I am trying to pick up where I left off. This is what happens when you get to the end of the school year and you get soooo busy with everything. I can't even remember what morning we did the customs check in. Or was it called something else when you arrive back in US Territory and you have to file down early in the am to show ID? I do know it was quick and painless. We had to be down at the Walt Disney Theatre with our ID. We went by decks so everyone would not be there at once. It moved very quickly, but everyone wanted to eat breakfast at the same time too! But again!, I cannot remember if this was St. Thomas Day or Thursday our day at sea.
Anyway, after gazing at beautiful St. Thomas, Mike, the girls and I went to their little restaraunt area for pina coladas, (colas for the girls of course). The view from our table was out of this world. Someone else's TR described it as a postcard and I agree.
After our drinks, we walked around a bit, eavesdropped on someone's tour and decided to skip the bird show. Hey, we live in Florida, we see these things all the time. Flamingo Gardens, Parrot Jungle, Metro zoo, etc. We even have them in our backyard sometimes. Not parrots, but monk parakeets. While standing again and gazing out at paradise, Mike and I were debating on taking the girls back to ship and taking a taxi out to Charlotte Amalie and do some sightseeing. We could see it from where we were standing, and just couldn't seem to find it in us to do so. I think we were getting a little run down. After all, we have had a busy week and just the night before was Pirate night which ran late and an early start and the long hot morning was probably getting to us. Part of me wanted to go, but the other part wanted to just slow down and relax. We still had time, so we headed back. We got some lunch by the pool and watched with jealousy at some ship mates riding on the Screaming Eagle. I really want to do that next time. They looked like they were having so much fun! The pool was not full at all and the girls were able to swim. Boy, did I see some lobster red beer bellies there! I think some people just do without sunscreen period, and when they get burned, they stay out anyway for hours.
After the pool, we go back to the room where everyone crashes into their bed. Except for me. As much as I wanted to lie down too, I took the opportunity to go back into St. Thomas to do some shopping. On my own. No kids. No husband. Alone and with DH's credit card that is. I thought for sure I would be the only one venturing back out since it was 3 o'clock. But I was wrong. There was plenty of people leaving still. And there was some leaving when I got back at 4. (everyone on board 4:30) I did not go far at all. Just to the mall area not far from the ship. I wanted to mail some postcards to my parents in NC. By the way, they got those postcards in 3 days which is much quicker than from here in FL. I saw plenty of t shirt shops, with the usual rum cakes and liquor bottles. I did buy some flavored rum. They are still sitting on my kitchen counter unopened. That's about it. I did not buy much. I went back to get my shower and dress for dinner. We stood on the verandah and watched people coming in at the very, very, last minute. I saw some running with their strollers, others walking slow dragging children, and taxis with others practically leaping out. Sure enough, one family got out of the taxi and not 3 minutes later the gangways were taken up. We did see a young family of 4 leave the ship just before pulling out. I have no idea what that's about.
The ship slid out sideways and almost turned completely around. I thought that was pretty awesome. For a long time, we stood out there and watched as we left St. Thomas. We took photos, and just sat there until dinner time.
