USVI-On-Line

First wake up back in Michigan We pulled in about 2:30AM to 40 degrees and rain. The bright spot of my evening (morning?) was being greeted by my big oaf of a dog. It's nice to see someone missed me so. After about 1/2 hour of grateful tail wagging and laying his 140 lb body across my lap he finally let me lay down to sleep. He's sleeping with his head in my lap as I type this.

I think I will start planning a solo trip for the fall. It was nice to be able to show my parents, friends and daughter the island but I'm not sure most of them get it. I was reminded of a post by billvt I read right before we left. I looked it up this morning - he said "No matter how lost, burnt, disappointed, drunk or disillusioned you are, smile. You will fool the rest of us and and we will all have a better time for it."

I guess I'm so used to going into "no problem mon" attitude as soon as my feet touch St. Thomas that I have a hard time adjusting to dealing with people who don't embrace it. All year long I've been dealing with my ridiculous work schedule and stressful life and living looking forward to that "ahhhhhh" moment where it all just melts away why I sit in my own version of heaven on earth and finally let it all go. Seems like every time I got close to that on this trip I had to moderate a disagreement about plans, run someone who was sick of being on the beach back up to the villa, or stamp out an attitude problem before it spread through the group like a disease.

I'm whining now right - I don't want it to sound like it was a bad trip because it wasn't. The weather was perfect, the food was great and we had a really good time all in all. I just feel a little lost now, having never gotten into my total ahhhhhh place. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? Have you had similar issues? I'm just feeling melancholy this morning I guess, maybe it's the rain.

I know those post trip blues very well and the frustration of trying to keep everyone "happy" while on the trip. Right now my August trip is a solo one and other than needing a snorkeling buddy I'm kinda looking forward to the by myself time.

I feel for you. Maybe a homemade painkiller would lift your spirits!!

I hope this doesnt happy to me when we go in June as im taking 6 newbies with
Thankfully 4 of them have thier own jeep and we have ours
I just hope they all get it like my hubby and i do

Yes, I do know what you are talking about, sort of. I have turned into such a witch that anyone complaining would get there head bitten off.

I am on guard to protect my vacation time. There is a couple in our group that desperately wants to come to STJ with us but I know they won't "get it." I have issued a list of demands to Mr. PA that if they do come along, X, Y, and Z must happen before I will even consider it AND I get to stay at Caneel for three nights to recover.

Did you not have seperate vehicles?

I brought my parents with me in December and thank goodness they got it. It took a day or two, but now they're hooked. I would be frustrated too if I went with someone who didn't get it.

PA Girl wrote: I am on guard to protect my vacation time. There is a couple in our group that desperately wants to come to STJ with us but I know they won't "get it." I have issued a list of demands to Mr. PA that if they do come along, X, Y, and Z must happen before I will even consider it AND I get to stay at Caneel for three nights to recover.

That Caneel recovery demand is a GREAT addition to the "dealing with groups and/or newbies" discussions that pop up here
Its bad enough that you can have momentary spats on vacation among your own family (everybody can't be on the same page ALL the time), but when you need to acquiesce to others too much it can result in some resentment which is not an emotion you want anything to do with on vacation.

PA Girl wrote:Did you not have seperate vehicles?

We had 2 vehicles, but only 3 drivers. 2 of the drivers were not real open to acquiescing to what the non drivers wanted, so that was all on me. Told my husband this morning, we need to plan a fall trip just the two of us. He and I are on the same page when it comes to vacation relaxation.

Every trip we've gone on has been with the same people...we all have that 'ahhhhh' moment on our trips...I think the more people you have on any vacation the harder it is...too many people to please...I enjoyed looking at your pictures, though...makes me look forward to our 10 day trip in June even more...

....and that is EXACTLY why it's always just me and my husband. We are selfish like that!

But seeing your pix that you posted while on island, I know y'all did have a GREAT time, despite some hiccups. Can't wait for the full trip report!

And here's to hoping you get to have another "alone" trip back soon to achieve that AHHHHHHHH!

We are travelling in a few weeks with 3 newbies and my husband keeps saying "I hope they get it." I personally can't imagine not getting it - but maybe we are all a special crazy breed on this forum. I know it is so hard keeping everyone happy all the time - I guess being a mom, I'm used to it - but I totally hear you. We have two vehicles so I'm hopeful we don't have any issues. Our newbies are generally very easy going, go-with-the-flow people. Loved your pictures and updates- especially in real time!

We just brought some newbies on our March trip(I know, I know I owe a trip report--if I could write like some of you it would be easier). We had a 2 week trip and they stayed the first week. We had only one jeep. We had a ball with them but they are easygoing up for anything kind of people who are FUN to be around. They are people I knew would get it. As a matter of fact they said it was their best vacation ever because they didn't have to decide anything..they just did whatever we suggested so they could truly relax. I was so flattered because this is a couple who travel often and in an upscale way. There are people I know that I would never invite to come with me despite enjoying their company at home...they just wouldn't get the whole vibe...

Thanks, your first paragraph made me smile ! Mans best friend....
We've traveled both ways, with big group and just another couple. We'll never do a big group again. No fun 'cause no one is ever on on the same page.
70 days!

This is one of the reasons we cancelled our trip in June..This one wanted to come...and that one wanted to go..but this one didnt want to snorkel..but this one wouldnt want to go to the beach everyday...and only one jeep for 5 of us...and blah blah...thats what I get for getting all excited about our trip and telling the wrong people...next time..Mums the word..but in the meantime..Im getting all kinds of improvements at our house..and have a cpl long weekends trips planned...and who knows maybe a last minute fall trip will happen.. Ive decided it too much work and expense to go and not enjoy ourselves..Im glad you had a good time though..

MGS - I just read your post under aging parents, it is no wonder that you couldn't relax, my goodness. You are a saint for taking them along, I hope they enjoyed their trip. You do deserve a break.

I am sorry you are feeling blue. After seeing PA Girl's comment I went over to the OT to see your post on the parents thread and I can totally understand why you feel disappointed. It is really hard to travel in a group even without the circumstances you were dealing with.

I think everyone has had a bad trip with a group. I remember the first time John and I traveled with my sister and her kids, my nephew brought me to tears at least twice. I was so frustrated dealing with him! (this was Disney, not St. John). My sister always says she is amazed that John and I ever invited them to travel with us again

As time goes on I bet that the bad moments you experienced this time will fade from memory and you will mostly remember the fun times. Planning the next (maybe solo?) trip could help with that too.