Before I go any further, please realize that these are my own feelings and personal opinions. I like to write with humor because let's face it, my peeps are FUNNY! I hope you think so too and please forgive me for any typos or incorrect spelling. My fingers get flubby while flying, lips are smiling and mind is reminiscing...

This is Monday, June 12th by the way. So where were we? Yes, we drove the short distance from the airport to the Emerald Beach Resort. It's late, It's hot, I'm cranky, Lizard Boy wants to swim and Graduate Girl just wants her complimentary Rum Punch. Yes she is aware that the legal drinking age in USVI is 18, and yes we as her parents agree that she may drink in moderation while in our presence. Hells, it's a celebration trip after all. She's responsible, she's earned it and she's made us proud. Ok, enough of trying to convince myself that I'm not an unfit parent. Honey parks the car while I start the checkin process. Cost for one night at the EB is $153 plus tax. We collect our jet lagged butts and schlep our stuff 3 miles to the room. When we get there, of course our card keys do not work so Honey treks back to the lobby while we wait at the only door with a burnt out porch light. Is this a bad sign? I've read glowing reviews and reviews where this resort had been trashed. Here's my take. Honey makes it back with a key that actually opens the door and we walk in. Let me first tell you that I'm a hotel snob. It's not that I am a snob, I'm a fun, nice and genuine woman. It's just something I aquired from a bad childhood experience and so tacky hotels are not on my list of ok things. Now that we've established that, I will tell you that for me, EB is ok for one night, but I wouldn't want to spend an entire vacation there. It's not that it's Motel Ghetto, it just doesn't have that warm fuzzy and at hotels, I need warm fuzzy! I will say that the beach is lovely and the view of it from the balcony and from their onsite restaurant (The Palms I think) is amazing. Would I stay again? Yes, but only as a resting point on my way to St. John.

Awoke the next morning and threw the curtains back to view the body of water I would immerse myslef in for the next 8 days. Lindberg is a beautiful beach and I was enchanted while watching a Rasta wearing a scarf tied around his mentionables (no I'm not making this up) watching a couple of snorkelers snorkeling near the rocks at the left side of the beach (if your facing it). We all showered, gathered up our crap and went to check out of the room. As we walk out of the room and down the path, we realize that Nickie had disappeared. I just about started to panic when up ahead and to the left I see a bum and feet sticking out of the bushes. What was he doing? Spotting and trying to catch lizards. Hence the name Lizard Boy. Youll come to see how well this name fits. I'm feeling like I'm rambling, but having so much fun sharing our amazing trip with you. Please let me know if you would like me to shorten up. More to come in Getting There Part III.