Wednesday, September 9

Departure

Small Disclaimer: Imagine a sheepish smile on my face. I forgot to post the last few days of my time in the islands until the first day of October... I apologize if some of the posts are shorter or a bit different stylistically or otherwise.

Tomorrow, we fly. I'm stressed, anxious, and still in denial. The suitcases just barely fit into the car, but I figure it's alright that I have so many bags, since they're more like my moving boxes, but with wheels and nylon.

After the workout that was lifting all the bags, we headed down the hill for breakfast at the Deli Grotto. Then, we headed deeper into the island to drop off my fridge items with Keith and Breslin. They were the lucky recipients of all the perishables, condiments, and tasty treats that I haven't been able to eat or use. I think they got a pretty good stash of things – a handful of tuna cans, some whole grains, frozen veggies, and a load of spices and seasonings.

Wrapping up my final day, I walked around the Biosphere and said many goodbyes, all of which were sad. I hugged as many people as possible. For lunch, mom and I headed back to Mongoose Junction for a sandwich at the Deli, where a few people from the park were having their mid-day meal. Keith joined us for my last few hours on the island.

After eating, I stopped at the Friend's store and got Jennie a most awesome t-shirt. Then, we walked over to the dive shop where I got my dive log stamped. The day continued somewhat busily as we hustled to return the car, unload bags at the ferry dock, and board the ferry to downtown. I've not yet been on the ferry to Charlotte Amalie. It was a nice ride with great views of cays and islands not normally visible from the other ferry to Red Hook. On our ride, a few boobies flew overhead, as if chasing the bow of the ferry boat. I wearily watched them overhead, hoping no bird would unleash any waste materials onto our heads.

Our bags and luggage wheeled across the street into the back of a taxi, which then took us to the Island Beachcomber, which was just far enough that we needed a taxi instead of walking. The Island Beachcomber is nestled right next a Best Western and the Airport, on the beach, and split apart from the main part of town in Charlotte Amalie. The beachcomber rates for locals are fantastic. With proof of residency in St. John, I happily forked over the reduced rate in the form of a plastic card. We got to the room and it was quite warm. No AC? I asked the front desk and we were moved to another room, which then had a very chilled atmosphere. We eventually figured out how to turn down the AC and get the room to a more comfortable 72 degrees. Right away, we switched into our bathing suits and headed for the beach. A few short strides away, the water was warm and enjoyable. Of course, I'm biased and feel like the beaches in St. John are a thousand times better. The water here was a little cloudier (had a hard time seeing my toes when I was neck deep) and the view out to sea not as marvelous. It was still a fantastic beach (compared to back home or on the east coast).

After our bathing, we really bathed, washed up and headed out for dinner. The nearest suitable spot for dinner was actually the Italian place at the Best Western, Portabella's. Wow! I don't think I've had real restaurant-style Italian food in a long time. I miss having garlic and buttery cheeses melted over pastas and red sauces. At Portobella's we had a most tasty dinner. Some Cavit Pinot Grigio (oh man do I love it) and Ravioli for me, Lasagna for mom was most full-filling. Also, we saw a wedding while swimming on the beach earlier. Now at the restaurant, we saw the same couple enjoying their dinner. After our wine and Italian food, bedtime lured us to the room. We made it back to the Island Beachcomber by sand (parallel to the street). Within seconds Mom and I expired for the day and fell asleep.