Long Time Lurker; First Time Poster

Teresa_Rae · Post by **Teresa_Rae** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 5:46 pm

But, since our villa (i think it's funny you guys call them villas whereas most other places they are "condo's"

There are some condos on St. John, and they're called condos (we stayed in one once), but the word "villa" is used instead of "house." I don't know of any condos that are referred to as "villas" on STJ...it'd be dishonest to call a condo a "villa"...I hope you haven't seen anyone doing that because it is misleading

You mentioned dry ice...you can check dry ice but you can't carry it on. You just have to declare how many lbs of dry ice you have (some airlines will weigh it)...there is a limit, usually around 4#, but each airline varies slightly.

Welcome to the forum

cocosmom · Post by **cocosmom** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 5:53 pm

On my last trip I had the same question about my camera. I was afraid to leave it in the jeep becuz I read about that not being a great idea. I ended up getting a waterproof bag ( one with velcro fold) and I loved it! Kept the camera in it on the beach to avoid sand etc. Put it in the bag when we went in the water. It was not one of those that you use to take pics, just to store. I bought a set of 3 bags on ebay & used all of them. The smaller ones kept cell phone & wallet dry. Each bag has a strap that you can put on your wrist. Hubby actually slipped & went all the way under with the camera in the bag ( otherwise it floats on top of the water) and it was dry as can be. Swam to soggy dollar with the camera, no problem. You will be surprised how many times those bags come in handy.

California Girl · Post by **California Girl** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 5:56 pm

VayCay - One thing I forgot to say about the ferry. I've never been to Red Hook because I prefer a longer ferry ride over a wild car ride and a shorter ferry ride. Someday I'll take the Red Hook just for the experience, but I feel like my vacation has truly started when I step on the ferry in Charlotte Amalie and sail past the coastline of St. Thomas.

laxcat wrote:I think we are on the same red-eye flight out of LAX in July - how was it?

Well, since I find it nearly impossible to sleep on a plane, even with drugs, I'd say it was, uh, greuling. But it's worth it and I'd do it again, and here's why: 1. You don't have to get up before dawn to get to the airport. 2. You can use the first part of your travel day to tie up the loose ends before you go to the airport. 3. I hate to waste an entire day flying. I'd rather go through not sleeping on the plane and be able to land on STT in the morning and have a full day of island time ahead of me to get to STJ and hit the grocery and find the villa, etc.

Robin in NC · Post by **Robin in NC** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 5:57 pm

Hi Blake, welcome to posterhood. Posterdom. Posterity.

Anyway, as you can see, I'm a word person, so your villa/condo comment intrigued me. I've seen condos at other locations called villas, but they're significantly different, as these definitions show:

villa - detached or semidetached suburban house

condominium - housing consisting of a complex of dwelling units (as an apartment house) in which each unit is individually owned

Anyway, villas are a lot more interesting than frozen food. Hope you have a great trip!

Robin

VayCay · Post by **VayCay** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:02 pm

California Girl wrote:VayCay - One thing I forgot to say about the ferry. I've never been to Red Hook because I prefer a longer ferry ride over a wild car ride and a shorter ferry ride. Someday I'll take the Red Hook just for the experience, but I feel like my vacation has truly started when I step on the ferry in Charlotte Amalie and sail past the coastline of St. Thomas.

laxcat wrote:I think we are on the same red-eye flight out of LAX in July - how was it?
Well, since I find it nearly impossible to sleep on a plane, even with drugs, I'd say it was, uh, greuling. But it's worth it and I'd do it again, and here's why: 1. You don't have to get up before dawn to get to the airport. 2. You can use the first part of your travel day to tie up the loose ends before you go to the airport. 3. I hate to waste an entire day flying. I'd rather go through not sleeping on the plane and be able to land on STT in the morning and have a full day of island time ahead of me to get to STJ and hit the grocery and find the villa, etc.

Hey CalGirl,

Thanks for the tips, we thought the same thing about losing a day to traveling vs. losing a little sleep on the plane and went w/the latter. Thanks CalGirl for giving us the convincing we needed to go with the ferry out of CA. Seems to me like there would be less potential for problems along the way from the airport to the CA ferry terminal. Plus I think being on the ferry would be a lot more relaxing than a car ride to redhook...(correct me if i'm wrong) I would also like to thank the forum for convincing us that we can pack in carry-on's and avoid the hassle of baggage claiming. Also it will be easier to tote around the airport and once we get on the fairy's, and on to STJ. You guys have been a tremendous help and I'm glad i finally gout out from behind the lurking shadows!!!

Thanks,
Blake

P.S. I can't wait to be a part of the STJ visitors "club" .

cptnkirk · Post by **cptnkirk** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 6:43 am

Vaycay welcome to the board your going to love St John

With all the experts here with a little homework ya can hit the island like a veteran. Have a blast and don't worry every little thing gonna be allright

liamsaunt · Post by **liamsaunt** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 10:07 am

VayCay wrote:
rpplano wrote:I'm hoping the Villa has a safe "just in case" but i'm sure if it doesn't i will find an acceptable hiding spot. Although i imagine the villa to be fairly secure, i have not read any instances on here of people having there belongings stolen from a villa?!

Villas are robbed occasionally, usually when the renters are at the beach and they left the house unlocked. Call your rental company to see if there is a safe, and always keep your gear in it.

nascarfan59 · Post by **nascarfan59** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 4:57 pm

Welcome VayCay!!!
We always use TSA approved locks on our bags. Takes the worry out of somebody rummaging thru it.

VayCay · Post by **VayCay** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 1:02 pm

Thanks for all the Welcoming messages to this forum. I know that St. John must be an incredible place, considering all the wonderful people that visit there and share their knowledge on this forum.

I mentioned it before but, has anyone on this forum stayed in Blue Caribe over on the Coral Bay side of STJ??? We already love it from the pictures but i'm wondering if anyone has any personal views on the Villa. (and in regards to the last post...is there a safe???

)

Thanks again Guys & Gals,

VayCay[/color]

jenrale · Post by **jenrale** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 1:25 pm

Just a quick comment on taking the CA ferry vs. the taxi ride and the Red Hook ferry. It really depends on how much you like to be out on a boat. I don't think the total time is much different either way. We alternate depending on which ferry is leaving first. You're gonna have a blast - but be warned: St John is habit forming. Your family and friends are going to get sick of you talking about it, and they're going to think you're crazy when you keep going back year after year...... but don't worry, you will be among friends!! Jenrale

VayCay · Post by **VayCay** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 1:37 pm

jenrale wrote:Just a quick comment on taking the CA ferry vs. the taxi ride and the Red Hook ferry. It really depends on how much you like to be out on a boat. I don't think the total time is much different either way. We alternate depending on which ferry is leaving first. You're gonna have a blast - but be warned: St John is habit forming. Your family and friends are going to get sick of you talking about it, and they're going to think you're crazy when you keep going back year after year...... but don't worry, you will be among friends!! Jenrale

Hahaha....

It's funny that you mention that, because my girlfriends parents are the same way about Hawaii....they are going on their 3rd trip in like a year or so next month and I think they are approaching 30 trips. But, they can't wait to hear about our trip to STJ because they are gonna plan a trip depending on our review! So you will probably have another new member ranting and raving here in a couple months

We love tropical destinations, and honestly never gave any thoughts to the VI because we were happy going to Hawaii (living on the West Coast and having cheap Airfare), but I very much look forward to experiencing something new and wonderful (mostly thanks to AA cheap fares this season!!!) CANT WAIT!!!!!!

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Roberto · Post by **Roberto** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 2:07 pm

I believe Blue Caribe just came on the rental market in the later part of 2007. So far, I have not seen a review by anyone that has stayed there. The access is good, the road by Crabby's and a gravel driveway. Interior looks great.

Since we stayed in the same area, prep yourself by playing some rooster recordings at 5:00 am.

Teresa_Rae · Post by **Teresa_Rae** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 4:51 pm

I mentioned it before but, has anyone on this forum stayed in Blue Caribe over on the Coral Bay side of STJ???

Just a tip, you'll have better luck getting the answer you're looking for if you are more specific in your post's subject title. I'd include "Blue Caribe" and you're much more likely to get an answer, as many people don't read every topic and only respond when something in the title piques their interest. There might be 10 forumites who have stayed at Blue Caribe, but since your title doesn't mention the villa, it is much less likely that the right people see your post. Does that make sense?

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