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What do you wish you knew on our first trip?
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Greenskeeper
- Posts: 390
- Joined: Sat Mar 08, 2008 2:07 pm
- Location: Cape Cod, MA
What do you wish you knew on our first trip?
Happy New Year! I haven't posted in quite some time but the information I got here was priceless in our early planning stages.
We leave for STJ in less than 6 weeks and I need advice.
Tell me what you wish you knew or did on your first trip to STJ.
We leave for STJ in less than 6 weeks and I need advice.
Tell me what you wish you knew or did on your first trip to STJ.
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aroobagirl
- Posts: 316
- Joined: Fri Apr 13, 2007 2:58 pm
- Location: Fairfax, VA
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Xislandgirl
- Posts: 4163
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:03 pm
- Location: Slightly left of center
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traveler22
- Posts: 853
- Joined: Fri Dec 29, 2006 5:17 pm
- Location: New Jersey
1."1/2 the clothes & twice the money" a quote around here that rings so true!
2. Explore,Explore, Explore, don't plan but see as much as you can at a relaxing pace.
3.Peace Pine and Dolphin markets are cheaper that Starfish for food & alcohol.
4. Trunk Bay-Go early or late in the day and check the cruise ship schedule.
5. Suntan lotion and Bug spray, you can't have too much of either.
6. ASK- just as you did here, most people on-island are very friendly and will lead you in the right direction about most things.
Good Luck and have fun
2. Explore,Explore, Explore, don't plan but see as much as you can at a relaxing pace.
3.Peace Pine and Dolphin markets are cheaper that Starfish for food & alcohol.
4. Trunk Bay-Go early or late in the day and check the cruise ship schedule.
5. Suntan lotion and Bug spray, you can't have too much of either.
6. ASK- just as you did here, most people on-island are very friendly and will lead you in the right direction about most things.
Good Luck and have fun
I 2nd X's info on clothes 
For ladies there is no need to bring hairdryers/straighteners/hairspray etc and as far as makeup goes lip gloss and mascara will make you look like you are dressed up and going "out on the town"
For a week on STJ, remember if it doesn't fit in a carry on you wont need it
1 week packing (for ladies as far as clothes go)............
2 bathing suits (3 if you must) and 2 cover ups
3 shorts/skirts
3 tops
1 nice sundress if you are planning a nice dinner (and if so, reduce shorts and top by 1 )
1 "nice" flip flops
1 beach shoes
undies (if you must
)
Happy packing
Pia
For ladies there is no need to bring hairdryers/straighteners/hairspray etc and as far as makeup goes lip gloss and mascara will make you look like you are dressed up and going "out on the town"
For a week on STJ, remember if it doesn't fit in a carry on you wont need it
1 week packing (for ladies as far as clothes go)............
2 bathing suits (3 if you must) and 2 cover ups
3 shorts/skirts
3 tops
1 nice sundress if you are planning a nice dinner (and if so, reduce shorts and top by 1
)1 "nice" flip flops
1 beach shoes
undies (if you must
)Happy packing
Pia
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Pete (Mr. Marcia)
- Posts: 1471
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 4:48 pm
- Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Explore the south shore. Take Marina Drive up as far as you can. It ends high above Reef Bay, at a sign that says, "you are here." From there, you can see reef bay and all the way to Ram's Head. The air in your nostrils comes straight from Africa. It is a wonderful spot to take a moment and reflect.
Wisconsin, smell the dairy air
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Sun4MySoul
- Posts: 524
- Joined: Sun May 06, 2007 1:37 pm
- Location: NC
I just got back--and your tips are right on.
Normally, I don't leave home without makeup. I felt so comfortable in St. John without hardly any makeup and in a swimsuit with a coverup. It was all I wore. This is our second trip and I did not overpack clothes.
Also, I was really glad that we brought our cooler--we grilled in almost every meal. It was easy and relaxing.
What I wish I knew??
Take time to look the locals in the eyes and try to engage them in conversation. We did not meet one local on either trip that wasn't friendly. When I hear people say otherwise I really have to wonder why they experienced something so different from us.
I can't wait to give you all my report but I am exhausted and I have a really good book to finish!
Gina
Normally, I don't leave home without makeup. I felt so comfortable in St. John without hardly any makeup and in a swimsuit with a coverup. It was all I wore. This is our second trip and I did not overpack clothes.
Also, I was really glad that we brought our cooler--we grilled in almost every meal. It was easy and relaxing.
What I wish I knew??
Take time to look the locals in the eyes and try to engage them in conversation. We did not meet one local on either trip that wasn't friendly. When I hear people say otherwise I really have to wonder why they experienced something so different from us.
I can't wait to give you all my report but I am exhausted and I have a really good book to finish!
Gina
Couldn't agree more...That's a great piece of advice, Gina. All of the locals that we have encountered in our 5 trips have been genuinely nice people. When people report bad experiences, I wonder how thay are treating the locals to begin with. A "good morning", "good afternoon", or "good evening" at the start of every conversation is a must.GinaXOXO wrote: Take time to look the locals in the eyes and try to engage them in conversation. We did not meet one local on either trip that wasn't friendly. When I hear people say otherwise I really have to wonder why they experienced something so different from us.
We also thoroughly enjoyed our visit with Sloop Jones out at his residence/art studio on the East End. Very interesting gentleman with many great stories to tell - and nice art to purchase!
Get off the beaten track (not the book - although that is great too!) with your 4WD. Pete gave a great suggestion (Marina Drive). These back roads will provide some of the greatest views.
Explore!
July 2003 - Honeymoon at The Westin
July 2004 - Glenmar, Gifft Hill
July 2005 - Arco Iris, Fish Bay
December 2007 - Dreamcatcher, GCB
July 2008 - Ellison Villa, VGE
July 2004 - Glenmar, Gifft Hill
July 2005 - Arco Iris, Fish Bay
December 2007 - Dreamcatcher, GCB
July 2008 - Ellison Villa, VGE
I certainly agree with everyone on the clothes thing. You will not need anywhere near what you think you do.
The hike to Salt Pond (I think that's right, someone correct me please if I got this wrong) is wicked heading back to the car. I learned on this little adventure that carrying a cooler full of beer is WAY heavier than a heavily loaded thermos of Rum Punch!
The hike to Salt Pond (I think that's right, someone correct me please if I got this wrong) is wicked heading back to the car. I learned on this little adventure that carrying a cooler full of beer is WAY heavier than a heavily loaded thermos of Rum Punch!
"The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea." -Isak Dinesen
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Boston Mike
- Posts: 974
- Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2008 5:41 am
- Location: Boston, MA.
Clothes
How to pack for St. John.
1.) I baseball cap, 3 pairs of shorts, 1 or 2 bathing suits, undies (as many as you feel you need), a few tee-shirts. No need to break out your fancy dinner wear here.
2.) Leave your make up and bling at home, but bring the bug spray and sunblock.
3.) 1 pair of sandals or flip flops.
4.) Passport for trips to BVI.
5.) No agendas (just remember happy hour is usually 3 to 7 PM)
6.) Leave your work at home
7.) Pretend you lost your cell phone, but use it only if you have to.
8.) Always say hello with a smile. We are all in this life together.
9.)Just be whoever you want to be.
Seriously, you are going to St. John. There is no need to rush around and over book your days with the tourist type things. Go with the flow and leave all your troubles behind. You'll do just fine.
1.) I baseball cap, 3 pairs of shorts, 1 or 2 bathing suits, undies (as many as you feel you need), a few tee-shirts. No need to break out your fancy dinner wear here.
2.) Leave your make up and bling at home, but bring the bug spray and sunblock.
3.) 1 pair of sandals or flip flops.
4.) Passport for trips to BVI.
5.) No agendas (just remember happy hour is usually 3 to 7 PM)
6.) Leave your work at home
7.) Pretend you lost your cell phone, but use it only if you have to.
8.) Always say hello with a smile. We are all in this life together.
9.)Just be whoever you want to be.
Seriously, you are going to St. John. There is no need to rush around and over book your days with the tourist type things. Go with the flow and leave all your troubles behind. You'll do just fine.
Life begins where the land ends!
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Xislandgirl
- Posts: 4163
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:03 pm
- Location: Slightly left of center
A few other things I thought of.
Don't make an agenda for every day. We make a list of the things we would like to do and every morning look at the list and pick one. We always have a villa gravity day, just lounging in the pool, reading a book, or napping.
Do spend some time just hanging out with people. Have a drink (or soda) on the deck at the Quiet Mon or hanging out at the Beach Bar or Gecko Gazebo is a great way to meet on-island folks. Believe it or not, they want to chat and find out where you are from and what you do back home and they would love to tell you how much they love the island.
Don't judge a book by it's cover. This stands true for shopping, dining, and people. Don't be stupid and think that that guy standing in the shadows at midnight wants to be your friend, but the guy in the ripped shorts and tank top next to you at the bar might just be the greatest person you have met.
Don't make an agenda for every day. We make a list of the things we would like to do and every morning look at the list and pick one. We always have a villa gravity day, just lounging in the pool, reading a book, or napping.
Do spend some time just hanging out with people. Have a drink (or soda) on the deck at the Quiet Mon or hanging out at the Beach Bar or Gecko Gazebo is a great way to meet on-island folks. Believe it or not, they want to chat and find out where you are from and what you do back home and they would love to tell you how much they love the island.
Don't judge a book by it's cover. This stands true for shopping, dining, and people. Don't be stupid and think that that guy standing in the shadows at midnight wants to be your friend, but the guy in the ripped shorts and tank top next to you at the bar might just be the greatest person you have met.
Got to agree about taking time to talk to people. One of our favorite memories was meeting a couple from DC( we live in MD) and sharing drinks, cigars for a few hours. They have family on STJ and we got lots of info. Another family came up to the bar & they lived on the next street in DC from the "friends" we just met. A small friendly world! Most people you come across "get it" and are just so happy/relaxed to be on STJ you can't help but have agood time any where you go!
A few things I wish I'd have known before my first trip:
1. I have to agree with someone on how expensive things are. I knew they would be more, but it still scares me to think about how much I end up spending on food whether it's a few trips to Starfish or going out.
2. I'm not sure where you're staying, but there's not usually any reason to bring a cooler, beach towel, chair, etc. with you unless you want to. Most villas are pretty nicely equipped for your trips to the beach or hanging out by the pool.
3. Don't ever be in a rush and don't make plans. It's nice to say "I want to go to the sugar ruins on this trip or the Reef Bay hike" but there is no need to come up with a solid agenda, because villa gravity will get you every time. This last trip, I don't think we EVER left the villa before 10 a.m.!
4. Spend a day on Jost, if you can. The ferry is $60 and you need a passport, but it is truly the most special place in the world and not much more than 30 minutes from St. John. Tell Ivan I said hi.
5. Don't spend so much time taking pictures that you forget to actually look at all the things that are happening. I took a lot less pictures this last trip, but I saw a lot more, if that makes sense.
I forgot one, so I'm adding (and this is a huge important one)
6. Even if your rental car place offers in-town parking, it is by no means guaranteed. Make friends with Slimman, and take no parking signs very seriously. A boot on your car can really ruin vacation!
1. I have to agree with someone on how expensive things are. I knew they would be more, but it still scares me to think about how much I end up spending on food whether it's a few trips to Starfish or going out.
2. I'm not sure where you're staying, but there's not usually any reason to bring a cooler, beach towel, chair, etc. with you unless you want to. Most villas are pretty nicely equipped for your trips to the beach or hanging out by the pool.
3. Don't ever be in a rush and don't make plans. It's nice to say "I want to go to the sugar ruins on this trip or the Reef Bay hike" but there is no need to come up with a solid agenda, because villa gravity will get you every time. This last trip, I don't think we EVER left the villa before 10 a.m.!
4. Spend a day on Jost, if you can. The ferry is $60 and you need a passport, but it is truly the most special place in the world and not much more than 30 minutes from St. John. Tell Ivan I said hi.
5. Don't spend so much time taking pictures that you forget to actually look at all the things that are happening. I took a lot less pictures this last trip, but I saw a lot more, if that makes sense.
I forgot one, so I'm adding (and this is a huge important one)
6. Even if your rental car place offers in-town parking, it is by no means guaranteed. Make friends with Slimman, and take no parking signs very seriously. A boot on your car can really ruin vacation!
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designbyroe
- Posts: 1348
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 1:27 pm
- Location: Chilaxin on White Bay at least in my mind
When I have people ask me about the islands and little tibits this is what I tell them
1. Greet everyone you come in contact with and look them in the eye. Good morning, afternoon, evening or just Good day
2. Do not get discouraged if you do not do what you intended. Do not plan, it make what happens more fun.
3. Do hang at Quiet Mon and ask Kenny for his speciality, which can change on a moments notice. I agree with X you meet some really cool locals and they really do want to hear where you come from and such. That was one of my favorite things about living on island.
4. Do not pack like crazy.....I think Pia said it best......what you can put in a carry on is enough.
Make sure you bring sunblock and bug spray.
5. You spend a fair amount of $$$ on food so check out Pine Peace and Dolphin. Starfish and Starfish gourmet are much more $$$$
6. Just be and let it happen. You are on island time......things move slower no worries. You will return and St. John will still be there.
1. Greet everyone you come in contact with and look them in the eye. Good morning, afternoon, evening or just Good day
2. Do not get discouraged if you do not do what you intended. Do not plan, it make what happens more fun.
3. Do hang at Quiet Mon and ask Kenny for his speciality, which can change on a moments notice. I agree with X you meet some really cool locals and they really do want to hear where you come from and such. That was one of my favorite things about living on island.
4. Do not pack like crazy.....I think Pia said it best......what you can put in a carry on is enough.
Make sure you bring sunblock and bug spray.
5. You spend a fair amount of $$$ on food so check out Pine Peace and Dolphin. Starfish and Starfish gourmet are much more $$$$
6. Just be and let it happen. You are on island time......things move slower no worries. You will return and St. John will still be there.
There's no $ sign on a peace of mind, this I've come to know