Carnival-Jump Start

Apologies to the few of you who maintain contact with us via the blog. An ongoing kitchen renovation, a nasty cold/mini flu, guests and a couple of freelance projects consumed my time. A new month is here, time more manageable and carnival looming.
Last evening a short season welcomer occurred in Christiansted. For those of you who don't know, the main Carnival on St Croix occurs Jan. 6, but the month of December is series of festivities culminating in the big event. Last evening served as a teaser.
The parade consisted of three or four beauty queens, three majorette troupes, one singer and the stars of the show the Major Minorettes. A troupe of senior citizens wearing clown costumes of St Croix madras, glitter socks, masks and top hats lit with candles, the Major Minorettes' thrilled the crowd with a low-skill, high-comedy routine. The troupe "twirlled" glow-in-the dark batons which served more as a prop for funny business. After marching in place, the group lay in the street and performed mock aerobics with the batons, made an arch with the batons, and then just danced around and drank with the batons. The "drum major" also shook a pom pom.
Following the Major Minorettes, the Caribbean Revellers truck of music rolled past inviting the crowd to join the tramp.
The big Jan 6 day is still available at Haypenny Rest. Come spend Carnival with us.

Seven Highlights of Scenic Old San Juan

Old San Juan is only seven blocks by seven blocks. In that small space; however, a wealth of museums, lovely architecture, delicious foods and scenic vistas abound. Here are 7 highlights of our Old San Juan walking tour.

Enjoy carillo, the local food fare. Some of our favorites: mallorcas, a wonderful ham and cheese on puffed bread sprinkled with powdered sugar and plantain tamales with pork wrapped in banana leaves. Yum!

Sip the delicious yet strong local coffee while people watching in one of the many shady parks known as plazas.

Dine on tapas at El Convento. The former convent and oldest hotel in Old San Juan's room rates may burst your budget, but tapas in the courtyard dining area are both tasty and reasonably priced.

Tour one of the many museums of local arts, culture and history. Our pick the museum of the family showcases family life of Old San Juan in the 1800s. Cost: free!

Shop for local and regional crafts. Yes, mass-manufactured goodies can be found in several tourist shops, but a seek out the stores offering unique finds such as wood carvings, jewelry and handicrafts.

The wide-open horizon of the Atlantic Ocean from El Morro is worth the hike on a hot, sunny September day. Refresh yourself with a Piragua, the Puerto Rican snowcone.

Or just browse the side streets and quiet courtyards behind the doors of Old San Juan. A beautiful and welcoming city.

Discover the top five reasons you should be in the US Virgin Islands—America’s Paradise.

1. No Passport Needed

Come to the Caribbean, your islands. Skip the lengthy wait for passports, St Thomas, St John and St Croix are US Territories so no passport is needed. Seems like a number of desperate travelers waiting for paperwork failed to realize the all the benefits of other Caribbean islands can be enjoyed on the U.S. Virgin Islands without the delay.

2. Direct Flights from the Mainland

American Airlines and Delta offer direct flights to St. Croix from Miami and Atlanta, respectively. American, Continental, Delta, United and US Airways offer flights to St. Thomas from the mainland.

Travel between islands is convenient. St John is a quick ferry trip from St Thomas. Ferries from downtown Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook embark for St John throughout the day and into the evening. Ferry service to St. Croix is also available. Sea planes fly a St Croix/St Thomas route typically every 20 minutes.

3. US Economy

Stay on the US economy and save the hassle of foreign currency exchange. Local banking ATMs abound, so accessing extra funds is easy. Best of all, no sales tax! Bring home duty free luxury goods, award winning Cruzan Rum and locally made handy-crafts.

4. Diversity

St Thomas, St John and St Croix offer travelers three unique experiences.

St Thomas has been a commercial center since colonial times. Luxury goods about for savvy shoppers wishing to take home duty free bounty. Night clubs and large scale resorts provide high energy travelers locations to live-it-up then kick back and relax.

St John boasts undeveloped land and spectacular views of the British Virgins. Two-thirds of the island is owned by the national part service. This lack of commercial development does not mean that beaches are empty. Travelers to St John may camp, yes, but the island also boasts high-end resorts with a laid back feel cater to those with deep pockets.

St Croix the quiet sister offers travelers beautiful beaches with a fraction of the crowds. Outdoor lovers may choose St Croix for kayaking, snorkeling and arguable some of the best scuba diving sites in the Caribbean. The largest island, St Croix also hosts a small rainforest with wonderful trails for hikers. St Croix’s fine dining and restaurant options are second to none, a treat after a day at the beach.

5. Cultural Experience

The rich history of the islands gives travelers a glimpse into a fascinating past: exploration, piracy, colonial rule and eventual US rule. The people of the Virgin Islands share their heritage eagerly. Learn about the people and culture that make America’s Paradise so special.

Come visit us at HaypennyRest.

Post Dean exhale (a few days late)

Dean brushed past us, thank goodness, bringing some rain, stronger than average winds and high surf. Considering the Caribbean tide heights vary so little that high and low tide reports do not exist here, Dean certainly affected the ocean landscape. Typically tranquil Fredericksted harbor (pictured in typical state) lurched and rolled and swelled over the sea wall and splashed on to the Strand Street park walking path.

The very next day; however, gorgeous, sunny serenity returned. Undisturbed by Dean, St Croix is ready and waiting for visitors.