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Day 6 First Timer, Solo Female in the VI

Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 6:43 am
by sundownlow
Yes, I’m only here for a week since this was basically a quickie trip planned for me. I had no idea that I would love it so much. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the VI and even the BVI. It’s a beautiful place and it went way too fast. I honestly did not have enough time here and I now understand the people that come here on a regular basis.

As for my last day here….my new friends invited me to go downtown and see the shops, explore a little more of St Thomas, etc. Normally I would be right there leading the way but… I declined. I just wanted one day to really be on “island time” and enjoy the all-day sunshine we got today. My plan was to take as many photos as possible. I walked up and down the cove and got some great shots (long exposures) of the turquoise and blue water. It was everything I dreamed it would be. I also hung out in a hammock and enjoyed the view. I basically did what a lot of people come here to do – Relax. Granted, I did not see everything there was to see nor did I do half of the things on my list but I am relaxed. I took over 2000 photos. I’m happy and content. Tomorrow I’m flying home and I will honestly say I will miss this place called Paradise.

Oh and those one way ferry tickets from Tortola back to St Thomas that we did not use were given to the housekeeper who was the nicest person I met here. Every day I saw here I told her she did not have to clean my condo because I’m pretty low maintenance and I kept telling her that I didn’t need anything. The first time she came by was during the crazy storm on Tuesday. I told her she should go home and be safe from the floods in the streets. She was sincere in her appreciation for that. I know this is her job but she worked her butt off in the other condo’s that were flooded and in all honesty, I can make my own bed, don’t mind using the same towels, and had everything I needed. She said a prayer for me and said that she hopes I come back and enjoyed my time here. It was a great send-off for me and I wish her the best of luck. I’m also going to leave her a nice tip because I know she deserves it and probably does not get it often enough.

I wish I could find the “local” (she’s originally from Ireland but moved here 35 years ago and is a teacher at a school on St Thomas) that gave me a ride from the Marina Market on that stormy day. I would love to send her a nice bottle of Cab from Napa. She has no idea how much I appreciated her giving me a ride when I thought that I would never get a taxi to take me back. The people here are really wonderful!

Thanks to all the posters/bloggers – your advice has helped me plan a perfect holiday (albeit short)! I promise to post photos soon….. I also hope that my incredibly long trip report helps someone with their plans to come out. As the little sign outside my condo states: In Paradise, Life is good…..

Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 7:01 am
by cptnkirk
Glad ya were treated so nicely on island and enjoyed the trip. Get to posting those pictures soon :D

Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 7:12 am
by Diana2
What a wonderful trip report! Yup, you 'get it' alright. The VI is really a special place but it's not for everone and I for one am glad of that. Let me tell you the second trip is even sweeter so start planning and take someone you love along to share it with. Thanks for the great and honest reporting and I'm looking forward to your pictures.

Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 12:09 pm
by Xislandgirl
What a great trip report! Sounds like you had a great time!! Thank so much for sharing.
Can't wait to see pics

Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 12:11 pm
by SOonthebeach
Great TRs sundownlow! Can't wait to see your pictures. I also love taking pictures everywhere we go in the VIs- some of my favorite moments are when the light is 'just right" and I can fire off some great shots. Can't wait to see yours!

Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 12:22 pm
by Berlingirl
Excellent report Sundownlow...we love Secret Harbour also, but enjoy the oceanviews as much as a the ocean fronts. Don't mind the walk down the hill and the view is completely seaview...no trees blocking it! Will agree that the staff there is great. They all really seem to care period. Especially the guy that is working the beach now...can't remember his name right off, but he was super back in April. The ladies who clean there are awesome too. They've been there forever. Like you too, someday we'll be back...LOL, if you saw the island information station, I'm in the Secret Harbour ad...the one in the Blue hat and dark shades...it's been running about five years now I think...didn't get paid for it but it's fun to hear people say they see me on occasion.

Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 1:15 pm
by sapphirecat
Hey, sundownlow, I was reading you on "the other forum". I am glad you gave the tix to the housekeeper. Perfect ending. It's good that the tickets aren't date and time stamped, so that someone else can use them.

Cat 8)

Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 11:40 am
by Gromit
While we like to travel with a group to the VI's, we also enjoy travelling solo. It's amazing how many people you meet when you don't have your own entourage along.

Some of my favorite moments was just hanging out with locals and seeing where the fair winds and following seas will take you!

Glad you had a blast and glad that the forum helped you plan a memorable vacay!

Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 1:54 am
by mahojim
I'm so thrilled for you- what a vacation, one for the ages! No doubt you'll be back. Next time perhaps with friends, so's you can show them around.
Bring on the pix, and thanks for the report.
Smiles-
MJ