So, now that the blog is all set up I guess I can start adding pictures. The beach scene is really the beach at the hotel. I’m hoping that everyone will check the blog at least weekly to read the latest. So, let’s get to it:

FISHING: There has been enough interest in fishing to call on a friend and have him hold a few days. His website is www.fishwithcarl.com and he promises to do his best to find the big ones. A half day trip (4 – 6 hours) runs $600.00 for up to 6 people.

GOLF: This was mentioned in an earlier update. One couple has shown a desire. Let me know if others want to play and we can work on foursomes.

CHARGING AT THE HOTEL: Julie has stated that guests may charge their meals at the hotel restaurant and their drinks at the bar to their room. This will ease the burden of keeping cash and/or wallets and purses on your person while on the beach and by the pool. The charge slips will be a two part ticket (one for the hotel and one for your file in the office) There will also be the tear off stub for your records to reconcile your account.

THINGS TO BRING: Be sure to bring all necessities (especially toiletries) since these items at the hotel gift shop are VERY expensive. Disposable underwater cameras are a popular item, esprcially if you are goiug out to Buck Island. There are pharmacies where these can also be purchased, but it will be easier to bring them.

FLIGHT INFORMATION: Julie would like all the arrival dates and times by August 20. This will ease her job and that of the staff.

RESTAURANTS: There have been some inquiries as to the best restaurant. Let me say this, “If I were going to eat out only once and not want to spend a fortune, I would dine at Kendricks”. David Kendrick’s website is www.gotostcroix.com/kendricks/index.htm and I know that when you make reservations and tell him that you are with Louie’s group, he will be sure that your evening will be memorable.

VIRGIN ISLAND PEOPLE: People who inhabit St. Croix are varied. Native Cruzans are a portion of the “locals”. There are also people from most other Caribbean islands including Puerto Rico, Santo Domingo and even Cuba, not to mention the United States and countries of Europe. Most locals are very polite and would like to be treated the same. When you meet locals, it is customary to greet them with a “good morning” or “good afternoon” before engaging in conversation.

TIPPING: As in every tourist environment, people in the trade survive on gratuities. Here are some guidelines:
Housekeeping – an average of $5.00 per day per room is standard. Level of service will determine + or -. This can be left daily or done at the end of the stay.
Bar & restaurant – the normal 15-20% is customary.
Side trips – Buck Island, sunset cruise, island tour, horseback rides and fishing are also occasions for tipping.

RENTAL CARS: Some people are opting not to use a rental car. They may want to rethink this. The reason for this is that the hotel is remote and taxis are costly enough that by the end of the week you will have spent as much or more on cabs than on a rental car. All of the side trips (with the exception of Sweeney’s tour, who will pick up at the hotel) require getting to down town Christiansted for the event. This includes Big Beard’s Buck Island and Sunset tours. Fishing trips, horseback rides and golf are even farther.
You could consider sharing a rental with another couple. Having a car will give you the ability to tour on your own once you get to know the lay of the land. The 10% discount was negotiated for our benefit but only applies to pre-bookings. As anywhere, less than a week rentals are much higher on a per day basis.