Trip Report - Arrival Day has finally come!

Hawaii · Post by **Hawaii** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 6:07 pm

For those of you who do not know this was our first trip to STJ for our family. On July 6th we headed to Newark Airport where we stayed the night at the Marriott using my points. We had a very early flight and convenience was all I was thinking about as well as the fact I hate to fly. Xanax and champagne do wonders to get you on a plane and I can still function with the kids.

We had an ok dinner at the Marriott and went to bed pretty early as we had to be at the airport around 6 am. All of us slept terrible so we really were all very tired. Our 10 year old daughter was the only one who seemed to have energy. I gave her my cell phone to be entertained and she called her aunt who loves to talk.

Hawaii · Post by **Hawaii** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 6:44 pm

Ok - Continued pushed the button too soon. Anyway, our flight was thankfully on time so we were able to board. We flew Continental with no problems. I had picked the back of the plane as that is where I like to be. Our flight was pretty full with maybe a few empty seats. We all got settled and I think I was asleep before we took off. It was a very fast flight for my husband and I as we slept but the kids just listened to their ipods.

As we approached STT we were all now awake and looked out at the beautiful green water - what a site! We grabbed our bags and headed outside to a smiling Rachel. Unfortunately, Rachel had another run so we were taken by a gentlemen who I do not remember his name. I was a bit dissapointed but who cares we are on STT and going to the ferry to STJ.

We got our tickets for the ferry had a quick drink and were able to get on the 1:00 ferry. Marc, our village manager was waiting for us and took us to STJ Car Rental. As we were driving to STJ Car Rental I think I saw a familiar face in Pia running across the road. We got our car, headed to STarfish and on to the villa CASA BUENO. As we walked up the steps and looked out ahead I knew we had made the right decision of course with all of your help.

We got settled, had a drink and then headed to dinner towards Coral Bay. Our first dinner stop was Shipwreck Landing and it did not dissapoint. The waitress was friendly and made us feel at home. All of our meals were fantastic. What can I say it was a perfect night.

Hawaii · Post by **Hawaii** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 6:54 pm

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 6:56 pm

Thanks for not running me down

Great start and great job at posting the pictures

Pia

Hawaii · Post by **Hawaii** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 6:59 pm

Hawaii · Post by **Hawaii** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 7:10 pm

My favorite meal!

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 7:36 pm

Yea! Another trip report. I love hearing about a first timer's experience.

I completely understand your flying methods! I subscribe to similar methods. I always take the first flight possible so I don't have too much time to think in the morning.

Looking forward to more!

greyhoundmom · Post by **greyhoundmom** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 8:02 pm

H, great first day trip report! Isn't it amazing how much we sweat the small stuff but once we're there everything just falls into place? Casa Bueno, marvelous! Looking forward to more!

loria · Post by **loria** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 8:42 pm

i have been waiting with baited breath for this trip report! i think you 'got it' before you set foot on 'it'!

Coden · Post by **Coden** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 8:47 pm

Fantastic start to your TR and Pics!! Beautiful, beautiful view from Casa Bueno. Wow!!

That would be my favorite dish, too.

ColumbiaSCTraveler · Post by **ColumbiaSCTraveler** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 9:00 am

That shrimp and pasta dish looks AMAAAAAAAZING!!! Your family is precious! Looking forward to more of the TR!

Jumbiegirl · Post by **Jumbiegirl** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 9:40 am

I wish I was at Shipwreck right now!

tropicdawg · Post by **tropicdawg** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 10:04 am

That shrimp scampi at Shipwreck is awesome isn't it? My mistake is I had it our last night so I couldn't really make use of the leftovers. It is a huge portion!

islandjo2010 · Post by **islandjo2010** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 5:20 pm

LOVE IT !!!
Looking forward to the rest of the report and more photos!

PS...Thanks for calling today, sooo enjoyed talking this afternoon and hearing about your trip! Tell the kids "hi" and one summer we will get our families together on STJ.

EagleRayLover · Post by **EagleRayLover** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 5:51 pm

looking forward to hearing more!

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