I am truly blessed for all of my friends and family and thankful to everyone who has been a part of this journey - whether visiting in person, keeping in touch via phone and email, or reading this crazy blog =)
Mar 28, 2011
17 ... Going once? Going twice?
17 visitors! Who would have ever guessed I would have so many visitors in less than 6 months? Sadly, I actually had to say "no" to five friends who wanted to visit in March/April because I simply ran out of time. I still feel bad about not being able to host that last crew ... but I finally decided that I needed at least a few weeks to myself before this experience was over (hard to believe my time is coming to an end so quickly!). Of course had I been staying longer, I would have said the more the merrier!! And I had a good handful of friends who expressed true interest in visiting, but it never worked out for one reason or another (probably because my calendar was already booked!).
I am truly blessed for all of my friends and family and thankful to everyone who has been a part of this journey - whether visiting in person, keeping in touch via phone and email, or reading this crazy blog =)
I am truly blessed for all of my friends and family and thankful to everyone who has been a part of this journey - whether visiting in person, keeping in touch via phone and email, or reading this crazy blog =)
March visitors ... where to next year?
My friends Steph (aka "Dport") and Wali visited last week! Exactly one year ago, the three of us were visiting our friend Brian in Hong Kong. This year, St. Croix. Wow, we seem like quite the world travelers - where to next March?
Poor Dport and Wali officially won the 'longest trip' award out of all my visitors. They were supposed to fly out of Charlotte on Saturday morning, through Miami, then into St Croix by 4pm. Unfortunately, the flight out of CLT was delayed, so by the time they made it to MIA, they had missed the flight to STX. So they opted to take an additional flight through San Juan in order to make it to STX that evening. Unfortunately, that flight ended up being delayed as well, so by the time they made it to San Juan, you get the gist ... At least they had a beautiful view from their hotel room and can officially add Puerto Rico to their list of places visited. FINALLY at 10am on Sunday morning, they arrived!
We didn't waste any time! Pretty much dropped off their luggage at my apartment, then headed to Coconuts for lunch (Tommy's Sunday Texas BBQ never disappoints!!) and the Carolina/Duke basketball game. Nothing like watching a college basketball game in an outdoor bar and taking a dip in the Caribbean during halftime! From there we went to Rhythms at Rainbow beach and rented jetskis - one of the many adventure items Dport had on their to do list! Stuck around to watch a beautiful sunset and listen to true pirates of the Caribbean, then ended up at the Lost Dog (to complete the Sunday funday trifecta!) for pizza.
Monday morning was back to work for me, but Dport and Wali took my jeep everyday and went exploring. Monday they ended up in Christiansted, Tuesday was the beach, Wednesday was jeep scenic drive, and Thursday they were my first visitors to do the ATV tour (which they loved!). We had fun hanging out every night - Monday I took them to my favorite restaurant on the island, Rowdy Joes. Have I mentioned how much I love that place?!? Dport and I are both huge fans of peanut butter and chocolate ... and for the first time, Rowdy Joes had peanut butter reeses pieces ice cream - OMG talk about the best ice cream I may have ever eaten!!! (Yes, for those of you who know me well - it might actually beat Oatmeal Cookie Chunk!!)
Tuesday night we tackled the moonlight kayak tour ... well "tackle" might not be the exact word that Dport would use. Let's just say Steph was excited by the time we were finished, and definitely talked more fondly of the experience days after instead of during. I can definitely relate - see my previous entry re: scubadiving. Glad I tried it, but out of my comfort zone and don't think I need to do it again! I was proud of her though, and it was cool for Wali to actually go swimming in the bio bay!
Wednesday they helped me knock a few items off of my bucket list - lunch at Armstrongs (peanut ice cream for dessert ... it was good, but RJ's really raised the bar with that peanut butter reeses!!) and dinner at Bombay Club in C'sted ... we had a delicious meal that night! Thursday we WON AGAIN at trivia!!! Two out of the last three weeks?!? Look out Rainbow Rebels and Skinny Legs (the two teams who ALWAYS seem to win). AND ...my friend Pam visits this week and if/when we win again, I will have to credit the Catawba River Crew for their contributions to the winning team!
Friday ... ah Friday. My friends Scott and Carl hooked Wali up with a round of golf at Carambola (thanks guys!!!), so Steph and I dropped Wali off at 7:30 am (and yes, this WAS on my one day off!!) and we were at the beach before 8! The first time I had ever tried 'laying out' that early in the morning. It was more like laying down and covering up with the beach towel ... it was chilly! But it was nice and relaxing - good to get some girl time in there. Wali was done golfing by 11:30, so the three of us met up for lunch at Spratnet (another new place I hadn't yet tried), hung out at Cane Bay for a while (and actually all did a little snorkeling), then back to Carambola beach resort. It was a great day ... and capped off by another amazing meal with the Friday Night Dinner Crew ... this time was South Shore Cafe, where the owner Diane does everything from host to cook to serve - a cute, quaint place - and the food was incredible! We all left in food comas we were so ridiculously stuffed!
Saturday we partook in the St Patrick's Day parade - wow, let's just say that was an experience! It was a fun and long and HOT day! Then on Sunday, Wali's first words were that he wanted a ribeye steak from Coconuts for lunch. Funny how I live on an island in the Caribbean, yet so many friends' favorite restaurant is the Texas bbq place! Of course we kept up with all of the March madness that weekend, and capped off the weekend with a Carolina victory!
Thanks Dport and Wali for a great week - be thinking of our destination for next March =)
Poor Dport and Wali officially won the 'longest trip' award out of all my visitors. They were supposed to fly out of Charlotte on Saturday morning, through Miami, then into St Croix by 4pm. Unfortunately, the flight out of CLT was delayed, so by the time they made it to MIA, they had missed the flight to STX. So they opted to take an additional flight through San Juan in order to make it to STX that evening. Unfortunately, that flight ended up being delayed as well, so by the time they made it to San Juan, you get the gist ... At least they had a beautiful view from their hotel room and can officially add Puerto Rico to their list of places visited. FINALLY at 10am on Sunday morning, they arrived!
We didn't waste any time! Pretty much dropped off their luggage at my apartment, then headed to Coconuts for lunch (Tommy's Sunday Texas BBQ never disappoints!!) and the Carolina/Duke basketball game. Nothing like watching a college basketball game in an outdoor bar and taking a dip in the Caribbean during halftime! From there we went to Rhythms at Rainbow beach and rented jetskis - one of the many adventure items Dport had on their to do list! Stuck around to watch a beautiful sunset and listen to true pirates of the Caribbean, then ended up at the Lost Dog (to complete the Sunday funday trifecta!) for pizza.
Monday morning was back to work for me, but Dport and Wali took my jeep everyday and went exploring. Monday they ended up in Christiansted, Tuesday was the beach, Wednesday was jeep scenic drive, and Thursday they were my first visitors to do the ATV tour (which they loved!). We had fun hanging out every night - Monday I took them to my favorite restaurant on the island, Rowdy Joes. Have I mentioned how much I love that place?!? Dport and I are both huge fans of peanut butter and chocolate ... and for the first time, Rowdy Joes had peanut butter reeses pieces ice cream - OMG talk about the best ice cream I may have ever eaten!!! (Yes, for those of you who know me well - it might actually beat Oatmeal Cookie Chunk!!)
Tuesday night we tackled the moonlight kayak tour ... well "tackle" might not be the exact word that Dport would use. Let's just say Steph was excited by the time we were finished, and definitely talked more fondly of the experience days after instead of during. I can definitely relate - see my previous entry re: scubadiving. Glad I tried it, but out of my comfort zone and don't think I need to do it again! I was proud of her though, and it was cool for Wali to actually go swimming in the bio bay!
Wednesday they helped me knock a few items off of my bucket list - lunch at Armstrongs (peanut ice cream for dessert ... it was good, but RJ's really raised the bar with that peanut butter reeses!!) and dinner at Bombay Club in C'sted ... we had a delicious meal that night! Thursday we WON AGAIN at trivia!!! Two out of the last three weeks?!? Look out Rainbow Rebels and Skinny Legs (the two teams who ALWAYS seem to win). AND ...my friend Pam visits this week and if/when we win again, I will have to credit the Catawba River Crew for their contributions to the winning team!
Friday ... ah Friday. My friends Scott and Carl hooked Wali up with a round of golf at Carambola (thanks guys!!!), so Steph and I dropped Wali off at 7:30 am (and yes, this WAS on my one day off!!) and we were at the beach before 8! The first time I had ever tried 'laying out' that early in the morning. It was more like laying down and covering up with the beach towel ... it was chilly! But it was nice and relaxing - good to get some girl time in there. Wali was done golfing by 11:30, so the three of us met up for lunch at Spratnet (another new place I hadn't yet tried), hung out at Cane Bay for a while (and actually all did a little snorkeling), then back to Carambola beach resort. It was a great day ... and capped off by another amazing meal with the Friday Night Dinner Crew ... this time was South Shore Cafe, where the owner Diane does everything from host to cook to serve - a cute, quaint place - and the food was incredible! We all left in food comas we were so ridiculously stuffed!
Saturday we partook in the St Patrick's Day parade - wow, let's just say that was an experience! It was a fun and long and HOT day! Then on Sunday, Wali's first words were that he wanted a ribeye steak from Coconuts for lunch. Funny how I live on an island in the Caribbean, yet so many friends' favorite restaurant is the Texas bbq place! Of course we kept up with all of the March madness that weekend, and capped off the weekend with a Carolina victory!
Thanks Dport and Wali for a great week - be thinking of our destination for next March =)
33 more ...
wake ups in St Croix. 33 more walks on the beach and steps in the Caribbean (I have vowed to step foot on sand and in water every day until I leave - you would think I did this every day anyway, but amazing how many days and weeks go by without it!). 33 more times to spend with friends. 33 more days surrounded by obnoxious roosters and dogs. 33 more nights watching glorious sunsets.
It is so hard to believe I'm down to 33 days already. This has truly been the experience of a lifetime. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to spend six months in paradise (well, except for the aforementioned chickens!), and St Croix will always hold a special place in my heart. The friendships I have made will last a lifetime. As much as I have loved it here, it is amazing how many signs there have been lately that I am ready to move on. I'll be so sad to leave this beautiful and warm place, but I am really looking forward to being home!
Mar 12, 2011
STX Bucket List
Hard to believe the countdown to April 30 is on already - 7 more weeks! Where has the time gone? When my friends Steph and Wali booked their flights in November for mid-March, it seemed like forever before I would see them. And now it is here already (though they are not ... ugh, sorry for the flight delays and overnight stay in San Juan!).
My friend Bryan visited last week, and I couldn't have asked for a better week - he brought the perfect mix of fun, relaxation, and support. The goal for the week was working on my St Croix "bucket list". I can't believe how fast almost five months have gone by already. As much as I have accomplished here so far, there are still so many things I've yet to see or do or places to eat that I would regret missing out on if I don't make it there before I leave. So here goes ...
On Sunday (after some P90X stretching to start off the day relaxed), Bryan volunteered to be my exploring partner - I've been wanting to take my jeep on Scenic Drive - for the fun of the four-wheel drive and the views from the top. Well I wasn't quite sure how to get there or which direction to go (of course, I had a specific point in mind for a photo op but no idea exactly where it was) - but we made it! And to top it off, we returned just in time for the Reggae Brunch at Eat at Cane Bay - something I found on my 'to do' list from October 20 - again, hard to believe I hadn't been there until now (of course, I will say in my defense, brunch is served from 11-4 and the music starts at 3 - so there just haven't been many times where I was thinking of brunch that late in the afternoon!).
Before his flight even took off, Bryan decided to get certified for scuba diving. Of course diving has been on my bucket list since I got here ... and you might recall NOT seeing any posts about my adventures diving. My friend Jeff has been wanting to take me out for months. I had never had any desire to go scuba diving before moving down here (given I've never been crazy about or comfortable snorkeling), but if living in the Caribbean for six months, I decided I at least needed to try it. Jeff and I had a day in November when we planned to go (and the newness and excitement of the island outweighed my fear), but we got rained out. Then the longer I've been down here, the more leery I seem to be about it (even though pretty much everyone I know down here does it and loves it). So we scheduled another date in February ... and I called and chickened out that morning. Well I sure couldn't just drop Bryan off at the dive shop for his discovery dive and not hear the end of it if I didn't go as well, so he inspired me to dive with him. We even started off the morning with yoga getting in the right frame of mind by relaxing and focusing on breathing, but long story short, the course ended up pretty much as I had anticipated ... I failed =( At least I can say that I had on all of the equipment and was breathing underwater through the regulator for a few minutes at a time, but during the skills test of taking the regulator out of my mouth (ummm ... how are you supposed to breathe?!?!? I had FINALLY got comfortable breathing with that thing in my mouth, now you want me to drop it ... underwater?!?), my panic mode was to stand up out of the water, take the regulator out, and breathe on my own. I just couldn't envision having that panic attack being more than a few feet underwater ... so that's where I called it a day. But I can officially say I tried!
Thursday night (after a headache of a day with power, internet, and jeep issues), our team finally won trivia - for the first time since I've been down here (combining forces with the A-team proved to be the winning combination)! Unfortunately I spent the majority of the night in the parking lot with my jeep, but I did contribute one answer to the winning team ... so that still counts, right?
We rounded up the Friday Night Dinner Crew for a meal Villa Morales - one of the local restaurants with true Caribbean/Latin flare - where I ate (and enjoyed) stewed goat! I will definitely go back and next time want to try the buttered conch.
Saturday morning we got up early to make the hour trek across the island to the eastern most point in the US to watch the sunrise - that was amazing, totally worth the trip! We ended up hiking the trails to Isaac's Bay and Jacob's Bay, then hung out at the beach at Chenay Bay, followed by lunch at Cheeseburgers in Paradise. Crossed four things off my list by noon!
I have tried my best to continue the streak since Bryan left (and surprisingly I have taken to yoga this week - we'll see how long this lasts!). On Sunday, after shooting a two minute video for the Major League Baseball Ultimate Dream Job audition (not on the STX Bucket List, but I could technically put that on my lifelong bucket list as the chance of a lifetime working for MLB!!), I headed to Lisa's to hang out with her at their pool. I had only been up there one other time and made a mental note to come back with my camera - they have a view that should be on the cover of Caribbean magazines! We really had a fabulous relaxing day - just sad we don't do it more often!
Monday proved to be a crazy day at work, but no meetings were scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. Given that Coconuts and Rhythms both have free wireless internet, I had "working from the beach bar" on my bucket list. So I headed to Coconuts for a late lunch and a productive afternoon (true!), followed by a call at 5:20 from my boss needing assistance "this afternoon". Needless to say, I spent the rest of the night working from home ... but it sure had been nice up until then!
I almost crossed off working from Rhythms on Thursday when I lost power, internet, and water! Ugh, it's one thing to have my computer with me over an extended lunch; it's another when we have a crazy busy day and I need back-up internet options! Luckily at least the power and internet were back up after my lunch break, though it took until Friday night to have running water (I swear, when it rains it pours ... and I feel like it hasn't stopped for the past month straight! I will kiss the ground when I get home being thankful for reliable essentials!).
Last night me and the "Fantastic Four" had dinner at Tutto Bene ... absolutely one of the best meals I have had here! Homemade sweet potato goat cheese ravioli in a mango rum brown sugar sauce ... WOW!!!
While not officially on my bucket list, I have learned to make it a point to stop and watch the sunset every chance possible. One of my favorite things about the island is that time literally stops around here for people to watch the sunset. And I have lost track of how many green flashes I have seen! I am really enjoying the position of the sun right now, where I don't even have to leave my balcony to watch it set behind the water. Ah ... one of the many things I will miss most!!
My friend Bryan visited last week, and I couldn't have asked for a better week - he brought the perfect mix of fun, relaxation, and support. The goal for the week was working on my St Croix "bucket list". I can't believe how fast almost five months have gone by already. As much as I have accomplished here so far, there are still so many things I've yet to see or do or places to eat that I would regret missing out on if I don't make it there before I leave. So here goes ...
On Sunday (after some P90X stretching to start off the day relaxed), Bryan volunteered to be my exploring partner - I've been wanting to take my jeep on Scenic Drive - for the fun of the four-wheel drive and the views from the top. Well I wasn't quite sure how to get there or which direction to go (of course, I had a specific point in mind for a photo op but no idea exactly where it was) - but we made it! And to top it off, we returned just in time for the Reggae Brunch at Eat at Cane Bay - something I found on my 'to do' list from October 20 - again, hard to believe I hadn't been there until now (of course, I will say in my defense, brunch is served from 11-4 and the music starts at 3 - so there just haven't been many times where I was thinking of brunch that late in the afternoon!).
Before his flight even took off, Bryan decided to get certified for scuba diving. Of course diving has been on my bucket list since I got here ... and you might recall NOT seeing any posts about my adventures diving. My friend Jeff has been wanting to take me out for months. I had never had any desire to go scuba diving before moving down here (given I've never been crazy about or comfortable snorkeling), but if living in the Caribbean for six months, I decided I at least needed to try it. Jeff and I had a day in November when we planned to go (and the newness and excitement of the island outweighed my fear), but we got rained out. Then the longer I've been down here, the more leery I seem to be about it (even though pretty much everyone I know down here does it and loves it). So we scheduled another date in February ... and I called and chickened out that morning. Well I sure couldn't just drop Bryan off at the dive shop for his discovery dive and not hear the end of it if I didn't go as well, so he inspired me to dive with him. We even started off the morning with yoga getting in the right frame of mind by relaxing and focusing on breathing, but long story short, the course ended up pretty much as I had anticipated ... I failed =( At least I can say that I had on all of the equipment and was breathing underwater through the regulator for a few minutes at a time, but during the skills test of taking the regulator out of my mouth (ummm ... how are you supposed to breathe?!?!? I had FINALLY got comfortable breathing with that thing in my mouth, now you want me to drop it ... underwater?!?), my panic mode was to stand up out of the water, take the regulator out, and breathe on my own. I just couldn't envision having that panic attack being more than a few feet underwater ... so that's where I called it a day. But I can officially say I tried!
Thursday night (after a headache of a day with power, internet, and jeep issues), our team finally won trivia - for the first time since I've been down here (combining forces with the A-team proved to be the winning combination)! Unfortunately I spent the majority of the night in the parking lot with my jeep, but I did contribute one answer to the winning team ... so that still counts, right?
We rounded up the Friday Night Dinner Crew for a meal Villa Morales - one of the local restaurants with true Caribbean/Latin flare - where I ate (and enjoyed) stewed goat! I will definitely go back and next time want to try the buttered conch.
Saturday morning we got up early to make the hour trek across the island to the eastern most point in the US to watch the sunrise - that was amazing, totally worth the trip! We ended up hiking the trails to Isaac's Bay and Jacob's Bay, then hung out at the beach at Chenay Bay, followed by lunch at Cheeseburgers in Paradise. Crossed four things off my list by noon!
I have tried my best to continue the streak since Bryan left (and surprisingly I have taken to yoga this week - we'll see how long this lasts!). On Sunday, after shooting a two minute video for the Major League Baseball Ultimate Dream Job audition (not on the STX Bucket List, but I could technically put that on my lifelong bucket list as the chance of a lifetime working for MLB!!), I headed to Lisa's to hang out with her at their pool. I had only been up there one other time and made a mental note to come back with my camera - they have a view that should be on the cover of Caribbean magazines! We really had a fabulous relaxing day - just sad we don't do it more often!
Monday proved to be a crazy day at work, but no meetings were scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. Given that Coconuts and Rhythms both have free wireless internet, I had "working from the beach bar" on my bucket list. So I headed to Coconuts for a late lunch and a productive afternoon (true!), followed by a call at 5:20 from my boss needing assistance "this afternoon". Needless to say, I spent the rest of the night working from home ... but it sure had been nice up until then!
I almost crossed off working from Rhythms on Thursday when I lost power, internet, and water! Ugh, it's one thing to have my computer with me over an extended lunch; it's another when we have a crazy busy day and I need back-up internet options! Luckily at least the power and internet were back up after my lunch break, though it took until Friday night to have running water (I swear, when it rains it pours ... and I feel like it hasn't stopped for the past month straight! I will kiss the ground when I get home being thankful for reliable essentials!).
Last night me and the "Fantastic Four" had dinner at Tutto Bene ... absolutely one of the best meals I have had here! Homemade sweet potato goat cheese ravioli in a mango rum brown sugar sauce ... WOW!!!
While not officially on my bucket list, I have learned to make it a point to stop and watch the sunset every chance possible. One of my favorite things about the island is that time literally stops around here for people to watch the sunset. And I have lost track of how many green flashes I have seen! I am really enjoying the position of the sun right now, where I don't even have to leave my balcony to watch it set behind the water. Ah ... one of the many things I will miss most!!
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