I'm very happy for you Mike...hope you get to go on another imaginary journey soon. <BR>I agree St Barts is lovely, I wasn't overly impressed with Grand Cayman however. <BR>Enjoy your fantasies.

Ms "LindaJanes",<BR>I've seen you post very positive Virgin Islands trip reports on other message boards...Which is it Ms Janes? Do you love the islands or hate them. If you hold business owners in the USVI in such disdain why did you travel to the islands and patronize those businesses? <BR>

I don't think LindaJanes was saying she doesn't like the islands but like every where there are positive and negatives. It seems like there are a lot of people on this board who do not want the negatives to be mentioned. I understand if you have a financial interest in the islands you cannot give an unbiased opinion.<BR><BR>When I use this site I am trying to get the opinions from people who have had similar experiences to what I am going to do. The opinions from someone who wants me to buy something in their store when I get there cannot necessarily be trusted.

"Sadsack" -- sorry to burst your psychobabble bubble, but they're definitely NOT fantasies at all but 100% cold, hard REALITY. I'm sure if you try hard enough you'll be able to live with that, Dr. Schlessinger, Jr.!!

Mike,<BR>You are a sad little man....nothing to do in the middle of the night but post your rantings and ravings on Fodors travel boards. Poor dear.

I can't beleive that I'm responding in a thread that has degenerated into name calling, but here goes. I've been to St. Croix 19 times, have zero financial interests in the island, and clearly love it. I find the food fantastic, the people warm and friendly, and the value good. I stay in downtown Christiansted, walk around after dark (gasp!) in the historic district and have never had so much as an anxious moment. Is there crime there - sure there is, although most of it is local on local and there's usually some "history" there. Of the relatively few tourists that encounter trouble, most (not all, but most) are in places they shouldn't be, which is not to blame the victim, but it happens up here too. <BR><BR>To answer Cheryl's question near the top of this thread, it is perfectly safe to go to the wonderful restaurants in Christiansted after dark (you pretty much have to - it gets dark real early). You'll find them crowded with people. With regards to driving back after dark, I wouldn't but only because I have an awful sense of direction and it's really dark. More hardy souls than I would have no problems.<BR><BR>Joanne - real name, real e-mail and I hated Disney World - what can I say? Just my opinion, clearly others are entitled to their own.

There are MANY reasons why a person might be up at that hour, you bluthering FOOL and IDIOT!!!

Oops!<BR><BR>Sorry, I seem to have been talking to myself in that last post.<BR><BR>Mike the fool.

St. Croix is wonderful!! I grew up there and still go home very frequently. It offers a much quieter pace than St.Thomas. In regards to all the talk about the crime.... there is crime anywhere in the world and as a traveler (outsider) you will always be an easy taregt. St.Croix has great shopping with a great variety of beautiful artwork, crafts, and custom jewelry. There are also two beautiful golf courses and amazing diving. I would recommend going to the Scuba Shack and visiting David Ward if you are a dive enthusiast. While on the West End visit Whim Plantation and go horseback riding at Jill and Paul's Stable's.

We just returned from 6 nights in St. Croix with a day trip on the sea plane over the St. Thomas, during the day it seemed fine, we walked from the Sea Plane terminal to the shopping district, and their were no cruise ships in that day so there weren't as many people, but we didn't have any problem, we shopped around and had lunch at a waterfront restaurant, really had a very nice time. Any other questions feel free to email me.