Better Late Than Never
Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 6:35 pm
This is a long overdo trip report. Here it goes:
Lodging:
Stayed at Paradise on the Rocks - a very nice and affordable 1 bedroom apartment on Ajax Peak.
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p145828
Bob and Ann live in the house and the apartment is tucked in below. It was perfect for the two of us. I have learned that there are all sorts of these nice little hide-aways available for much less than the typical villa rental places. No, there isn't a pool or other fancy amenities but what we save in cost allows us to stay a few more days and enjoy some nice dinners. Don't get me wrong- this place is very nice, just simple compared to other villas.
Food:
We mostly ate in but did enjoy a few dinners out. We really enjoyed Sweet Plantains last time we were here but this time it was just okay. Island Blues was a great spot for nachos and a beer. Ate at Aqua Bistro one night and it was nothing to rave about. So where did we eat that was good/ Suprisingly enough we had a great lunch at the Market Place at Satyamuna. We also had a great lunch at the Ocean Grill in Mongoose Junction. For Breakfast we had delicious stuffed french toast at Donkey Diner.
Beaches:
It was busy when we were on island and so we found ourselves heading to some more remote places. We went to Lameshur twice and Haulover once. While the beaches weren't the best lounging the snorkeling was great. We went to Gibney and Oppenheimer one windy day and had the beach mostly to ourselves. We did do Salt Pond once but found that it has gotten so busy the last few years that it is better to just keep on heading down the road and hit the next set of beaches. As far as snorkeling is concerned- it was as fabulous as ever. I am always amazed at how much you can see. I never tire of swimming with a sea turtle or watching a school of blue tang. For me, snorkeling is one of the most peaceful, relaxing and exhilerating experiences. I'm hooked!
Best experience:
We arrived in St. John late and had to take a taxi to a friend of ours in Fish Bay where our car was at. Reluctantly, a taxi driver agreed to take the two of us there. He was a bit worried that we didn't know exactly where we were going (and boy does it get dark at night!) and, with the cost of gas at over $4.00 a gal., he wasn't going to make too much profit. So we get there, unload the bags, and take off for our place on the other side of the island. When we get to our place we realize we have left our carry-on bag (with the medicine, important papers, etc.) on the taxi. Remember- it was VERY DARK! Now it is late and we have no idea of who the taxi driver even is ( note to self- always ask for their name!). So, off to bed and we will worry about it in the morning.
The next morning I stopped at taxi row and asked if anyone had heard of someone who found a lost bag. I was very nicely told to check the police department. Did. No bag. Again, very nice and told me to check back later. Decided to head back out to our friend's at Fish Bay- maybe we just left it on the side of the road? It WAS DARK! When we got there, the daughter of our friend greeted us with our bag. No, we had not left it there but had indeed left it on the taxi. When the taxi driver had gotten back into Cruz Bay he had discovered it and so made the return trip back out to Fish Bay to leave it for us. Now - that is service! And what a wonderful statement about how nice the folks on St. John truly are. We have never had a problem and this just goes to prove why. So to all you who worry about the "dark side" remember- most folks are just wonderful and honest.
Final note:
I love the muffins at Starfish Market. Especially the Butter Rum.
Lodging:
Stayed at Paradise on the Rocks - a very nice and affordable 1 bedroom apartment on Ajax Peak.
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p145828
Bob and Ann live in the house and the apartment is tucked in below. It was perfect for the two of us. I have learned that there are all sorts of these nice little hide-aways available for much less than the typical villa rental places. No, there isn't a pool or other fancy amenities but what we save in cost allows us to stay a few more days and enjoy some nice dinners. Don't get me wrong- this place is very nice, just simple compared to other villas.
Food:
We mostly ate in but did enjoy a few dinners out. We really enjoyed Sweet Plantains last time we were here but this time it was just okay. Island Blues was a great spot for nachos and a beer. Ate at Aqua Bistro one night and it was nothing to rave about. So where did we eat that was good/ Suprisingly enough we had a great lunch at the Market Place at Satyamuna. We also had a great lunch at the Ocean Grill in Mongoose Junction. For Breakfast we had delicious stuffed french toast at Donkey Diner.
Beaches:
It was busy when we were on island and so we found ourselves heading to some more remote places. We went to Lameshur twice and Haulover once. While the beaches weren't the best lounging the snorkeling was great. We went to Gibney and Oppenheimer one windy day and had the beach mostly to ourselves. We did do Salt Pond once but found that it has gotten so busy the last few years that it is better to just keep on heading down the road and hit the next set of beaches. As far as snorkeling is concerned- it was as fabulous as ever. I am always amazed at how much you can see. I never tire of swimming with a sea turtle or watching a school of blue tang. For me, snorkeling is one of the most peaceful, relaxing and exhilerating experiences. I'm hooked!
Best experience:
We arrived in St. John late and had to take a taxi to a friend of ours in Fish Bay where our car was at. Reluctantly, a taxi driver agreed to take the two of us there. He was a bit worried that we didn't know exactly where we were going (and boy does it get dark at night!) and, with the cost of gas at over $4.00 a gal., he wasn't going to make too much profit. So we get there, unload the bags, and take off for our place on the other side of the island. When we get to our place we realize we have left our carry-on bag (with the medicine, important papers, etc.) on the taxi. Remember- it was VERY DARK! Now it is late and we have no idea of who the taxi driver even is ( note to self- always ask for their name!). So, off to bed and we will worry about it in the morning.
The next morning I stopped at taxi row and asked if anyone had heard of someone who found a lost bag. I was very nicely told to check the police department. Did. No bag. Again, very nice and told me to check back later. Decided to head back out to our friend's at Fish Bay- maybe we just left it on the side of the road? It WAS DARK! When we got there, the daughter of our friend greeted us with our bag. No, we had not left it there but had indeed left it on the taxi. When the taxi driver had gotten back into Cruz Bay he had discovered it and so made the return trip back out to Fish Bay to leave it for us. Now - that is service! And what a wonderful statement about how nice the folks on St. John truly are. We have never had a problem and this just goes to prove why. So to all you who worry about the "dark side" remember- most folks are just wonderful and honest.
Final note:
I love the muffins at Starfish Market. Especially the Butter Rum.