What's Original?

I'm pretty sure this old floor must be original.  This floor and the thick walls keep the cottage a little cooler in the warm months. 

There's nothing luxurious about staying in a CCC cottage, but who cares. You're sleeping in history and you're surrounded by one of the most unusual landscapes in the world.  
You can step out your door and walk a couple minutes to see  "The Window", which is the formation on the left side of the bottom photo.  OR, if you have the kind of clout that only President Roosevelt might have had, you can attempt to reserve Cottage #103!  It's the one pictured with the fog lifting!  It has a porch that gives you a sunset view of The Window, which means everyone wants to stay there!  
Some day!

Intimidating Title?

This was our first overnight at an Organic Bed and Breakfast and Ecology Resource Center.  Luckily most people just call it "Eve's Garden", which is more inviting than intimidating.
 

The only thing intimidating, was the ice that was starting to layer the plants and sidewalk.  The blue, arched wall surrounding the property, reminded me of Dr. Seuss illustrations. I was eager to go explore!

Inside, we were met by Kate and her sweet Chihuahua=Poodle Pup, Bubbles. She had just finished clearing the ice off the pathway for us. She said the other guests had canceled and we would have the run of the place.  

I took this photo of Eve with a beautiful carved piece made by her brother.  The house was full of treasures, colorful art and warmth.

We walked through the kitchen and down a step to a cozy addition where a fire and music made me want to linger. 

Our Room

Kate upgraded us to the Sapphire Room, since we were the only guests that night.  Our door was right beside a little sitting area 

Warm and Cozy!  That's how I'll remember our stay. The colors and flowers of course,  helped us ignore the cold.  But Kate's warmth (along with  Bubbles & Kitties) made the difference. Kate gave us our space. She never intruded, but when we begged 

Our room was nice, with lots red trim, which was a fun way to combine modern decor with the old style windows and shutters and tall ceilings. The bathroom had shiny white tile with a line of red and boldly painted red floors. 

The room had good air conditioning, which was a plus with the island's steamy air.  But it was a cold, clammy shock every time we entered, since the body adjusts to the heat in most open air settings.

At 5:30 am, I heard the bells of Cathedral Pietermaii, clanging next door.  The Fraters van Zwijsen, who built the monastery in 1932, enjoyed the convenience of strolling just a few steps to the Cathedral from the monastery.  

It was a little too close for my (sleeping) comfort!  You can see our room window, beneath the words, t' Klooster.   As the bells clanged, cars filled the street and happy worshipers began to congregate before mass, right outside our window!

Then again, I think these Fraters, who arrived in 1886 to set up a school... knew pretty well how to balance their work and relaxation!

The Fraters might even have joined in on some karaoke at the cafe beside the chapel.  We managed to talk our very sweet bartender, Mary into giving it a try.