Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Bad News For St Croix
It was announced this week that the Hovensa oil refinery on St Croix would be closing immediately. The refinery is owned by Hess and has been on the island for decades and employees over 2,000 people. Alas, this is a devastating change for the island. The refinery will be closed by mid February and will be used as an oil storage facility and employ 100 people. Everyone is very concerned about what this will do to the economy and community here. So sad!!!
Our First Visitors
My mom and sister, Megan were our first visitors here in St Croix. They came to visit for a week and stayed with us in our apartment. We borrowed an air matters from our boss and set them up in the living room. It was a little cozy, but worth the money saved!!
Drew worked a few of my shifts and I was able to spend a lot if time with them while they were here! I actually only worked one night! That night, they were dropped off at the casino! :)
I played tour guide for the week and even took them to a few places we had never been. Our itinerary included Rainbow Beach and Normas to see the pigs, the Cruzan Rum factory (new for us), the casino (twice for them!), shopping in Christiansted, Jack and Isaacs beach (new for us), Buck Island (new for us), and lastly a day at the Divi, which they did solo.
I think the highlight of the week was our boat trip to Buck Island. The island is about 5 miles off shore and is a protected natural park. It was gorgeous!
We spent a few hours on the island and went snorkeling. Drew and I hadn't been yet in St Croix and it was the first time ever for my mom and Megan. I think it was enjoyed all the way around!!!
The rum factory was pretty cool too. They tell you all about the process of making the rum, which is all done here on the island. Then they ship the booze to Florida where they flavor and bottle it. Then, it's shipped back here to be sold. Seems like they should just have a bottling plant here...
At the end of the tour, they have free drinks so you can taste all the rum! Kinda cool!! My mom and Megan left with six bottles of rum to share with people at home!!
We had a few homecooked meals and a few good dinners out while they were here. Both were so great!!
Oh, the casino...well the night we all went, Drew hit a slot machine for $675! And, then the night my mom and Megan went while we were at work, my mom hit for $550!! I have lucky people in my life!!! I broke even! Better than losing!!!!
All in all, I think it was an amazing week! The first Caribbean vacation for both my mom and Megan and they seemed to really love it! Thanks for being our first visitors!!!
Next up, we have Drew's dad who will be here tomorrow and his brother who will be here on Saturday!
Drew worked a few of my shifts and I was able to spend a lot if time with them while they were here! I actually only worked one night! That night, they were dropped off at the casino! :)
I played tour guide for the week and even took them to a few places we had never been. Our itinerary included Rainbow Beach and Normas to see the pigs, the Cruzan Rum factory (new for us), the casino (twice for them!), shopping in Christiansted, Jack and Isaacs beach (new for us), Buck Island (new for us), and lastly a day at the Divi, which they did solo.
I think the highlight of the week was our boat trip to Buck Island. The island is about 5 miles off shore and is a protected natural park. It was gorgeous!
We spent a few hours on the island and went snorkeling. Drew and I hadn't been yet in St Croix and it was the first time ever for my mom and Megan. I think it was enjoyed all the way around!!!
The rum factory was pretty cool too. They tell you all about the process of making the rum, which is all done here on the island. Then they ship the booze to Florida where they flavor and bottle it. Then, it's shipped back here to be sold. Seems like they should just have a bottling plant here...
At the end of the tour, they have free drinks so you can taste all the rum! Kinda cool!! My mom and Megan left with six bottles of rum to share with people at home!!
We had a few homecooked meals and a few good dinners out while they were here. Both were so great!!
Oh, the casino...well the night we all went, Drew hit a slot machine for $675! And, then the night my mom and Megan went while we were at work, my mom hit for $550!! I have lucky people in my life!!! I broke even! Better than losing!!!!
All in all, I think it was an amazing week! The first Caribbean vacation for both my mom and Megan and they seemed to really love it! Thanks for being our first visitors!!!
Next up, we have Drew's dad who will be here tomorrow and his brother who will be here on Saturday!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
St. Marteen trip
So after 27 years, I finally made it to St. Marteen. It was a great trip with Jenn as we traveled to the French and Dutch island last Tuesday. We arrived early afternoon and immediately started drinking carib's. Grammy and Grampy still know how to have a good time. We also enjoyed some pretzels with peanut butter in the middle. If you have not bought this delicacy, you are missing out! We were both immediately struck by how much more built up the island was relative to St. Croix. There are literally restaurants and shops on every street. There are also many more Europeans and more yachts than you can count. We knew we were going to be in for a great week.
The first night, we went to grand case on the French side. This was both of our first authentic French meal. I had an amazing salmon app and Jenn and I tried snails for the first time. It was the first meal of many where Grampy dunked French bread continuously in garlic butter. Grammy ordered frog legs for dinner and Jenn even tried those! Her palate is becoming more refined by the day. We finished off a great first meal with strawberry shortcake. There were even some fireworks as they were celebrating something which escapes me...
We ventured to the casino after dinner and gambled a bit. It was a good time but you can smoke inside which is terrible.
The second day, we wanted to get a feel for the island. We went to Phillipsburg on the Dutch side, which is where all the cruise ships go. There were an amazing 6 ships that day! We window shopped a little and had some chocolate rum before lunch time. We continued around the out skirts of the island and saw St. Barts and Anguilla from the distance. We went to orient beach which is the most famous on the island. Finally, we stopped at g and g's favorite rib place for some local BBQ. That night, we didn't have the best meal but we enjoyed some live jazz and danced a little.
The following day we relaxed by the beach for most of the day. The airport is only a 3 iron away, so we saw many planes take off and land. There were many crazy people on the beach that would get blasted with the jet engines for the rush of it. Pretty cool to see huge planes land so close to you. That night we went to a harbor on the French side and had some great pizza.
At this point, it is worth mentioning that we had played copious amounts of cribbage. Couples vs. couples. We went on a nice run on thursday and were beating them pretty good. Jenn has only been playing for a couple years but she learned from a pro. Let's just say Grampy grew very tired of losing. Now both Jenn and I know where I get my "fighting spirit" or crying from...Grampy.
Our last day was spent by the beach as well. We had another great French meal that night as well. Also, the Casino finally treated me right and I had a big winning night.
All in all, we had a fantastic trip! St marteen is a phenomenal island with so much to offer. We hope to make it back again very soon.
The week back in St croix has brought Jenn's mom and sister Meghan. It has been fun to be tour guides for the first time. I'm sure Jenn will have a blog to follow.
Hope all is well with everyone state side.
Peace and love,
Drew and Jenn.
The first night, we went to grand case on the French side. This was both of our first authentic French meal. I had an amazing salmon app and Jenn and I tried snails for the first time. It was the first meal of many where Grampy dunked French bread continuously in garlic butter. Grammy ordered frog legs for dinner and Jenn even tried those! Her palate is becoming more refined by the day. We finished off a great first meal with strawberry shortcake. There were even some fireworks as they were celebrating something which escapes me...
We ventured to the casino after dinner and gambled a bit. It was a good time but you can smoke inside which is terrible.
The second day, we wanted to get a feel for the island. We went to Phillipsburg on the Dutch side, which is where all the cruise ships go. There were an amazing 6 ships that day! We window shopped a little and had some chocolate rum before lunch time. We continued around the out skirts of the island and saw St. Barts and Anguilla from the distance. We went to orient beach which is the most famous on the island. Finally, we stopped at g and g's favorite rib place for some local BBQ. That night, we didn't have the best meal but we enjoyed some live jazz and danced a little.
The following day we relaxed by the beach for most of the day. The airport is only a 3 iron away, so we saw many planes take off and land. There were many crazy people on the beach that would get blasted with the jet engines for the rush of it. Pretty cool to see huge planes land so close to you. That night we went to a harbor on the French side and had some great pizza.
At this point, it is worth mentioning that we had played copious amounts of cribbage. Couples vs. couples. We went on a nice run on thursday and were beating them pretty good. Jenn has only been playing for a couple years but she learned from a pro. Let's just say Grampy grew very tired of losing. Now both Jenn and I know where I get my "fighting spirit" or crying from...Grampy.
Our last day was spent by the beach as well. We had another great French meal that night as well. Also, the Casino finally treated me right and I had a big winning night.
All in all, we had a fantastic trip! St marteen is a phenomenal island with so much to offer. We hope to make it back again very soon.
The week back in St croix has brought Jenn's mom and sister Meghan. It has been fun to be tour guides for the first time. I'm sure Jenn will have a blog to follow.
Hope all is well with everyone state side.
Peace and love,
Drew and Jenn.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Happy New Year!! And, other random stories!!!
Happy New Year to you all!! I hope everyone had a great end to 2011 and an even better start to 2012. We had a unique New Years Eve this year. We worked at eat@canebay where we catered a wedding for a DC couple. They were married at sunset on the beach in front of the restaurant and then had a reception for about 65 people. It was really nice, the couple was very generous to us and we were even out of work by midnight. We rang in the new year at Rowdy Joes, another restaurant on the north shore. See picture below! :) All in all, it was a great night. Just don't ask Drew about his losses in 3's away...sorry baby!!!
Since Christmas, we have been working a little more and business has definitely picked up which is awesome. I guess this means season is here!!! We are saving up for our vacation to St Marteen and so we can take off some time when our family and friends come to visit. Our latest planned visitor is Drews brother, Nate. He'll be coming to visit on January 28!!
Today, Drew and I both worked during the day. We were warned at the start of the shift that that the rip current was bad and to watch for swimmers who may get caught in it. About an hour into the shift, there was a trash truck in front the restaurant blowing it's horn, signaling that there was an emergency. Drew ran down to the beach and dove in to help a man who was drowning. The son of the owners was out boogie boarding and saved the guy before Drew reached them. Nothing like getting saved by a ten year old! The only thing sacrificed was Drews sunglasses! :(
Drew and I visited the animal shelter a few weeks ago. There is a problem with pet overpopulation on the island and so many dogs need homes. The only issue is that we have an apartment where dogs are not permitted. We are going to chat with our landlord and see if there are any exceptions. In the meantime, we will just get our fix dog sitting other people's dogs. Our first job was on Tuesday when we dog sat Rita. We had a great day at the beach. See the picture below.
Who knows who Agnes Nixon is??? Shes the founder of All My Children!!! She has a vacation home here and is visiting with her family. They have come into the restaurant a few times. They are super friendly and it was so awesome to meet her. My grandmother is very jealous!!! Agnes' granddaughter, I think, owns a few restaurants and inns in Martha's Vineyard and asked if Drew and I if we'd be interested in working for her this summer. Very intriguing!!! No plans yet but it's nice to have options!!
Joe Biden was vacationing on St Croix over new years as well. Drew had the privilege of meeting him at Carambola golf course. See the picture below and note that it was dusk when it was taken. The vice prez had his shades on so Drew put his on too!!! :) Such a great photo!!!
Other than that, we are counting down the days until our St Marteen trip...4 days!!! See you soon Grammy and Grampy!!!
One more random picture...donkey in the back of a pick up truck. He belongs to Cowboy Steve and can be rented for events!!! Only on St Croix!!!! :)
Until next time!!
Love, Jenn and Drew
Since Christmas, we have been working a little more and business has definitely picked up which is awesome. I guess this means season is here!!! We are saving up for our vacation to St Marteen and so we can take off some time when our family and friends come to visit. Our latest planned visitor is Drews brother, Nate. He'll be coming to visit on January 28!!
Today, Drew and I both worked during the day. We were warned at the start of the shift that that the rip current was bad and to watch for swimmers who may get caught in it. About an hour into the shift, there was a trash truck in front the restaurant blowing it's horn, signaling that there was an emergency. Drew ran down to the beach and dove in to help a man who was drowning. The son of the owners was out boogie boarding and saved the guy before Drew reached them. Nothing like getting saved by a ten year old! The only thing sacrificed was Drews sunglasses! :(
Drew and I visited the animal shelter a few weeks ago. There is a problem with pet overpopulation on the island and so many dogs need homes. The only issue is that we have an apartment where dogs are not permitted. We are going to chat with our landlord and see if there are any exceptions. In the meantime, we will just get our fix dog sitting other people's dogs. Our first job was on Tuesday when we dog sat Rita. We had a great day at the beach. See the picture below.
Who knows who Agnes Nixon is??? Shes the founder of All My Children!!! She has a vacation home here and is visiting with her family. They have come into the restaurant a few times. They are super friendly and it was so awesome to meet her. My grandmother is very jealous!!! Agnes' granddaughter, I think, owns a few restaurants and inns in Martha's Vineyard and asked if Drew and I if we'd be interested in working for her this summer. Very intriguing!!! No plans yet but it's nice to have options!!
Joe Biden was vacationing on St Croix over new years as well. Drew had the privilege of meeting him at Carambola golf course. See the picture below and note that it was dusk when it was taken. The vice prez had his shades on so Drew put his on too!!! :) Such a great photo!!!
Other than that, we are counting down the days until our St Marteen trip...4 days!!! See you soon Grammy and Grampy!!!
One more random picture...donkey in the back of a pick up truck. He belongs to Cowboy Steve and can be rented for events!!! Only on St Croix!!!! :)
Until next time!!
Love, Jenn and Drew
Christmas pictures and more...
I wanted to add a few pictures to Drews Christmas blog. Attached is a picture of our Christmas tree at home, our Christmas tree on the beach and us on Christmas day. Not the most tradition Christmas, but definitely very unique. We missed you all at home and thanks to everyone who called, texted and sent Christmas cards. It was so awesome to hear from you all!!!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
We hope this blog finds everyone well satisfied by Santa's visit on Sunday! We celebrated Christmas in St. Croix the only way we knew how...on the beach! After waking up and exchanging gifts with each other we went to the beach to join our colleagues for a little gift exchange. The beach was packed which is unusual. People were wearing Santa hats and there were even a couple Christmas trees. The wether could not have been better and we essentially celebrated Christmas in 85 and sunny. We commented to each other that it was a cool way to celebrate. We may never have another Christmas at the beach...
Despite a great day, our thoughts were with our families whom we have never spent the holiday without. But we are looking forward to lots of visits in the coming months. We will be in St. Marteen two weeks from today!
Other than the holiday, business at work is picking up as we get into the high season. We should be pretty busy on the weeks to come.
We wish everyone a happy new year! We will be ringing in the new year working a party, but hopefully we will be off in time to celebrate.
Much love,
Drew and Jenn
Despite a great day, our thoughts were with our families whom we have never spent the holiday without. But we are looking forward to lots of visits in the coming months. We will be in St. Marteen two weeks from today!
Other than the holiday, business at work is picking up as we get into the high season. We should be pretty busy on the weeks to come.
We wish everyone a happy new year! We will be ringing in the new year working a party, but hopefully we will be off in time to celebrate.
Much love,
Drew and Jenn
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Long tome no blog...
So, it's been a while...forgive us, we're working 25 hours a week people! Life is hard for two people in love on a Caribbean island.
All kidding aside, we have really settled into a nice routine down here. We have Tuesday's and Fridays off and all days off. So, we continue to enjoy all the beaches and what amounts to a private pool. We attempted to go scuba diving last week but we got rained out. This should be an interesting adventure considering both of us are a little wary. But what better place to try? We work at Cane Bay beach which is next to a dive shop and a beautiful reef, famous among scuba divers. Anyone who wants to try when they visit is in for a treat. We are going to try to go again tomorrow but the weather is again looking ominous. I have also joined the golf club sown here and will probably be playing 2-3 days a week with my neighbor and friend.
Christmas is now 10 days away and it feels a little strange. We are definitely trying to get into the spirit despite the total antithesis in weather. We bought a real tree and decorated it on Tuesday. Jenn was considering not getting a tree but I know she is thrilled now that it's up. We won't be getting each other a whole lot this year because we are planning a trip to St. John for her birthday in march. We continue to hear amazing things about St. John and are looking forward to the chance to explore there.
Other than that, the next two months are shaping up to be really busy. Jenn's mom and sister Meghan will be our first visitors in January! They will be here the week after Jenn and I spend a few days in St. Marteen with my grandparents. Then my dad will be here the last few days of January. Some friends of ours, Jo and tim, will be visiting in February which is really exciting. Hopefully my brother and some other friends will be here in February as well...
Until next time, we hope you all have a great holiday season! Our Christmas card should be arriving to you all soon as well! We will miss everyone very much at Christmas but continue to remind ourselves that this is only temporary. We are enjoying it while it lasts!
Much love,
Drew and Jenn
All kidding aside, we have really settled into a nice routine down here. We have Tuesday's and Fridays off and all days off. So, we continue to enjoy all the beaches and what amounts to a private pool. We attempted to go scuba diving last week but we got rained out. This should be an interesting adventure considering both of us are a little wary. But what better place to try? We work at Cane Bay beach which is next to a dive shop and a beautiful reef, famous among scuba divers. Anyone who wants to try when they visit is in for a treat. We are going to try to go again tomorrow but the weather is again looking ominous. I have also joined the golf club sown here and will probably be playing 2-3 days a week with my neighbor and friend.
Christmas is now 10 days away and it feels a little strange. We are definitely trying to get into the spirit despite the total antithesis in weather. We bought a real tree and decorated it on Tuesday. Jenn was considering not getting a tree but I know she is thrilled now that it's up. We won't be getting each other a whole lot this year because we are planning a trip to St. John for her birthday in march. We continue to hear amazing things about St. John and are looking forward to the chance to explore there.
Other than that, the next two months are shaping up to be really busy. Jenn's mom and sister Meghan will be our first visitors in January! They will be here the week after Jenn and I spend a few days in St. Marteen with my grandparents. Then my dad will be here the last few days of January. Some friends of ours, Jo and tim, will be visiting in February which is really exciting. Hopefully my brother and some other friends will be here in February as well...
Until next time, we hope you all have a great holiday season! Our Christmas card should be arriving to you all soon as well! We will miss everyone very much at Christmas but continue to remind ourselves that this is only temporary. We are enjoying it while it lasts!
Much love,
Drew and Jenn
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