Welcome to St. Thomas, Caribbean - Travel #7

Dear Steemit friends, Gemma here, let me take you to the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, to St.Thomas. St. Thomas is known as the gateway isle of the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. It is best known for its white sandy beaches and world class snorkeling sites. The territorial capital is Charlotte Amalie. The island was originally settled around 1500 BC by the Ciboney people. They were later replaced by the Arawaks and then the Caribs. Christopher Columbus sighted the island in 1493 on his second voyage to the "New World". However an American post was not established. It was in fact the Dutch West India Company that established the first post on St Thomas in 1657. St. Thomas was purchased together with St Croix and St John by the United States in 1917 for $25 million in Gold. I would say what a bargain considering how incredibly beautiful these islands are. The United States Virgin Islands are made up of 4 islands, St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John, Water Island and the total area is 133 square miles.

To find me, look for my Chihuahua's face

Line separating the U.S Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands

Charlotte Amalie the Capital of St. Thomas

Despite being only 32 square miles in size, St. Thomas has a lot to offer in experiences. The ladies can indulge for days in the numerous shopping facilities, local market stalls and high end fashion outlets, whilst the gentlemen can take a swing on the world-renowned golf course. However, the adventurer would peg St. Thomas as their paradise. Pristine water off the coastline make for perfect snorkelling, sailing and even scuba diving. If the water isn't your favourite playground, maybe the mountain tops would be. So take the Skyride 700 feet above the city or climb the 99 Steps for stunning views. Don't worry if the ocean and heights are not your cup of tea then history and culture will sure to satisfy. For instance, seeing the second-oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere or a 1679 watchtower called Blackbeard’s Castle, in reference to the island's dark pirate past. When I decided to visit St. Thomas, it was the Skyride that I desperately wanted to experience. The Skyride to Paradise Point soars you 700 feet above the town of Charlotte Amalie. Once you "Ride the View" to Paradise Point taking in the spectacular unmatched panoramas of the harbour, you will understand why it was voted Best View 2 years running in 2009 and 2010.

View from top of Paradise point

Skyride cable cars

I am taking in the magnificent views

The Skyride is an easy 20 minute walk from Havensight pier where the large cruise liners dock and a 10 minute taxi ride from downtown Charlotte Amalie. Apart from the Skyride, St Thomas offers many more worthwhile attractions. If you enjoy the stairmaster in the gym then you'll be sure to love 99 Steps. The steps were built by the Danish in the mid-1700s who found “step-streets” to be the easiest way to manoeuvre up and down the steep hills of the Capital. However the name suggests, there are actually 103 steps.

Another attraction that I mentioned earlier that might interest you is Blackbeard’s Castle. I, like most people are fascinated by history involving Pirates, I attribute this to a very famous recent film series starring one of my favourite actors. Blackbeard's Castle is actually a watchtower that was originally named Skytsborg meaning Sky Tower. Legend has it, the infamous pirate Edward Teach, nicknamed Blackbeard, used the tower to watch for enemy ships entering the harbor.

Charlotte Amalie is also host to some beautiful art galleries and museums to interest the art enthusiast. The Camille Pissarro Gallery is one of the best and most well known. The father of French Impressionism, Camille Pissarro was born and raised in the capital. His childhood home is now an art gallery showcasing artwork from an array of artists including Camille Pissarro himself.

View from paradise point of points of interest

A luxury clifftop villa

At the top of paradise point, aside from the spectacular view, you will find cafes and a gift shop. The cuisine in the Caribbean is loved by most visitors for its unique flavours and spice combinations. The fresh fruit is always a winner as well for a light snack. The Caribbean cuisine is tasty and satisfying. When I travel I like to immerse myself into the culture and one of the best ways is through my stomach. Being Vegan is surprisingly easy on most of the islands, some of my favourite dishes to try were Callaloo and Johnnycake. Callaloo is a soup made from the leaves of the dasheen plant or some other green leafy plant such as spinach. It's usually flavoured with things like okra, onions, and spices. As for Johnnycake, it is a deep-fried bread sometimes made from unleavened dough. It can be baked rather than fried, and may be eaten hot or cold.

Café at Paradise Point

Seating with a view

Despite St. Thomas's size, it does have a major airport, Cyril E. King Airport. This airport offers non-stop and connecting services from the United States mainland however most flights make connections in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Charlotte Amalie also offers a fully serviced Cruise Pier that welcomes most of the major cruise ship companies daily. As you may have learned from my previous travel blogs, my transportation of choice is cruise ship. I just love how easy, care free and relaxing it is, not to mention it is a great option for solo travellers. The cruise ship I travelled on was the Carnival Sunshine, what a way to travel from destination to destination via a luxury floating resort.

Carnival Sunshine

Disney Fantasy

Whenever we travel, we long for different things, some for a relaxing getaway, others for adventure, St. Thomas definitely has something to satisfy everyone. While exploring downtown Charlotte Amalie, I came across a place called Magic Ice. A little piece of Scandinavian winter wonderland in the middle of the Caribbean. It is a bar completely made of ice, the tables, the chairs and even the glasses you have your drinks served in. You would never guess that there is even a cheeky slide to go down. In my next travel blog I will go into detail of my experience at the ice bar and sliding down the slide after a few frozen martinis.

Magic Ice, Ice bar in St. Thomas, be sure to check out my next blog #8 on the Ice Bar

St. Thomas is just as beautiful by night as it is by day. Be sure to catch a sunset or two while on your visit. It may be a small island but it sure isn't a sleepy one. Charlotte Amalie has a vibrant nightlife scene with many restaurants and night clubs to enjoy. When travelling, especially if you are a solo traveller, be sure to stick to well known, busy areas after dark to ensure safety and that you make the most of your time abroad.

As the sun sets on St. Thomas so does time on my visit

I hope you have enjoyed my blog on St. Thomas, U.S Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, thank you for reading and I look forward to sharing more adventures with you. Be sure to read my next travel blog #8 on Magic Ice Bar in St. Thomas for a chilly surprise, until next time, Vegoutt Everybody!!