This is our fourth time back to St. Thomas in as many years. With each visit we’ve gotten to know the island and its culture on a deeper level. The relationship between tourism and the citizens of St. Thomas, like its history, is very layered. In every sense the Virgin Islands are a complex cocktail that requires time and patience to accurately comprehend. Everything here happens "on island time" and either you're the kind of person who readjusts to the slower pace and likes it or can't and hates it.
In most interactions with employees in local shops and restaurants, especially ones away from the cruise ship docks, there’s a certain level of standoffishness (this can be easily misinterpreted as rudeness) straight away. We noticed this attitude began to fade after we frequented those places more often and people got used to seeing us. A few days ago I made a cashier laugh and I considered this a victory. Generally, we’ve noticed that after the second or third visit people seem to warm up and become more relaxed and friendly.
This is the hallway we walk down each morning in our Airbnb. We’re greeted by our host, Lecia, with a fresh cup of coffee, a wonderful breakfast, and great conversation each morning. If you're looking for a place to stay while you're on the island we would highly recommend looking into her Airbnb, it's less expensive than most hotels and it's such a better experience.
The trip this year was all about the sea. Between Magen’s Bay, Sapphire Beach, and Lindquist Beach, I spent more time in the ocean than I ever have and it was lovely.
I have many more pictures and much more to say about this trip so please stay tuned for Part 3. If you missed Part 1, you can find it here.
Be Breezy,
Eric
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Wow, this is amazing blogging and pictures, I take it St. Thomas is just more than the place to go to just have the maddest fun of one's life, o could really feel the surrealism from the pictures, the people, the food, and my! Avocado and peached eggs never tried that one. Wow.
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Thanks, @josediccus! The avocado there was a different variety than we get in the US. It was much bigger and had a different flavor. It definitely made for a good breakfast!
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Oh, Eric, I am glad I checked in tonight. The photos are great and I feel like I am warmer looking at them. I so miss seeing an ocean. We are landlocked living in the midwest.
Travel is fun and gives a much better perspective on life. I am glad you two are making fun memories. Did Amstel miss you?
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I'm glad you enjoyed them! I'm relying on these memories to get me through the rest of winter now. We woke up to -13 degrees this morning and have much more snow on the way. Amstel was very happy to see us! Our son brought him when he picked us up from the airport and he howled. We missed him too.
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Seeing this 2 part, I went immediately to the first part so as not to feel that I was missing something. I feel that all human beings should have once a year near the sea. Indisputably, the sea relaxes, fills with energy and changes people's faces. How well you and your wife look, and breakfast looks great. I would also choose Lindquist beach as my favorite, it looks amazing and lonely. A gift from heaven. Certainly, why internet?! Enchanted with this publication, @ericvancewalton
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Thanks, Nancy! I agree, the sea is very healing. I spent a lot of time in it this year!
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I can understand that you named Sapphire Beach the most beautiful ever. The name is so well chosen, it is really sapphire.
I also liked the other photos, but this one beats them.
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Thanks, @clio! It's so beautiful it almost doesn't seem real but, unfortunately, the busses bring loads of tourists there from the cruise ships so it can get really crowded. If you plan around the cruise ship schedule you're fine though. Magen's Bay has the same issue. There was a tourist feeding the fish at Magen's the day we were there. This resulted in HUGE schools of fish coming close to the beach area and, as a result, flocks of pelicans flying in to pick them off one by one. Lindquist is my favorite because you don't see much of that there, it's usually way more quiet.
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Beautiful captures from your trip. Nice photography dear .
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Thank you!
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It was a great experience and a fulfill travelling experience you had and I know for sure that you truly enjoy yourself there as well. Very cool and nice colorful photos @ericvancewalton
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Beautiful pic of you and your wife. awesome view at the beach .
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Great photos Eric, great fellows!
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Very nice photography, it's lovely Lindquist Beach I love it .I want to go there ,thanks for the shares these beautiful story and photos.
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Sooo cute look and awesome photography...my dear friend
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@ericvancewalton, Yes, when we visit particular place multiple times then we get more opportunities to explore and going through from the deeper understanding of that particular place. And in my opinion, sometimes we can feel the behavioural differences at new places and if we succeed to change that by our behaviour then as you said, it's definitely a Victory. Stay blessed.
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That's much favorite part of travel, looking past preconceptions and first impressions then learning about the culture. I can't see myself spending much more time in the islands. Thanks!
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Welcome and enjoy your Travel Explorations. Have a blessed time ahead.
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ahhh those beaches - GORGEOUS!!! must have felt so good to go into that gentle ocean water so often...I'm jealous. And that breakfast, makes me want to go and make it right now, yum!
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They are beyond beautiful, the water is teeming with life too. I dream of floating in that water. I tried a new variety of avocado. The ones available in St. Thomas are from the Dominican and are HUGE. They have a slightly sweet flavor too, not as buttery as the ones available in the States.
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I'll bet you savor those dreams now that you're back in true winter!
I just looked up the types of avos in that area, I don't think I've had this kind. I definitely favor the green skinned avocados but the ones I've tried are much bigger and rounder. I thought I'd eaten them all but have another variety to look forward to trying!
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I definitely do savor them. This might sound silly but I downloaded an app to stream the St. Thomas radio station (WSTA AM 1340) on my phone. They play nothing but traditional island music, it's been amazing.
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Doesn't sound silly at all, in fact it sounds lovely! I may tune in too for some tropical vibes tomorrow as the temps dip down again :-)
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It is always necessary to always have some time for fun amd relaxation and beaches are a great place to just do so.
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Simply beautifull!!
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Beach and sky view is very beautiful . Nice pics taken .
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