Live De Life Living in the USVI's

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Weather is a comin'

Well, we have the 8th named storm of the season coming this way, Henri. But it's predicted to go north of here. Right behind Henri is a tropical wave that could turn into something more, but hopefully not. According to StormCarib.com we could feel some effects from Henri on Saturday but I hope not because Jay and I have a kayak trip booked with Eco Tours and I don't want it to be cancelled. :-)

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Wikked Jazz on The Green

Deb and I went to Jazz on the Green at Wikked last night. It was a really nice time. The music was good and a perfect setting for it. It was a bring your own chair or blanket kind of thing if you wanted to sit in the grass by the stage. Wikked was running drink service on the lawn area. We chose to sit in the Bar Area of the restaurant we had some happy hour snacks and split a Mahi sandwich.

They are supposed to start doing this once a month and it has the potential to turn into a large event. They also are having an Oktoberfest party next Saturday with four bands this is supposed to go on all day starting around one in the afternoon till ?

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Paradise Gate Fitness Center

Well, I finally joined a gym this week. If you remember, I tried to join one last year in the Nisky Center but it closed down the day before I gave them my money. None of the other gyms are in a convenient location with Jay and I sharing one car so I kept putting off joining one. But I finally gave in and joined Paradise Gate.

The gym itself is decent. They have nice exercise equipment, lots of cardio (treadmills, stair climbers, elliptical, bicycles), free weights, etc. It cost $99 to join and $53 a month. No contracts. Plenty of parking. But the location is at the end of Havensight. So you have to drive by all the cruise ship traffic, construction traffic, etc. Right now it's not bad, but as soon as high season hits and there are 6 ships in port, it will be a nightmare.

The main problem I have with this place is the personal trainer racket that they have going on. When I joined, I paid a $99 joining fee which I would think would entitle me to at least one time around the gym
with a staff member to show me how the machines work so that I don't hurt myself using them incorrectly. But no. The staff member on duty is also a personal trainer and charges $75 a week for his services. That's $300 a month! And if you don't hire him to be your trainer then he won't help you while you're in the gym. If I ask a specific question, he'll answer it reluctantly. But if he sees me stuggling on
a machine, he'll walk right past me to help someone else. I guess someone who's paid him. I think it's really sad.

So I've been trying to research online what is a good program to follow for beginner upper and lower body workouts. If anyone out there has any suggestions I'd be glad to hear them.

Friday, October 2, 2009

St. John Brewers Root Beer

St. John Brewers came out with a root beer awhile back, the makers of St. John Pale Ale and Summer Ale. Hook Line Sinker carries the beers and now they have the root beer as well.

Island View Guest House

I stopped by Island View Guest House to check it out for a friend. I really liked it. The view is awesome, the rooms are nice, the restuarant and honor bar are really cool. The drive is really easy, right up crown mountain road, then a little steep drive way (but not bad) and you're there. The manager was really nice and let me into a couple rooms to take a look and the price isn't bad either.$95 to $160 depending on high or low season, balcony or pool side room. All rooms have a/c, tv, etc.

Island View Guest House
P.O. Box 301903

St. Thomas, VI 00803-1903
Local phone: (340) 774-4270
Toll free: (800) 524-2023
Fax: (340) 774-6167
E-mail: islandviewstthomas@gmail.com
http://www.islandviewstthomas.com/

Friday Beach Pic

It's Friday! Yea! Don't have anything planned for the weekend yet but we need to do something since Jay only has a few more before he goes back on the crazy winter schedule. Maybe Smith Bay? Haven't been there in awhile. :-)
Btw- this pic is Lindbergh Bay

Thursday, October 1, 2009

The Inn at Villa Olga

I stopped by the Inn at Villa Olga in Frenchtown yesterday to check it out for some friends that are coming down for vacation. The manager Jill was very nice and gave me the keys to a couple rooms to check out. She described the place as a no frills, economy hotel for budge minded people. It's an older hotel, but they are always doing updates. It's in a great location, Frenchtown, which has some of the best restaurants in St. Thomas. Oceana is right next door. Plus, easy driving to any place you want to go. She said it's walking distance to downtown, but it's a pretty good walk. I'd guess about 20-25 minutes depending on your pace and I probably wouldn't walk it after dark. The rate for harbor view rooms are $85 a night until Dec 23. Jill said that if you book a harbor view room and there is an ocean view room available, she'll upgrade you for free. The rooms were a little on the old side, but they were clean and smelled fine. It's definitely something to check out if you're looking to stay within a budget and don't want to spend a fortune on taxis.