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12 Days to Go!
Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 11:35 am
by David_A
This seems so surreal, I can't concentrate at work. I know we're going but I can't believe we're going! Having been an Air Force brat in the '60's and '70's and living on the Mediterranean in southern Turkey as a teenager for three years and living in southern Taiwan for three years, I sort of know what to expect in the tropics. My wife and son have NO idea and a lot of my fun will be just observing their reactions.
I've been lurking on this forum and a few others since November and I've gotten a lot of information. Thanks to everyone for your reports and all of the information you provide!
Just ordered a Polar Bear cooler and the underwater case for my Canon A640. I have enough memory for at least 3,000 pictures and tapes for 5 hours of video, sunscreen, bug repellant, hats, Tevas, that bug zapper thing for entertainment, snorkel gear (decided on the vests as well), passports arrived yesterday and we're clothes shopping this weekend. Oh, and just booked a day on the Stormy Petrel. I think we're ready.
I thought about bringing food with us, but my wife said "What? We're on vacation."
The sad part is, it will be all over with in 20 days.
Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 11:48 am
by Pia
Clothes - who need clothes in the USVI's, just shorts, t's and bathing suits (or not 
)
Are you staying on STJ, STT or STX, villa or hotel (we are quite nosey here 
) - either way you will all have a fab time.
Welcome to our "family" here on the forum.
Pia
Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 11:53 am
by waterguy
Since you delurked your self we will need a trip report. Some of my best memories are when I watch people for the first time as we pull into Cruz bay.
Have a great time.
Tom
Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 12:12 pm
by lbrlwyr
I am totally with you....11 days for us. I can't even concentrate at work right now and informed my wife that mentally I am already half-drunk sunning myself on the beach somewhere.
I feel like a 8 year old getting so excited about a vacation but I can't help myself. I have been looking forward to coming back to "paradise" for over a year now.
Eric
Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 12:12 pm
by David_A
Thanks Tom and Pia.
We're staying at Crystal Cove on Sapphire Beach in STT, one of Dave Paresky's units that I read about on Trip Advisor.
I researched quite a bit in November to find a destination to meet what I was looking for and decided on the USVI's so I asked the family, "Any objections?" and they said no so I jumped on it before anyone had time to think about it and back out. My wife has made a couple of comments since then and I said "Hey, I asked!" hehe
Since then, I read more and more about STJ and I know we'll be spending half our time there.
I can't wait to be a beach bum again for a week!
Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 12:16 pm
by obsessedmuch
Woohoo, David! That time will go by so quickly and trust me, as someone who has ONE day to go, work concentration is only going to get more difficult!
Have a great time and post a trip report!
Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 12:36 pm
by sea-nile
Have a great trip!
Maybe we will see you on STJ!
Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 2:24 pm
by chrisn
Speaking from experience, my brain always takes off before my plane does. About a week before my trip, everyone starts announcing "Chris has left the building people!" It's so true. You just can't consentrate! Have a wonderful trip! What a surprise! We'd love to hear all about it when you return.
Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 5:08 pm
by Gromit
Welcome to the club my friend!! I am so jealous. I don't hit "my island" until December 1st. All I can say is have a great time, drink lots of painkillers, use bug spray (Bens or something with DEET-- none of that baby crap) at night, get a hat clip at the dive shop, have plenty of small bills for the ferry, stay left, have a burger at Skinny legs, visit STJ Spice for goodies and gifts to take home, and don't forget to say "hello or good day" before asking a local a question. Oh and RELAX!!! Oh and buy the wife some tax free bling on STT-- don't forget to bargain with them!
If you can manage all that then you will have a stellar vacation
Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 5:16 pm
by California Girl
I know that "surreal", "this can't be real" feeling. I was the same way! (Now it's here, are we really going??)
Everyone says they're useless at work the week before they leave, but no one seems to mention that you're useless for about a week after you get back, too! It's hard to come down off the USVI high!
Enjoy!! 
Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 7:20 pm
by b-as-u-r
Welcome. Hope you and your family have a great time!
California Girl said, "Everyone says they're useless at work the week before they leave, but no one seems to mention that you're useless for about a week after you get back, too! It's hard to come down off the USVI high!"
Not to mention all that time spent daydreaming in between trips.
Ali~
Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 7:54 pm
by Ksea
You are ready to go! Im leaving in 31 days and can't think about much else. Have a wonderful time. Post some pics when you get home.
Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 7:38 am
by RickG
DAvid_A, welcome to the forum. Y'all have fun!
Cheers, RickG
Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 8:44 am
by Jan&MikeVa
chrisn wrote:
"Speaking from experience, my brain always takes off before my plane does. About a week before my trip, everyone starts announcing "Chris has left the building people!"
Well said. Now I know where MY brain is, it has already arrived and is a limin' on a beach somewhere on STJ. 
Welcome to the forum David A, have a wonderful time and enjoy BOTH Islands!!
Jan (akaCharlie)