(This is at about 5:45am)
Day Two: May 23rd
Somehow I managed to wake myself up at 5:45am today on my
own… yeah, I know! I was shocked too. I rolled over and looked out the porch
door to see the hint of a sunrise peaking up through the clouds. I sprang out
of bed and grabbed my camera. Groggily, I snapped a few great shots of
sunbursts poking through, and light shining on the boats in the inlet. Just as
fast as I sprang up to take photos, it hit me. It’s 5:45 in the friggin
morning! The college student in me decided that this was unacceptable, so I
crawled back in bed until 6:30.
Today was our great Charlotte Amalie excursion. After eating
breakfast at the resort, we packed up the Jeep and headed into town. Wandering
down the waterfront and subsequently main street was sensory overload. I have
NEVER seen so many jewelry stores in my entire life. Now I see why Joan always
came back with some nice new baubles! Being a stereotypical woman, I am drawn
to shiny objects. We were not short on those today! Val, Kristen and I got
matching hook bracelets that are common down in the Caribbean. At the same place, I found these BEAUTIFUL
pieces of blue diamond jewelry. The jeweler was fairly desperate for a sale, so
he wouldn’t leave me be. He tried to convince me to buy a $1,400 blue diamond
ring (for $735) and the poor guy just didn’t get that I was serious in that I
am POOR. However, I came across a small three diamond (two blue and one white)
pendant which was gorgeous, but priced a little over $1,000 which is just
ridiculous. So I oohed and ahhed over it, but turned to head away because come
on… He offered to sell it for $400 which I kindly turned down. He said “WAIT
HERE” and jotted off to his boss. Ten minutes later I am walking out with the
pendant, a fine silver chain and the hook bracelet for under $200.00 (still
pricey, but for real jewelry, it was a steal). After that I found a small
Caribbean topaz ring which was very inexpensive, as well as a sundress and
sarong. I’d say it was a successful excursion.
On the “must-do” list was a lunch date at Cuzzins (sp?) on
Back street. The building sat at a crossroads, and stood well over 200 years
old. When you walk through the door, the smell of home cooking just wafted in.
After MUCH hemming and hauling, I settled on stewed mutton with fungi (a mix of
cornmeal and okra), local stuffing (a mashed sweet potato, cinnamon, raisin and pepper mix) and plantains. Oh. My. Word. It was amazing. Just AMAZING!
Kris got a curried conch which was out of sight! I can see the draw to the
place! J
When we got tired, we drove back to Red Hook and went for
groceries. I said this last time I was here and I’ll say it again… GOOD GOD the
food is expensive. Like 4.99 for a bag of frozen spinach? For real? But this
will save us quite a bit in eating out.
When we arrived back to Sapphire, we quickly changed into our suits and headed
to the beach. Considering the age of the resort, I must say the beach is still
amazing. White sand, coral and crystal clear aqua blue water. Oh how I’ve
missed bobbing like a cork. J
I think Kris was pretty pleased as well. I do think I stayed out a little too
long though because I’m looking sort of like a steamed crab right now.
Thankfully it doesn’t hurt… yet.
After a long swim and just enjoying one another’s company on
the beach, we headed back to Rob, Val and K’s suite for dinner. Here was what
Rob and Val made us:
- -Linguini with asparagus spears, garlic,
mushrooms and some EVOO
- -A tossed salad with avocado and tomato, and a
lemon, EVOO and spice dressing
- -Ting and rum to drink. OMG. LOVE IT! Think pink
grapefruit and the sweetness of rum. :)
So tonight I’m closing out at 10pm because the sun and
shopping just took it right out of me. Let’s hope I catch the sunrise tomorrow.
Cheers and Ting & Rum giggles,
Meg
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