USVI-On-Line

Less than a month to our 1st STJ experience. I have really high expectations after reading this forum for nearly a year!

Still throwing around the idea of a day sail. Hubby (architect)has gotten better at relaxing on vacation over the years--still prefers city vacations to beaches--but I'm afraid he'll get stir crazy with day after day of beaches and limited architecture to view. I thought a day sail would be a good idea, and we've never been sailing (Ohioans )but then he said "that $500-$700 would buy some nice jewelry". Well, that got my attention!!

Should I cut the daysail and hope he gets bored enough to go jewelry shopping? Are there unique shops on STJ? I'm not interested in the typical stuff (gemstones set in traditional settings)in Charlotte Amalie--more handcrafted or unique pieces.

What's a girl to do??

Thank goodness my wife prefers the day sails over a lot of jewelry. I think you should in any case do a day sail. Usually lots of fun in the 120.00ish range per person.

Or you can on the other hand test his mettle and insist on both.

I'd take Promo guys advice...I'd go with the higher dollar figure and spend a bit on a half day sail. (if you've never sailed before you don't know if you'll be seasick or not so safer to go with half day at first), then I'd spend the rest on some of the unique offerings STJ has for island jewelery. It's a win win...

Shari, if you want jewelry, you could see what that daysail money would get you at Michael Banzhaf! I LOVE his style of jewelry. It's definitely different.

Here is a link to his site, the shop is in Mongoose Junction:

http://michaelbanzhafstudio.com/

Sail! You can always go shopping to check out tthe selcetions and save the purchase for an event later in the year, birthday, holiday.

I vote for both, but I always want it all! If I had to pick, though, I'd choose to be on the water.

R&I Patton in Mongoose has some unique things. Their displays are interesting, and they have jewelry in all price ranges.

Liamsaunt, I hadn't noticed Michael Banzhaf Studio, but I'm definitely going to check it out next month.

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i'd call captain bob/Spree (more like $200 total)for a daysail and then go to Freebird for jewelry...that would easily make your $500 budget.....

As they say "When in Rome". We took a day charter with "Lion in Da Sun" last Feb. and it was a great day. You can get jewelry anywhere plus if your husband enjoys in maybe you can come back for the jewels another time There's also a lot of great $$$ villas your husband can check out from the water. I know you women know what to do when you want the
Bling anyway

If you go sailing, you may want to take a motion sickness pill about an hour before you sail to ensure a pleasant experience. I'm from Ohio too and if you've never been sailing you wouldn't know that you might get sea sick. Once you're sick, it rarely goes away until you're on land again. It's better to prevent it. We love sailing, but I always take precautions. The summer waves aren't as bad as winter, but it's better to be safe than sick. Dramamine works great but can make you a bit tired, but it doesn't bother me. I can still snorkel to my hearts content.

I vote for both! I am a fan of RI Patton and Mike Banzhaf's shop is amazing.

Do you think you would both enjoy the sail? I ask because we (hubs and I) love being out on a sail boat but not everyone feels the same. We did two private day sails with our friends and they didn't get the appeal. For them, it was a bit too quiet (relaxing) and lacked the excitement of power boating.

Power boating is much faster and can be a lot of fun too. Breakaway yacht is a great trip. You don't get bored. It gets you to The Baths at Virgin Gorda swiftly and you can enjoy the views of the islands along the way. Good refreshments too. I highly recommend Breakaway.

Go with whatever makes both of you the happiest. If he's suggesting an alternative to the day sail, maybe he's not really into the idea. In that case I think the option of a half-day may be a good compromise.

If he might go stir-crazy on St. John, a boat trip is a great way to get away and break up the week. Also, if he's into architecture, you can see some of the most beautiful and expansive houses on St. John from the water.

Personally, I never end up going shopping while I'm away. I usually go with the intent of picking up a few things, but I find that I'd rather spend my time and money experiencing things, rather than purchasing items. But to each his/her own!

BOTH!! Do a half day with Bread on the Water ($70 pp) and I second the suggestion for R&I Patton -- I usually go with their silver jewelry which is so unique and VERY reasonable!