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Caribbean Travel RoundupNewsletter - Paul Graveline, Editor |
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If you want to enjoy the relaxing sounds of the Caribbean while planning your next trip to that tropical paradise here are some of the best reggae sounds from Jamaica and the Bahamas. Most of these titles can be found in your local record store or through your favorite music club (i.e. Columbia House). BOB MARLEY - LEGEND (1984, Island Records) The essential album of Bob's Greatest Hits. It's how I got interested in Reggae and it's an album that should be the first in your reggae collection. Songs: IS THIS LOVE ONE LOVE/PEOPLE GET READY NO WOMAN, NO CRY I SHOT THE SHERIFF COULD YOU BE LOVED WAITING IN VAIN THREE LITTLE BIRDS REDEMPTION SONG BUFFALO SOLDIER SATISFY MY SOUL GET UP, STAND UP EXODUS STIR IT UP JAMMIN' VARIOUS ARTISTS - COOL RUNNINGS MOVIE SOUNTRACK (1993, Columbia Records) From the hit Disney film about the rise of the Jamaican bobsled team on the road to the Olympics in 1988 and 1992. Many great reggae artists are featured here. Songs: WILD, WILD LIFE-Wailing Souls I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW-Jimmy Cliff STIR IT UP-Diana King COOL ME DOWN-Tiger PICKY, PICKY HEAD-Wailing Souls JAMAICAN BOBSLEDDDING CHANT-Worl-A-Girl SWEET JAMAICA-Tony Rebel DOLLY MY BABY-Super Cat LOVE YOU WANT-Wailing Souls COUNTRY LYPSO-Hans Zimmer THE WALK HOME-Hans Zimmer BOB MARLEY - BABYLON BY BUS (1978, Island Records) This album was recorded during Bob's music tour with the Wailers. Songs recorded in Paris, Copenhagen, London and Amsterdam. Songs: POSITIVE VIBRATION LIVELY UP YOURSELF PUNKY REGGAE PARTY REBEL MUSIC (3 O'Clock Road Block) EXODUS WAR/NO MORE TROUBLE STIR IT UP IS THIS LOVE RAT RACE HEATHEN CONCRETE JUNGLE JAMMING KINKY REGGAE BOB MARLEY AND THE WAILERS - REBEL MUSIC (1986, Island Records) Songs: REBEL MUSIC (3 O'Clock Road Block) SO MUCH TROUBLE IN THE WORLD THEM BELLY FULL (BUT WE HUNGRY) RAT RACE WAR/NO MORE TROUBLE IN THE WORLD ROOTS SLAVE DRIVER RIDE NATTY RIDE CRAZY BALDHEAD GET UP, STAND UP BOB MARLEY AND THE WAILERS - CATCH A FIRE (1973, Island Records) Songs: CONCRETE JUNGLE SLAVE DRIVER 400 YEARS STOP THAT TRAIN BABY WE'VE GOT A DATE (Rock It Baby) STIR IT UP KINKY REGGAE NO MORE TROUBLE MIDNIGHT RAVERS JIMMY CLIFF - HANGING FIRE (1988, Columbia Records) Songs: LOVE ME, LOVE ME IT'S TIME HANGING FIRE REGGAE DOWN BABYLON GIRLS AND CARS HOLD TIGHT (Eye For An Eye) SHE WAS SO RIGHT FOR ME SOAR LIKE AN EAGLE INNER CIRCLE - SUMMER JAMMIN' (1994, Big Beat Records) Songs: SUMMER JAMMIN' IMAGINE GAMES PEOPLE PLAY WALKING ON A RAINBOW BLACK ROSES ROUGH BOY SOMETHING SO GOOD BROKEN GLASS WHIP IT REGGAE DANCER SIGNS, I CAN'T TAKE IT 24-7-365 INNER CIRCLE - BAD BOYS (1993, Big Beat Records) Features the theme from the popular Fox TV show "Cops" (Title Song) and the Top 40 hit "Sweat (A La,La,La,La Long) also known as "Girl, I'm Gonna Make You Sweat" Songs: SWEAT (A LA,LA,LA LONG) HEY LOVE BAD BOYS BAD TO THE BONE ROCK WITH YOU DOWN BY THE RIVER WRAPPED UP IN YOUR LOVE SLOW IT DOWN LOOKING FOR A BETTER WAY SWEAT (Dancehall Mix) SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT TEAR DOWN THESE WALLS LIVING IT UP BAD BOYS (David Morales Mix) BIG MOUNTAIN - RESISTANCE (1995, Giant Records) Features reggae covers of "Get Together", a late '60s hit for the Youngbloods and Cat Stevens '70s hit "Where Do The Children Play") Songs: HOOLIGANS SOUL TEACHER RESISTANCE WHERE DO THE CHILDREN RISE RASTA RISE PLAY? GET TOGETHER RETIRE CARIBBEAN BLUE INNER CITY YOUTH SWEET AND DEADLY WANTE WANTE TRODDIN' LOVE IS THE ONLY WAY KNOW YOUR CULTURE BOBBIN' AND WEAVIN' HOOLIGANS (Dub) VARIOUS ARTISTS - REGGAE SUNPLASH (1993, MCA Records) Features music from many great reggae stars who performed at this annual event held in Montego Bay, Jamaica in 1992. Songs: FEEL LIKE JUMPING - Marcia Griffiths GOT TO BE A BETTER WAY - Mystic Revealers SHE LOVES ME NOW - Beres Hammond ROUGHNECK/RUDEBOY (MEDLEY) - Ed Robinson BAD BOY - The Dre'ds and Morgan Heritage WORKIE WORKIE/YOUNG GIRL BUSINESS (MEDLEY) - Chakademus BUM FLICK - Little Lenny BONA FIDE LOVE (MOVIE STAR)/TEST ME NUH (MEDLEY)-Wayne Wonder (Featuring Buju Banton) READY FI DEM - Ninja Man MURDERER/BLACK ROSES (MEDLEY) - Barrington Levy WOLVES AND LEOPARDS - Dennis Brown TO BE POOR IS A CRIME - Freddie McGregor INI KAMOZE - Here Comes The Hotstepper (1995, Columbia Records) Features the title track which was a popular dance hit in 1996. Songs: CALL THE POLICE GENERAL ROUGH PULL UP THE CORK HERE COMES THE HOTSTEPPER PIRATE GUNSHOT BABYLON, BABYLON WORLD A MUSIC I WANT ITAL TROUBLE YOU A TROUBLE ME BURNIN' BLACK UHURU - STRONGG (1994, Mesa Records) This album won the Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 1995. Songs: BRAND NEW WORLD TIME MATERIAL AND SPACE STRONGG GENOCIDE EYE OF AN ANGEL BIG BAD BULLY FROM JUMP STREET YES I REGGAE SONG CONSCIENCE CALLING SPECTRUM I PRAY STEEL PULSE - RASTAFARI CENTENNIAL (LIVE IN PARIS-ELYSEE MONTAMARTRE (1992, MCA Records) Songs: STATE OF EMERGENCY CHANT A PSALM ROLLER SKATES GANG WARFARE K.K.K. STAY WID DE RIDIM BLUES DANCE RAID MAKKA MEDLEY:MAKKA SPLAFF-DRUGS SQUAD TAXI DRIVER HANDSWORTH REVOLUTION SOLDIERS RAVERS (Includes DUNGEONS) STEPPING OUT RALLY ROUND/REPRISE TANYA MULLINGS - REAL PERSONAL (1995, Twolya/Factor Records) Songs: I DO LOVE YOU U SO FINE MAKE YOUR MOVE PLEASE HURRY REMEMBER THE TIME NEVER TOO MUCH YOU MAKE IT EASY DO ME GROOVY SITUATION RED TOP (Featuring General Degree) BOB MARLEY AND THE WAILERS - NATURAL MYSTIC (THE LEGEND LIVES ON) (1995, Island Records) More of Bob Marley and the Wailers Greatest Hits. Songs: NATURAL MYSTIC KEEP ON MOVIN EASY SKANKING SUN IS SHINING IRON LION ZION WHO THE CAP FIT CRAZY BALDHEAD ONE DROP SO MUCH TROUBLE IN THE WORLD ROOTS, ROCK, REGGAE WAR PIMPERS PARADISE AFRICA UNITE TIME WILL TRENCHTOWN ROCK BOB MARLEY AND THE WAILERS - RASTAMAN VIBRATION (1976, Island Records) Songs: POSITIVE VIBRATION WHO THE CAP FIT ROOTS, ROCK, REGGAE NIGHT SHIFT JOHNNY WAS WAR CRY TO ME RAT RACE WANT MORE EVERTON BLENDER - LIFT UP YOUR HEAD (1995, Tuff Gong Records) Songs: CREATE A SOUND SUN IS SHINING LIFT UP YOUR HEAD GHETTO YOUTHS WHERE DO THE CHILDREN PLAY? WESTBOUND TRAIN MY FATHER'S HOME ETHOPIA CALLING GWAAN NATTY BRING DI KUTCHIE FAMILY MAN MAN IS UNJUST IF YOU WANT TO MAKE IT SUN IS SHINING (EXT. MIX) LUCIANO - WHERE THERE IS LIFE (1995) Songs: IT'S ME AGAINST JAH HE LORD GIVE ME STRENGTH GOOD GOD WHO COULD IT BE THERE'S NO LOVE IN THE WORLD HE IS MY FRIEND WHERE THERE IS LIFE YOUR WORLD AND MINE HEAVEN HELP US ALL JUST LIKE THE WIND IN THIS TOGETHER BYRON LEE AND THE DRAGONAIRES - SOCA BUTTERFLY (1995) Soca is reggae with a fast beat and is great to dance to. Songs: GUNS THE FIRST TIME THIS IS HOW I DOES WINE SOCA BUTTERFLY JUMP AND WAVE RAGGA RAGGA DO THE IWER OUCH FLAG PARTY ONE STEP, TWO STEP BYRON LEE AND THE DRAGONAIRES - SOCA BACCHANAL (1995) Another album of Soca hits from the Dragonaires. Songs: CONGA LINE SOMEBODY NANI WINE MAXI TAXI DUB FREE UP MEDLEY (JIMMY SWAGGART, BANDIT) SOCA SALSA FEELING THE FEELING SWEET SOCA PETER TOSH - WANTED DREAD OR ALIVE (1981, Island Records) Peter Tosh was a member of the Wailers. This is one his many solo albums. Songs: COMING IN HOT WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE NOTHING BUT LOVE RASTAFARI IS REGGAE MYLITIS THAT'S WHAT THEY WILL DO THE POOR MAN FEEL IT FOOLS DIE COLD BLOOD SPANNER BANNER - CHILL (1995, Island Records) Songs: UNIVERSAL LOVE YOU GOTTA BE BABY DON'T LEAVE ME MICHELLE CHILL WHAT WE NEED IS LOVE SLOW MOTION SWEET ANGEL CHEATER A LITTLE BIT OF RAIN GARNETT SILK - LOVE IS THE ANSWER (1995) Songs: GET UP, SHOCK OUT FRIENDS AND LOVER LOVE IS THE ANSWER PUT ON THE PRESSURE FIGHT BACK A MAN IN LOVE USED TO BE MY GIRL ALL THE WOMAN I NEED SKYLARKING CHERRY PROMISED SHAGGY - BOOMBASTIC (1995) Shaggy has had some success on the U.S. dance music charts. Songs: IN THE SUMMERTIME WOMAN A PRESSURE ME BOOMBASTIC THE TRAIN IS COMING SOMETHING DIFFERENT ISLAND LOVER FORGIVE THEM FATHER DAY OH HEARTBREAK SUZIE JENNY FINGER SMITH HOW MUCH MORE WHY YOU TREAT ME SO BAD GAL YU A PEPPER SINGING MELODY - ORIGINAL (1996) Songs: GOOD LOVE FLASHBACK TOO YOUNG FRIDAY EVENING TALK TO ME IF I DON'T MEAN IT ORIGINAL THREE TIMES A LADY I DON'T CARE WALKING IN THE RAIN WAYNE WONDER AND SANCHEZ - PART 2 (1996) Songs: MY SOUND DON'T TAKE IT PERSONAL I'LL BE LOVING YOU CHERISH YOUR LOVE SWEETEST GIRL THAT GIRL IF THERE WASN'T LOVE THAT SOUNDS WON'T LAST LONG YESTERDAY ONCE MORE ZIGGY MARLEY AND THE MELODY MAKERS - JOY AND BLUES (1994, Tuff Gong Records) The son of the legendary Bob Marley. Songs: JOY AND BLUES HEAD TOP BROTHERS AND SISTERS AFRICAN HERBSMAN THERE SHE GOES WORLD SO CORRUPT TALK GARDEN REBEL IN DISGUISE MAMA X MARKS THE SPOT THIS ONE BUJU BANTON - 'TIL SHILOH (1994, Penthouse Music) Features a great mix of reggae rap. Songs: SHILOH CHUCK IT SO 'TIL I'M LAID TO REST HOW COULD YOU MURDERER WANNA BE LOVED CHAMPION IT'S ALL OVER UNTOLD STORIES HUSH BABY HUSH NOT AN EASY ROAD WHAT YA GONNA DO ONLY MAN COMPLAINT TRAFFIC JAM - ISLAND TUNES If you go to Blue Lagoon Island this is the band that plays on the ship that takes you there from Nassau. The tape was $US10. Features popular island tunes to a steel drum beat. Songs: ISLAND IN THE SUN SHAME AND SCANDAL HOT, HOT, HOT JAMAICA FAREWELL MARYANN MAN SMART, WOMAN SMARTER NEVER ON A SUNDAY MY WAY RED, RED WINE FOX HILL CAL MEDLEY RONNIE AND THE RAMBLERS - BURMA ROAD (THE ORIGINAL) Popular Bahamas group. I bought this tape at the airport in Nassau. Songs: BURMA ROAD BAHAMIAN PISTON ECHOES OF MY MIND BAHAMA ROCK WOMAN OF MINE BY THE TIME I GET TO PHOENIX NATIVE WOMAN CROWN CALIPSO BUNGY ON FIRE WAILING SOULS - ALL OVER THE WORLD (1992) Songs: ALL OVER THE WORLD GET REAL SHARK ATTACK PICKY, PICKY HEAD IF I WERE YOU HEARTSBEATS ACCELERATING SHE PLEASES ME LOVE YOU WANT YOU AIN'T DRIVING STEEL PULSE - SMASH HITS (1992, MCA Records) Songs: RIVERS EARTH CRISIS ROLLER SKATES BLUES DANCE RAID CHANT PSALM SAVE BLACK MAGIC STEPPIN' OUT BODYGUARD YOUR HOUSE LEGGO BEAST NOT KING JONES VERSION BABYLON THE BANDIT WORTH HIS WEIGHT IN GOLD (RALLY ROUND) TIGHTROPE DUB MARCUS SAY (RALLY DUB) ROLLER SKATES (DUB) BIG MOUNTAIN - UNITY (1993, Giant Records) Features the Top 40 hit "Baby, I Love Your Way" originally recorded by Peter Frampton and was a Top 40 hit from his "Frampton Comes Alive" album in 1976. SONGS: FRUITFUL DAYS BABY, I LOVE YOUR WAY BORDER TOWN YOUNG REVOLUTIONAIRES UPFUL AND RIGHT REVOLUTION SWEET SENSUAL LOVE TIME HAS COME I WOULD FIND A WAY BIG MOUNTAIN TRNGO GANOS PETER TOSH - LEGALIZE IT (Island Records) SONGS: LEGALIZE IT IGIZABEHER (LET JAH BE PRAISED) BURIAL KETCHY SHUBY WHATCHA GONNA DO TILL THE WELL RUNS DRY NO SYMPATHY BRAND NEW SECOND HAND WHY MUST I CRY BURNING SPEAR - THE WORLD SHOULD KNOW (1993, Island Records) Songs: THE WORLD SHOULD KNOW MI GOT DEM (I GIVE THEM) IN A TIME LIKE NOW LOVING DAY I STAND STRONG SWEETER THAN CHOCOLATE IDENTITY ON THE INSIDE IT'S NOT A CRIME
Tues.--We took the US Airways flight from Philadelphia to St. Croix. When we booked it was a nonstop flight. By the time we actually left it became a one stop flight on the way down (St. Thomas) and a nonstop return flight. We were slightly late in leaving Philly because landing tires needed to be changed. We were in STX by 2:30 p.m. We picked up St. Croix This Week and various brochures that were available at the travel information desk. We highly recommend that any visitor to STX pick up a copy of St. Croix This Week as it contains information on just about anything you could want or need while on the island. (Restaurants, shops, taxis, entry and departure information, history, etc.) Since we travel with only carry on bags we were in a taxi an on our way before others had even begun to pick up their luggage. Checked into Sugar Beach Condominium's and were taken to our apartment. We had gotten excellent rates here--senior discount and then discovered our travel agent had also made arrangements for us to get one night free--a nice surprise that we didn't know about until we checked in. Walked to the Pueblo grocery in Golden Rock. It's a looooong walk-- uphill. Took a taxi back to Sugar Beach. There is a taxi stand at the Pueblo in Golden Rock which is not listed in St. Croix This Week. Since we'd decided not to rent a car this trip we used them frequently. They always arrived in less than 5 minutes after our call. All literature says to determine price before getting in, although; taxis are required to carry posted rates. We never had a problem with anyone trying to charge more than the published rate. Would rather deal with cab drivers in STX than in Philly! Every once in awhile a cab driver would be difficult to understand. I don't usually have a problem, but with some I did. Took a much needed nap after leaving home at 6:15 am. Then walked next door to Breezez Restaurant where we had an excellent meal. Our waitress told us the restaurant had recently changed hands and both the food and the atmosphere were much improved so that people were starting to come back, but slowly. Another family and ourselves were their only customers. Wed.--We took a tour of the island with Sweeney from Safari Tours who has been highly recommended on this board and was also highly recommended by Sugar Beach. Sweeney has earned his excellent reputation. He gives a very well informed presentation on the island history, life style, etc. He is knowledgeable, easy to understand and personable. We seldom take organized tours, but highly recommend this one. Our first stop was the Botanical Garden. I always find it amazing to see our common houseplants in their natural environment some of which are HUGE. That got cut a little short because it was looking like serious rain. Next was the rum factory. The smell of molasses if almost overwhelming. (A little girl who joined the tour at the factory spent the whole time with her nose buried in her T- shirt <G>). The tour ended with a refreshing rum drink. On to Whim Plantation. The elderly woman who gave the actual tour of the house was quite a character; although; difficult to understand sometimes. From there we headed to Fredricksted had a brief tour, and stopped for lunch at the Turtle Deli. (Huge sandwiches on delicious home made breads). Our tour group was small. Four young Danes, a very nice woman from Baltimore (originally from Anitqua) and the 2 of us. The youngsters went off by themselves leaving the "old folks" to share a table and good conversation. Had another heavy downpour during lunch, but not enough to do any good. Wed. continued--After lunch continued our tour of Fredricksted. The Danes had requested that we go to the Lawaetz Family Museum. It is not a part of every tour, but we were glad they had requested this stop. Although the family no longer lives here the tour is given by Irene Lawaetz, the original owner's daughter-in-law. She is charming and the tour is very real and personal. As we were approaching the Mahogany Road, we encountered one of the Lawaetz brothers chasing one of his Senapol cattle that had broken through the fence down the road. I was glad we were in the tour vehicle when I realized it was a bull he was chasing. As encountered a horse that had broken it's tether (more on that later)and was getting ready to take a trot down the road until we came along and "spooked" it. These little things are the things that make the Caribbean, well, the Caribbean. The tour stopped for 2 scenic shots one of Carombola the other of Salt River, the back to the condo. After our large lunch we ate dinner in and enjoyed the beautiful large balcony of our unit. Thurs.--Watched the sand grow. <G>. We both did a lot of reading this trip. We had the beach to ourselves the entire week. Sugar Beach has the nicest beach of the four condo units that are side by side in Golden Rock Estate. St. Croix by the Sea also has a decent beach. Colony Cove and Mill Harbor really do not have beaches. There was a tremendous amount of seaweed but it was the kind that stayed on the bottom so was no problem especially since we both were wearing "reef walkers". This is a reef protected beach and the breakers are way off in a distance. The water was very calm and somewhat shallow. Walked across the beach in other direction to Serendipity for dinner. Dinner was good, but we thought Breezez a little better. Fri.--Spent AM on the beach, after lunch headed into Christensted. Did the walking tour and browsed the various shops. We had a lot of fun talking to the owner of the Natural Jewels. We decided to stay in town for dinner. However, shops close at 5 and most restaurants do not start serving dinner until 6 or 6:30. Didn't want to do another RT taxi so killed an hour--don't remember how. It was worth the wait. We went to Indies for dinner. This restaurant has a wonderful West Indian ambiance, food that is delicious, creative and beautifully presented. Desserts are heavenly. Sat.--As we were eating breakfast, we heard this sort of thudding sound on the beach. Someone was galloping a horse at full speed along the beach. It was quiet for a while then we heard it again. This time someone was galloping a horse and behind it came an adorable foal-- still all legs and stubby tail. I'd seen a tethered mare and a foal when we'd walked to the grocery. All the adult horses we saw were tethered and foals were allowed to roam free. I know that's the way it's done, but I'm used to letting horses roam a fenced pasture. I'm sure there's a good reason, but leaving a horse tied just seems to go against their need to wander and graze. After our morning beach time we headed back into Christensted on a quest to add to find prints or paintings to add to those we'd bought on other islands. We found 2 lovely watercolors at Many Hands. Went to watch the seaplane and just hang out for our while at the dock. Had dinner at Stixx The food and the restaurant are pretty basic, but good. The view of the harbor is exquisite. Sun.--Slept late, went for a walk around the grounds and down the beach for some picture taking. We stopped at Serendipity for lunch. The American B soccer team was having lunch there before their match with St. Kitts. Spent the afternoon at the pool which is in a pretty setting around a sugar mill ruin. Mon--Spent the morning on the beach. Back to Christensted this time to buy some Larimar jewelry ( a stone indigenous to the Caribbean). One piece, of course, had to be a St. Croix hook bracelet. Got caught during a downpour in Natural Jewels so continued our conversation from Friday with the owner. Also went to a cooperative gallery on King Street. The work their was mostly overpriced for its quality. Went back to breezes for dinner. Tues.--Darn! this was a short week. Felt like we'd just arrived and it was time to leave. Packed and headed for the airport. It was really nice to go through immigration and customs on the island. We did have a problem in customs. It's funny now, but it wasn't at the time. I believe the customs agent had a slight reading problem as I'd clearly printed everything on the forms. He kept asking us if we'd bought an original water cooler. I said I didn't know what he was talking about. He then asked who' written the form. and continued to insist that it said "original water color" . Light Bulb! "Original watercolor--you know painting" as I made brushstrokes in the air. That got us waved through. An uneventful flight to Philly where it was hotter and more humid than on STX. General Stuff--This was one of the least expensive trips we've taken to the Caribbean. We had excellent rates on our accommodations, took advantage of an air fare war and fully utilized Paul's senior discount. Restaurant's in STX run the gamut from expensive to inexpensive. Our most expensive meal was at Indies and there even including tip it was about $60 including drinks and tip. Some shops were closed for vacation, but most were open. Our condo was in need of some minor repairs, but was very comfortably furnished and conveniently located. We would stay there again. There were certainly no crowds anywhere and the weather was nice. The islanders really wanted rain and it is badly needed, but we were glad it only came for the most part at night while we were there. In all a restful and interesting vacation. Would we go back? Yes. Would we stay at Sugar Beach again--yes.
Arrived via Delta on Wed the 21st. Took van to Red Hook with our group of 6. Kathy DeMar of Vacation Homes met us at the Cruz Bay dock were we then went to Denzil Clines to pick up our truck with canopy top. It was the only thing that could moves our 6 around with luggage and scuba gear. Also Denzil is good to rent from because you can park on his lot when in town and we know how tough it is to find a parking place in Cruz Bay. Kathy took us to our villa Las Trementinas for the next week. It was high above Choclate Hole with a few steep turn to get there. The villa was excellent with bedrooms on 3 levels, large living and kitchen area with anything one could ask for. The villa had an extensive sound system with speakers all over the house and out by the pool. One end of the pool was built like a hot tub with seats at different levels, which was great for sitting around sipping various island beverages. The house had an hot tub but was out of order, but we did not need it with the pool being built as it was. We had a great view and could see cruise ships moving around at night. The villa also had a guest house which no one was staying at, so you could house 8 to 10 if you needed to. We ate Wed night with Rich at Lime Inn, it was the Wed night Shrimp Feast with all the shrimp you can eat. We got our money's worth. Rich the owner amazed me by remembering my name from previous year. It was the 1st of times that we ate at Lime Inn. Thursday morning we got up and our villa had no water. A water pump had to be replaced, and was done while we where off snorkeling at Salt Pond. Saw a ray with about 6 foot span and lots of fish. We ate lunch at Skinney Legs before going to snorkel having their famous hamburgers, which are always great. Looked for my hat I left there last year, but it was not in the lost and found area. We stopped at Shipwreck Landing and bought t-shirts. This is the place where most of the island t-shirts are printed and are about 3 to 5 dollars cheaper. We ate that night at Morgans Mango. I had my usual the Voodoo Snapper, which was super. The rest of our group had good meals. We had their famous Bushwacker drink, which is the best by many. My wife gave me a compliment that I had mastered their recipe and mine is slightly better. Friday we visited Trunk Bay to snorkel because Hawksnest was closed for shooting a Ron Rico Rum commercial and no cruise ships were to be in on Friday. My son, Dean 23, and I went on a scuba dive trip with Cruz Bay Watersports. We dove on a wreck off Mingo Cay which was the result of sailboat being blown by Hurricane Marilyn from Hyatt dock through the channel to smash against stone wall of the Mingo Island. Woody was our dive master. We had an excellent meal at Fish Trap that night. I love their seafood chowder. To be cont. Sat- We took the Blast with Cruz Bay Watersports to Jost Van Dyke. Our captain was Marcus and 1st mate Shay. We had our group of 6 and another couple from NY, so there was 8 instead of the usual 14. We first went to Great Harbor to clear customs and visit Foxy's. We bought some T- shirts, smoked some Cuban cigars, and my wife found a Jost Van Dyke refrigerator magnet. She collects them. We left Foxy's and walked down Main Street and I bought my daughter a t-shirt at Paradise Bar. We left Great Harbor and went to Sandy Spit to snorkel and for a great lunch onboard the Blast, it came from the Starfish Deli. Lots of boats at little Sandy Spit snorkeling and walking the small island. We saw a ray and lots of squid in the water. It was a good place as there was also lots of fish. We left there and went over to White Bay to spend the afternoon on the beach and snorkeling. We swam in and first hit Soggy Dollar for their Famous Painkiller, which I am trying to master. We hit some of the gift shops, snorkeled and played nerf football. We then returned to Cruz Bay about 4PM. It was a great trip and the 2nd year we have done it. That night we went to Lime Inn again. We all 6 had the Caribbean Lobster. Rich was the cook tonight and did a good job. He said he cooks a couple times a week. The lobster was excellent. After dinner we walked over Crash Landing and had a Bushwacker to see if it was as good as Morgans Mango. It was not quite as good, but again it could have been the bartender. We shot pool, played pinball, and played putt-putt while at Crash Landing. It is worth the time to stop in there for a drink. Sunday was a day for us to relax. We got up late about 9 (we had been getting up at 7 due to the sun coming up so early on STJ) and ate breakfast and relaxed around the pool with STJ steel band music. We went down town and ate lunch at Pusser. We like their hamburgers and the view. Shopped at wharf, downtown and at Mongoose Jct. We picked up deli sandwiches at the Mongoose Deli for dinner and returned to relax at Las Trementinas. Trip Report 3 to come. Monday we took the Pirates Penny to BVIS with Michelle and Chris. The Pirates Penny replaced the Stormey Petrel on this trip because Stormey was going through Coast Guard inspection. Good to know they do those inspections. We traveled around the beautiful north shore of Tortola to Spainish Town on Virgin Gorda to clear customs. Bought some scuba items at the scuba shop in the harbor. After clearing customs we went over to the Baths and snorkeled in. We toured the caves and climbed around. Chris and Michelle were good guides and had much info about the Baths. Especially the part were they thought parts of it were an alien space ship. Did not get a chance to go to Mad Dogs Bar at the top of the Baths. We left the Baths and went Cooper Island Beach Club for lunch. They have the best Conch Fritters on the planet here. Also do miss the photo opportunity to take a picture of cactus growing in the comode. It was a good lunch as it was last year. We left Cooper and went to Norman Island to snorkel. This was an excellent place as there was millions of fish and even a few sharks. We returned into STJ via the north shore beaches at about 4PM. We have taken this trip before and would again. We ate late at Morgans Mango tonight as it was Memorial Day. Good crowd, but the food was the worst we ever had there. They were out of several menu items and food taste was off. The rice was not cooked and other things which you expect form Morgans was not there. I guess it was the Memorial Day crowd, but the crowd should have been the same as an in season night. morgans Mango had always been my favorite until this last meal there. Tuesday our last day we went to snorkel at Hawksnest after a late breakfast. The snorkeling was good. A few of our crew of 6 spent a little to much time in the sun. They had been careful all week and just wanted to spend to much time in the Hawksnest sun. We picked up some deli sandwiches at Mongoose Deli for lunch on our way back to Las Trementinas. We lounged around the pool the rest of the day. About Dinner time a rain storm unloaded on us. That night our children an their girlfriend and boyfriend wanted to eat dinner at Pussers and watch the storm at sea. We let them eat there as we think of Pussers as a lunch and drink place. We went back to Lime Inn for the third time that week to eat with Rich. This ended up being the best meal of our trip. The special was blacken swordfish and that is what we had. It was excellent. Rich offered to buy us a another round of drinks, but I declined as I had to drive back to Las Trementinas. So when I got the bill he had taken key Lime deserts off the bill. Last year he bought us a round of drinks at Morgans Mango as he was sitting there in the bar on his night off. The kids came back over to Lime Inn and We had told Rich that they went to Pussers to eat. He gave them a hard time (in jest) for eating at Pussers. He wished us a safe trip home and would see us next year. Wed. morning I called Express 1 (Mitchel) my favorite taxi driver on St. Thomas to meet us at Red hook to take us to the airport. It was a sad time as my wife cried and had tear most of the way to the airport. To say the least she LOVES STJ. We cleared US customs at the airport and had a snack and boarded Delta about 3 something. The takeoff gave us another beautiful view of ST. JOHN. It was real EMOTIONAL to get that last view of paradise. We made it into TRI- Cities Tennessee about 10PM. Here is a review of the trip. BEST LUNCH 1-Cooper Island Mahi and conch fritters 2- Skinny legs Hamburgers 3- Mongoose Deli roast beef sandwich 4- Pussers Hamburgers BEST DINNERS 1- Lime Inn- Blacken swordfish and keylime pie 2- Lime Inn Caribbean lobster and key lime pie 3- Morgans Mango Voodoo Snapper ( this was our first trip the second was not as good) 3- Fish Trap- Steak and Mahi 4- Lime Inn Shrimp Feast and key lime pie. BEST SNORKEL 1- Sandy Spit JVD 2- Norman Island BVI 3- Salt Pond BEACHES 1- White Bay JVD 2- Trunk Bay 3- Hawksnest DRINKS 1- Morgans Mango Bushwacker 2- Soggy Dollar Painkiller 3- Lime Inn BBC 4- Pussers Painkiller VIEWS 1- Caneel from north shore road 2- Chateau Bordeau view 3- Trunk from north shore road 4- Las Trementinas- watch ing the cruise ships move around at night as well as the storms at sea
Disclaimer: This was our first trip to a Caribbean Island, and after only a week spent there, we don't want to pretend to be the experts on Caribbean travel. However, we feel that our experience could help other people to decide on a vacation destination, and to enjoy vacations as we did. Accommodation: My wife Vesna and myself wanted to see St. Lucia. We prefer "Bed & Breakfast" type of accommodation to more institutional "all inclusive" resorts. The article on "Villa Caribbean Dream" written by Nicolay Kreidler and Birgit Wick (posted on this forum) caught our attention. We called the Villa owner Brigitte Maronie, and booked the room for a week. On my request, Brigitte faxed me a booking confirmation with prices and dates. (Villa Caribbean Dream, Alphonse and Brigitte Maronie, Moule-a-Chique, Vieux-Fort, St.Lucia, Phone and Fax: (758) 454-6846). The description of the Villa by Nicolay K. and Birgit W. proved to be very good, from nice location to homey atmosphere, and there is no need to repeat their words (better read their article yourself). Breakfast was so big and so good, that we ate only breakfast and dinner. Drinks were in fridge, everyone helps him/herself and puts mark on his/hers consumption list, paying at the end. It is very personal, as Nicolay and Birgit wrote, and we were invited to birthday parties, traveled together with other house guests to rain forest, and spent quite a time exchanging travel experiences with hosts and other guests. On the other hand, living room and terrace are big enough that we were able to find peaceful corner to read or write in the evenings when we weren't in the mood for socializing. Being the "Caribbean Beginners", advice from Brigitte Maronie helped us to get oriented in the society which differs a lot from our everyday surroundings. Safety: We heard beforehand so many unpleasant things about local people in Caribbean, that safety was quite a concern for us. I would recommend the book "Caribbean Afoot" by M.Timothy O'Keefe (Menasha Ridge Press, Birmingham, Alabama, or Monarch Books 1-800-404-7404), which realistically outlines some basic "techniques" to travel more safely in Caribbean. Do not wear any jewelry, keep your camcorder in plastic bag, and restrain from wearing "money-belts". If you feel that area is unsafe, travel in a group (4 or more people). Our experience was that if you meet people with a smile, and if you first offer your "Halo" to people around you, response will be mostly positive. Vesna and myself criss-crossed the island by local buses, regularly being the only tourists in a crowded bus. We walked Vieux- Fort, Castries, Soufriere and Gros Islet, without any trouble. Yes, locals tried to sell us something or offer a taxi ride here and there, but after we kindly refused (emphasis is on "kindly"), they would give up. Only once a panhandler was so boringly persistent, that we gave him a dollar to get rid of him. Of course, it can be contemplated that we were just lucky. But we met a young couple from Germany who travel Caribbean islands and Central America from guest- house to guest-house, and even a single woman who travels in the same way. They didn't have any really bad experiences. I'd like to restrain from general conclusions after having only such a tiny experience in the area; however, I feel sometimes that people are fallen pray to a paranoia, and cause the problems to themselves by behaving hysterically. I hope to see more of Caribbean in the future, to prove or deny our current experiences. Travel: We flew Air Canada, Toronto to Hewanorra, cca 4 hours. On the flight back we had a wonderful view of Caribbean islands, Martinique, Dominica, etc. Local buses on St.Lucia are the main means of transportation. They are actually vans, and only God knows how could 14 passengers and a driver fit in it, but they always do. The fare is very cheap, $3.00 US will transfer you and your backpack to the farthest part of the island. As a special bonus, you'll see the real life on the island. There is no timetable for the buses: they leave the end terminals the moment they are full, stop anywhere by passenger's request. If you hike, just raise the hand and they'll pick you up if they weren't already full. Frequency of the buses is very high, I can't recall waiting for more than 10-15 min. Traveling local buses on the winding St. Lucian roads is an experience close to riding roller-coaster. Beside driving on left side, driving customs are very different than in Canada, more aggressive and almost with no concern for pedestrians. Although these experiences could be horrifying at the beginning, I'd like to credit local drivers for knowing the roads as the palms of their hands (and St. Lucian roads are wrinkled as the old fisherman's hand). Warning: Buses operate from early morning to 4 or 4:30 PM. After that time, you can use taxis only, which are 10 to 15 times more expensive. The price must be negotiated before the trip. What to see: Rain Forest, with rich tropical vegetation and colorful birds. The path through the forest is very good, and you don't need a guide. The smaller group, the more birds you'll see. Pigeon Island, the monument of British Imperium at its peak. From here British Navy (under Lord Rodney) attacked French fleet (under Admiral de Grasse) in 18th century, and secured British naval domination for the next century. There is also a beautiful beach where one can rest and swim after climbing the hills and fortification's ruins. Pitons - the landmarks of St. Lucia. We were interested in climbing that steep piece of volcanic rock, but it is to risky to do it on your own. With only a week to spend in St. Lucia, we couldn't find a guide to lead us to the peak of the mountain. Castries - the capital of St. Lucia didn't impress us with its buildings. The most interesting was a picturesque market, where farmers sell all sorts of fruits and veggies unknown to us. Soufriere - Diamond Falls and "Drive-in- Volcano" (the volcano smells of sulphur, and the name smells of marketing) are worth seeing, but we liked the most the plantation, where cocos, cocoa and other fruits are still processed in the old ways. Climate: Daily temperatures were 28 to 30 Celsius (high eighties in Fahrenheit), dry and mostly windy (February is in the dry season). Nights were much cooler. Villa Caribbean Dream doesn't have an air- conditioning, but we never longed to have one: the house is built in the way that natural air circulation keeps temperature always at the comfort level. In the nights, we needed a blanket (shame on us Canadians who are supposed to be used to cold weather). Tropical sun is very high, almost above your head, and sun-screen is "a must" for outdoors, unless you already have a really dark tan. With not too much hair on my head, a hat was a compulsory piece of equipment for me. Watch your nose, or you'll suffer, as Vesna did. Emergency: In Vieux-Fort is located an American built and run hospital. Fortunately, we never needed it, but Brigitte Maronie described the hospital as an institution run on American standards. For Canadians: In Vieux-Fort are located branches of all bigger Canadian banks: Royal Bank, CIBC, Bank of Nova Scotia. General Conclusion: It was a wonderful vacation for reasonable price.
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