On our first full day in St. Thomas, we decided to go to Sapphire Beach, a short distance from our condo. First we needed a collapsible cooler, so we went to K-Mart. So far, my friend had been doing a keen job of driving on the left, but oops, it must happen quite a bit, because when we headed down the wrong side of the road we got a couple of honks and laughs. No problem! So we loaded the cooler with cheese, crackers, salami and beer and water and off to the beach. Well folks, let me tell you we were both mesmerized. The beautiful water and lovely sand… we thought we were in heaven. It wasn’t crowded at all and we found a nice spot under a sea grape tree. Later we saw a woman picking the berries, so we asked and she told us how to tell when they were ripe. Heck, we ate them right off the tree! Then we met our first iguana. Fierce looking guy but after a few minutes and pictures, we deemed him “Iggy” and he was so polite as to leave us be. Plus we just couldn’t stay out of the water. I gave my friend her first snorkeling lesson which didn’t go so well. Oh, how I remember how I hyperventilated the first time too! Anyway, it seems my mask wasn’t fitting properly, so I just did a little snorkeling and saw a few beautiful fish. By late afternoon, we were fried. We had passed the Food Center on the way from K-Mart so decided to check it out for something to make for dinner. I liked the Food Center, so much more selection than Marina Market (although we went there at least a few times) so we bought shrimp and scallops and my friend made a wonderful dinner of pasta with lemon sauce and our little crustaceans. Ended the evening at Sopchoppy’s. Very laid back place overlooking the marina in Red Hook. I tried a Bushwacker, and then tried another and then, well I got “bushwacked”. Another day in paradise ends.

Next day: shopping in Charlotte Amalie. Boy, it was hot! So we stopped in many shops and I had to get a hook bracelet and my perfume. Picked up some jewelry for my mom and then we wanted to check out Zora’s. She makes custom fitted shoes and sandals and my buddy has a hard time finding properly fitting shoes (triple A foot). Well, we were walking around and finally asked a little girl of about twelve if she knew where Zora’s was. This little girl was so cute and she walked us right to Zora’s shop. What a doll. Zora is a wonderful woman and immediately measured and helped my friend to pick out the sandals that she would make. Oh, did I mention that my friend is very outgoing and will talk to anyone? It’s a good thing and I will say now that in all of our dealings, we encountered nothing but lovely and polite people. I was worried a little about appearing to be an “Ugly American”, but friendliness and an open mind are key ingredients. We had a lovely lunch at Gladys's and bought some of her famous hot sauce. I had an avocado lobster salad and my friend, the flying fish special. Headed back to the condo for a little pool time and another snorkeling lesson which went a little better. We’d heard that Sopchoppy’s had excellent pizza so we went there again and the pizza was very good. I was good and only had one beer. Tee hee. Along about now I am not remembering if it is Monday or Tuesday…oh well, I must be on Island time.

Next installment: Megans, tram ride, more shopping.