Booked!!! 2 weeks on Jost & STJ soon come!

[Gromit]

Ok, for me the trip isn't completely real until the airfare is actually purchased.

DONE!! IAD thru SJU on the way down and thru MIA on the way back.

Just snagged my airfare and used Amex points to do it. Booked one night at Marriott Frenchmans Reef on STT for our first night (since the ferry to Jost won't leave until the next day.)

This time we'll be down for two weeks and may decide not to return.

Now the countdown REALLY begins!!

[loria]

great for you!--I really hope to catch up with you sometime on the island--i need to buy you a drink (or ten!)

[DnD]

I am really jealous, that is our dream vacation!

Where are you staying on Jost?

[mbw1024]

which STJ place did you decide on?

[Lovermont]

Woohoo! Good going. It's really real now.

Lovermont

[bevm]

Two weeks is the best! It's really hard to get back in to a routine though....Speaking of which..I really need to get my ass to the grocery store!
Happy for you Kala!!

[Pianogrl]

SWEET!!!

[Gromit]

We're staying at Ivans for a week in one of the cabins. We've done it before. Its spartan, but if you know what to bring you can be pretty darn comfortable and you're just steps from the beach.

I was working on my packing list last night, yeah I am anal like that.

We've done two weeks before on STJ many years ago. Usually 10 days is about right for us. But I'll be gearing up for a major life changing career move in 2011 (which will involve a lot of time with a lot of people) so I am looking forward to being where people are not for a little while. Hence the two weeks. Actually our trip is slightly longer-- Dec 2-17.

Once we're on STJ we'll be at Sailview and hanging with Lovermont and her hubby for a while! We'll be celebrating some birthdays!!!

All in all this will actually be one of our least expensive trips to the islands yet: used points for airfare and first night on STT (that saved us nearly $1K right there); cabins at Ivans - $55 per night; Sailview on STJ; plus car rental costs on both islands. Then there's food and beverages. We don't plan on any fancy stuff -- in fact I pefer to go more casual on STJ anyway.

I'm looking forward to just CHILLING out for as long as I can!!

[designbyroe]

A whole week at Ivans........cool!!!
Depending on exams I may be down in Dec too.
Would love to meet ya

[JeffH]

Sounds like my dream trip...hope to do the same someday

[rpplano]

Try to do a detailed report on Ivan's Cabins. We've discussed trying that but haven't done the research.

Your reports are really good and that might help me. Enjoy the time.

[Gromit]

Will do. I did mention them during my June TR and had pics. I'll see if I can find it...

The cabins are actually pretty decent. Fun colors, poetry on the walls, mini fridge, built in shelves, fan, outlets.

The one we like is relatively close to the bathrooms (so minimal stumbling around at night) and has a sweet little porch just steps from the beach and a king size platform bed.

We're definitely planning on bringing a few things to jazz up the place: nicer sheets, candles, a strand or two of twinkle lights (don't laugh!)

Plus there's a community kitchen.

I'd recommend doing one night there on your next trip down just to check it out. THat way you will know if you can handle it.

I don't think I'd do a week there in summer (way too hot w/out AC) but in December it should be pretty great.

Really nice community of folks. I am really looking forward to it actually!

[ScubaGirl]

Congrats on booking your trip!!! We're still are not 100% sure about the Abacos trip, so we might end up down there for a spell then. I'll call you when we are back from Vegas.

[Gromit]

(((HUGS)))

[Wolfhound]

Gromit--It sounds like an ideal trip. I understand completely about the need from people. Any kind of public speaking, e.g., more than 12 people exhausts me for days. Will your new job be in the No Va area?