Sigh...our last morning in the Virgin Islands...How sad indeed. I was excited, however....I knew I could easily come back and had made so many friends!

I knew that one day...as crazy as it sounds...I could live in this place. Trade my stress in a deciduous forest for stress where at least I could visit the beach. I love the water and trees and plants and nature more than anything!

We wake up in the morning and finally take sight of the scene before us...The open air balcony showed us a moon introducing us to a sparkling nighttime sea...the day, however, produced something so amazing. An endless sea! It didnt end! The only thing was a beautiful vacant island (Hans Lalich) and then the one main street of jost van dyke.

The waves still crashing below added to the drama of the seascape.

A small dinghy departed from Hans Lalich headed into Mandahl Bay. I wish I was on that dinghy...Although it can't get much better than where I am now...

We took a dip in the pool and waiting for my cousin, who went home the previous night to arrive. We had also met Rosa and Eduardo who live in the other part of the house below. Very nice people!

My cousin arrived and we headed to dolphin market or whatever its called (sorry) and got some sandwiches. These sandwiches were DELICIOUS!! I got the italian or something and we had a turkey something or other. They were kinda pricey but all of the ingredients were very fresh.

I will say that is what i did notice...Some things were expensive but it was backed up by quality and deliciousness usually...

After we got our sandwiches we headed to Lindquist Beach/ Smith Bay Beach

THE BEST BEACH ON THE WORLD!

I could not believe my eyes!

The water was so bright..so reflective...the sand so blinding white...it was secluded. there were no facilities. It was a BEACH. The water was this tealy green blue and the clearest water I had seen the whole trip. I cant get over this beach. It was like the most luxurious swimming pool you will ever see.

The way the sun refracted light everywhere was intense.

Just this....amazing...glittering...shining beach.

It was so sunny that day I spent time between the seagrape trees and the water.

I really have to say how amazing this water is. I feel bad saying it because its kind of a secret, but WOW!

The snorkling was really good too, we saw a stingray and a lot of cool fish

There was a a beautiful wedding on the beach and I was so happy for them.

After swimming and snorkeling for several hours at an incredible beach we headed back to the villa on mandahl bay.

The owner came home and was the most amazing person ever!

She has two dogs. One is very old and very sweet. The other one was old but very grouchy and just barks and stays away from people.

Well on the side of the house is this secluded area overlooking the cliffs and we just sat there talking. The dog actually came by and let us pet him and she said that NEVER happens. I felt really cool, and she knew that Naomi and I were good people and were invited back anytime.

We spend the night with her like we were old friends and cooked, laughed, swam, and danced the night away. I wish I could have stayed up all night but Naomi went to sleep as did others so I had to go to...We had an early day....=( I took one last look at the sea at night and said my goodbye's

I knew it wouldnt be the last time that I set my eyes on the wonderment that is the U.S. Virgin Islands...

I dont think there is anything more beautiful than an azure sea dotted with green lush islands. I do plan to travel the world but I know that my heart has been claimed by st thomas and st john. Its going to be in my veins and soul forever and I will always be trying to plan my next vist.

There is still one more day....But this last night is over.

More to come...