , with a specialization in the travel industry , because why not ? The travel industry is the most coolest industry of all . I should know I'm in it .
Speaker 1Outside of her professional endeavors , chandra enjoys spending time with family and friends , exploring new destinations and immersing herself in the diverse culture that inspires her work . I just love her . That's what I know . I just love her . She's amazing and definitely the perfect person to tell us more about Stacia , her golden rock . Take a listen , chandra . I can't believe that we finally are having a conversation . It's like you and I have been going back and forth I think it was on emails and on text messaging now recently and we are finally . Well , although it's digitally , because all the times that have been to Stacia I've never actually met you in person . But I'm really happy that we're having this combo today and that at least I'm seeing you on the screen . So how are you doing and how's life at Stacia ?
Speaker 2Wow , Thank you for that warm welcome and it has been a pleasure to finally meet you face to face quote unquote but I'm definitely looking forward to seeing you here in Stacia again because I know you frequent our beautiful island . But I am very honored to be a part of your podcast and I'm excited about our conversation , and life on Stacia is just fabulous .
Speaker 1Oh gosh , tell me about it . It's so tranquil and so nice , and I think the first time I visited was in 2022 , in March , and I remember it was early March and I just it was a surprise all to me because that was one of the trips that I decided I'm not gonna , I'm just gonna go on vacation , I'm just gonna explore Stacia . I've never been in my life before , heard so many things , but everybody telling me the things that I've been hearing , especially from people in St Martin , kurosawa , etc . All everybody , like the bigger islands , would always tell me it's so boring . Why are you gonna go to Stacia for , girl ? When I got there , I've been obsessed ever since and I think since March 2022 , I've returned to Stacia like three times , so it's been like an ongoing thing and , oh yeah , I'm coming back this year for sure .
Speaker 2Good , amazing , I actually .
Speaker 2It's interesting that you say that because I just met with a couple , a business couple , who lives in St Martin and they've been there for 40 years and this was their first time to Stacia .
Speaker 2Even though we were right next door and they were so surprised , they told me the same thing . They said that you know , they always heard that there's nothing to do in Stacia , it's boring , and you know all of those things that I believe not to be true . You know , I feel like you have to come and experience Stacia for yourself and once you do , I feel like you either love it and you realize that you want to come back time and time again , because I feel like the Golden Rock has that power , as we lovingly call our Stacia , the Golden Rock , and then there are some people that just feel like maybe it's a little bit too quiet for me . So , but the best way I love to describe Stacia is that it's a place to come and recharge your soul . It's just a peaceful place where you kind of you kind of become one with nature and , you know , have to really delve within yourself .
Speaker 1Oh my gosh absolutely .
Speaker 2Yes , and the hiking . I mean there's so much in my opinion to do , so we can get into that some more . But I do know you have some questions for me and we can get to that at a later point or if now , if you feel it's the right time , we can do that also .
Speaker 1Yes , absolutely . Oh , my gosh , we are going to talk about all of that good stuff and more , and it's so interesting that you mentioned that a couple was living in St Martin for 40 years . It's just a hop away from St Martin . Stacia is so close , I can literally see you well , not you , but I can see Stacia from my bedroom window or from my bedroom door . I have a sliding door and it's like I opened the curtains in the morning and if it's a clear day , I can see Stacia clearly and I don't know if you noticed , but it was like super clear . Around Christmas I was sitting on that balcony and I was looking out and I could even see seeing kids and Ives , which is right next door to Yohan . So it was amazing and I always love it . I love it .
Speaker 2Yeah , it's when it's super clear like that right , I don't need to see the other islands . Yes , because for me we were just discussing . I recently moved into a new apartment and I have an incredible view from the porch and I can see both St Bart and St Martin on clear days . So those days that we have over the Christmas , okay so you see me wave ?
Speaker 1Yes , I'm waving , but yes , yeah , like seriously , like so close . It's just ridiculous that we don't . And then still , you know , I've been to Sabah many times , I've been to St Bart's many times and Gwilla countless , countless times . But it's just this thing that Stacia and I think it's because everybody was like so against it from the first place , and then these are also people that have never been , so I'm like you cannot tell me Stacia is boring if you've never been and set foot in Stacia . I was pleasantly surprised , like this couple that you said , and now , like I said , completely obsessed . But you know , speaking of the parts where everybody thinks it's boring , which is so far from the truth , really , how was it for you ? Because you were born well , we had this conversation before we started recording that you actually was born in St Martin , because you just couldn't wait to get out of your mom , but I was , yeah , so I was born in St Martin but I was raised in Stacia .
Speaker 2So for me , growing up here , it's just holds such a special place in my heart for me because it's a place where I feel like everyone is accepted as who you are . It's has such a strong community vibe where you you would even have to ask you know people jump in and want to help you with just genuinely friendly people and just I mean overall have like big giant warm hearts .
Speaker 1But that's the things like you were okay . So , due to that technicality , that you couldn't wait , and so you were born in St Martin . You were supposed to be born in Stacia , and then you , of course , like most of us Islanders do we go abroad to further our studies , which is what you did . You went to the US I think it's Miami , right , you studied in Miami and lived there for quite a while I did and you just recently only in 2021 , you returned
Transitioning Back to Stacia, Island Living
Speaker 1. Now , what's it like , coming from a place that is as busy and haptic as Miami to come back to a sleepy little town like Stacia ? That's a great question . Yeah , what was that like ? It must have been like mind blowing , although still it's home . Tell me a little bit about you know that . Transitioning back to Stacia .
Speaker 2Absolutely so . For me , this was never in the plans . It was during COVID . I came back home for a three week vacation . That was supposed to be three weeks , but it ended up being three months and while I was here , I just felt a huge sense and urge of like to come back home and try to make a difference in my community . With the experience that I've gained while going to school and working in Miami , I started my own marketing company and I decided you know what ? I think it's time to move back home . And I was being encouraged by so many friends and family here , like why are you not back home ? And I was like I don't know . I'm feeling the call pulling me as well and , to be honest , like I mentioned , if someone had told me a year prior to me coming back , I'd be like no , because I had just gotten a job at Royal Caribbean . I was working in their marketing department . I got a new apartment in downtown Miami .
Speaker 1I was like on a high rise , oh , my gosh girls , you were like , you were on the go , you were , you were , you were like flying high , literally yes .
Speaker 2And you know , and it felt right , but it didn't feel more right than coming back home . So I , it was such a , it was a bit of a transition and , to be honest , the one thing that I do miss living in Miami is Amazon . That's the one thing I miss is like the prime , you know , getting your packages delivered very quickly , within sometimes a couple of hours . It's not a doorstep , but for me that's a small trade off to the piece that I get while living here in Stacia . And I've had that question been asked to me a few times since I've moved back like how can you , you know , move back after living in Miami ? And I said well , first of all , this is home for me , has always been and will always be home , but for me my soul just feels such a piece here .
Speaker 2And shortly after moving back to Stacia , one of my friends got married in Miami , so I flew back for her wedding and on my return to Stacia , my sister picked me up at the airport and I it was the funniest thing I've . I feel like I've never experienced before , like walking out from the airport to the car . I literally felt my life slow down . I was like whoa . This is exactly why I moved back . And you know , like I surely do not miss the mutes to work , you know I had a commute of 45 minutes each way when there was no traffic . So I mean I really hope miss that life .
Speaker 1Gosh , I can imagine and you said it so correctly , you know , it's just , it's home and the tranquility that the island offers is just something that and I think it's something also to do with the age is like , when we're going a little , when we're getting a little older , we want more peace and tranquility instead of that fast life that we , as kids , before we leave the islands , we're always looking for , that fast pace the life , because that's what we see in the movies and on TV and that's what we crave . But once you've had it for a while , you just want to come back to the Caribbean and just want to come back to , like a peace and quiet . I can totally , totally understand that . You know , let's talk a little bit .
Speaker 1It's like for those who are listening , who are planning to come to St Martin which , by the way , I had to like snicker a little when you said that you know , one of the reasons why you miss Miami is , you know , receiving your private package the same day and stuff like that , which I can totally understand . It's like I was visiting , my sister was living in , living in Miami , and you know she's like oh , you want this , sure , okay , no problem , she was on the phone and boom , like that evening the package arrived and I was like what the hell is going on ?
Speaker 1And I was like but St Martin ? I think a lot of people that have never been don't realize . Everything that you guys get has to come through St Martin first , and then from St Martin is shipped over to you , all right .
Speaker 2For the most part , yes , but there is a tropical shipping which comes and services our island directly from Florida . So come from Miami and straight down to Stacia . So , is that option , but for the most part a lot of our imports do have to stop in St Martin .
Speaker 1Yeah , exactly , so that brings that little bit of extra delay to , you know , not getting your prime packages on time .
Speaker 1So , yeah , it's like those little things of island living , unfortunately , but okay .
Speaker 1So , for the people who are planning to visit Stacia , I want to talk to you a little bit about , first of all , why Stacia has the nickname the golden rock and what , in your opinion , is one of the best things to kind of like see , do , experience some of the best things that you can do , like , let's run over you know the things that you should add to your itinerary when in Stacia Before we do so .
Speaker 1However , I just want the audience to know that when I was preparing for my first trip to Stacia , you and your siblings , you all did a video , you did a vlog about returning to Stacia that I just it was so informative and it gave me like a real view in what you know Stacia was all about and this I have to commend you on that vlog , because that vlog was so informative and that really got me excited to go into Stacia . And then , once he , once I got there , I was like , oh , I recognize that from the blog , I recognize that . And I was like so awesome and amazing . So thank you so much and I wish and hope that you and siblings continue to do these videos because they were so , so informative . So thank you for that .
Speaker 2Thank you so much for that feedback and it's interesting you say that because since I've moved back home , I've had several people come up to me and say , you know , because of our vlogs they moved here or they vacationed here . And I'm like , wow , you know , I'm so happy that you know people are able to experience and see Stacia through local eyes and the things to do you know we like to highlight and we do hope one day to , you know , start back with our vlogs and especially with the kids . There's so many kids around the island that when they see me they're like you from YouTube and I'm like , yeah , so they make me feel like a little celebrity among the kids .
Speaker 2That's so funny . But thank you for highlighting that and I am glad that you know . You're able to find it useful for your first trip coming to Stacia .
The Golden Rock
Speaker 2But to answer your question as to why Stacia is called the nickname the Golden Rock , it's because we're so rich in history . So back in the day Stacia was one of the busiest trading ports in our area because of our location . We had sometimes over 200 ships in port a day . There was so much happening mail being traded in here for the US . You know so many things was happening right here and it's crazy to think that you know back then our island played such a pivotal role in so much of it happening around the world .
Speaker 2And now we're so sleepy and quiet . But I feel like , you know , everything happens as it should , and now we're just so rich in history . It's just truly a history's paradise for , you know , history buffs . So that's one thing . If you're into history , this is a lovely place for you to come and visit . We have historical tours that are done by Amisha Spanner , who works at the museum .
Speaker 2I don't know if you've had the chance to go and visit our museum as yet , but there's incredible information there about our past and you know how we became to , you know , be the Golden Rock and what evolved since then . It's truly a great event to go and check out once you're here . You know , I think it's just even for me , like as a local . I love to go back and , you know , touch up on my history every so often and learn a bit more about my island , because , you know , when you go as kids it was just more like an exciting field trip . You want to get out of the classroom and go on this field trip , but now , as an adult , I can appreciate the information a lot more .
Speaker 1Yeah , yeah , and it's so interesting that you said about the history that's available there , and I have not done the museum or the tour , because every time I came to Stacia it was like , do this , do that , do that ? It was like such a hectic little time and every time I've been there it's only been for four days and I should be ashamed of myself for actually not diving a little deeper into the history of the island , which I promise I will do , because I am planning on coming back as just to write , because I've started back on my blog and I just want a quiet space to just write . So I'm probably going to do like a week or two in Stacia very soon , or at least that's the plan for 2024 . And so then I will definitely , yeah , and then I'll definitely get a chance to you know , visit and also do a tour with the person you mentioned .
Speaker 2But , yes , I can definitely hook you up with that .
Speaker 1Oh , yes , I am so knocking on your door for sure Good , that is for sure for some more insights from you , because you are so knowledgeable when it comes to Stacia and about everything . It's like a lot of other stuff , obviously , but one thing that strikes me , and it's so beautiful to see when you get there , is Stacia itself . The island itself is like an open air museum . There is history everywhere , and that is just so beautiful . So , yeah , it is right , it's like you , really like you cannot go anywhere on Stacia and not bump into something that has been there for hundreds of years . It's so beautiful to see , very true . So what are , besides the history , what are some of the other things ? Yeah , yeah , totally use that open air museum . That's what Stacia is . Yes , Okay .
Speaker 2So what are some of the other things ? So , in terms of other things to do when you visit here is definitely hiking . I've , since I moved back , I've done several hikes and different points of the island , because we do have a dormant volcano , so you can hike up and go down inside where there's a rainforest and like larger than life trees , so you know . But there's also different points on the island to check out , like we have our nature pool , which I have yet to make it over to . I tried once , but I feel like I need to go on a tour guide next time and I'll try to figure it out on my own . So I highly recommend using a tour guide . Shout out to Selby's . They offer tours and they're great and they know the way to go .
Speaker 2So that's who I will be using on my next adventure trying to get to the nature pool . In addition to that , there's diving . We've been written up for diving on several occasions . It's known to be , as you know , truly one of the best in the Caribbean . I'm ashamed to say I have not tried diving here as yet , but it is on my to do .
Speaker 1Me neither . You're not the only one .
Speaker 2Yes , so I've actually never tried diving . So one of my cousins for Christmas he gave me , he gifted me a discovery dive tour . So I'm going to , you know , test my capabilities and try diving , because I feel like it's such a shame for me as a local to never experience , you know , what diving like is here , what it's like here , and so many people come from around the world to do diving and I just have to experience it for myself . And when you dive you have the chance to find a blue bead .
Speaker 1So I'm not sure if you have you heard of the that has been , oh my gosh , shandra , that has been like the biggest obsession of mine . Every time I go , I'm really literally walking with , you know , just staring at the floor , hoping I would just stumble on one of these popular blue beads and the blue beads which I'm going to let you explain what it is and why it's so important . But it is such a funny little thing . It's like almost like a leprechaun . I've never been able to find it . No , it's like , where does it hide ? I think there's like there are no blue beads left in Stasia , but then other people have been able to find it and I heard that you don't find the blue bead . Blue bead finds you . So I'm just , at this time , I'm just planning on sitting somewhere in Stasia and just hoping that I just stumbled on one .
Speaker 2Yes , so you said it correctly the blue bead finds you and you're not alone . I have yet to find one myself , but I have been gifted one . I have been gifted one that I got many years ago , so I love when I wear it on my necklace that's what a lot of our locals do . But back in the day the blue was used as a form of currency . So , and then , when slavery was abolished , is said that the slaves then through all the blue beads into the water . So a lot of people actually find blue beads when they go diving . Apparently , there's a dive cycle , blue bead hole where you can most likely find a blue beads . So maybe , if my diving first experience goes well , I can make my way over to the blue beehive and I find one , and give it to you , and I think that's reason enough to actually start diving .
Speaker 1You know , that's why no wonder I haven't been able to find a bead , because I'm looking on land when all this time it's in the water that I should be . That is super interesting . So maybe that's another thing , another reason to pick up diving .
Speaker 2Exactly , and I've had . I met a tourist at one of my favorite restaurants here on station , which is barrel house . Oh stop .
Speaker 1We just started . Oh , stop . I gotta stop you for like a second because all hail barrel house .
Speaker 2Oh my gosh , the food there is incredible .
Speaker 1Which is another thing we need to talk about . Like very , very soon we're gonna we're gonna touch on that subject too , because , listen , the food in station blew me away . I was not expecting that . But okay , continue with your story .
Speaker 2Yes , so I totally agree and we will talk touch more on that . But I was talking to this gentleman who came here . He was with a large group actually and they came for diving . So they were diving and they were also trying to find blue bees because they heard about them and he was like that's a very unique marketing trick , you guys have , he said , because apparently you know you have to come back until you find one and you know , if you don't find one , you keep coming back and then when you do find one , allegedly legend has it that the blue bee keeps you coming back . So I said that's a very nifty . All right , that makes sense .
Speaker 1That makes so much sense . That is actually really good and it's and it's true . Actually , you know , with or without a blue bead , stacia has a way of capturing your heart that you're just gonna want to return time and time again . So , and yeah , just finding that blue bead is just that little extra . That that is , you know that you can get on the island , but I mean , believe me , it's got so much more reasons to return every time , anyways , exactly . So thank you so much , sandra , for all of that . It's like . Is there anything else that people should know that they can get a month , that they can , that they must put on their itinerary when they come to Stacia , besides the hiking , the diving which , by the way , the natural pool was on my list , but , girl , I hear it is not an easy hike at all . So if you try that , on your own kudos . But yeah , I'm definitely linking up with this Salby and his tour guides , because it's something that I want to try .
Speaker 1Oh , oh yeah , I hope so . Maybe , maybe I'll get there , because , just like I did with the quill as well the volcano I went up with a lot of energy and when it was time to come down , I was in so much pain the next day . I'm just not used to hiking again anymore . I'm just not used to the muscles going . Oh yeah , for sure , but it is so remarkable and I did my part , so I don't know if I'll ever do it again , but yes , I like staring from it from my balcony at the hotel , thank you . But what I thought was so remarkable is that you can actually go in the center of the volcano . It's like you can actually hike down into the actual center of volcano , which is amazing . I did that too . So , yes , absolutely , absolutely beautiful . But yes , I was . I'm going to stop interrupting because I'm , like , so excited to talk about it that I keep interrupting you .
Speaker 2It's okay , but after the quill did you go to the beach ? Because that's tradition for us . So whenever we go especially locals , you know , when we go hiking we go and we soak our bodies in the beach .
Speaker 1Oh my gosh , you see , that's where I went wrong . That is where I went wrong .
Speaker 2Like my friends that took me they forgot to tell me that important part .
Speaker 1We went lunch afterwards and we had a really good lunch , and then after that , yeah , no , I didn't make it to the beach that day , but yes , I should have done that . Now we go for next time . Now I know . Now I know , yes exactly .
Speaker 2And then you mentioned other things to do . There's several events that happens throughout the year here in Stacia , easter being one of them , which is coming up soon . You know that's one of our big events . We kind of have like the whole beachfront packed and lined with a bunch of people where they come down and just really , like , celebrate family and , you know , a sense of community . There's live music , there's food on sale , so it's definitely something fun to come and check out . And you know , last , like the whole Easter weekend and it's just something fun to experience . I had one of my best friends visit me from Miami and she came during Easter last year and she really loved it . It's a great chance and opportunity to really see what our culture is like . And you know , in taste the food , you know like you know there's so many great cooks here . Like I always say , like if you take a drive with your windows down at 12 , you'll be home .
Speaker 2Oh my God , there's so much , yes , the most central of Womas that gets you . So you know , that's definitely one of the events that I would recommend to check out . And then also we have Carnival , which is usually at the end of July every year . You can , you know , even if you're not local , you can join one of our troops . I'm going to sign up this year . I haven't done it since I was a kid and you know play mass , but I'm looking forward to doing it this year . So that's always fun .
Speaker 2It's usually like about a week and a half where we have different events . You know , local artists , international artists that come and experience , you know , kind of all here in Stacia . And then , of course , we have our Stacia Day festivities . That happens in November , so that's about a week long events also . And then we bring in artists from , like St Kitts or St Martin . You know , even our local artists also get , you know , represented in this gospel night . So there's a little bit of something for everyone to come and check out .
Speaker 2And then you may be wondering , like , how do you get to Stacia ? So you have , yes , we need to talk about that . Yes , you can come on when you , which has a few flights a day . And then also there's the McKenna Ferry service , which has been coming to Stacia now for about two years , which has really opened up a lot of connectivity between our islands . So you can go
Peaceful Stacia With Limited Nightlife Options
Speaker 2. You know , the beauty of coming to Stacia is that Stacia is the hub for the McKenna Ferry service , so you can go and take day trips right from Stacia and you can go to Sabre , which I absolutely love . For me I always refer to Sabre as the grease of the Caribbean , because it's such a beautiful , quaint little island .
Speaker 1It is , it's gorgeous yeah absolutely Absolutely , you know .
Speaker 2So you can do day trips . You can also go to St Kitts and , of course , to St Martin , so you can come from St Martin directly to Stacia on the McKenna Ferry . So if either you're a boat or plane person , we have an option for you to come here and you know it's very affordable on McKenna Ferry service , I believe , you know , under $150 round trip you can't go wrong coming there . So if there's a few days per week , a few days per week that they come , so there's , you know , definitely opportunities .
Speaker 1And it's funny that she should mention that , because that I think you mentioned that right as we're talking about , you know , some of the stuff that you should add to your itinerary , because flying into Stacia on its own is already like an attraction . You know , it's so beautiful to see the landing and all of that , and on that small plane and but also from the boat it looks gorgeous . So these are the two options on how to get to Stacia . On their own , they're already an attraction .
Speaker 2I agree . You know it's an adventure . It's an adventure coming here without you come by plane or boat .
Speaker 1Yes .
Speaker 2And then you know , just , it's just really . I mean , I always say it's just a really a good place to come and just recharge your soul . So I want to be , you know , upfront and honest . So if someone is really into like nightlife and you know hard partying , then just be aware that Stacia is a bit quiet . In that area we do have some , you know , friday nights . We have usually like a DJ at one of the spots Boardwalk actually a few spots on Boardwalk , which is right on the Bayfront . There's Hilltop View , which is close to the airport side . You have a view of Stacia and then also Club Envy . Oh yes , is that ?
Speaker 1the . Is that the bar ? Yes , the bar that you see , and that's all on its own .
Speaker 2Yes .
Speaker 1Yes , yes , yes , I've been there , okay . So Friday night , I need to make a note of that . Yes , I need to go for some happy hour drinks or something .
Speaker 2Yes , People usually make their own . So I think it's you start off at Boardwalk and then people make their way to Hilltop View and then they end up at Club Envy , which is close to the Carnival Village . So there's , you know , there is some nightlife , but it's not , like , you know , every night . No , that's not what we have here , it's just more of a peaceful destination . But there is . You know , if you want to shake a leg , you can do so , usually on a Friday or Saturday night .
Speaker 1Right , and there's also this bar and I'm trying to remember the name of it and I can't remember if it's Frank or Franks or Freds Frankies I could have . Yes , it's Frankies , yeah , and I think that's where we had lunch . When we came down from the quill , I heard they have something on either like one night and a week as well . They got some music or something . Disaster , I don't know .
Speaker 2You're informing me . I have to look into that I haven't , at least I haven't been yet , so I'm not sure you could be right , right , well , okay .
Speaker 1Well , if that's the case , then you and I should go together and kind of like discover this little spot for some dancing or maybe just , you know , shooting some ish , like what we say in the Caribbean yes
Changes in Stacia's Delectable Food
Speaker 1, okay . So what was one of the really interesting things that I wanted to know is what was it ? We already talked about adjusting back to the quiet life , but are there any significant ? And I think there have been , because , since you've been gone and before you came back , stacia went through a big change , which was , you know , no longer being part of the Netherlands and to Lee's and now being part of Holland . How was that change for you ? So what were , what were some of the significant changes when you left versus when you returned ?
Speaker 2I feel like , well , I left Stacia when I was 14 years old and that's been some time not going to date myself and I can say , you know , stacia has evolved a lot since I moved away in 2002 . And you know I can just see like steady progress . I feel like , you know , stacia has always been like a very sleepy island , you know in the recent years . But now you know we're steadily evolving and I see like tourism becoming a bit more boosted and booming here . You know it's just you can see like there's a lot of opportunities right now and I feel fortunate to be , you know , a part of that and you know that's the reason , one of the reasons I came back home , but more so because of my love for the island . But you know it has truly , I can see it's , it's blooming . That's how I'd like to describe Stacia . Yeah , she is blooming .
Speaker 1I think your airport has also seen a big upgrade , because I heard that I heard about it only when I landed the first time , so I didn't know that . What it was like before is another scene it . But from what I hear , that was another one of the upgrades since the first time . So it's just such kind of like to go over and so just just . I think I guess there's minor little things . I was there for Kings Day and I did get to go to some of the facilities that were happening in the village , so I did get to see the village and that was nice . It's just it's . It's actually it blew me away because it's kind of like exactly the same as the village in the Martin , only smaller , the only thing when you compare the two of them . And it's just amazing that we have such a . I mean , we're so different in a lot of ways but then so so similar in a lot of others .
Speaker 1Okay , so it is time , chandra . It is time to talk about the most important thing , my favorite afford food . Let's talk about food . We need to talk about food and all , oh my gosh , all of the good stuff that you can get in Stacia , which , like I said blew my mind because I was not expecting that .
Speaker 1Also , somebody was saying you need to go to this Chinese restaurant , and I'm like , okay , so what is so much better about this Chinese restaurant and all of the other Chinese restaurants that I've been to in Samaritan and in Kurosawa , and for those of you who are from the US or from any other part of the mainland , like I call it , there's Chinese food and then there's Caribbean Chinese food , which is completely different . It's not what you will get in a Chinese restaurant somewhere in the Netherlands , france , miami or whatever . The Chinese food that we're talking about is Chinese food , not Chinese one . Chinese food , the Chinese food you get here is just completely different , and I went to this one called the cool corner . What a vibe , oh my gosh . It's like that alone , and the food was good , you know , and it's like , okay , that is just Chinese food . But let's talk . Let me just give the word to you so you , as the expert , can tell us a little bit about how to eat properly and have a good time with food in Stacia .
Speaker 2Okay , so you know cool corner has been a staple here for years , years and years and you know it has changed management a few times , but the food has always remained consistently good and the vibe , like you mentioned , has been always good for many people .
Speaker 2A lot of tourists go there , but it's also a place where locals go and hang out , so it's definitely a good place to go and meet people and it's right in the heart of town so you can walk around , you know , before or after you know you have a lunch or your dinner or whatever , and just really enjoy the vibe . But one thing I would like to mention . I don't know if you've had the experience , if you were here during our taste of the cultures , have you experienced that ?
Speaker 1No , I wasn't there for that and I'm still crying . It's one of those , it's one of my little things that I , oh my gosh , how could I have missed dad ? When is dad actually it ?
Speaker 2happens every month , so it's the last Thursday of every month and now she tells me so , don't worry , you'll be back . So plan your next trip where you'll have your I'm going to plan it around , that for sure . Yes , so the taste of the cultures is pretty incredible because it really immerses all these variety of cultures under one location and everything is $5 or under . So sometimes you see people myself included , myself included would go with a tote bag and just stock up and all sorts of goodies . I mean there's like so many different .
Speaker 1You know it's so funny how our minds went to the exact same thing , because I was thinking the same thing . When you mentioned $5 and a clash of cultures . I was like I am so there with two tote bags because I'm not cooking for the rest of that week .
Speaker 2Exactly so . I mean you can get punk punk a ball for $5 . You get lobster salad $5 . You know , there's different cuisines , like serenade cuisine , so there's like baccabana , you know , chicken satay with peanut sauce . There's Jamaican , guyanese , I mean Trinidadian , you name it . There's , of course .
Speaker 1I need to stop you . I can't , I can't , I'm just gonna you know , let's wrap this up . I'm gonna go get some food because I'm getting so hungry . And where is all of this taking place ?
Speaker 2This happens in our kind of a village , so there's usually every end of the month every end of the month , every last Thursday of every month .
Speaker 1Wow , yeah , it's amazing . How did I not know about this ?
Speaker 2Well , don't stick with me . Stick with me and I'll teach you all things to teach you . And there's like live music . There's sometimes a DJ or sometimes a band in , or sometimes there's like little kids coming out and doing performing , dancing . So it's really cool to experience . But that's just one of our food secrets here that I absolutely love . But , like we mentioned before , barrel House for me , I I that's one of my favorite restaurants . I feel I love the vibe there . I feel like it's very intimate , it's like a romantic setting . Even if you go with a partner or friends or , you know , by yourself , it is . It's just like a very welcoming environment . I've had , you know , several friends come and visit me from Miami and a lot of them , you know , really , really love Barrel House , not just for the vibe but the food . I go there .
Speaker 1And the sunset , the sunset there . The sunset there is amazing and it's on the water , so you can be that .
Speaker 2Exactly I was just going to say . You know , to help paint a picture for our listeners is you know , barrel House is a restored ruin . That's you know , just rich in history itself . But it's beautifully restored . It's turned into a restaurant . That's waterfront and this , like Resale said , the sunsets are just so spectacular they are .
Speaker 1And it's just so spectacular , yeah .
Speaker 2And then you have that vibe , coupled with great food and good vibes . You truly can't ask for anything more . Now .
Speaker 1Iwan , the chef is a is a personal friend , but he's also actually from Stacia , isn't he ?
Speaker 2Yes , he is . He recently moved back here where he was the head chef at the resort when it first opened up here at the Golan Rock Resort , and then he ventured out and now he's doing his own thing at the Barrel House and you know it's nice to have a variety of , you know , different cuisines . Yeah , I just love this special touch that he adds . Like he , he has his . He told me his mother's ox tail recipe on the menu and I've tried it and it's so good .
Speaker 2It falls right off the bone . So there's such good food there .
Speaker 1But you know , yeah , it shouts out to Iwan . He's doing such an amazing job there and I just love his crudo . I just now I'm thinking about his crudo . Right now I'm having sexy thoughts about his crudo .
Speaker 2Everything is so good there . And then , like another , one of my favorite spots for local cuisine is Super Burger , so the name may make you feel like you just get burgers there , but every day at lunchtime you can get a variety of local dishes . You know , actually had to be from them yesterday with provisions and I had mashed potato and vegetables , so it was . It was very , very good . So good .
Speaker 2And yes , and the burgers there I really love I always get the egg bacon cheese burger and that is just one of my favorites . The milkshakes they are so good . I just feel like a food coma coming on just thinking about it all . And then there's also some things that only if you know you know . So there's a gentleman by the name of Boko and he's also in town and he has pastichis . So for some people who don't know what pastichis is , it's kind of , you know , like an empanada . But our own version and my favorite from him is the softest pastichi and oh my gosh , he's got a great .
Speaker 1it says which one does he do . Does he do the one in , like the puff pastry , or does he do the pastichi Like we call ? Well , we call it pastichi , and curacao too . Here in Simarte we call them pastes . But the pastichi you're talking you're referring to is that the one that they use to fork , to kind of like fold the dough around it or on one side of it ? Oh , you roll the edges . Okay , yeah and wow . So these are like real pastichis .
Speaker 2Yes , yes , and he gets very creative . So he has like snapper pastichi , you know , cheese pastichi , meat pastichi , crab pastichi . He gets very creative in . His food is phenomenal . And then on weekends , I think on Saturdays , maybe Sundays , I'm not exactly sure , but again it's like if you know , you know , and you kind of have to like call up and be like , hey , you got anything today . And he does breakfasts as well . So I just had a breakfast from him last weekend and it was soft fish with two Johnny cakes , boiled egg , a pizza bread .
Speaker 2And it is just amazing .
Speaker 1Yes , I knew that in my life right now .
Speaker 2Yes , so you know , it's just I just I can't wait for the weekend because I feel like that's exactly what I will have .
Speaker 1Now does this vocal gentleman only do it in the weekend .
Speaker 2No , so sometimes show the week as well . So I'm not sure if he has a broadcast . But I have a friend that always like knows the knows about when it comes to Boko and what he's doing . So I just call up and like , hey , boko have anything today . So I just have to ask her ?
Speaker 1Is he doing it from his house ?
Speaker 2Yes , so it's from his house in town .
Speaker 1Okay .
Speaker 2And it is just it's close to I'm not sure if you're familiar with this the Happy City supermarket , which is an Asian market in town close to there . So you know for the visitor , you know who plan to visit in the future . You know , just ask for Boko and someone will definitely point you to Seja . And that's another thing that I really love about Seja is that you know we are basically crime free . So if you are a tourist and you look at a loss , you know someone will just stop on the side of the road and be like hey , are you okay ? Where are you trying to go , would you , you know ? And it wouldn't be .
Speaker 1Do you want to ride ? Yeah ?
Speaker 2Exactly , and I'll take you there and you don't have to feel , you know easy or you're scared . You know it's truly just someone wanting to help and have you enjoy our island while you're here . So that's another huge plus .
Speaker 1That's good to . That's that's so important to let tourists and visitors know that , because I see that a lot and I've spoken about this before . It's like when you approach people , especially if they seem lost , in a lot of times they feel like you're trying to either sell them something or rip them off . So they immediately are guarded . And that is one of the things and I'm sure that , yes , there , while there are a lot of people that have malintentions , when you're in the Caribbean , if that is not where your mind should go the first time , you know , especially on the smaller islands like Stacia , saba , anguilla , I say , when somebody comes and approaches you , it is just either out of curiosity or they really are there to help you out . So it's just one of those things to keep in mind when you visit . Yes , yes , okay . So let's go back to the topic of food . Yes , we need to talk about at least two more restaurants . Where are we going next ? Now we're done with Boko , where are we going next ?
Hidden Gems in Stacia
Speaker 2It would be a remiss not to mention the Gholarok Resort , because they have two restaurants on property , on breeze and barbies , and I think of the two , I feel like barbies is my favorite because they have sushi and I love them . Yes , I , you know there's a sushi chef there by the name of Alesser and I just love everything she does . When I go there , I'm just like you , do whatever you want , just send me a sushi board for whatever you want and I will enjoy it . So you know , I just I really enjoy it . And then I know you said two more places . So I spoke about barbies , but then I have to mention CNU Ambience Palace . They are in Gholarok . I'm not sure if you are familiar with them , but they also do local food .
Speaker 1Wait CNU Palace .
Speaker 2Ambience Palace yes , so do you know in Gholarok .
Speaker 1Where is this ?
Speaker 2In the Resort , the actual resort no . So there's like a little town in Stacia called Gholarok . Where do you ?
Speaker 1know , okay , that I didn't know when is this . I'm trying to remember if I saw a pharmacy when I was there . Probably did , but I didn't really like pay attention .
Speaker 2What about the bakery ? Do you know the bakery ?
Speaker 1Lindstreet and bakery . It's so funny that we're talking about that . We're talking about , you know , the bakery and the pharmacy . These are the things you see when you're driving around . It's like there's only one bakery , so it's got to be that bakery . Are we talking about the one that opens up early in the morning ? They got some of the best patation sandwiches . Is that what we're talking about ?
Speaker 2That's always my first stop when I land , there's two bakeries . So there's the bakery . So the one that's in where that opens up early and has sandwiches and different pastries I think that's the one you're probably referring to is called Lindstreet bakery .
Speaker 1Yes , that's the one , Linds . Yes , yes , yes .
Speaker 2So I really love it there too . I just went there yesterday and I got fresh whole wheat bread . I just love the option of being so close .
Speaker 1The bread is good , the patties , the croquettes , everything is so good there and it's like every time I take the first flight out I always stop there because she finishes like everything finishes really , really fast . In the morning you got to be early .
Speaker 2So the right below Lin's Bakery is the spot called Sea and New Orleans Palace , so they have local food as well , and they put out their menu every day on Facebook and it's usually a very big menu and you even get a little treat along with your lunch , but my favorite from them is a turkey pan . I'm sure you know what that is .
Speaker 1Oh , of course .
Speaker 2For those who are listening and may not know , their version of it is french fries , a base of french fries , and you can have your choice of protein , whether it's chicken steak , shrimp or a combination of those . But for me , my favorite part is their sauces , so they have a peanut sauce that I feel like is a gift from the gods themselves .
Speaker 1Oh my God , I was waiting for you to tell me that they have peanut sauce .
Speaker 1Yes , wait , are they from Curacao ? Because , first of all , they call it the turkey pan , which is something that you generally only see in the ABC Islands , or what . Curacao is big on them , really Okay . So for those who don't know what a turkey pan is , it's a truck which is a truck , bread , a bread truck , but it is actually our way of saying a food truck . So these are food trucks that we're talking about , and a turkey pan generally will have sauces , french fries and the protein . So this is like . This is , oh my gosh . It's like . Now you're telling me I can actually have turkey pan in Stacia . I don't have to go all the way down to Curacao for it .
Speaker 2No , so you come on over and get one here , and they have , and all the sauces are homemade , so it's peanut sauce , garlic sauce a salsa a salsa sauce , and then there's like a little bit of oh , you gotta have the salsa rosada . Yes , and then I think it's called pica , which is like the pepper that they put on the side .
Speaker 1Yes , but how is their pica , though ? Is it blended or not blended ?
Speaker 2It's not blended , so it's like very small and it packs up a punch of heat , so I love spices .
Speaker 1I need to tell people what this pica is , because that is just like one of those things that you get again in the ABC Islands . We call it pica , and pica and papuimento means hot , so it's like a hot sauce , but what it is really is chopped up onions , it's got some vinegar in it and it's got these mother futures . I call them , called the little peppers . What do you call them , madame Jeanette ? But you also call it I can't remember Anyway these lot scotch bonnet , exactly these scotch bonnet peppers in it , and it is hot but so good with , in combination with , the onions , and when you put that on the meat and the french fries and the peanut sauce and all of that get together , it is just heaven . And as I'm talking I'm salivating , so I need to like swallow often because it's just . I'm so looking forward to having this when I finally get back to Stasia . Oh my God , okay , is this what we can think when she open all the time ?
Speaker 2No , she open all the time Every day , I think , except Sundays , I think . I'm not sure about it . It's on Facebook , on the CNU on the . Ambience Palace and they . So the turkey buns are only available at night , so they have their lunch during the day with the variety of different you know options of local cuisine as well , and then at night I think it's like their best sell off . The turkey buns are just amazing .
Speaker 1I just love it . Oh , and is it actually in a truck ? No , so it's in a , or did you just call it trucking pie and it just served ?
Speaker 2from the house or something .
Speaker 1Yes , oh , my gosh , that is so interesting .
Speaker 2Yeah , so you know it's one of . I can't tell you how many I've ordered since I've been , since I've moved back with I don't even want to know the number . I would be ashamed .
Speaker 1Like , if anybody asks me right now what are your plans for 2024 ? I'm going to have to tell them get fat , because that's exactly what's going to happen . I am going to gain so much weight . It just started with a trip to Stacia . Thank you so much for all of these really cool recommendations . I have never heard of these little places and you see , again , you need to connect with the local for you to find out all of these little hidden gems , which is why I started this podcast . Oh , go with it .
Speaker 2One more . Yes , I have one more for you . So we have scuff ice , which is kind of like our version of shaved ice , and there's this lady that has been doing it ever since I was a kid , her name is Miss Leilok and she is directly across from the Asian market , called Allron , and she makes them .
Speaker 1Yes .
Speaker 2Some people just go there in the afternoon time as a little treat for their kids or for themselves , and it has been something that I've been warm since I was a kid and she still does it , so it's definitely .
Speaker 1It's just amazing . Yes , these are like all the hidden stuff you wouldn't know unless you actually , like I said , unless you speak to the locals . So , again , if you find yourself a Stacia , make sure that you link up with a local person or at least ask them these things , because I have never as many local friends as I have . No shout out to Marlise and her husband , but definitely and of course , iwan and his girlfriend , but they have never told me about these ways . I'm like cross with them all of a sudden .
Speaker 2You know they have to leave something for you to come back , I guess , and now you know , when it's late , we'll lure you back , yup .
Speaker 1It's like not that I need it much luring , but okay , yes , I am definitely seeing you on my next trip to Stacia .
Speaker 1Before I let , you go Chandra there's one thing that I ask all my guests , or that I'm planning on asking every single one of my guests here on the Paradise Perspective podcast from now on and I've done it in a couple of other episodes as well is I want to know , like we always say , we were brought up , you know , be kind to the tourists and be nice to the tourists and the tourists is king and all of that , but I feel it is equally important for the visitor to know what some of the things are that they can sometimes , without knowing , do that might offend or insult the local . So are there any don'ts for Stacia ?
Speaker 2I would say you know , don't be a rude tourist . I feel like you know manners go a long way . Good morning , you know . How are you , can you help me find this ? You know , and you'll most definitely be met with like a courteous person in return . But if you just say , hey , how to get to this place ? You know it might be like a little off-putting because , you know , we grew up in such a warm community where , you know , manners were instilled in us from young . So you know like when you walk into establishment it's always nice to say good morning , you know , good afternoon or whatever the case may be .
Speaker 2But honestly , just be kind . Be kind and you will definitely be met with the same returns .
Speaker 1That is well said . Thank you for that , because that is so , so important . Manners mean a lot to us here in the Caribbean , chandra , is there anything else that we need to know before I let you go today Because we have now reached the end of this podcast
Exploring Stacia
Speaker 1? As sad as I am to let you go , because I have so much more that I can converse with you about and so many and I feel like there's so many things more to tell about Stacia , so I think we're probably going to have to have this conversation at one point or another again . But is there anything else that you need the listener to know about ? About your Paradise , stacia ?
Speaker 2Well , first I want to say thank you for inviting me to the podcast . It's truly been a pleasure to officially finally meet you . It's just been an honor to be a part of it . She is my love of Stacia , and I feel like the last thing I would like to leave with the listeners is come and experience Stacia for yourself . As Rizelle mentioned , people would say , oh , there's nothing to do there , it's boring , and that sometimes comes from people who hasn't even visited our island themselves to have a say , a fear say . I'd like to think , antonio , just come and experience Stacia for yourself , but be prepared , you may fall in love .
Speaker 1Yes , I'm sure they will .
Speaker 2Yes , you know the same couple that I mentioned , who said they've been in St Martin for over 40 years and this was their first visit here . And they were talking about buying land . Oh my gosh Good idea to buy land , of course . So you know , it's just a super , super special place .
Speaker 1Wow . And then just one thing that we didn't touch on , but I think it's important for anybody that is visiting Stacia , and I want you to know . It may not be a beach destination like some of the other islands , but the beach that is there is truly special Black sand , with I call it little diamonds , because the sand kind of like shines whenever the sun hits it . And another thing that is so important to know is that we keep calling , we keep talking about the resort , because there truly is only one real large resort on the island . There are other places that you can stay at that are charming and beautiful and that offer other things as well . So don't think that it's only the resort , but there's so many other places also that you can stay at , but definitely visit all of them , because each one of them offer something special . But thank you again , chandra , thank you so so much .
Speaker 2Yeah , for those who are interested to see where else you can stay , you can visit the Stacia tourism website . So that's Stacia tourismcom and there's , you know , information on how to get here , where to stay , and there's truly , you know , a budget friendly place for everyone . So if you're an affluent spender and you want to stay at a luxury place , you can stay at the resort . But there's also , you know , very quaint and cute places , like Rizal mentioned . That's full of charm . There's also local gardens being one of them . There's a couple of different Airbnb options on Stacia there's Country Inn , which is under 100 bucks a night depends on the type of room you choose . So there's the old gin house , which is right next to Barrel House and that also has a restaurant on site . So there's truly something for everyone .
Speaker 1And I got to mention also Papaya Inn , which is the first place I stayed at when I got to Stacia and it was so , so good , and the lady I'm not sure what her name is , but she was so fantastic . She and her niece took care of me wonderfully . So it's so . Yeah , definitely shout out to Papaya Inn as well . That's what it's called . Right , it's Papaya Inn . Yes , papaya Inn . Such a lovely place , exactly exactly Wonderful . Alright , chandra , we have come to the end , unfortunately , like I said , but thank you so much again for being part of Paradise Respectus , and I cannot wait to have you on the show again .
Speaker 2I can't wait to be back and again , thank you for extending this invite and I hope you have a fabulous day further , and I look forward to seeing you and your listeners in Stacia .
Speaker 1Yes , what did you think ? I mean , isn't Chandra just lovely ? And what about that Stacia huh ? I have seriously fell in love with this little rock and I try now to add it to my travel itinerary every year . So no doubt 2024 will see me again , and this time I'm visiting Chandra along with my other friends there , and I cannot wait . Who knows , maybe this time I'll be able to visit during carnival , or perhaps I should go , maybe for Stacia Day . What ?
Speaker 1do you think . When are you going ? I don't know much about that climbing the quill volcano again though but I am definitely going to eat all the good eats . I am definitely going to hang out with Chandra , and I'm going to let her lead the way to all of these hidden spots that she spoke about today , and I really did not know about these places , so I cannot wait to visit . Mark my words , stacia will see me again now .
Speaker 1If you want to get in touch with Chandra , you definitely can . You can follow her on Instagram , which , of course , I have been so generous to link it in the show notes . So as soon as you're done here listening to me blare on about Stacia , you can go to the show notes and click on the link , and then you can start following Chandra on all her adventures on Stacia and around the Caribbean . Okay , and if you're thinking of combining your Stacia trip with Seymart and where I live , of course why wouldn't you ? Because they're right next to each other do yourself a favor and check out my website for all sorts of really valuable information . Speaking of valuable information and insider's tips , you need to definitely head on to my youtube channel as well . I have linked that , too , in the show notes , and you can find tons and tons and tons of really great videos with insider tips , recommendations , suggestions all of that good stuff , not only about St Martin and Stacia , but also about all of the other Caribbean islands that I've been to . Speaking of videos , chandra , like we said in this episode , she has also done a vlog , a really , really interesting vlog , on her own home island of Stacia . It is when she visited back in 2021 , so you want to check that out . I have done you a favor and linked it in the show notes . So definitely head on there there after you have listened to this episode .
Speaker 1We're almost at the end , guys , but before I let you go , I want to remind you to please send in all of your questions related to your upcoming Caribbean vacation . I would love to answer them on the next episode . Seriously , just send me an email . You can also support the Paradise Perspectives podcast by giving a little something , something if you want , and you can learn how to do that in the show notes .
Speaker 1What else is there to say
Caribbean Travel Services and Itinerary Planning
Speaker 1? Yeah , about my services ? I can really help you plan your itinerary , not only to see Martin and Gula , stacia , sabah , but also to a couple of other islands . So if you are interested in having me give you all of my insider knowledge , then you can definitely hire me , either for a consultation I can give you all of the ins and outs and if you're interested in a more of a VIP treatment I got you . You need to check out my page because I have a arrival or pre arrival , rather , concierge service that you do not want to miss out on . Okay , all right and uh . All I really that is left to say is uh , why aren't you here yet ? What are you waiting for ? Seriously , the Caribbean is waiting . My friend , I am waiting . I'm Resal , the traveling island girl saying see you soon on our shores . I'll be back in two weeks with a next Caribbean island to explore and discover . Bye , you .
