USVI-On-Line

I recently was fortunate enough to travel to Italy. DH was there on business for 3 weeks, so I decided to fly over and spend a long weekend.

Does anyone else suffer from beach snob syndrome? After experiencing the beauty and serenity that is ST John, everything else is well . . . simply does not compare.

For example, last year while visiting the Florida Keys, we went to Bahia Honda, supposedly a very lovely beach. Well, murky water, lots of sea weed everywhere... simply didn't do it for me.
The same with Sanibel Island, I feel so shallow (forgive the pun)

Here's a couple of pics from Pescara Italy, on the Adriatic Sea. What do you think of this beach, my forum friends?

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Rome was very interesting, a lot of history there; the Tuscan countryside is gorgeous and well, Venice was stunning . . .

But when I need some beach time - it's St John for me!

No Snob here, Sanibel is on my list! I cannot wait to go shell collecting there.

We StJohnaholics are truly spoiled! Shhhh!

DELETED

Before we went to STJ, the only beaches I had ever been to were along the Gulf Coast from Mississippi to the Florida Panhandle.

Sorry, but they don't come close to comparing.

When I see pics of beaches that are wall to wall people, I have NO desire to visit them.

Also, I never knew water could be the color it is in the Caribbean.

Just back from Sanibel...nice, but no comparison

we've been going to Sanibel for over 12 years. We rent the same condo and this year, in July we went with 11 friends and family.

No, it can't compare with STJ, but it definetly can compare with progress, building, etc.

The only thing in Sanibel that has changed is the bridge and alot of it had to do with Hurricane Charlie.

There are no buildings in Sanibel over 3 stories tall, and that usually includes parking on the first floor.

Love the quietness, the beauty, the bike paths and especially love that it's mostly designated a wildlife refuge.

Sanibel will always hold a place in my heart, but when it comes to the water, no comparison....ever, even on the best day.

brenda wrote:We StJohnaholics are truly spoiled! Shhhh!

I am truly spoiled with St. John. My folks had a condo in Clearwater Beach Florida while I was growing up. Pretty area, but intermittent bouts of red tide would keep us out of the water for days on end. Ocean City MD is a couple hours drive from the Washington DC Metro area, but steping over a mass of humanity to get to the water was painful. My idea of bliss is floating in Francis Bay!

I totally agree and I lived on STJ for 2 yrs and now am in S. Fl. I have been to the keys a bit and have not gotten to Sanibel but I get what you mean.
The color of the Caribbean and the feel of the sand and the Tradewinds are different.
I told someone my dream is to see as many seas in my lifetime as I can
I still have to do the Indian Ocean and the Mediterrean Sea.
Someone told me when I get to the Greek Isles I will see something that compares to STJ.........

I sorta have B.S.S. we still go to beaches on the mainland and I always say this sure ain't St. John, but we always have a good time. Hey were on a beach better than in the middle of Ohio. All us St. John addicts are a spoiled bunch when it comes to beaches.

Agreed, it's hard to go to other beaches having been spoiled by those in STJ. It's impossible not to compare. The only other time I can recall being "wow'd" by a beach was several years ago in Anguilla. Oh well, I guess that means more trip to STJ. Ali~

Patr, we live pretty close to the MD, DEL, and NJ beaches. Didn't go once this year, and didn't miss them. They don't call my name anymore.

We grew up spending every summer at Navarre Beach on the Florida panhandle.I could always take it or leave it.Then came St John.I can't leave it.
What a difference a beach makes.

JT wrote:Patr, we live pretty close to the MD, DEL, and NJ beaches. Didn't go once this year, and didn't miss them. They don't call my name anymore.

I've had a lot of fun in Ocean City, Bethany Beach and Rehobeth Beach over the years. But, its hard to spend a week there with the extended family when your surrounded by a mass of humanity, the water is freezing and icky. Spoiled!

Cheers, RickG

NoTanLines wrote:

I am truly spoiled with St. John. My folks had a condo in Clearwater Beach Florida while I was growing up. Pretty area, but intermittent bouts of red tide would keep us out of the water for days on end. Ocean City MD is a couple hours drive from the Washington DC Metro area, but steping over a mass of humanity to get to the water was painful. My idea of bliss is floating in Francis Bay!

I don't know when the last time you were at Clearwater Beach, but it is no longer pretty
Nothing but a mass of huge condos...really too bad because it used to be so nice growing up as a teenager and being able to go to such a pretty beach. Anyway, good reason for going to STJ!

On another note, people ask why we would go to STJ when we live in Florida...
answer is easy...we do not have mountains and our water can't compare...also there is nothing like the ambiance STJ has to offer...
That said, I think I will have to crank up the island music tonight and enjoy an island libation