For the ninth year the Virgin Islands Charter League and the St. Thomas Chamber of Commerce have hosted the parade of lights of decorated boats from all over the Virgin Islands.

Imagine the most spectacular decorated home for Christmas – lights, Santas, reindeer, and the whole works.  OK, now you have a bit of an idea of what it is like to see yachts decorated in the same manner cruising past “Miracle On Main Street” along the waterfront at Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas.  This incredible event will happen on the evening of Friday December 19th with a $1,000 first prize for the best decorated yacht. 

After speaking with the VICL Director, Erik Akerson, he asked that I imagine the St. Thomas Harbor lighted up with boats of all types on parade for the Lighted Boat Parade.  Boats are judged on the originality and creativity of their decorations and lighting.  Judging categories include holiday lighting, creative use and amount of lighting, special effects and ornamentation.  Prizes are awarded to the top three placing boats.  The VICL and the Chamber of Commerce are delighted to announce its partnership with Yacht Haven Grande for this year’s event.  To entice boats from the East End and Red Hook area, the marina will be offering free overnight slips to furthest traveling participants.  Call Kristen Galloway, YHG marina manager at 774-9500 for boat slip reservations. 

The after parade party will be at the Fat Turtle Bar & Restaurant at Yacht Haven Grande.  You may remember the Fat Turtle from the articles I wrote about the VICL Charter Yacht Boat Show last month.  There are a lot of after hours parties at the Fat Turtle for that event, too.  This is such a fun event, that I hope many of you stop by downtown St. Thomas the evening of December 19th for the fun and festivities.  Until next time…enjoy the planning for your Holiday celebrations. 

You never know who you might run into when on a November flight to Paradise - Santa Claus!

This Thanksgiving my whole family is spending it our favorite tropical Paradise.  Ann Marie and I got upgraded to first class and were settling in for another pleasant flight to our next sun-filled adventure.  As I am settling in to my cushy seat a man walked by me headed for the cockpit.  From just a fleeting glance he had a long white beard, white hair, a tropical shirt that had Santas on surfboards all over it, and shorts and flip-flops.  He was at least 70 years old and certainly had the belly that one would expect from Santa. 

As I watched him enter the cockpit, the pilots welcomed him as a long lost friend, and “Santa” took over the pilot’s seat and fooled around with the controls a bit.  The jet engines fired up and there was more conversation with the pilots and this man who was a dead ringer for “Jolly Old St. Nick”.  He said his goodbyes to the pilots and walked back past me to his seat.  This time I got a good look at his face and his spectacles that rested on his nose.

I got out of my seat and followed him to his seat.  Seated next to him was Mrs. Claus!!!  I was blown away at my good fortune to finally personally meet Santa and his wife.  I kneeled down in the isle and asked if I could speak with him for a moment.  I asked him, “Are you who I think you are?”  He said, “If you think you are talking with Santa, you are correct!”  What an unforgettable moment I was about to have.

There was a whole series of questions that I just blurted out.  The jist of it is that I learned he starts the logistics of his annual trip over 30 days before his sleigh fide on Christmas Eve night.  He and Mrs. Claus were on their way to the spot where they launch their annual adventuer and I happened to on the SAME airplane.  The conversation he was having with the pilots was to let them know they may be seeing some UFOs on their radar screens about a month from now, but not to worry.

We ended our conversation with him asking me some questions.  He started out with the tyical, “Have you been naughty or nice stuff?”  I let him know that he would have to ask my family and friends their opinion of that question.  We both laughed and he then asked if I would sit on his knee and let him know my favorite wish for Christmas.  It got a bit complicated when I started off on the topic of solving world hunger, clean drinking water for everyone, and world peace with every national leader being a woman since they never start wars. 

He interrupted me and asked if there was something just for me that I might want him to drop off when he visits our home.  I had to think a moment or two.  There is actually nothing I need in my life.  I am blessed beyond measure.  But, I did come up with a small request.  My earring that I have had since I sailed across the equator in 1997 broke a few weeks ago, so I let him know that it would be nice to find a new one.  He said,  “I will do what I can to find the perfect replacement and drop it off on my way by Christmas Eve.”  WOW! 

We ended our conversation with him thanking me for taking a few moments to chat, and his final words were, “Never stop counting your blessings, and never stop sharing them with others”  I promised I would and we said goodbye.  On Christmas Eve night, I will be waiting all night for his arrival so we can check in with each other again.  This was the most unforgettable Thanksgiving moment I have had in memory – meeting the real Santa Claus! 

We are sending you our best wishes as you spend time with your family and friends counting your blessings.  Remember, it doesn’t have to be just once a year.  Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle detective remains on duty!

This boutique luxury resort on the Placentia Peninsula is a trendsetter when it comes to its “Green Features”!

Palmetto Bay Resort  is one of the leaders of “green” Caribbean developments in Belize.  This boutique luxury resort has integrated into its build features that other developers are watching closely.  Palmetto Bay Resort has carefully considered its impact on the environment from the earliest planning stages of its development. Some of the features they have implemented are:

• Geothermal cooling and heating technology
• Solar power for outside illumination – pathways, water features, landscaping and the beach
• Grey water systems to recycle water
• LED lighting that will reduce energy costs by as much as 80%
• Indigenous species of plants including fruit trees in the landscaping
• Cisterns to catch and store rain water and act as a renewable water supply for the saline pool, water features and landscaping
• Strategically implemented wind power

This gated project has plans for around 120 full-ownership condominiums.  The initial phase that has just been released has 36 whole ownership Caribbean beachfront condo starting in the low $300s US and they are currently the most sought after resort real estate for sale in Belize. It is just a short two-hour flight from Houston or Miami to Belize where there are no restrictions on foreign ownership of property or capital gains tax.  This is a project you may want to put on your list for your piece of Paradise!  They even just announced a fly-in package for people who want to seriously consider this as there next Tropical home.

OK…so how is this for a description of what Palmetto Bay Resort has created?  As you walk into your Caribbean condo you first notice a wrap-around veranda overlooking the turquoise-blue Caribbean Sea.  What I immediately do is dump my watch and find my bathing suit.  The temperature is around 85F degrees with a delightful warm breeze, and I then head to mash-potato coral sand.  Then the stress really starts because a decision needs to made;  sunbathe; snorkel, SCUBA dive; drink…because thirst is a dangerous thing; read; nap; eat; schedule a jungle tour checking out how many Tucans I can spot, and many more choices to consider.  Here is the fun part, I get to do it ALL!  My first task is take out the cold beer in the frig and head to a lounge waiting for me on the beach.  All the rest of the remaining choices will show up in their proper order…which, actually, there is no proper order.  This mind set is the way I get to “Caribbean Time” as fast as possible. 

Here is more good news for those you intrigued about buying real estate in Belize.  Belize has made owning real estate very simple and easy with some of the most advantageous offshore investment legislation in the world. The official language in Belize is English, and the legal system is based on English common law. Belize has no capital gains tax, no inheritance, estate or probate taxes and no restrictions on foreign ownership of property. The ease of air travel to Belize from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. is effortless compared to many of your choices for other Tropical destinations.

Finally…you will discover a country of diversity!  It has a very wide variety of ethnic backgrounds that live together in a marvelous melting pot, each adding to the cultural color of the next. Belizeans are some of the friendliest people in the world. They are a cross-pollination of cultures – ancient Maya people, Spanish,  British, African roots, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Lebanese and Indian influences, AND the official language is still English.  This is one of the special Caribbean destinations that you will want to put on your “must see” list.  Let me now if you want more information about my favorite spots.  Until next time…fair winds!

In spite of the double-digit growth of U.S. visitors in 2007 to the Caribbean the airlines are cutting back flights!

I am not an alarmist, nor do I ever look at my glass “half empty”.  But, there are a series of SERIOUS decisions being made by the major airlines serving the Caribbean!  The past year has seen on of the largest levels of visitors to the Caribbean in history – over 15 million people enjoying the most beautiful resorts and beaches in the world!!!  As I have written many times, the Caribbean is THE place to be for second, third and fourth homes – whether fractionals or full ownership real estate. 

During my 30+ years of traveling to the Caribbean I have NEVER thought about not being able to get there.  My only concern is planning my monthly and yearly schedules to fit in the hundreds of adventures I have enjoyed over the years – from the BVI to Trinadad/Tobago.  BUT, today, with the monumental impact the oil prices are having on all aspects of our lives, the ONLY method to get to the Caribbean – airlines, are cutting back or canceling their flights to Puerto Rico, the visitor’s hub to all the Caribbean islands.

Allen Castanet, the chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization said last week, “Billions of dollars of investment are being exposed, and thousands of jobs are being exposed.”  The weak link in access to the Caribbean is American Airlines.  They are in a mess and are struggling to stay in business.  Here is the rub…they currently control more that 60% of the passengers traveling through Puerto Rico as they connect to smaller airplanes servicing each of the Caribbean islands.  American Airlines has just announced that they are cutting back their daily flights to Puerto Rico this September from 93 to 51!!!  Holy Moly!!!  If you owned any tourist oriented business in the Caribbean, wouldn’t this news put shivers up your spine?  This is a BIG issue that will need to be addressed by anyone who has an interest in the tourist economy of this very special region of the world.

The flights that are being cut to Puerto Rico will also greatly impact the cruise line business.  San Juan is the city where most cruise line passengers meet their ships.  Over ten cruise lines use San Juan as their destination port.  Continental Airlines is another big player in flights to San Juan, and they are now expected to announce flight cuts because of the price of jet fuel and the soft American economy.   Last week Spirit Airlines has closed their Puerto Rico hub entirely!

Again, in past articles I have highlighted the amazing opportunities in the Dominican Republic -fractional and full ownership real estate opportunities.  Get this…from January through April of this year more than 407,000 tourists visited the DR – a 6% increase over the same period last year!  The question now is how will you get there?  Peter Muller who owns the Hotel Coyamar in Samana, Dominican Republic said, “This is just the beginning.  We’re going to reach a point where it’s no longer worth keeping the airport open.”  In spite of this latest blow to those wanting to travel to the Caribbean, solutions will be found.  Those travel solutions will cost a lot more, but they may be the only options we have.  One thought may be that Cancun becomes the airline hub to the Caribbean.  It would make traveling there much more difficult for those U.S. travelers from the East Coast, but it would be about the same travel time for those going to the Caribbean from the West Coast.  It would also immediately put the focus on Belize, Turks & Caicos, Bermuda, Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands as places to consider for your next Caribbean home.  I am absolutely sure viable solutions will be discovered.  But, for the short term, we will all need to make flight plans months in advance in order to make sure we get a seat.  Let me know your thoughts on these latest developments impacting traveling to the Caribbean.  Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle detective is on duty.

The last day of celebrating Family, Community, and African culture.

Today is the final day of the Kwanzaa celebration. After seven days of celebrating, it ends on the first day of the year.  Each of the celebration days has a topic.  The final day is focused on Imani – Faith, “…the faith to believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, our righteousness, and the ultimate victory of our struggle.”

For each of the seven days’ celebrations, a specific place in the home is chosen to display the symbols of celebration.  A table is spread with a beautiful piece of African cloth.  The mat is placed on the cloth, and all of the other symbols are placed on it which symbolize the deep roots of tradition.  Next, the candle holder is placed on the mat and the seven candles are placed in the candle holder. The colors of the candles are black, red and green; black for the people, red for their struggle, and green for the future and hope that comes from their struggle – one black candle, three red candles, and three green candles.

The table is then set with two ears of corn, and the Unity Cup. The ears of corn symbolize that all of us are social parents of the children of our community. The Unity Cup is used to pour the “libation” to the ancestors in remembrance and honor of those who paved the path down which we walk and who taught us about the good and beautiful life.  The final additions to the table are; African objects and books on the life and culture of African people to symbolize their commitment to heritage and learning.

The last day of Kwanzaa, January 1st, is for African people a time of sober assessment of things done and things to do, of self-reflection and reflection on the life and future of the people and of recommitment to their highest cultural values in a special way. It is a time to ask and answer soberly and humbly the three Kwanzaa questions: 1) Who am I;  2) Am I really who I say I am; and, 3) Am I all I ought to be? And it is a time to recommit oneself to the highest ideals of what it means to be both African and human in the fullest sense.  We all need to honor and hold special the many cultural celebrations of this world. Kwanzaa is one of those special celebrations. 

All of us start 2008 with high expectations of an unforgettable year of special moments with our loving family and friends. Here’s to every aspect of your magnificent life coming true in 2008!  Until next time…I remain your humble Caribbean lifestyle detective.

The place to celebrate Old Year’s Night is Foxy’s on Jost Van Dyke – BVI!

Forget Times Square in New York City on New Year’s Eve.  Those who are fortunate enough to get to Foxy’s on December 30th – by boat, water taxi, dingy, or windsurfer, are in for the time of their lives celebrating Old Year’s Night with Foxy and the amazing band line-up he has planned for this year’s 48 hour Caribbean bash – the last Caribbean party of 2007!

Foxy’s Bar & Restaurant on Jost Van Dyke in the BVI is well known around the world for throwing one of the biggest and best Old Year’s Night parties – ANYWHERE!  The Millennium party was over the top!  Foxy built a huge stage behind his bar and brought in the Beach Boys for a celebration that had over 500 boats rafted up together in the small harbor.  You could literal walk to Foxy’s across all of the boats instead of bringing in your dingy.  In fact, some of the revelers did just that. 

The biggest challenge you will encounter if you show up by boat will be finding “your yacht” once the 48 hour party is over.  Many of my sailing friends have awakened after the party to find some lost souls passed out on their deck because they were unable to find their own boat.  In addition, you will want to bring along a chain and lock for your dingy if you do motor in to Foxy’s dock.  The scramble the next morning for sailors to locate “their” dingy is a hysterical event to watch. (Put your key in a place you can find easily even though your alcohol level may be sky high.  Or, get back to your boat early New Year’s morning, put a pot of coffee on, and sit back and be prepared to be amused all morning watching the dingy chaos.

At Foxy’s there’s always special entertainment for Old Year’s Eve. Headliners and local area bands are onhand to provide non-stop music from dusk till dawn. This year, they will kick things off Sunday evening (Dec 30th) with Extreme Band, which is one of the top bands of the BVI and Caribbean. And on Monday, they are bringing out the Eric Stone Band to help get the party going early with his Nautical Americana style. Shifting to the Outback Main Stage, Maxx Cabello Band is on next and is sure to jam their blues-rock tunes. Cool Sessions Brass swings their sweet Caribbean vibe next on the Outback Main Stage. And if you’re still partying strong, we’ve got DJ Avalanche to keep things going. . . the only reason to stop partying might be for breakfast!!!

After breakfast at Foxy’s on New Year’s Day we often pull up anchor and sail right around the corner of Jost Van Dyke and anchor at Soggy Dollar Bar for our first painkillers of the year – “A Sunny Place For Shady People”.  You’ll  remember  Soggy Dollar Bar and Mick, the bartender, from my past postings. It’s always an forgettable moment laying in their hammock and watching the New Year unfold.  It is an awesome way to spend your first day of 2008.  Let me know what adventures you create for your New Year’s Eve and the first day of 2008.  Happy New Year!  And, remember the quote from Dean Martin, “If you drink, don’t drive. Don’t even putt.”  Until next time…

Kwanzaa means “first fruits of the harvest” in traditional Africa

Each December 26th the Kwanzaa celebration begins.  It is a celebration that lasts for seven days, ending on January 1st.  Each day focuses on a principle that reaffirms the African commitment to themselves, their families, their community, and their black struggle for equality.

• December 26th – Umoja – Unity
• December 27th – Kujichagulia – Self-Determination
• December 28th – Ujima – Collective Work & Responsibility
• December 29th – Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics
• December 30th – Nia – Purpose
• December 31 – Kuumba – Creativity
• January 1st – Imani – Faith

The seven principles are collectively referred to as the Nguzo Saba, and are intended to serve as guideposts for meditation and daily living.  The greeting each day of Kwaanza is Habari Gani, and the reply is Habari Gani followed by the principle of the day. Kwanzaa is celebrated by people of African descent in North America, the Caribbean and other parts of the world connected to African heritage.  It was created by M. Ron Karenga in 1966.

The St. John gathering was held in Cruz Bay in a small park near the ferry dock. Lucinda Parsons, Sigma Theta Omega Chapter President welcomed the audience of local residents and tourists.
The Love City Pan Dragons played the America National Anthem and Virgin Islands March. The 3 Sweet trio sang the Black National Anthem and South African Anthem. There were other student performances, as well as the St. John Cultural Dancers.
There are celebrations all week on St. Thomas and St. Croix.  Also check out the local celebrations held in all of the Windward and Leeward islands.  Habari Gani!