Villa Fairview Charlotte Amalie

... and spent time snorkelling. Eileen ventured into the water for the first time and enjoyed herself. We were joined on the beach by a male and female iguana. On the way back the taxi dropped us off downtown. This left us a long walk in the hot sun – Eileen was not best pleased! However, a glass of water and a cup of tea and she quickly recovered her usual equilibrium.

I went to Megan's Beach this morning. "Voted on of the worlds most beautiful beaches."according to National Geographic.

A strange thing, I floated very easily for the first 45 mins or so of being in the water, then I couldn't keep myself above water ...

... for awhile and went snorkeling. Seems like it doesn’t matter where you go, there are always fish to see. We had lunch before the kids had to go back to work. ( I think all three of us were about to fall asleep from the time out in the fresh air and the snorkeling.)

Winifred goes in for (minor) repairs tomorrow. Hoping all goes well.

12/2/09

Took it easy today. I did have a job though. Picked Chel up at the marina and ...

Getting up at 2:30 to drive to Bangor and travel on planes until 2 this afternoon has taken it's toll. I,m TIRED!. Chel & Kenny were waiting for me at the airpiort and took me to my "home" for the next week. I had decided not to rent a vehicle, but the more I think about it, the more I think I will. (Just a lot nervous about driving on the "wrong" side of the road!) The plan for tomorrow is to go sailing.

... is greasy and American. I wasn't surprised to see a McDonald's in the islands-they're everywhere in the world. I was, however, surprised that they 1) sold alcohol and 2) that the menu was a bit different-no dollar menu, and the McGriddle was over $5. So from there I took the safari (gypsy cab, public taxi, safari bus) which costs $1 to go anywhere in town. So I just drove around till I felt like getting off. I found myself near ...

... to get ready for my final acupuncture treatment. Head for the spa at 4:30 for an hour of therapy. After the treatment, we change into dinner attire (VERY casual so don't be impressed) and head for the bar. We snag a couple of mojitos (which are outstanding today) then off to play a round of 9-hole miniture golf. Paul opts to watch the sunset so we have a 3-some for golf. Maybe it's the mojitos, but we laughed our butts ...

... images. I remember being very calm and happy. The next morning when I woke up, I said, "I need to go to St. Thomas." I ventured to work and found my co-worker and friend Julie first thing and said, "I had this dream last night and I think you need to go to St. Thomas with me." She jumped at the opportunity to park our hides on a beach and do absolutely nothing for several days. We decided, once we were ...

... that the nearby island of St. John's was pretty much untouched by mass tourism. On St. John's you would find stunning natural beauty, white sand beaches, and the only tropical rain forest in the US National Park System. With all that in mind, we decided to take the cruise sponsored excursion to St. John's. After breakfast at the Windjammer Cafe, we checked out the view of Charlotte Amalie from the outside deck. The view of the harbor was stunning ...

... as I frequently thought we were going to collide with another vehicle at all times. Upon checking into our room we were greeted by the lovely complentary drink-man. Pain Killers a-round and we were all set to begin our vaction. We grabbed our keys and pool towels and headed out to the room. At first we couldn't locate the room as it was not at the end of one corridor nor upstairs. It was a corner unit at the end of a small deck that was ...

... on so I couldn't see as well as I would have liked but oh yes they were definitely boobies, flying effortlessly over the waves looking for their next meal. Pelicans were nearby too, circling above a school of fish before folding their wings back and dive-bombing their unsuspecting prey. I also saw plenty of frigatebirds, easily recognizable by their pointed wings and forked tails. Frigates are renowned for beating up other birds and stealing their food. When they spot one with food ...