Christmas in St Thomas

We have enjoyed many things about St Thomas and had a Christmas that was even a little bit like home. Being back in the US made it easier to call home and we stocked up at all the stores that are not available in the BVI. St Thomas is a lively town that has cruise ships almost daily, some days there are 5 ships. However, the real fun here are the parties and festivals for the locals residents. The Friday before Christmas we went to a festival downtown with a boat parade, steel drum bands in the streets and local foods. It was better than any restaurant. We were able to taste dishes like conch in butter sauce, potato stuffing, tamarind candy, fish and johnny cakes and guavaberry wine. The shops stayed open late that night so people could buy their Christmas presents. To celebrate Christmas we had dinner with our Canadian friends on Mirliflore. Then we all went to the 11pm service at the Episcopal Cathedral. It was a traditional service with all the hymns we are used to. This is Al and I on the way home from church at 1 am Christmas morning. On Christmas day we had a turkey dinner and got together with friends in the evening.  

This is the view from the highest point in St Thomas, it is supposed to be the best view in the Virgin Islands. We saw this scary looking iguana up there, too. He was about three feet long.

We are now back in the British Virgin Islands. We decided to spend New Year's Eve in Trellis Bay and avoid the craziness at Foxy's. We are anchored outside the mooring field in Trellis Bay, it is wonderfully quiet here and very dark at night. It was fun to be in the  city of St Thomas but we are now happy to be in a remote location again.   

We would like to express our wishes to everyone for a Happy New Year. Enjoy the holiday with family and friends. We wish we were there, too!


All our best,  


Frances and Al LIma