This year’s Wagapalooza almost didn’t happen. There were some hassles to find a site for this year’s event.
But, in the end the National Park Service’s ball field was the place to be for the island-wide dog show.
A full report on the Saturday fund was posted by the St. John Source. Read it here.
Meanwhile, although the fun is done, the t-shirts linger on. This year’s shirt design was done by Elaine Estern. You can order yours here. Do it for the puppies:) 20 for one plus $5 shipping.
Cheaphotels.org says St. John is the fifth most costly Caribbean destination. Odds are, the island should rank a lot higher.
If you search the CheapHotels Web site for a place to lay your weary head (and assuming that was the sample for the report), it offers only four options on the island: St. John Inn, Hillcrest Guest House, Concordia Eco Tents, and the Westin Resort.
That’s hardly the St. John market. It ignores dozens of condominiums, timeshares, and hotels, many of which are much more expensive than CheapHotel.org’s St. John average of $224/night for a three star hotel.
Few people would consider St. John cheap by any measure.
Virgin Gorda took the top spot for the lowest-priced available Caribbean three-star hotel double room in high season at $321.
Asked for a reaction to the St. John ranking, the general manager at Caneel Bay Resort told the St. John Source, “It’s expensive all over the Caribbean. “ Nikolay Hotze gave no sign he’s ready to lower rates. “I don’t see it as a negative,” he added.
New owners took over Coral Bay’s go-to breakfast/pizza place less than a year ago. Now the popular eatery is for sale, again.
A listing on Craigslist now has the asking price as $299,000.
“Owner must leave island for family medical emergency and is selling popular Coral Bay breakfast spot ”THE DONKEY DINER”. Huge potential for working owner or family run business with breakfast lunch and dinner options.
This chance to own an iconic Coral Bay restaurant will not last long. Deeply branded, with dedicated local and tourist regulars this breakfast spot is ideal for a family or couple looking to relocate to St John and run an easy yet successful business. Recent upgrades greatly improve efficiency while reducing expenses.
St. John has a number of fine restaurants. Some really talented people are working hard in those kitchens, trying to do their best with an unpredictable supply chain of meat, fish, vegetables, and so on. And the high prices at those restaurants reflect both the challenge and the execution.
Some first-time visitors were wondering on TripAdvisor, “Since groceries are so expensive … is it actually cheaper (to cook at the villa) or (is it) the same as eating out?”
Monkeynoclimb’s answer was fast and conclusive. “Still cheaper to eat in. (Besides,) many times we are too tired to leave the house after a day on the beach, too.”
For couples, going out can be economical, if you go to the right-priced places. “We always go to Candi’s BBQ one night, hit Banana Deck a couple times for a late lunch at the bar, and Aqua Bistro in Coral Bay open night for Tuna Ponzu,” said Bluewater43.
Brenda-2004 said, “Just as expensive to cook a meal in than to just go out, unless you are doing high-end dining.”
Virgin Islands veteran Rick G passed along that, “Groceries are more expensive (than home). Staples are 10-25 percent more. Prepackaged meals, frozen chicken tenders, bag cereal;? More expensive.” His recommendation: get a whole chicken at Starfish Market, add Cruz Bay Grill Rub and hot sauce from St. John Spice, rice and peas, “and you have four to six meals.”
As if driving on the left side of the road isn't challenge enough for tourists, now they have to worry about there being no road.
So say worried residents in Coral Bay where heavy rains three years ago undermined portions of Centerline Road which still haven't been repaired. The Public Works Department is still preparing "bid packages for the remediation work", the Virgin Islands Daily News was told.
Now, the problem is worse. Heavy, heavy rains last weekend did more damage. The Daily News quotes Denise Barbier saying there are at least five places along two miles of Centerline that could collapse beneath a car, taxi, school bus, or construction equipment. "There is nothing under the road," she said.
The News reported Public Works has put up some barricades to keep drivers away from the dangerous sections. But, the newspaper said, a week ago, three of them fell over the side of the road. Obviously, these are not the concrete Jersey barriers we're used to seeing in the States.
"If the road is closed or collapses, then there is no way in or out," said Coral Bay homeowner Franz Jaggar. On the other hand, he said if that happens, "Skinny Legs will do big business."
As Hill Street's Sgt. Phil Esterhause might have said, "Drivers … Be safe out there."
