usvi-on-line
Lulu and Friends' Trip Report
Lulu and Friends' Trip Report
(This is day one. It's turning out much longer than I thought. I'll work on that.)
Here it is: my trip report. I figure that it's a good way to remind me that while it snowed last night in Tennessee, a week ago I was still in paradise...
Before we get started, here are a few disclaimers:
1. I don't snorkel.
2. There is no food porn (actually, at this point there are no photos because I've had lots to do since I got back).
3. You don't know most of the other people. But they're lovely, honest.
Now, on to St. John Adventures with Lulu and friends.
(Originally, I had made clever nicknames up for everyone. Then I got drunk and forgot them. So, you get real names. I have faith that you will choose not to stalk us.)
Travel Log, Saturday, Nov. 8:
What made me think that I could drink whiskey with boys when I was getting on a plane in just a few short hours?
I'm not sure, but now I'm the person that everyone loves and hopes they get to sit next to: Hungover Lady on the Plane.
Here I am, sitting at gate D9 in a big, scary airport (Hartsfield in Atlanta) waiting to get on my plane to paradise. When I stopped at the little store to get Tums and water (hungover, remember?), I picked up the latest Caribbean Travel & Life. Yes, I am reading ABOUT St. John while I'm waiting to get on the plane to St. John. I have a problem, but the headline on the magazine leads me to believe that this article could give me some insight into my addiction issues.
I got to Fort Lauderdale rather uneventfully, except that these two people with an odor got on the plane, and I knew they'd be sitting next to me. Really, the last thing Hungover Lady on the Plane needed was to sit next to people who smelled. Really bad. So of course, they were sitting next to me. That is, until the precise second that I fell asleep (did I mention I didn't sleep last night because I was out drinking whiskey with boys?). That's when they got up to "go to the bathroom" (I totally thought Mile High Club at that point). Then the husband came back to get their bags, and I never saw them again. Apparently they were scooping out new seats on the plane so they didn't have to sit by me anymore. I swear they were the ones with the odor. I swear. Anyhow, I read the CT&L article on the plane, and I am still not sure why we're all addicted to St. John. I suspect it is just the pristine beauty of the land and sea, along with the laid-back attitude. It's a nice place to escape.
And believe me, I was looking for an escape.
But before my escape, I had a four-hour layover in Fort Lauderdale. It works out well that all of the eateries in that airport are outside security, because my brother and my sister-in-law met me at the little Caribbean restaurant and we had some cocktails and some Cuban sandwiches. Yes, indeed, the transition to island time has begun. I know I wasn't technically in Miami, but whenever I go down there, I just always want to play that "Miami" song by Will Smith. It gets me in the mood. For what, I'm not sure. Hello, iPod!
As we were walking out of the restaurant, there's Rosi heading toward the security check point. Perfect timing! My brother and sister-in-law are interested in St. John, so I gave them some brochures I'd gotten from Private Homes for Private Vacations and told them to pick where we were staying next time. We all chatted for a bit, then they headed back to Kendall, and Rosi and I headed toward the plane.
I just want to say here that I like Spirit. Yes, they make you pay for ginger ale and they have no blankets, but they're cheap and they're friendly. I had heard horror stories, but it went well. The only problem I had was that they didn't put me in a seat next to Rosi, even though we paid for seats together. That's OK, though. I got a free aisle seat, and she met two new friends on the plane. (The people next to me slept the entire way. But then again, so did I, so that worked out, too.)
We landed on STT around 4:15 p.m. We took a quick cab ride downtown and had a quick (by island standards) drink at that little bar in Drakes Passage while we waited for the ferry. Our super-cute bartender made a lime and coconut for Rosi and a bushwacker for me. I invited him to the Beach Bar the next day (hey, he said he was going to be on St. John), and then we posed for a super-touristy picture that I would post here if I had uploaded my photos - soon come!
The ferry ride was quick (30 minutes from downtown to Cruz Bay), and we even got to watch the sunset from the boat (weren't we paying the Breath folks to do that tomorrow?). We met up with the other girls on the ferry dock and ran up to St. John Spice (where we'd just missed Ruth) to pick up coffee and Cruz Bay Grill Rub so I could make supper. We went to Starfish and got some deli salads and meat for the grill (and Coke Zero for the bottle of Black Strap left at the villa - that's my new addiction!).
The villa (Tesseract) is very close to town (Rock Ridge Road - the first left after the Westin Dumpster), and it's very quaint. The kitchen is small, but well-equipped and has a great view. It passed my test, and the making of dinner commenced.
(I have a whole bunch of stuff about the villa written at this part in my notes. Let's just say "villa review soon come" for now, and I will tell you that my friend Rosalie and I stayed in the room downstairs, which had two full-sized beds and a couch and a roomy en-suite bathroom. The view that I saw first thing in the morning was gorgeous. Actually, ALL the views at Tesseract were amazing.)
I fired up the grill and made chicken and brats for supper. I am now officially addicted to Cruz Bay Grill Rub. It's awesome. I may never use my Montreal Steak Seasoning ever again!
After supper we watched a little TV in the family room and then headed to bed. We had an early day Sunday, because it was Ivan Time!
Here it is: my trip report. I figure that it's a good way to remind me that while it snowed last night in Tennessee, a week ago I was still in paradise...
Before we get started, here are a few disclaimers:
1. I don't snorkel.
2. There is no food porn (actually, at this point there are no photos because I've had lots to do since I got back).
3. You don't know most of the other people. But they're lovely, honest.
Now, on to St. John Adventures with Lulu and friends.
(Originally, I had made clever nicknames up for everyone. Then I got drunk and forgot them. So, you get real names. I have faith that you will choose not to stalk us.)
Travel Log, Saturday, Nov. 8:
What made me think that I could drink whiskey with boys when I was getting on a plane in just a few short hours?
I'm not sure, but now I'm the person that everyone loves and hopes they get to sit next to: Hungover Lady on the Plane.
Here I am, sitting at gate D9 in a big, scary airport (Hartsfield in Atlanta) waiting to get on my plane to paradise. When I stopped at the little store to get Tums and water (hungover, remember?), I picked up the latest Caribbean Travel & Life. Yes, I am reading ABOUT St. John while I'm waiting to get on the plane to St. John. I have a problem, but the headline on the magazine leads me to believe that this article could give me some insight into my addiction issues.
I got to Fort Lauderdale rather uneventfully, except that these two people with an odor got on the plane, and I knew they'd be sitting next to me. Really, the last thing Hungover Lady on the Plane needed was to sit next to people who smelled. Really bad. So of course, they were sitting next to me. That is, until the precise second that I fell asleep (did I mention I didn't sleep last night because I was out drinking whiskey with boys?). That's when they got up to "go to the bathroom" (I totally thought Mile High Club at that point). Then the husband came back to get their bags, and I never saw them again. Apparently they were scooping out new seats on the plane so they didn't have to sit by me anymore. I swear they were the ones with the odor. I swear. Anyhow, I read the CT&L article on the plane, and I am still not sure why we're all addicted to St. John. I suspect it is just the pristine beauty of the land and sea, along with the laid-back attitude. It's a nice place to escape.
And believe me, I was looking for an escape.
But before my escape, I had a four-hour layover in Fort Lauderdale. It works out well that all of the eateries in that airport are outside security, because my brother and my sister-in-law met me at the little Caribbean restaurant and we had some cocktails and some Cuban sandwiches. Yes, indeed, the transition to island time has begun. I know I wasn't technically in Miami, but whenever I go down there, I just always want to play that "Miami" song by Will Smith. It gets me in the mood. For what, I'm not sure. Hello, iPod!
As we were walking out of the restaurant, there's Rosi heading toward the security check point. Perfect timing! My brother and sister-in-law are interested in St. John, so I gave them some brochures I'd gotten from Private Homes for Private Vacations and told them to pick where we were staying next time. We all chatted for a bit, then they headed back to Kendall, and Rosi and I headed toward the plane.
I just want to say here that I like Spirit. Yes, they make you pay for ginger ale and they have no blankets, but they're cheap and they're friendly. I had heard horror stories, but it went well. The only problem I had was that they didn't put me in a seat next to Rosi, even though we paid for seats together. That's OK, though. I got a free aisle seat, and she met two new friends on the plane. (The people next to me slept the entire way. But then again, so did I, so that worked out, too.)
We landed on STT around 4:15 p.m. We took a quick cab ride downtown and had a quick (by island standards) drink at that little bar in Drakes Passage while we waited for the ferry. Our super-cute bartender made a lime and coconut for Rosi and a bushwacker for me. I invited him to the Beach Bar the next day (hey, he said he was going to be on St. John), and then we posed for a super-touristy picture that I would post here if I had uploaded my photos - soon come!
The ferry ride was quick (30 minutes from downtown to Cruz Bay), and we even got to watch the sunset from the boat (weren't we paying the Breath folks to do that tomorrow?). We met up with the other girls on the ferry dock and ran up to St. John Spice (where we'd just missed Ruth) to pick up coffee and Cruz Bay Grill Rub so I could make supper. We went to Starfish and got some deli salads and meat for the grill (and Coke Zero for the bottle of Black Strap left at the villa - that's my new addiction!).
The villa (Tesseract) is very close to town (Rock Ridge Road - the first left after the Westin Dumpster), and it's very quaint. The kitchen is small, but well-equipped and has a great view. It passed my test, and the making of dinner commenced.
(I have a whole bunch of stuff about the villa written at this part in my notes. Let's just say "villa review soon come" for now, and I will tell you that my friend Rosalie and I stayed in the room downstairs, which had two full-sized beds and a couch and a roomy en-suite bathroom. The view that I saw first thing in the morning was gorgeous. Actually, ALL the views at Tesseract were amazing.)
I fired up the grill and made chicken and brats for supper. I am now officially addicted to Cruz Bay Grill Rub. It's awesome. I may never use my Montreal Steak Seasoning ever again!
After supper we watched a little TV in the family room and then headed to bed. We had an early day Sunday, because it was Ivan Time!
Travel Log, Sunday, Nov. 9
Sunday was the most perfect day ever. We woke up bright and early and I made breakfast – pancakes, and then we were off to the ferry to Jost. It always seems to get you there around ten because of customs and such, but that’s OK because Jost doesn’t really get hopping until 10 a.m. anyhow!
When we were getting off the ferry, I spotted our favorite taxi driver, Oliver. I also spotted a pack of frat guys eyeing him up. We put an end to that. We did a little sweet talking, and the frat boys were promptly relocated to a new taxi. It pays to know people. The people behind us in line (a couple named Greg and Darci from Pennsylvania), got to come along on our cab because there was room and I took a liking to them. We ran into them several times throughout the week.
Oliver took us to One Love, so we could begin our drinking and sunning tour of White Bay. Raquel makes the pineapple juice and coconut rum (breakfast of champions) the way I like it – clear instead of yellow. (“Rum’s cheaper than juice,” she explained. Have I mentioned how much I love the islands yet?)
After a few drinks, much fun in the ocean (how I managed to not spill my drink, I’ll never know!) and some commentary on hairy men in speedos with pool noodles which cannot be repeated in mixed company, we headed on down to Soggy Dollar Bar for lunch and painkillers. The conch fritters were perfect, and I am in love with chicken roti. As soon as I order some West Indian curry from Ruth, it might be the only thing I ever eat again. I had regular painkillers and ‘nilla killers, and I still have to give the “best painkillers in the world” award to Soggy Dollar Bar. (Although Skinny Legs runs a very close second!)
I bought a t-shirt, which I believe you have all seen thanks to Margo, and we headed on down to Ivans. The trail to Ivan’s looked different than last year. I had no fear, I put all my electronic equipment (and passport) in a Ziploc bag, and I was determined to not fall in the ocean. And I managed to stay dry. I also managed to somehow snap the toe piece on my flip flop. I’m beginning to think that the trail to Ivan’s is cursed. And that I need better footwear. (I bought fake crocs at Chelsea Drug for $8 later in the week, and I kind of like them.)
After hanging out with Ivan and catching up, I took a turn at the bar, and we met a very interesting character. I can’t tell you what he told us his official title on Jost was, but let’s just say I’m suspecting he was trying to look at our girlie parts. Just saying. And I might mention that Ivan was completely and utterly mortified by what this guy said to our group of lovely ladies. But we didn’t fall for his lines, and Oliver arrived just in time to pick us up to go back to the ferry.
Needless to say after three coconut rum/pineapple juices and 5, maybe 6 painkillers, I was in very good spirits. Or at least I smelled like very good spirits. I met this cute boy on the ferry and tried to invite him to the Beach Bar, but he wanted to go back to St. Thomas where he could drink for free. (Hello, he could’ve drunk for free at the Beach Bar. I was already drunk, he was cute and I have a red-hot visa card. Oh well.) I did give him a glow bracelet, but we all know how that turned out. Did I mention he was cute? Or at least I think he was. I’m reminded of that KC song “Ten with a Two.”
After all the merriment at customs (I don’t know why, but the guy yelled at me.), we stopped somewhere in Wharfside where I scored some clearance flip flops and did a switcheroo, and then we were off to the Beach Bar. I had tuna bites and some nachos and got a hug from my favorite bartender DougMORE.
This is when my friends told me to eat and no lime and coconuts until I sobered up. This was pure torture. I am also pleased to report that they only gave me chopsticks, and I realized I am a chopstick master when I’m drunk and hungry. When I’m sober, it’s fork city, friends.
Anyhow, here I am drunk sitting on the beach with useless glow bracelets because I lost the connectors giving hot ferry guy a bracelet, and I decide to call Margo, because I don’t know how I’ll find the forum peeps. After I get off the phone with her, here comes WontonGirl, who had back-up bracelets! Yay. And it worked out, because that’s how MarkR found us. It was nice to meet so many forum friends. There was Ruth and Ron, WontonGirl and hubby, NascarFan and his wife, MarkR and his wife, (sorry if anyone told me their names and I don’t remember now), Les and Pia and Jayseadee. We ran into Greg and Darci on the ferry and I told them to come along. I think Greg is a lurker, and I told him to join in! It was nice to meet everyone, but I was sad that Augie, Connie and Jay and MrsJay didn’t make it.
After the Beach Bar, we stopped at Pine Peace so I could get the fixins to make a gallon of painkillers. Like I needed more, but whoever came up with the idea to make them by the gallon is pure genius. I also wanted to grill hotdogs, because I get great ideas when I’m drunk. So, I came home and somehow managed to grill a hot dog and pass out on the couch watching football.
Did I mention this was the best day ever?
Oh here are some quotes from today:
“Can you get conch in Nashville?” (Seriously, now. Nashville’s idea of “good seafood” is Captain D’s.)
At the Beach Bar:
Me: I need to tab out now.
Bartender: Why?
Me: My friends said it’s time to go home.
Bartender: Why?
Me: I don’t know.
Bartender: Tell them I said no.
(It didn’t work, by the way.)
Oh, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that all of my “civilian” travel companions really liked all the forum peeps (enough to come over here – I’m not sure!), but I did feel bad that I was off being a social butterfly and they just kind of hung out our new Pennsylvania friends. This is why everyone should be on the forum – no strangers here!
Sunday was the most perfect day ever. We woke up bright and early and I made breakfast – pancakes, and then we were off to the ferry to Jost. It always seems to get you there around ten because of customs and such, but that’s OK because Jost doesn’t really get hopping until 10 a.m. anyhow!
When we were getting off the ferry, I spotted our favorite taxi driver, Oliver. I also spotted a pack of frat guys eyeing him up. We put an end to that. We did a little sweet talking, and the frat boys were promptly relocated to a new taxi. It pays to know people. The people behind us in line (a couple named Greg and Darci from Pennsylvania), got to come along on our cab because there was room and I took a liking to them. We ran into them several times throughout the week.
Oliver took us to One Love, so we could begin our drinking and sunning tour of White Bay. Raquel makes the pineapple juice and coconut rum (breakfast of champions) the way I like it – clear instead of yellow. (“Rum’s cheaper than juice,” she explained. Have I mentioned how much I love the islands yet?)
After a few drinks, much fun in the ocean (how I managed to not spill my drink, I’ll never know!) and some commentary on hairy men in speedos with pool noodles which cannot be repeated in mixed company, we headed on down to Soggy Dollar Bar for lunch and painkillers. The conch fritters were perfect, and I am in love with chicken roti. As soon as I order some West Indian curry from Ruth, it might be the only thing I ever eat again. I had regular painkillers and ‘nilla killers, and I still have to give the “best painkillers in the world” award to Soggy Dollar Bar. (Although Skinny Legs runs a very close second!)
I bought a t-shirt, which I believe you have all seen thanks to Margo, and we headed on down to Ivans. The trail to Ivan’s looked different than last year. I had no fear, I put all my electronic equipment (and passport) in a Ziploc bag, and I was determined to not fall in the ocean. And I managed to stay dry. I also managed to somehow snap the toe piece on my flip flop. I’m beginning to think that the trail to Ivan’s is cursed. And that I need better footwear. (I bought fake crocs at Chelsea Drug for $8 later in the week, and I kind of like them.)
After hanging out with Ivan and catching up, I took a turn at the bar, and we met a very interesting character. I can’t tell you what he told us his official title on Jost was, but let’s just say I’m suspecting he was trying to look at our girlie parts. Just saying. And I might mention that Ivan was completely and utterly mortified by what this guy said to our group of lovely ladies. But we didn’t fall for his lines, and Oliver arrived just in time to pick us up to go back to the ferry.
Needless to say after three coconut rum/pineapple juices and 5, maybe 6 painkillers, I was in very good spirits. Or at least I smelled like very good spirits. I met this cute boy on the ferry and tried to invite him to the Beach Bar, but he wanted to go back to St. Thomas where he could drink for free. (Hello, he could’ve drunk for free at the Beach Bar. I was already drunk, he was cute and I have a red-hot visa card. Oh well.) I did give him a glow bracelet, but we all know how that turned out. Did I mention he was cute? Or at least I think he was. I’m reminded of that KC song “Ten with a Two.”
After all the merriment at customs (I don’t know why, but the guy yelled at me.), we stopped somewhere in Wharfside where I scored some clearance flip flops and did a switcheroo, and then we were off to the Beach Bar. I had tuna bites and some nachos and got a hug from my favorite bartender DougMORE.
This is when my friends told me to eat and no lime and coconuts until I sobered up. This was pure torture. I am also pleased to report that they only gave me chopsticks, and I realized I am a chopstick master when I’m drunk and hungry. When I’m sober, it’s fork city, friends.
Anyhow, here I am drunk sitting on the beach with useless glow bracelets because I lost the connectors giving hot ferry guy a bracelet, and I decide to call Margo, because I don’t know how I’ll find the forum peeps. After I get off the phone with her, here comes WontonGirl, who had back-up bracelets! Yay. And it worked out, because that’s how MarkR found us. It was nice to meet so many forum friends. There was Ruth and Ron, WontonGirl and hubby, NascarFan and his wife, MarkR and his wife, (sorry if anyone told me their names and I don’t remember now), Les and Pia and Jayseadee. We ran into Greg and Darci on the ferry and I told them to come along. I think Greg is a lurker, and I told him to join in! It was nice to meet everyone, but I was sad that Augie, Connie and Jay and MrsJay didn’t make it.
After the Beach Bar, we stopped at Pine Peace so I could get the fixins to make a gallon of painkillers. Like I needed more, but whoever came up with the idea to make them by the gallon is pure genius. I also wanted to grill hotdogs, because I get great ideas when I’m drunk. So, I came home and somehow managed to grill a hot dog and pass out on the couch watching football.
Did I mention this was the best day ever?
Oh here are some quotes from today:
“Can you get conch in Nashville?” (Seriously, now. Nashville’s idea of “good seafood” is Captain D’s.)
At the Beach Bar:
Me: I need to tab out now.
Bartender: Why?
Me: My friends said it’s time to go home.
Bartender: Why?
Me: I don’t know.
Bartender: Tell them I said no.
(It didn’t work, by the way.)
Oh, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that all of my “civilian” travel companions really liked all the forum peeps (enough to come over here – I’m not sure!), but I did feel bad that I was off being a social butterfly and they just kind of hung out our new Pennsylvania friends. This is why everyone should be on the forum – no strangers here!
-
California Girl
Great report, girlfriend! You certainly do have an iron constitution! I'm good for about 2 or 3 painkillers or lime n' coconuts and then I'm goners!
It was so hard to hear you when you phoned from the Beach Bar because of the band warming up, but it was really good to talk to you.
Bring on the next 2000 words!
It was so hard to hear you when you phoned from the Beach Bar because of the band warming up, but it was really good to talk to you.
Bring on the next 2000 words!
-
Jo Ann - VA
- Posts: 756
- Joined: Sat Nov 11, 2006 11:56 am
- Location: Virginia
-
mrscaptainjay
- Posts: 439
- Joined: Tue Nov 13, 2007 9:27 am
- Location: Saint Thomas, USVI
Great report Lulu. Sorry we didn't get a chance to come over and meet you. Jay had to work that weekend and we had a LARGE weekend the previous weekend so we chilled after he got off work on that Sunday. Sounds like you had an awesome time!
Deb
Deb
<a href="http://www.TickerFactory.com/">
<img border="0" src="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/ ... t.png"></a>
<img border="0" src="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/ ... t.png"></a>
-
nascarfan59
- Posts: 509
- Joined: Fri Oct 27, 2006 9:24 pm
- Location: Central IL
-
designbyroe
- Posts: 1348
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 1:27 pm
- Location: Chilaxin on White Bay at least in my mind
