19 November 2006

Paradise Found

In our island hopping, we next went to St. John's in the US Virgin Islands. The smallest and least populated of the Virgin islands, it is the most laid back. And has been often awarded the Honor of Most Beautiful Beach for Trunk Bay, which also has an underwater nature trail for snorkeling and scuba.


Through the Westin Resort, we arranged for an island tour in a safari bus with Richie Penn, a long-time St. John's resident originally from Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Mr. Penn is an Island Entrepreneur who owns the largest of the island's taxi service, a rental car company, a trucking company and several villas available for rental. He was also a great source for island history. Not to mention island gossip. (He immediately knew Kenny and Renee's marriage would never last just by looking at the "too skinny girl sitting on the bench.")




















St. John's used to be dedicated to sugar cane plantations, such as the now abandoned Annaberg Plantation. But now the main source of income is tourism.


Right next to St. John's is the larger and much more commercial St. Thomas. Once again, endless beautiful beaches. But also many more houses built into the side of the hills.


And we saw iguanas everywhere on both islands. Including this young one who wasn't so certain he wanted me taking his picture...







Although the goat didn't seem to care one way or another.








6 comments:

The Big Finn said...

Nice pics...
I've never been to the Carribean. Maybe someday...

Global Librarian said...

A Caribbean vacation can actually be a relatively thrifty one. The high season is from December through April. That is when it is crowded and expensive.

If you go May through November, you get slashed hotel rates, empty beaches and no waiting at the best restaurants. Plus, since it is the tropics, the temperature only varies by about 5 degrees year round. It's 85 - 90 degree highs year round.

I highly recommend it as a vacation. You should try it!

Unknown said...

Wow - those pics look incredible. I'd love to go just to make a few photos to cherish and hang up in the house!

I've only heard of this area as well. Never really been to any area near the East Coast and below.

Sara said...

Beautiful pics!
We got married at the Westin on St John about a year and a half ago :)

Global Librarian said...

Did you get married in the small gazebo beside the beach?

I amazed at how many others we have met since we did it. While we were there we met a couple who got married a few days before by the same minister we had!

Sara said...

Our wedding was actually on the beach in the sand (just down from the gazebo), the reception was on the lawn and the band played from the gazebo.
I would love to go back for a vacation!