Well the post from yesterday failed so here goes a 2 day post.
Charlotte Amalie
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Amalie,_United_States_Virgin_Islands
Yesterday started off with a nice breakfast where the very helpful Ann gave us some tips on how to shop and get around in town.
First of all the Safari Taxi is the best way, 1 buck per person no matter how far.
Worth double, as the ride is like riding the Raging Bull at Great America.
No seat belts, and to get off push the doorbell buzzer over your head.
Rode into town checked out Yacht Haven Grande.
http://www.yachthavengrande.com/index.php
lots of mega yachts in town, Tatoosh seems to be the center piece this week.
NAME
LENGTH
BUILDER
YEAR
REPORT
Excellence III
188.00 ft / 57.30 m
Abeking & Rasmussen, DEU
2001
02/24/2008
Argyll
152.55 ft / 46.50 m
Rossi, ITA
2002
02/24/2008
Marco Polo
147.00 ft / 44.80 m
Cheoy Lee, HKG
2006
02/24/2008
Milk and Honey
125.00 ft / 38.10 m
Palmer Johnson, USA
2002
02/24/2008
Tatoosh
303.20 ft / 92.40 m
Nobiskrug, DEU
2000
02/23/2008
Big boats, Big money
Went shopping in Havensight.
Liquor is one of the best buys; selection and prices are among the very best in the area. Fragrance and jewelry are also excellent values in St. Thomas. U. S. residents age 21 and older may bring back five fifths of liquor (AND a sixth if it is produced in the USVI; local rums are always a hit). U.S. residents can also bring home five cartons of cigarettes and 100 cigars from the USVI for a total of $1,200 worth of duty-free imports every 30 days. Family members can make a joint declaration.
Main Street is crowded with store after store, but take the time to sort out the shops and find what you are looking for. Many Main Street shops have sister shops in the Havensight Mall. For fragrance and liquor, jewelry and crystal, pearls and watches you can select from literally dozens of shops. Among the most popular are Cardow (www.cardow.com, 340-776-7440), Little Switzerland (www.littleswitzerland.com, 340-776-2010) and Diamonds International (www.diamondsinternational.net, 340-774-1516).
Except for one thing.
most stores are closed on Sundays and when there are no cruise ships in town.
there can be up to 10 at a time!
Took the Safari back to the hotel to go swimming in the ocean.
rented a paddle boat for exercise.
