St John lovers WHY?
#22
Join Date: Nov 2006
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I have read other posts here--actually went back a few hundred--and looked at other travel sites too and their posts.
St. john has problems. I think tuxedocat is right in some ways--not right about me--but he can't deny that there are problems on st. john even though he never experienced any. I assure you that news reports on line about murders, muggings and beatings differ with tuxedocat's experience or memory. Tuxedocat was not the victim obviously. That's all I was pointing out. St John has great beaches and a beautiful environment, great local natives but that masks the real problems. I guess all islands have these problems too.
St. john has problems. I think tuxedocat is right in some ways--not right about me--but he can't deny that there are problems on st. john even though he never experienced any. I assure you that news reports on line about murders, muggings and beatings differ with tuxedocat's experience or memory. Tuxedocat was not the victim obviously. That's all I was pointing out. St John has great beaches and a beautiful environment, great local natives but that masks the real problems. I guess all islands have these problems too.
#23
Join Date: Mar 2005
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Marblehead,
First Tuxedo is a she not he.
Your last statement is exactly right "all islands have there problems" and the US for that matter.
Ex=
Tons of people enjoy and feel safe in Aruba.But I for one did not like or feel safe at night in Aruba.But I do not constantly post it over and over again on Aruba topics.I do help with restaurants suggestions.
When it comes to crime...it is everywhere.Just use your wits about you and travel or stay at home.You could be a victim of crime ANYWHERE.
Christie
First Tuxedo is a she not he.
Your last statement is exactly right "all islands have there problems" and the US for that matter.
Ex=
Tons of people enjoy and feel safe in Aruba.But I for one did not like or feel safe at night in Aruba.But I do not constantly post it over and over again on Aruba topics.I do help with restaurants suggestions.
When it comes to crime...it is everywhere.Just use your wits about you and travel or stay at home.You could be a victim of crime ANYWHERE.
Christie
#24
Join Date: Jul 2005
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I have beening going to St John for years and each time it is a little busier and a little more crowded, but I still love it for all the reasons previously discussed. I have been to Hawaii, Kauai, Bahamas, Jamaica, St Croix, St Thomas, Puerto Rico, Cozumel, Puerta Vallerta, and the Greek Isles.
For those world travellers, have you been to the Cooke Islands and if so, would you recommend?
For those world travellers, have you been to the Cooke Islands and if so, would you recommend?
#26
Join Date: Jan 2003
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I recently returned from my first ever trip to St John and loved it. Yes, I will be posting a trip report shortly.
Being on the west coast, the only Caribbean island I've been to prior is Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, but I've also been to Bora Bora, Moorea, Tahiti, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Big Island, Vancouver Island, and Capri.
Without a doubt, St John is now one of my absolute favorites because of all the reasons mentioned above - white sand beaches with calm, turquoise waters; lush landscape with minimal eyesores being that two-thirds of the island is a national park; and especially the excellent and diverse from-shore snorkeling.
I'm sure it has its share of problems, but what island doesn't? Sheesh!!! IMHO, the positives still far outweigh the negatives.
Being on the west coast, the only Caribbean island I've been to prior is Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, but I've also been to Bora Bora, Moorea, Tahiti, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Big Island, Vancouver Island, and Capri.
Without a doubt, St John is now one of my absolute favorites because of all the reasons mentioned above - white sand beaches with calm, turquoise waters; lush landscape with minimal eyesores being that two-thirds of the island is a national park; and especially the excellent and diverse from-shore snorkeling.
I'm sure it has its share of problems, but what island doesn't? Sheesh!!! IMHO, the positives still far outweigh the negatives.
#27
Join Date: Jan 2003
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CrazyAboutSJ,
If you're really interested in the Cook Islands, you should look up the VERY insightful contributions from a LordBalfor on the "Australia (Pacific)" forum.
His other sites are the following:
http://community.webshots.com/user/lordbalfor
http://www.epinions.com/content_3387203716
or his many other individual Rarotonga/Aitutaki reviews on epinions
If you're really interested in the Cook Islands, you should look up the VERY insightful contributions from a LordBalfor on the "Australia (Pacific)" forum.
His other sites are the following:
http://community.webshots.com/user/lordbalfor
http://www.epinions.com/content_3387203716
or his many other individual Rarotonga/Aitutaki reviews on epinions
#28
Join Date: Jan 2003
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Just returned from my third trip to St. John, I've made four trips to Hawaii and visited Kauai, Maui, Big Island, & Oahu. Two trips to Thailand (KoPhiPhi and Railei (near Krabi/Ao Nang). Railei is one of our favorite places in the world. I've also visited Santorini, Capri, Grand Bahama Island, St Lucia, and Playa del Carmen. We went on a southern Caribbean cruise once and visited Aruba, Curacao, St Maarten, and St Thomas. We have a 2 1/2 year old which makes Hawaii and Thailand a long plane ride from Chicago. Personally, I like the beaches on STJ better than most of the Hawaiian beaches. The crystal clear water of STJ rated right up there with that of some of the Thai beaches we've been to. For the shorter plane ride and beautiful beaches, we'll definitely be visiting STJ yearly since we have a toddler in tow.
#29
Join Date: Jan 2006
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this post has been up for a couple of weeks and I have been thinking what and how to write about what is probably my faovrite island...and have been too lazy to do so. As I am reading Bluefan's TR, he nails it!!! I think his TR and excitement for the island say it all!
I also have to say after reading the last few posts , that my family wants to travel in 2008 for our parents 50th anniv. and they are leaning towards Hawaii. I do not like the idea of being cooped up in a plane for that many hours, but I also am reading that some prefer STJ to Hawaii! But 2008 is a long way away!!
#30
Join Date: Feb 2005
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mahobaygirl: Of course, it all depends on what floats your boat, and what you're looking for out of a vacation, but I can say with some pride that our close friends who grew up on Hawaii, love STJ and say the snorkeling and calm, clear water is superior. Now, if that's not important to you, then Hawaii may be a better choice for other reasons. What we love about STJ is it is small and has an intimate feel to it. It's not for everyone but we certainly see alot of enthusiasts on this board.
#31
Join Date: Jan 2006
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Tux-I may have been hazy about what I was trying to say...I would rather go to STJ, than Hawaii. We have been to STJ several times. My husband (who is a little older than mewas there long long ago and helped build Centerline Road. You can imagine the changes he has seen!
I was spoiled because STJ was my first island vacation, and in my mind nothing else can compare (well JVD).
I just wish they did not want to go to Hawaii, but majority rules!! (and 2008 is a long time away)
I was spoiled because STJ was my first island vacation, and in my mind nothing else can compare (well JVD).
I just wish they did not want to go to Hawaii, but majority rules!! (and 2008 is a long time away)
#32
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Join Date: Aug 2003
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Bluefan loved your trip report you were there the same time I was, although we didn't see you at the WEstin I do think I remember seeing you and the family at Trunk Bay.Great pictures, thanks for sharing them. You mentioned you've been to Bora Bora and Tahiti how would you rate them. A lot to do? Anna_k how would you rate Thailand, advise going? Thinking of Puckett for next yr.