Facing Covid in the Virgin Islands : My Very Last Trip

I don't even know where to start but writing this blog is an emotional one. I must start off by saying, I WILL NOT TAKE TRAVELING FOR GRANTED EVER AGAIN !!! OKAYYY !!! Yes, Houston is nice and all but there is nothing like getting away from everything you know. I must say it's been a journey trying to process my thoughts all last year but I'm finally getting back in the groove of things.

I've decided to finally start traveling again this year in 2021, but before I take my 1st trip post-covid, I wanted to make sure to talk about my last trip pre-covid in the Virgin Islands. I literally went on this trip, the week COVID was finally labeled a "Pandemic". However, I still enjoyed myself and so glad I did not choose to cancel my plans. Simply put in three words, IT WAS AMAZING !!! Everything was beautiful and the scenery was great. I even took some time to go visit the British Virgin Islands as well.

So let's get into the DEEETS !!! :

Day 1: Arriving & Night Life in St. Thomas

My 1st day in, I was greeted by my good friend from college, Donalyn. Before I get into everything, I want to share about my love and feel free to support her. Donalyn is a traveling speech pathologist, and at the time her current assignment was in the Virgin Islands. Feel free to check out more about her by clicking here.

We started off the trip eating some tasty pates. We then went to her place, where I was able to freshen up and catch up with here. I then went began to explore around a bit and chill at this private beach inside of a resort called Sapphire Beach. It was literally a short walk from my friend's place. I always like to start my trips with something chill since I just got in. Lounging and listening to the beach waters will always sound good to me.

Later that evening, me and Donalyn caught up by going out to eat at this place called Tillet Gardens. The vibes were so chill and classic Caribbean vibes. This place also offers food at this place called "Za Rock" which serves pretty good pizza in my opinion. The musicians were jamming as well. We then ended the night by going out for the night. TURN DOWN FOR WHAT !!!

I was so ecstatic to go out with my girl ... it's been a minute. So we ended up going to Charlotte Amalie area to do some club hopping. This is a great area because all the bars and restaurants are walking distance from each other. We then went and did some Karaoke at the Winner's Circle. Let's just say it was a long 1st day but a great one !!! Big shoutout to my love, Donalyn, for making it so special.

Day 2: Sightseeing in St.Thomas

After a long night of partying ! It was now time for some sight seeing with my friend.

It's always good to travel to places with people that you may know because they truly know their way around and all the sights. We started off the day with some coffee from the Red Hook Marina area of course to wake us back up from a long night lol. We didn't get started until like 1:00 pm but still did so much in so little time. Once we got our coffee, we were off to our first sight we visited Drake's Seat. This is known as a historic landmark in the Virgin Islands that was built in 1933 by Arthur Fairchild. Back then most people traveled by foot and horse, so he saw this spot as a great place to rest to enjoy the beautiful view. And oh what a nice view it was !!!! ...... and nice views always call for a photo shoot !!!

We then were suppose to stop by the beach but ..... It started to RAIN ! BUTTTT ..... we did not let that stop our fun ! We decided to check out this beautiful botanical garden called Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden. The lady that worked here was so nice and friendly. She even gave us some trash bags for the rain to wear like a raincoat. I also want add NATURE PLUS RAIN IS EVERYTHING !!! OK !!!! It was truly refreshing to have the rain hit my face and be around such beautiful flowers and trees. I'm not fan of traveling in the rain but after that experience, I wouldn't mind. Finally, we went to get some souvenirs and visit the World's Famous Margaritas as well. The margaritas were good but they weren't all that to me. This may be due to me being a Texan.... but hey check it out yourself. After that, it started pouring down super heavy so we ended up calling it a night.

Day 3: Beach Bumming On Magen

I know you're probably thinking whose Magen but it's just the name of the beach.

Magen's Bay is known for being one of the Virgin Islands most popular beach and white sand. My friend had to work this day so I asked her if she could drop me off the beach since weren't able to stop by the previous day, due to the rain. SOOO literally all I did this day was chill on the beach. It was early in the morning when I first got there so started the day with some journaling on the beach, one of my most favorite things to do when I travel. This beach also had a restaurant and bar so perfect combination for my beach bums out there. I must admit drinks on the beach sounds good to me. Yes, I was alone but enjoyed every bit ! Solitude is sometimes my favorite attitude. Later, my friend came to pick me back up from work so she could make some groceries. I also needed to go so I can buy some snacks and supplies for my venture to the British Virgin Islands.

Day 4: Stranger Things & Solo Dolo Vibes in Virgin Gorda

So ya'll !!! This was the day of me officially traveling to another country by myself so prepared for this section to be kind of long. I must admit I was very nervous because I would have no one to reach out to or call... but the Holy Spirit moved me to GO. .... and I'm so glad I did. It was the perfect country to start off my new solo traveling journey before going over seas by myself. I highly encourage everyone to do this as well. It truly is a great experience. Since my friend went to work in St.John sometimes, I decided to spend a couple days in the B.V.I. They have ferries that run all day for round trip tickets so just make sure to look at the departure times, have your passport ready, and get their an hour early so you can buy your ticket in enough time to get on the boat.

I left at 7:00 A.M and it took around 3 hours. A nice trip and you get to enjoy the views of the ocean as well. Once I made it to Virgin Gorda, my 1st mission was to get to my Air BnB but check in time wasn't until 3 pm so I decided to explore around for a bit. Now while I was walking, some of the islanders were being friendly and I guess they could tell I was tourist by how lost I was looking on my face lol ..... at 1st I was like oh no but the Holy Spirit whispered to me "I'll be fine". So I started up a conversation and they were friendly enough to show me around. They had motor bikes so it was a quick fun drive.

Before you knew it were ripping and running all through the streets. We stopped at a couple places .... from Savanah Bay, The Baths, and The Copper Mine. I must say all these places were absolutely beautiful. First let me just say I could chill at The Baths all day !!! ...... This place is known for the many beautiful stones and rocks that sit along the shore and it's refreshing waves. Let's just say it was like the Calm App in person. Then Savanah Bay was such beautiful views and is a great place for snorkeling. Last but not least, The Copper Mine Ruins was a beautiful and emotional experience. If you are into History about slavery this is a great place to visit. Most articles make it seem like it was just an old Copper Mine that was operated by workers but it was operated by slaves from Africa. People stole slaves from Africa and most of the beautiful stones and copper as well to make profit off of it. Some of these slaves were even killed by getting thrown into this dungeon/pit. But only African descent islanders may share that kind of information. It's also another great place to catch some great views of the ocean as well.

After this I definitely worked up an appetite and got some Lollipop chicken. Finally, I went to check into my Air BnB and left shortly after to go to The Devil's Bay National Park. LET ME TELL YA'LL ..... this place was everyhting ! I literally explored until I couldn't anymore. This National Park is full of huge boulders that line the edge of the sand and spill out into the beautiful turquoise sea. From the natural tidal pools, arches, grottos and tunnels formed by boulders, it was truly like a spa day mixed with some adventure. I stayed here until sunset and once the sun hit, I finally headed back to the crib. Let's just say I was tireeedd.... but it was every bit of worth it.

Day 5: Beach Bumming Take 2 in Tortola :

Now at 1st I was not expecting this to be a beach day but God had other plans. Let's just say mother nature was not acting right upon this day. I woke up and checked out of Air BNB in the morning to catch the ferry from Virgin Gorda to Tortola. This was a really short trip since I was still in the B.V.I. Once I got their I had to get around via the bus and taxi because it was pretty hilly. This island was super cute and looked like a cute British town. I honestly went straight from the ferry to the beach. The beach I went to was Cane Garden Bay. Jerk chicken quesadillas, drinks, lounge chairs to chill in, and beautiful deep blue waters sounds like the perfect beach day to me. Once it started to get late, it was time for me to go back on the ferry to head back to St.Thomas to eat and get a good night rest.

Day 6: Beach Hopping All Day Long in St.John

For my final full day, I decided to visit the St.John Islands. Yesss, I was definitely moving around a lot but it was so worth it. As I said earlier, my friend had to ride the ferry twice a week to St.John so I decided to ride the ferry and explore while she was at work. Now this island had tons of beaches and I was trying to visit as many as possible. Thankfully, they had a little trolley you could ride on that would stop at almost every beach. I went from Cruz Bay to Cinaamon Bay to Trunk Bay and ended off in Maho Bay. Each beach definitely has their own vibes but Maho Bay was my favorite. I even got to see some ruins too and hiked a couple trails located near the beaches. Maho Bay definitely gave me some hippie vibes. They had restaurants and bars by the beach, cute little chairs to enjoy some good Caribbean music in, and some cute little stores to shop at. I am an earring lover and they had the cutest earrings. After a long day of beach hopping and hiking ... it was time to head back to St.Thomas. Once we got back, we grabbed a bite to eat before take a Caribbean Zumba class. Let me say so much fun !!! Finally, I ended the evening with my friend at one of her favorite Caribbean Spots to eat with some good karaoke. Let's just say it was a great day !!!

Day 7:Cooling Down Before Going Back to a New World

Well well well..... this is the part I disliked the most of my trip... having to say goodbye 😫. It truly was a great experience but all good things must come to an end. I honestly think I was more so dreading having to face all the Pandemic drama in the airport and back home. The night before I left my school had sent out a message that school was cancelled for like a week straight, and that's when I knew things were getting crazy. Part of me wanted to extend my trip but the other part of me knew that wasn't wise .... so I made sure to book a hotel for my layover in Puerto Rico instead of having to sit and wait in the airport with a pandemic going on.

However, I had to buckle up some strength and pray like crazy to calm myself down and a morning massage for a final beach day was the perfect way. My final beach day was at Lindquist Beach. It was so nice, chill, and quiet. The waves sounded so lovely and the masseuse I booked was AMAZING !!!! Massages on the beach are truly the best. After all of that, I finally calmed my butt down to take my butt back home in peace.

Virgin Islands just know you will forever be in my heart and thanks for reading this blog. I know traveling conditions are totally different now but I know many are traveling now while following COVID restrictions. Feel free to share this blog with a friend.

With Love,

Crissy Roe