Welcome to the Chronicles of
~ the St John Adventures ~
Sunday 6/6/2010
Last night was fun! But first, as is the tradition, here is the morning view:
The villa deck is situated facing southeast, so it gets bright here early. So we went into town last night, poked around a bit, found the main grocery store and some shopping, only got lost once, but we were hungry. We wanted something local, but the first thing we saw that looked good was a place called Ronnie's Pizza. Yeah, I know. And on the big screen, they had the Mets game on - Mets pretty much crushed the Marlins. Then I ask the guy behind the counter where he was from - since it was obvious he was not from the islands, and definitely from up north. Newton, Massachusetts he says! We crack up and tell him we're from Westfield, so he says, so we know you're good people, then. It was funny. And great pizza - we took half of it back to the villa for another meal. Then we went to the grocery store and bought some really basic supplies (like bottled drinking water - rainwater cisterns are the order of the day on the island, and not recommended for drinking, brushing teeth, etc.). And things are expensive here - as in nearly $3 for hamburger buns. Of course, part of my luggage was 24 burgers, a dozen steaks (Ribeyes), a pound of sliced american cheese, and a bunch of cheicken breasts - all frozen, of course, in a collapsable cooler. They were perfectly frozen when we arrived, so we are saving big buck! And they have a great gas grill here, so we are set! Then we headed back, took a swim, and got ready to crash (it was a long day). But when I checked the shower area, I found a new friend - some sort of tree frog. He was nice enough to pose for a picture:
So, that was yesterday! Today, we snorkel. I have no idea where, but the gear is broken out! See you when we get back!
1557 - Villa Caribe What a way to start! We started the day the way all good days should start (according to my nutritionist, anyway) - with a good breakfast. We went to Jake's.
Now, Jake, as it turns out, is a 3 year old, who is on the premises! He's cute. Another obvious transplant (not too many blond natives, it seems), and the waitress is from California. Almost no one is from this place - although Duane (the greeter from yesterday) was. Even Rachel, the taxi driver was from Monserat, I think. Anyway, I took a couple of shots of the menu (not sure what you can or can't read, but suffice it to say that is is quite complete, and pricey by standards back home - yet cheap here):
Now, the place is not much to look at - typical island place
But it has a nice view
And the food is really good. Carol had an omlet, and I went for the "to die for" (waitress' words) hash and eggs.
Okay, yes, I had started eating it before I took the picture, because I forgot to before I dove in. But it really is good - homemade corned beef hash, and the guy on the grill really could cook an egg over medum. And why the hell do I have to travel to the islands to get that? Why can't the kid at Friendly's mafe a decent egg over medium??? So, after breakfast, we head off to the north shore to find us a good beach. On the way, we shot this picture of Cruz from a scenic overlook:
Carol was thinking about starting at the closest beach to Cruz Bay (the main town on the island, and located on the western side) and work our way east, but we ended up in Hawksnest, the second main beach area. The water was fabulous! All I can say for the snorkeling was that it was okay, but it was good enough for a first day. There is another part of the bay we are going to check out next time we go back there (looked like there might be more coral growing there). But there was some cool fan coral (very lavender in color):
And apparently they are doing an experiment with coral there (maybe they piced this place because the reef was hurting)
We snorkeled for an hour or two, and went back by the beach to enjoy the water. Of course, we also had a camera, so we had a little fun.
Then we decided to pack it in, and head to Coral Bay, the main town on the eastern side of the island, and a place we had tried to get to when we came over and rented a Jeep on a cruise stop. We didn't make it that time, and we figured this time we were going to make up for that failure. So, off to the east we went. Over hill and dale (what is a dale, anyway?). Along the way, we saw some fabulous scenic overlooks (face it folks, there are alot of scenic overlooks here), like this one:
It is amazing how gorgeous the inlets and bays are - which makes the idea of staying on board a boat quite appealing. And there obviously are lots of people who see it that way, too. Finally, we get to Coral Bay. I sort of thought that we were getting close when I saw this overlook:
I knew there were because I saw a sign....
Subtle, huh? You see some strange things as you drive around the island. Eventually, I guess, you get used to it, but until then.....
And they are serious about this donkey thing!
Apparently, once upon a time, they used the donkey to haul sugar cane and such. Then cars came along, and they cut them loose. Now, they run wild. Of course, some of the tourists feed them, so now they look for handouts. We even had one chasing the car (and no, we did nothing to encourage it!). Of course, when we went back that way, I had Carol all set to video it, if they chased us again, but no such luck. It was pretty funny though! Carol did think to herself "it can't get to me thru the window, can it?" I also thought it was pretty funny to see donkeys hanging out next to a sign offering trail rides
And it is not just donkeys running around loose. There are the classic island chickens (little ones, that remind me more of roadrunners than the ones I saw as a kid in Puerto Rico), but they also have goats!
And they are quite used to cars! They see them coming, and move (for the most part) off to the side. People here also have a sense of humor - and way too much time on their hands!
Of course, there are the usual beautiful bays with big boats anchored (or tied to moorings, since most of the coast is National Parks controlled, and anchoring out is not allowed - you have to tie up to their mooring balls)
Then we headed back to the villa (another fun ride down a different road - I have to videotape a tripsomeplace for you guys to get the complete effect) for a plunge into the pool to desalinate!
So, that's where we're at - time to relax, and maybe grill some burgers! See you later!
1951 - Villa Caribe What a great day! I did fire up the grill, and it works as well as any grill I have ever used. It doesn't even look like it has cooked too many meals. Then it was reading and napping (napping - very important!) on the lounge chairs around the pool. I really need to take a few more pictures around the villa to show you guys. Maybe Manana - I might be getting into island time...! Dinner was some leftover pizza from last night. And I even remembered to take a picture to show you guys!
Its got all sorts of stuff on it! Even artichoke hearts, which I cannot say I have much experience with. Ronnie's Pizza in Cruz Bay - if you are here, you have to try it (I have an endorsement deal). Because of how the villa is facing, sunsets are not any great shakes here. This is what I could get of the one tonite.
We shall have to go over to Cruz Bay and see some really nice sunsets. Actually, tomorrow we are supposed to go over to Caneel Bay for dinner. They have a buffet dinner on Mondays that is supposed to be a must do - at least once. And they are supposed to have seating that will let you enjoy the sunset. It will be fun to see what that resort looks like - it was built by a Rockefeller, so it should be nice. Rockefeller Center is, isn't it? Oh well, time for a night swim (oh, and it is great to watch the stars from the pool at night - learned that last night). See you in the morning!
Keep Smiling!!!
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All Images and Accounts of this Adventure are strictly the doings of the Author, and have Nothing to do with the Official Positions or Opinions of Timethief Photography, its affiliated divisions, or anyone associated with the company. If you have any issues with the accounts, how people or places are portrayed, or with any statements of fact, take it up with him! Of course, he'll probably be off on another adventure!
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