GENERAL INFO (Jump to Diary) The Virgin Islands of the United States, consists of the main islands of Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas, and many other surrounding minor islands. The total land area of the territory is 346.36 km2. Previously known as the Danish West Indies of the Kingdom of Denmark, they were sold to the United States by Denmark in 1916. They are classified by the United Nations as a Non-Self-Governing Territory. The islands were named by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage in 1493 for Saint Ursula and her virgin followers. Over the next two hundred years, The population is just above 106.000 of which Black or Afro-Caribbean count for 76.0%, White 15.7%, Asian: 1.4% and Mixed: 2.1%. Around 95% are Christians. The United States Virgin Islands enjoy a tropical climate, with little seasonal change throughout the year. Here are 144 species of birds, 22 species of mammals, 302 species of fish and seven species of amphibians. The only endemic land mammals are six species of native bats: the greater bulldog bat, Antillean fruit-eating bat, red fruit bat, Brazilian free-tailed bat, velvety free-tailed bat and the Jamaican fruit bat. Reptiles manages better: The world’s largest species of reptile, the leatherback turtle, as well as one of the largest land lizards, the green iguana thrives here along with the red-footed tortoise. I would like to see the Virgin Islands worm lizard; Amphisbaena fenestrata.
DIARY
When
I eventually make it to my hotel, but a bit too early. It
is in the dead centre,
The streets names are Danish most of the way: Norregade, Vimmelskaftet, Krystal Gade, Nye Gade, Dronningens Gade, Ny Tvaer
Gade, Vester Gade and so on.
I have a few sights here, but right now, I just enjoy
walking these old Danish streets and see the buildings. I see a single
Iguana on a pole, but I guess there will be more in the hills. They seem to
be blind to cars. Back on the street, I find a roof top cafe, offering a nice lemonade and tea. I watch the busy road along the waterline and the breeze. Then I enters the city again, on what the business people call "a really quiet day". Well, here are hardly room for more cars, but I'll give them: I don't need the 25 souvenir stands all to my self. Especially as they have nothing handiwork at all.
I
do the promenade all the way out of town, and return then by
A bit after five, I'm hungry, but it is just as the
restaurants have closed! I finally find a bar/restaurant, serving a chickpea
burger. It is tasteless as no spices are used at all, and I think they have cooked
the "beef". I get a thin lemonade, and are supposed to pay US$23,50 plus at
least 10%, but more likely 20% tips. Well, I can't get that to more than 25,
and I still feel cheated! I prefer wraps!
15.
Back from St John, I
have to wait a bit for a bus. The busses, by the way, is open-sided pickups
with room for 27 passengers. The left side is open at the end of each row,
and the price is $1, never mind how long you want to go - unless it is a
busy day: Then it might be $2. box
16
Next to it is the 99 steps - and four extra. One of the
many staircases scattered around the city. At the end of this staircase,
Blackbeard’s Castle is found. It is only by name, and it is only a
little round tower, and I'm not going to wait for them to open, and pay $15
for a guided tour!
From here, I walk through the old town, some streets in and up the mountain side. Some houses are still impressive, others could use some paint - and a roof. I get way too high, but the old wooden houses and neighbourhood are lovely.
Eventually, I find my way down to the seaside and then
Frenchtown. They even speak French here, although an old form. Besides
from having the little harbour I saw when I walked in from the airport, here
are little of interest.
I have decided to investigate the other side of the
island. On the other side of the 500 meter high mountain, Magen's Bay
and it famous beach is found. It is said to be the best beach in the
Caribbean. I had actually hoped for a bus, but despite I meet several, none
is driving my way. It is a real steep climb, and the sun is straight in on
the mountain side. On the bright side, it offers some great views over the
bay.
When I eventually make it to the top, Drake´s Seat offers a great view over the northern coast and Magen's Bay. It is, by the way, for sale; $45 millions. Not bad, but the entrance fee is only $5, and it is fare from packed. I start with some water and a fruit punch, then I walk to the northern end.
It is a perfect, white beach with the perfect depth and
wave, all 500 metres. In each end, some volcanic rocks are covered in bushes
and huge
Back
at base, I get a pineapple juice, and then start the long walk over the
mountain. I make a break at the hotel, before I set out to see a bit more of
the central part of Charlotte Amalie. What at first look as a carnival turns
out to be some religious fanatics, taking their big truck with speakers for
a walk. When it darkens, I find my wrap-man, and then head home to the
computer.
Charlotte Amalie and Magen's Bay 17. I have nothing special lined up for the day, until my 16;30 flight. I just wander around the huge old town, desperately trying to find new motives. It is a real quiet day, and I'm able to get a few pictures without cars on. I get up the foothills with the small houses, down at the promenade and the blue sea, into the huge old Danish governmental buildings and the fortress and everything in-between.
I make a pit-stop at a rooftop for a tea, and in the shop
underneath to give
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