We Got On A Jet Plane...

...And for me, that is a feat in and of itself. Yup, I am one of those anxiety-ridden-terrified-to-fly-freakerouters that shakes, turns white, tries not to cry and vomit all at the same time. This fear sucks; there's not other way to put it. However, even though I suffer through air travel, it's necessary because we have family on islands that require a cruise ship, an extremely long swim, or a jet plane to get to - I refuse not to visit because of a silly fear. So, on a flight to St. Thomas we boarded and what a fantastic vacation was had.

Ed, Cman, my brother, father and I all ended up in the USVI for a week of awesomeness to visit my sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Tyler. This trip was was planned on a specific week on purpose; it was Cman's 14th (!!!! say what?!) birthday. This trip became quite special right off the bat due to three things: 1) It was Cmans burfday 2) We got to spend quality time with Mar & Tyler (and Blixie, Misha and Scrub) 3) Mar & Tyler were personal tour guides with the keys to the city. See, Mar & Tyler are Marine Biologists & Professors at the University of the Virgin Islands. They have access to cool things like kayaks and snorkel gear and know the best places to see amazing sea and land life without all the crowds.

The beginning of the trip didn't go to well. We missed out direct flight to St. Thomas and ended up being resecheduled for a connector through Miami. This didn't mean that the boys (Cman excluded) weren't going to start vacation the right way at 9am. Yup, brewski's and a coke at the airport pub. Kegs and Eggs indeed.

We finally made it seven hours late - safely and happy to smell the ocean as we disembarked our aircraft. Since it was dark when we finally arrived, all we saw were lights on very steep mountains. All Cman saw was the bed and a new friend, Blixie.

The next morning we woke up to this:

 

It's ok to be jealous, really.  We know we are!

The first few days we were there Mar introduced us to some island gems that I still get cravings for... Udder Delite being one of them. Folks, this is a milkshake stand that's mom-and-pop owned that serves alcoholic milkshakes (to those of age) in so many different delicious flavors you want one of each.

Along the way we ran into some friends:

These suckers all all over the place down there. The parakeets were gorgeous, but so loud and obnoxious. The iguanas just laid in the sun usually in the trees and Cman tried to catch the little anoles, but to no avail.

Downtown Charlotte Amalie is really cool because of the historic buildings and proximity to everything - the rum-on-every-corner didn't hurt either.

While we were exploring around Charlotte Amalie, Cman found this joint call Magic Ice. At first we weren't 100% what it was - it turned out to be an ice bar. We all suited up and embarked on a one rum shot filled freezing cold adventure. 

 I have to say, this place was definitely cool, but really? If the power goes out that's a whole-lotta melty ice!  Over the next few days we visited the Aquarium on the island and snorkeled and drank bushwhackers amd Cman ate bacon, and snorkeled and visited St. John, Annaberg Sugar Mill ruins, Blackbeard's castle, the 99 steps, Cman ate bacon, went to about ten different bays, snorkeled, went to chihuahua races, saw the cast of the real world filming, ate delicious pizza at the pie whole, Cman ate bacon, drank bushwhackers, went to pueblo supermarket and too much more to list. We had the pleasure of dining at Mar's favorite place on St. John, Skinny Legs. Their blue cheese burger is to die for - as is their mango mojito. Ohhh...take me back!

St. John

99 Steps

It was time to go back home too soon...like waaaaay too soon. We thank Mar and Tyler for allowing all of us to take over their home (and cats) for eight days. We had a blast and cannot wait to go back!! Cman was already asking when we could go back and we weren't even on the plane to go home yet! I'm so glad we had an opportunity to go visit Mar and Tyler. Next stop(s) Montauk and Bermuda!