St John Reflections

As my time on St John draws to a close I thought it may be of some interest to publish my thoughts and observations of the five weeks I spent on island:

• St John is lush, green and very, very hilly;
•  The waters that surround the island are an artists palette blues with an occasional green thrown into the mix
• The sea is clear and warm and throngs with a multitude of interesting and in some cases spectacularly colourful sea life;
• Not all of St John's beaches are created equal, some are better than others. Some beaches are covered with golden sand, whilst others are strewn with grey and white pebbles of various shapes and sizes;
• The best snorkelling spots are closely guarded secrets to be shared with close family or a trusted friend;
• The island history and magnificent ruins;

• A St John resident is judged more upon the boat they own than the car or house they live in;
• Houses on St John range from lavish mansions to a shack in the bush. I still find it hard to comprehend how some of the houses high in the hills were built;

• Sea views from your home are a must;
• There appears to be a snobbery that exists between residents of Cruz Bay and Coral Bay. Residents of both Bays claim that theirs is the best Bay;
• St John has the steepest and windiest roads I have come across;
• Jeeps, Jeeps and more Jeeps. Do they breed somewhere on the island? 
• Rental cars that travel at 15MPH and brake constantly or stop with no warning;
• Locals that block the road with their car whilst carrying on a conversation with someone totally oblivious to those behind waiting;
• Chicken or chooks as we call them are everywhere around Calabash. The sound of roosters welcoming morning and the groaning and cursing of Annie in reply;
• Sunset and full moon rising at Ram Head;

• The generosity of St John residents;
• The restaurants of Coral Bay. Everyone of them a winner;
• Donkeys! Nonchalantly wandering the roads and byways. Annie's call of "hello cuties," every time she see one;

• Goats. Where do they come from and who taught them road sense?
• Annie's friends. Is there anyone I haven't met in Coral Bay?
• The number of folks who live in two worlds, Stateside and island life;
• The fact that unlike Australia there is basically nothing here that can harm you;
• Bizarre Bazaar. What a great day;

• Island wedding where the groom and groomsman dress in shorts and no shoes;

• Save Coral Bay no marina required here;
• Did I mention steep hills?

I am sure there is more but this list is long enough. I know Annie will miss St John and a part of her will remain here that is why I have promised her we will come back sometime.