Extraordinary Stories From An Ordinary Guy: The "If Only Ernest Could See This Place" Story

Monday, October 29, 2012

The "If Only Ernest Could See This Place" Story

It was an ordinary day. Sitting on the deck at Hemingway's on the Beach' enjoying my evening meal. Hemingway's on the Beach is located on Grace Bay on the island of Provo in the beautiful Caribbean. So, how can it be anything except enjoyable. I assume that the owner, Terry Drummey, named his beach bar after Ernest Hemingway whose life of adventure influenced many people along the way. Back in the mid-90s everyone thought that the adventurous Terry was stupid for opening a beachfront restaurant on a little-known island called Providenciales. How can you sit on the deck of Hemingway's, watching the sun set over the clear blue sea, and think he was stupid. His place is located at the rear of the Sands Resort along the main resort and restaurant strip in Provo. The last time I was on Provo, back in '03, I don't remember seeing his place, but Hemingway's is now one of the best known restaurants on the island. Hemingway's is the main food venue for the Sands, but it is not open only to the visitors of the Sands. A constant stream of swimsuited wanderers drop by to enjoy a cold drink and a meal during the day. Just off the deck is a brass bell which guests to the restaurant are encouraged to ring if JoJo the dolphin appears along the coast. Provo's unofficial mascot, JoJo, can be seen at almost any location during the day dancing in the waves. This evening Carol and I along with our friends Jerry and Just Sue are sitting at the prime spot on the deck. Right along the waterfront, able to catch unobstructed views of the sun as it lowers from the sky into the Caribbean Sea. And, shoot away I am doing. Our meal is great, but not as great as the atmosphere, friends and experience eating at one of the best restaurants we will visit during our trip to Provo. This is the life!! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.