Kings Alley Hotel Christiansted

... as Ms. Murphy and her Law would have it, this was the only time EVER I have not packed a change of clothes in my carry-on (checked bags went directly to St. Croix). Yoiks. After a quick stop at the beach, it was off to Lincoln Mall to get new digs and have a birthday dinner. The following day we had breakky at my favorite diner in Miami Beach, then hopped on our first-class plane. Finally....St. Croix - and with a little bit of luxury this time ...

... on what is now U.S. territory, and was the site of the first armed clash between Europeans and American natives. After landing, we decided to take a taxi tour of the island and started of with Andy, our taxi driver- an intelligent, humorous, genuine soul Our first halt was at the Bucaneer, today St. Croix's finest hotel with three beautiful beaches; but once a cattle ranch and a sugar plantation wth its ...

... around the whole Island in their rental car - pictures to follow soon - and met a donkey up close head in the window style which we fed artificial cheese flavored chex mix and took a photo op. That's the same day we found our studio apartment up the sketchiest hill I've ever seen next to our awesome landlords and cool new friends for next to no rent compared to a lot of places on the island. We're about a 2 minute ...

Why is it that we always try to kill ourselves the few days before departure???? Always the case. But at 4:35 pm the house is clean except for a final floor sweeping in the morning and we're basically packed except for last minute toiletries. You'd think we were cruising around the world!!! WAY too much luggage. Hope we can afford the overage charge on the seaplane. Maybe we'll throw it all ...

... ago, sugar and rum have shaped the island's life and land. Fifty-four sugar mills, each with imposing windmill towers and factory chimneys, still rest in the shadows of stately eighteenth-century and nineteenth- century homes. Located on the west end of the island, Estate Whim Plantation is just one ...

... and relaxation...maybe a little sunshine? Considering our quiet island life...we'll be thinking of all of you as we leave our small and peaceful paradise and head into a vacation filled with non-stop action and adventure, archeology, art, architecture, culture, and history. Come on along with us (the safe way)! It should be a lot of fun.

... had a beautiful house on a hill overlooking a beach - absolute paradise. It was one of the best weeks of my life (except for the bad sunburn which was entirely my fault) and I constantly wish I was back there. The diving was great and I spotted a bunch of stingrays, sea turtles, and reef fish (just don't snorkel at buck island if you're serious about diving - loads of tourists and all the coral was bleached).  A great place for sandwiches between dives is Turtles deli - I ...

... a bit cool) and enjoyed the area. Because so many ships were in port that day, it was more crowded than usual at Megan's Bay, but there were never any long lines at the snack bar, cocktail bar or the shop...service was excellent. Because we held Immigration at St Thomas, it took no time in NY to clear the ship for disembarkation.

... sound a bit ******, but it's actually not, some pieces, especially mine, are beautiful. Just so you know I resisted the $400 or more bracelet and just bought a pendant - in silver! Mine has palm fronds on it so I am particularly pleased with it. Also from that shop I got a pendant of an old sugar mill tower. There are sugar mill towers all over the island which are constant reminders of when people were enslaved, but these mill posts have been planted with trees coming out of the ...

... I not get full and proper portions ! Anyhow, our big day out for today was going to be to go to the supermarket. This took us just about all morning and into the early afternoon. On our way back we got subs from subway. Evlyn doesn't do much of the eating thing, so she would be picking over her sub over the next few days or so. We got one for Bob as well, he was back at the house waiting for a delivery ...