usvi-on-line
Live from Villa Tesori on STJ - Long
Greetings all! Glad to share the island vibe with you 
pswlrw - the villa above us looks wonderful as well. There was a wedding there on Saturday afternoon/evening. It was great to be in our pool and hear the lovely strings trio playing!
Continuation of Day 4, Tuesday...
After breakfast we headed out around 10 a.m. to find Francis Bay. My DM had both her knees replaced and has some mobility issues but it doesn't stop her. DF has some new back issues so I figured Francis Bay might be a good beach since it is so well protected.
We headed out to South Shore through Cruz Bay and onto North Shore Road. We passed Hawksnest around 10:30 and there were parking spaces available ... but many taxis with cruise ship people
We continued our drive and marveled at how much the island had changed, especially around Peter Bay. The signage out to Francis Bay was well marked and we found a parking space close to the beach at Francis.
We wanted to set up camp in the shade but there were tons of these little red bugs in the sand (they looked liked mini lobsters) which completely freaked out DD (our 14.5 year old drama queen). We settled in along the water ... and headed into the calm turquoise waters.
There were many families at this beach ... actually it should be called Baby Beach like in Aruba since it is the perfect spot for families to play in the water and sand.
DD was in full Academy Award winning mode as she forgot the snorkel equipment. Somehow this was my fault for not reminding her ... but hey what are moms for, lol?
We spent about 90 minutes at Francis Bay since DD refused to get in the water. The rest of us bobbed around, enjoyed the soothing water and incredible view.
We headed out to Cruz Bay view Centerline Road. DH loves exploring and was in his glory as driver and commander of our Explorer.
We stopped at Bordeaux Mountain where DM and DD were reprimanded for breaking the law ... they did not have a towel or cover-up over the bathing suits. This was the first surly person we have met on St. John. The situation could have been handled a bit more diplomatically but nothing could ruin our day.
DH and I are on a mission to find the perfect piece of island art for our kitchen. We are in the final steps of remodeling our kitchen (the granite counters went in the Wednesday before we left) and need a piece of art for above the bar/butler's pantry. We stopped in Colorful Creations at Bordeaux Mountain and found a piece that just might be "it." The store had incredible local art.
After a rum raisin ice cream for DM and a chocolate ice cream for DD we headed back along Centerline Road. We all commented on we had discovered the industrialized area of St. John ... the concrete factory, lumber yard, etc.
We were running low on some provisions (limes, eggs, orange juice and whiskey) so we stopped at Dolphin Market once we arrived in Cruz Bay. Dolphin Market is much smaller than Starfish but had a nice selection of items although we agreed Starfish had a better selection of meats, chicken and prepared foods.
Freshly provisioned we headed back to the villa around 1 p.m. for a late light lunch ... hot dogs for adults, mac and cheese for DD.
We spent the rest of the afternoon poolside ... enjoying Gin and Diet Tonics, reading, playing in the pool and napping for some.
We started the shower process around 4 p.m. as DH wanted to leave for Zozo's around 5:15 for our 6 p.m. reservation.
We headed into Cruz Bay and enjoyed the sight of the sun playing on the water on and mountains. We arrived around 5:40 and found no problem with parking. We left our name with the parking attendant and keys in the car as requested.
We headed upstairs and were warmly greeted by John, the owner of Zozo. We were early for our reservation and he asked us if we wanted to be seated or if we wanted to go upstairs to the bar. We opted to have a pre-dinner drink at the table.
We were shown to a wonderful table for five ... in the corner along the rail. We watched the sun and clouds play tag while we enjoyed our beverages. What a wonderful way to unwind.
Carlos, our server, did a great job of explaining the menu and pacing our meal. He joked along with us as well as answered our questions ... for instance the name of the restaurant before it was Zozo's. (It was Ellington's which meant I won the bet among the adults who though it was Pusser's).
We started with the calamari and pesto aiolo and the brushetta du jour ... an incredible mix of filet, peppers, carmalized onions and a special sauce. WOW!
For entrees we had four orders of osso bucco and the Caribbean lobster tail. The osso bucco was OUTSTANDING!! The risotto (sp?) was incredible as well. DD loved her lobster.
As the sky turned that incredible pink and blue that you can only find in the Caribbean the adults finished with decaf coffee and DD had the chocolate torte with vanilla ice cream. Oh how I wish I had her metabolism! We also watched the lights of St. Thomas twinkle on.
After a ride back to villa in the dark (which could be a new Disney rollercoast ride, especially in the dark ... Roads of the Caribbean) we settled into the outside gallery to watch the lights of St. Croix and the stars while sipping on some Grand Marinier... life does not get much better than this
Another delightful end to a wonderful day.
Wednesday, Day 5
DH is preparing breakfast while I catch up here on the boards. Although they are calling foro a 65 percent chance of rain it is sunny with some clouds and a comfortable start to the day.
More to come ...
pswlrw - the villa above us looks wonderful as well. There was a wedding there on Saturday afternoon/evening. It was great to be in our pool and hear the lovely strings trio playing!
Continuation of Day 4, Tuesday...
After breakfast we headed out around 10 a.m. to find Francis Bay. My DM had both her knees replaced and has some mobility issues but it doesn't stop her. DF has some new back issues so I figured Francis Bay might be a good beach since it is so well protected.
We headed out to South Shore through Cruz Bay and onto North Shore Road. We passed Hawksnest around 10:30 and there were parking spaces available ... but many taxis with cruise ship people
We continued our drive and marveled at how much the island had changed, especially around Peter Bay. The signage out to Francis Bay was well marked and we found a parking space close to the beach at Francis.
We wanted to set up camp in the shade but there were tons of these little red bugs in the sand (they looked liked mini lobsters) which completely freaked out DD (our 14.5 year old drama queen). We settled in along the water ... and headed into the calm turquoise waters.
There were many families at this beach ... actually it should be called Baby Beach like in Aruba since it is the perfect spot for families to play in the water and sand.
DD was in full Academy Award winning mode as she forgot the snorkel equipment. Somehow this was my fault for not reminding her ... but hey what are moms for, lol?
We spent about 90 minutes at Francis Bay since DD refused to get in the water. The rest of us bobbed around, enjoyed the soothing water and incredible view.
We headed out to Cruz Bay view Centerline Road. DH loves exploring and was in his glory as driver and commander of our Explorer.
We stopped at Bordeaux Mountain where DM and DD were reprimanded for breaking the law ... they did not have a towel or cover-up over the bathing suits. This was the first surly person we have met on St. John. The situation could have been handled a bit more diplomatically but nothing could ruin our day.
DH and I are on a mission to find the perfect piece of island art for our kitchen. We are in the final steps of remodeling our kitchen (the granite counters went in the Wednesday before we left) and need a piece of art for above the bar/butler's pantry. We stopped in Colorful Creations at Bordeaux Mountain and found a piece that just might be "it." The store had incredible local art.
After a rum raisin ice cream for DM and a chocolate ice cream for DD we headed back along Centerline Road. We all commented on we had discovered the industrialized area of St. John ... the concrete factory, lumber yard, etc.
We were running low on some provisions (limes, eggs, orange juice and whiskey) so we stopped at Dolphin Market once we arrived in Cruz Bay. Dolphin Market is much smaller than Starfish but had a nice selection of items although we agreed Starfish had a better selection of meats, chicken and prepared foods.
Freshly provisioned we headed back to the villa around 1 p.m. for a late light lunch ... hot dogs for adults, mac and cheese for DD.
We spent the rest of the afternoon poolside ... enjoying Gin and Diet Tonics, reading, playing in the pool and napping for some.
We started the shower process around 4 p.m. as DH wanted to leave for Zozo's around 5:15 for our 6 p.m. reservation.
We headed into Cruz Bay and enjoyed the sight of the sun playing on the water on and mountains. We arrived around 5:40 and found no problem with parking. We left our name with the parking attendant and keys in the car as requested.
We headed upstairs and were warmly greeted by John, the owner of Zozo. We were early for our reservation and he asked us if we wanted to be seated or if we wanted to go upstairs to the bar. We opted to have a pre-dinner drink at the table.
We were shown to a wonderful table for five ... in the corner along the rail. We watched the sun and clouds play tag while we enjoyed our beverages. What a wonderful way to unwind.
Carlos, our server, did a great job of explaining the menu and pacing our meal. He joked along with us as well as answered our questions ... for instance the name of the restaurant before it was Zozo's. (It was Ellington's which meant I won the bet among the adults who though it was Pusser's).
We started with the calamari and pesto aiolo and the brushetta du jour ... an incredible mix of filet, peppers, carmalized onions and a special sauce. WOW!
For entrees we had four orders of osso bucco and the Caribbean lobster tail. The osso bucco was OUTSTANDING!! The risotto (sp?) was incredible as well. DD loved her lobster.
As the sky turned that incredible pink and blue that you can only find in the Caribbean the adults finished with decaf coffee and DD had the chocolate torte with vanilla ice cream. Oh how I wish I had her metabolism! We also watched the lights of St. Thomas twinkle on.
After a ride back to villa in the dark (which could be a new Disney rollercoast ride, especially in the dark ... Roads of the Caribbean) we settled into the outside gallery to watch the lights of St. Croix and the stars while sipping on some Grand Marinier... life does not get much better than this
Another delightful end to a wonderful day.
Wednesday, Day 5
DH is preparing breakfast while I catch up here on the boards. Although they are calling foro a 65 percent chance of rain it is sunny with some clouds and a comfortable start to the day.
More to come ...
Greetings again ...
I checked my PMs and didn't have one from you njhdrider.
And the saga continues ...
Wednesday, Day 5
The weather forecast called for a 65 percent of rain and thunderstorms. Of course we all know that weather forecasts are the only folks who can be wrong the majority of the time and still keep their jobs
DD has been bugging to shop so we decided after breakfast to head into Cruz Bay. DF decided to stay at the villa and check our Sportscenter. The rest of us headed in town. It was incredibly hot and humid ... I lasted about 10 jewelry stores and 3 t-shirt stores before I asked DH to take me back for some villa limin'. There was no way DD and DM were going to stop their shopping spree so off DH and I went.
I spent the afternoon poolside with a nice breeze and a good book. The sun was strong but by mid afternoon the clouds started to roll in but it was still quite comfortable.
The intreprid shoppers returned around 2 p.m. Their adventures included lunch at Baked in the Sun as well as the daily Starfish stop. DH said the turkey club on a croissant was very good and DD loved the corn chowder.
DH's new favorite past time is watching the big trucks (water tankers, dump trucks, cement trucks) negotiate the hills and roads. We laugh that he is like a little kid ... soon as he hears the diesel engines straining he is at railing looking over the hillsides
Dinner was an easy on the cook night as DH picked up a roasted chicken and some ribs. We sauted some zucchini and threw togehter potato au gratin.
Before dinner we gathered around the dining room table for a sports trivia game (which DH won much to DF's chagrin).
After dinner it was a game of cards and then star gazing.
We had a little rain after dinner and the humidity remained high. We still gathered out on the gallery/porch to watch the lights of St. Croix and a Carnival cruise ship drifting off in the distance.
Again, another relaxing day in paradise.
I checked my PMs and didn't have one from you njhdrider.
And the saga continues ...
Wednesday, Day 5
The weather forecast called for a 65 percent of rain and thunderstorms. Of course we all know that weather forecasts are the only folks who can be wrong the majority of the time and still keep their jobs
DD has been bugging to shop so we decided after breakfast to head into Cruz Bay. DF decided to stay at the villa and check our Sportscenter. The rest of us headed in town. It was incredibly hot and humid ... I lasted about 10 jewelry stores and 3 t-shirt stores before I asked DH to take me back for some villa limin'. There was no way DD and DM were going to stop their shopping spree so off DH and I went.
I spent the afternoon poolside with a nice breeze and a good book. The sun was strong but by mid afternoon the clouds started to roll in but it was still quite comfortable.
The intreprid shoppers returned around 2 p.m. Their adventures included lunch at Baked in the Sun as well as the daily Starfish stop. DH said the turkey club on a croissant was very good and DD loved the corn chowder.
DH's new favorite past time is watching the big trucks (water tankers, dump trucks, cement trucks) negotiate the hills and roads. We laugh that he is like a little kid ... soon as he hears the diesel engines straining he is at railing looking over the hillsides
Dinner was an easy on the cook night as DH picked up a roasted chicken and some ribs. We sauted some zucchini and threw togehter potato au gratin.
Before dinner we gathered around the dining room table for a sports trivia game (which DH won much to DF's chagrin).
After dinner it was a game of cards and then star gazing.
We had a little rain after dinner and the humidity remained high. We still gathered out on the gallery/porch to watch the lights of St. Croix and a Carnival cruise ship drifting off in the distance.
Again, another relaxing day in paradise.
Yo PA Girl ... PA is home for us to although we now live in NC! The trip reports kept me sane while counting down to our trip.
KSea ... the shoppers brought home some T-shirts, a pair of skull and crossbone earrings and some photos of art work that we will consider for our remodeled kitchen. DH and I love to sail so he has his mind set on some sort of wire or copper sculpture with sailboats, lol.
pswlrw ... The osso bucco is fantastic ... I make a braised veal shank with garlic that is good but the osso bucco was even better. The portions were large as well.
Thursday, Day 6
I am catching up on laundry ... enjoying the pool and quiet while the rest of the gang headed out at 8 a.m. for snorkeling at Trunk Bay. Actually DF and DM won't snorkel but they will enjoy Trunk.
DD, who swore before the trip that she would not get in the ocean, sea or bay because of the animals in the water is now in love with snorkeling. DH and I only brought two sets of masks and snorkels so I told them to head on out this morning and that I would enjoy some "Mom" time ... which means reading without interruption in the Caribbean sun while listening to the "Old Blue Chair" CD by, dare I say his name, Kenny Chesney. Actually that CD is the one that I play over and over while driving and chauffering DD to school and activities, lol. I may even switch from ice water to a mimosa, lol.
Weather today is hot and humid. There are a few clouds but otherwise nice. Thank goodness we get wonderful breezes up here in Villa Tesori!
DM's birthday is Sunday so I ordered a cake this morning from Baked in the Sun for after dinner tomorrow night. I think she will be pleasantly surprised as it will be a yellow cake with chocloate mousse and chocolate ganache filling, buttercream icing and white chocolate sea shells ... I won't tell DH how much it will cost, lol.
Not sure what we are doing for dinner this evening ... either pizza from Ronnie's or Lime Inn ... or who knows if DH can actually pass Starfish without stopping in to find something to cook here at the villa.
I actually don't mind cooking in as it gives us time to have a few sundowners and just enjoy the incredible views and villa. He does help with the cooking as well so I can't complain!
Well my float in the pool is calling me!
More to come ...
KSea ... the shoppers brought home some T-shirts, a pair of skull and crossbone earrings and some photos of art work that we will consider for our remodeled kitchen. DH and I love to sail so he has his mind set on some sort of wire or copper sculpture with sailboats, lol.
pswlrw ... The osso bucco is fantastic ... I make a braised veal shank with garlic that is good but the osso bucco was even better. The portions were large as well.
Thursday, Day 6
I am catching up on laundry ... enjoying the pool and quiet while the rest of the gang headed out at 8 a.m. for snorkeling at Trunk Bay. Actually DF and DM won't snorkel but they will enjoy Trunk.
DD, who swore before the trip that she would not get in the ocean, sea or bay because of the animals in the water is now in love with snorkeling. DH and I only brought two sets of masks and snorkels so I told them to head on out this morning and that I would enjoy some "Mom" time ... which means reading without interruption in the Caribbean sun while listening to the "Old Blue Chair" CD by, dare I say his name, Kenny Chesney. Actually that CD is the one that I play over and over while driving and chauffering DD to school and activities, lol. I may even switch from ice water to a mimosa, lol.
Weather today is hot and humid. There are a few clouds but otherwise nice. Thank goodness we get wonderful breezes up here in Villa Tesori!
DM's birthday is Sunday so I ordered a cake this morning from Baked in the Sun for after dinner tomorrow night. I think she will be pleasantly surprised as it will be a yellow cake with chocloate mousse and chocolate ganache filling, buttercream icing and white chocolate sea shells ... I won't tell DH how much it will cost, lol.
Not sure what we are doing for dinner this evening ... either pizza from Ronnie's or Lime Inn ... or who knows if DH can actually pass Starfish without stopping in to find something to cook here at the villa.
I actually don't mind cooking in as it gives us time to have a few sundowners and just enjoy the incredible views and villa. He does help with the cooking as well so I can't complain!
Well my float in the pool is calling me!
More to come ...