a few questions

[djmom]

Hi everyone,
We lurk all year until our trip Love the forum, just sort of chill and read it. Otherwise, I would be totally addicted and post constantly. You will be able to tell when you see how long this message is!

Staying at Ristaba and taking newbies- we have never done that before- kindof nervous about that.

Here are my questions-

Any advice for us re the newbies? I do think they have a fairly clear picture that they are going to be doing some hiking and getting grimy- I just don't want to be an obnoxious know it all hostess. I don't like the feeling of making sure everyone is happy. I feel responsible for that.

Has anyone been to Ristaba recently? This is our first time there. It seemed like a good fit with the family situation.

Last question- we will be there over Thanksgiving-that is our last night. We actually have to leave the villa and will be at the Westin for just that one night. I really am not into the Westin food prices unless it is something spectacular. (we will have our 4 kids with us). Is there a restaurant that will have something special going on for Thanksgiving- or would we be better just blowing it out the last night at the Beach Bar and having the traditional meal when we get home?

Sorry such a long post. Can't wait to go back. Been there so many times now it is starting to feel like home.

Thanks in advance!

Susan

[madelon]

The Fish Trap usually has a really good traditional Thanksgiving dinner for a reasonable cost.

[mcpenguin5]

We are going to be there for Thanksgiving, also. I have already made reservations for us at the Banana Deck, as we really love to eat there, and someone posted a while back that it is a great place for Thanksgiving dinner. I have no idea if they do a special menu for Thanksgiving, we are happy with whatever it turns out to be. The person who took my reservation had no idea what the plan was. I had the impression from other posts that they did a special meal, traditional food for the day. I know the food and drinks there are super, and I can highly recommend it.

McPenguin5 AKA Kris

[sailorgirl]

Some general observations about traveling with newbies. Keep expectations low, you are not responible for their vacation. I would echo a reccomendation made here many times, get two vehicles, this really helps and allows everyone to have they vacation they want. That way when they ask " What are we doing to today" You can answer,
"well we were thinking of doing "X", if that sounds good, we leave at (fill in the blank) if not we will meet you back here at (fill in the blank..Leave them with a map of the island and a copy of a local beach guide book and be on your way.

Reading this over it sounds a little harsh but I had a long time in coming vacation ruined by the Julie McCoy Cruise Director Syndrome, trust me its worse then Dengue Fever

[djmom]

I know Sailorgirl, I am so scared, they are our best friends, husband, wife and two of the girls. They moved away a year ago.

What if they hate us after this?

[SarahD]

I know Sailorgirl, I am so scared, they are our best friends, husband, wife and two of the girls. They moved away a year ago.

What if they hate us after this?

Haha!!! I totally know that feeling!! We took a couple with us a few years ago and not wanting to be a cruise director, I gave her my copy of Feet, Fins and 4 wheel drive along with many websites to visit. Did they read or visit the website? NO! We would ask them what they wanted to do and the answer was "you guys know the island, so you decide". *SIGH*

I decided not to worry about it and we did all the normal stuff we like to do. They had a really great time.....how could they not!

I guess I'm just saying don't worry too much. If they are your friends, ya'll will have fun!

[jimg20]

Another idea might be to "assign" them a day or more than one for them to plan the activities. That doesn't mean cut them loose and force them to do it on their own. Offer resources like web sites, books and maps, and this forum. Then help them by reviewing what they offer and making suggestions. Tell them how much fun we have anticipating the trip and researching the island.

You should also warn them about the risk of overscheduling on "Island Time." If left entirely on their own they might try to crowd too much into a day. A seminar on Villa Gravity is also in order.

You should probably offer that you don't want to tell them what they will be doing all week. It is up to them to make this the week they want to have.

JIM

[sailorgirl]

I know Sailorgirl, I am so scared, they are our best friends, husband, wife and two of the girls. They moved away a year ago.

What if they hate us after this?

If they are yoiur best friends Im sure it will be fine. If you never traveled together before maybe a pre trip dinner to talk about what to expect, what the interests are etc.
I have had many successful trips with friends. We go to Maine for a week every year with a group. The rule is that everyone gets to have the vacation they want. If someone wants to sit on the deck all day, fine with us. If someone wants to take a hike or a bike ride, fine, come along, stay, whatever. It works, but its more about the people.

You will have a great time. I love JMG20's suggestion of assigning a day, great idea.

[djmom]

Well the good news is that we have been so many times we have some "days" down pat (pick up sandwiches at Deli Grotto, head to Salt pond, then Drunk bay, then skinny legs for long lunch, buy beer, head to maho, go home via the smoothie stand.)

etc....

We have about 3 or 4 long "days" like that. Our kids are troopers. Maybe what I do is every am just see if they are feeling lazy or feeling active and work around that.

If they can keep up with us.....

Maybe I do need that pre-vacation talk where I just let them know we are not offended at all if they don't want to go along.

We just aren't daytime villa people. I would freak out if they dragged their feet and we didn't get out of there- I want to be out early some days and certainly before 11.

We did get 2 jeeps. No way was I going to make that mistake.

I do think we will be fine.

Luckily our first day there are no cruise ships in so we thought we would head to Trunk or Cinnamon. Start 'em out slow.

[jimg20]

Here's another thought. Why don't you just turn them over to us. We'll help them plan something. Actually, I was thinking about a resent thread, http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... php?t=9318 where they were given all sorts of suggestions. There is the risk that we could have you doing something you never considered. Let them review the above thread and see what is out there to offer.

As far as your friendship, there is no substitution for good communication. That works in most relationships.

JIM

PS Thanks Sailorgirl. Every so often I come up with a good idea.

[djmom]

my other fear is that the men ditch the girls and then I am stuck trying to drive the jeep on the left hand side of the road! have never done it! there would probably be a line a mile long behind me.

[mcpenguin5]

A seminar on Villa Gravity is also in order.

JIM

Curiosity overcomes my fear of looking silly. What is Villa Gravity?

Kris

[California Girl]

Curiosity overcomes my fear of looking silly. What is Villa Gravity?

Kris

Villa Gravity is that mysterious invisible force that keeps you at your villa limin' all day by the pool, instead of out and about at different beaches & bars.

[mcpenguin5]

Thank you! I can understand that one totally. Fortunately, the beaches exert a much greater pull on me than the villa can, no matter how cozy the villa. I spent the whole last year dreaming about this trip and all the wonderful beaches... We're going to visit as many as we can fit in!
Kris

[sapphirecat]

Just wondering -- is Villa Gravity influenced by the presence of CH3CH2OH?

Cat