Lourdes Grotto in San Nicolas

[Mr. Ratt]

Hey there folks, here's a question...

I'm looking to get to Lourdes Grotto this year, and I'd like to hear what you think of the ways to get there. I've been told that there is a bus that actually goes near there, but that advice is always sketchy at best, much like the bus service.

I'm considering the "private tour" concept, so I'm wondering if you have any recommendations. I'm sure I'll hear Bully's name a time or two, and if that's the case, could someone send along some contact info, it would be really appreciated.

Lately I've noticed other people speaking of some of the private tours on the island, and like many other folks, I'm not looking to cruise around the island getting high and trusting my life to a possibly "too-buzzed" tour guide.

I'm past that point, and besides, I'd like to remember what I saw and did.

Fourteen days 'til the Tamarijn...

[danadog56]

Have been to the Grotto several years ago...found it accidently while just driving around. If you are planning on renting a vehicle get your hotel concierge to give you directions...if I found it it can not be that hard !!!!
Have great pictures of it.....nice place..making you do a little thinking....

[Mr. Ratt]

We'd actually prefer NOT to drive.
The Lady and I figure if we're going to relax, that includes the stress of driving.

I think we're looking to leave the responsibility of getting us to and fro to someone from the island. Such a bummer that Festus (remember him, from the Tamarijn/Divi? such a cool guy...) has relocated. He was quite the guide in his off hours. I can recall him taking my Lady and I on a tour of some of the islands' wonderful cemeteries.
(Yes, I said cemeteries)

As I said, any suggestions (other than car rental, thanks all the same) are welcome.

Now we're starting to count the hours instead of the days,
can you tell we want to get to paradise?

[TomFrederick]

>>> "I'm looking to get to Lourdes Grotto this year"
--- 2 years ago my son rented a car for a tour of the island so we stopped there as one stop. Nothing much so do not go to any trouble to get there.
One way to see the island is go on the KK Dinner/Bar tour. You get to see a little of the island and just drink the one free drink at every bar.

[Eagle Beach Boy]

I do not think it is worth hiring a taxi to take you there on it's own.

But if you add in Charlies Bar and a drive through San Nicolas and Savaneta it could be worth it.

[Mr. Ratt]

Thanks for the suggestions, but for what it's worth, I'm going there for the perceived and possible healing qualities of the place, not so much for the view. There's a reason they named the place after Lourdes in France, and considering my "vocation" is in the healing arts, there's something that's been calling me about the place for a few years.

Just that this year I'm really being told to get down there.

Thanks for the suggestion, but honestly, drinks and dinner wouldn't be relevant to the visit. Kind of counter-productive actually.

But we will be doing the Kookoo Kunuku just for the experience one night...

Any more suggestions?

[TomFrederick]

>>> "there's something that's been calling me about the place for a few years."
---- Its not on the main road and do no think the bus goes near it.

[Arubalisa]

REALLY the only way to get there is going to be taxi, private tour or rental car. It is easy to get to, but no where near being close to the Tamarijn.

If you are going for a spiritual experience, a compact car rental for $30 would be less than a taxi and a worthwhile experience.

http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=12.449...16&l=0&m=b&v=8

[Mr. Ratt]

Danki Arubalisa...

I guess that's going to be the plan then.

Better start packing up the incense and singing bowl...

13 days and counting, and jeez it's cold here in Toronto. Brrrr.

[Arubalisa]

Enjoy!