Diane – Sitting Sleeping Up

Day 5: Saint Thomas (She Said)

15 January 202616 January 2026 DianeTravel

Just an interesting boat.

Susie taking In the view

Since we are traveling together we like to open up the privacy walls so we can talk. It’s interesting to me being a passenger with this group if I just keep my mouth shut and listen, our group will have asked every question I would have asked and have the answers given by our van driver. We are a curious bunch of people always seeking to know what’s going on here and there and everywhere. That’s why I love them.

Lots of shopping in St Thomas and Dan bought me some bling. I love Amethyst. It’s my birthstone and has been over a decade since I was blessed with new bling. Our waitress from The Delly Deck walked us over to this jeweler to speak with Larry who according to her was trustworthy. Great price too. Took an hour to size it for me.

Thank you mi Amore

Dan found favor in the local BushWacker drink.

My lunch was mixed reviews of fish and chips and the infamous Johnny Cakes. Johnny Cakes equal fried dough for me served with butter and honey. Equal to the light being on at Krispie Kreme. I ate all that and left the fish which our waitress kind of knew was less than fantastic. A little dry and somehow the seasoning was off.

Back to the room to crash from sweating and walking. Tomorrow San Juan.

Day 4: Saint Maarten / Georgia Life Group Cruise

14 January 202616 January 2026 DianeTravel

More than 20 years ago we all belonged to our church life group in Cumming GA. Collectively, we had over 20 children between us all. Sunday afternoon dinners were loud, crowded and full of activity.

Fast forward to childless empty nesters now. We’ve started traveling together first just renting air bnb cabins in North Ga but we have definitely evolved to week or more long adventures and cruises to beyond boarders.

This time in St Martin, St Thomas, San Juan, and Grand Turks and Cacos.

Here we are in St Martin on a tour of the island hitting the photo opp points.

St Martin was fun from our Van tour. Up and down winding roads with ocean views. We stopped at a croissant and coffee on the Dutch side lunch on the French side and Gouda cheese also on the Dutch side.

Riddled with cheap junk places it was hard to find locally made items to celebrate and remember our time here. We like to buy gifts from local artists.

Sicilian Home

14 March 2025 DianeBlog

A beautiful home and “factory” where jewelry is made. Italians love fine fashion and bling. A beautiful home but not one I think my famila came from.

**Staff member Sharing the history of the jewelry company**

**Describing the different items they produce**

This was an un expected lunch. The staff tried very hard to hard to sell to us and I must admit, the Amethyst were looking mighty shiny but money we don’t need to spend. Just found out that the trip to the airport in a small car is going to be $130. It’s like peeling off layers of an onion and it never seems to stop. And they know it.

Fish and Food

14 March 202514 March 2025 DianeBlog

You can smell the fish as you approach. When you enter, you can see small fish that have been dropped and won’t make it to the dish. We arrived there with just an hour before closing but in the morning there is a lot of shouts of negotiating over price and selection.

I didn’t eat any fish in the markets or street food vendors because of food temperatures. If we have arrived earlier or if I lived here I would definitely shop the fresh markets.

The Taste of Sicily

13 March 202513 March 2025 DianeTravel

It’s been quite a trip and we are feeling grateful for this experience. All the things I had hoped for and a few extra things have come true. Travel to European places can be challenging. My advice is to go with reputable entities in the travel business like Globus. They are top notch in my book made even better is having the same tour guide as we had last time. Laura Lepti is funny, very knowledgable, and treats you like famila. Watching out for us like little ducklings.

In addition to checking the details of your trip over and over, see if you can make your trip with a carry on. Get travel clothes that pack easily, are light weight and get a super comfortable pair of shoes.

Watch out for hidden expenses. The airline here in Italy charged us close $180 and made us pay for seats we already thought we had. Everyone wants to get in your pockets. It gets old really quick.

In summary, do the travel cause you can’t take it with you. Save if you must. Even sacrifice the coffee at Starbucks so you can have the espresso in Italy. There’s nothing like it.