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Newbie needs info/advice
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 2:37 pm
by RastaBabe
Hello Everyone!
I'm a newbie here I find your site a few months back and I am glad I did. I was hoping the "Pros" could give me some advice for my first trip to the island.
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 2:40 pm
by waterguy
You ask and we will try and help. There is a good bunch of people here. First off where are you staying what are your likes and dislikes so we have some thing to go on.
Tom
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 2:41 pm
by flip-flop
1. Say Good Morning/Day/Afternoon/Evening with a smile to anyone you meet
2. Rent a 4WD
3. Keep Left
Really if you follow those instructions, you can't go wrong!
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:01 pm
by Adrienne
Shhhh - and don't tell any of your friends....its a secret!!

Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:15 pm
by ScubaGirl
Remember these words.... Painkiller Please!
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:36 pm
by waterguy
Ok get Mahi mahi sandwich at woodys and a bluecheese burger at skinny legs
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 4:49 pm
by Ksea
Welcome, and when are you going?
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 4:50 pm
by b-as-u-r
Make sure you pack your snorkel gear, stay away from Trunk Bay on cruise ship day, take a day trip to jost, go to the beach bar for sunday jazz, go to stj spice for souveniers and goodies. Take it easy and relax, you're on island time. Have a great trip! Ali~
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 5:04 pm
by RastaBabe
Wow! First let me say Thank You for the warm welcome! Thank You!
It is going to be two of my dearest friends and we are currently looking a rent one of two villas on the North side. Is everyone here vistors of STJ or do you live on STJ? From what I understand it is best to rent to a car on STJ than STT. Is that right? And what are the people like? I have never been there.
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 5:04 pm
by Dave-a-roni
WELCOME, there's really cool people here!
1-Go snorkeling
2-go snorkeling
3-go snorkeling
4-eat at the Aqua Bistro in Coral bay
5-drink BBC's
6-ST John spice has good stuff
7-I hope you like jewelry, there's lots of it!
8-Avoid St. Thomas (along the water area) on cruise ship day's... YIKES

... talk about harrassment.
You'll have a great time!
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 5:12 pm
by RastaBabe
What is a BBC?
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 5:43 pm
by obsessedmuch
Welcome! These people are fabulous, as you can see.
The only tip I can add is talk to people. You'll learn so much that isn't in the guide books. Have fun!
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 6:06 pm
by RickG
Start with "Guten morgen, drei stuck weisswurst mit brezen und weissbier, bitte." Sorry, still at work on a Friday evening and feeling a tad thirsty.
I wrote a Newbie's Guide to St. John for my family for our Gang of 24 trip in November. You can find it at
http://www.garvin.us/STJ/New_Visitors_G ... Guide.html
The rest of the gang covered things in broad strokes. Be spontaneous and ask folks that you meet where they like to go.
Cheers, RickG
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 6:26 pm
by flip-flop
RastaBabe wrote:Wow! First let me say Thank You for the warm welcome! Thank You!
It is going to be two of my dearest friends and we are currently looking a rent one of two villas on the North side. Is everyone here vistors of STJ or do you live on STJ? From what I understand it is best to rent to a car on STJ than STT. Is that right? And what are the people like? I have never been there.
Some live there (Ruth and Pia), others used to live there (Xislandgirl), most of us just WISH we did and get back as often as we can!
I think its best to rent on STJ but if you do a site search you'll find a lot of pros and cons. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. There is a thread about this very topic just a few down from here STJ VS STT Car Rental or something like that. It is a good recap.
If you follow Rule #1 and generally the golden rule, the people (I assume you mean local people) are fantastic. Of course, there is a groutch or two, but most people when greeted in a friendly manner will be very receptive.
I can pretty much guarantee you if you mention the villas you are deciding between, someone here's stayed in or visited or managed it, and can give you some helpful info.
Welcome and have a great time planning. I think that is 1/2 the fun for a lot of us!
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 6:44 pm
by StJohnRuth
RastaBabe wrote:Is everyone here vistors of STJ or do you live on STJ?
I'll take this one!
Welcome, RastaBabe!
Most of the people on this forum are visitors or soon-to-be visitors, but a few of us live here - me, Pia, Eric and a few others.
Most of the frequent posters have been here as visitors so many times and/or done so much research that they are MORE than capable of answering any questions you have. In many ways, they are more capable than residents, because they are looking at things from a visitor's perspective and not a resident's. For instance, they stay in all the rental places and have first-hand knowledge of them and get to spend many full days in a row at the beach and many nights in a row eating dinner at really cool restaurants. The people who live here aren't completely useless, mind you, and sometimes we can offer updated information and/or a perspective that is welcome. (We hope.)
I assume you've already looked at the blue folders at the top of the screen and know how much information is available for you there. Beyond that, ask away, you're in very good hands here.
See you on St. John!
-Ruth