Carnival is alive with brilliant colors & music

St John's Carnival season begins early next month and culminates with an all night party (J'ouvert) and a wonderful parade through Cruz Bay on July 4th complete with moko jumbees, and fireworks over the harbor.  The entire month is filled with music, food, activities such as bike and boat rides, Children and Adult parades, and, did we mention food?

And, of course, great local food:

So, what is not to like? 

Great Expectations has had a cancellation (a rare occurrence for us!) for Carnival this coming 4th of July week from Sunday, June 29 - Monday, July 7.  What better way to celebrate the 4th of July than right here in our pool (after a hard day at the beach or watching the parade)?

April & May St John news flashes & fun St John clips:

• CNN reported that St John made the Condé Nast Traveler list of 'Top 10 Islands in the Caribbean & Atlantic'. Their readers found: the "natural beauty" of St. John to be unparalleled. Most of the island is a preserved national park, allowing visitors to enjoy the "emerald green beaches" and exotic "native fauna and flora." Bounce around the numerous cays in a kayak, or snorkel at Trunk Bay, where you might end up swimming "with a hawksbill turtle."

• AirfareWatchDog just announced great airfares to St Thomas (STT) this spring and fall! Fly on American or US Air starting June 4th and on on either Delta or United for travel between September 2 and December 11 and get super deals. Many US cities (Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Charlotte, Cleveland) included. Hopefully, as usual, Jet Blue will drop their fares to match!

• On Saturday, May 24th get your bathing suit on and head to Maho beach for the Saturday for the 11th annual Beach-to-Beach Power Swim in support of the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park fundraising supporting their 'learn to swim' program among several other great initiatives. Even if you are not a swimmer you can help by volunteering on land or sea (in a kayak)...or from afar by donating on-line.

• Woody's Seafood has become quite a fixture on St John and this month is celebrating its 25th anniversary and, more importantly (we feel) their 20th year of hosting its Block Party which has raised over $20,000 for the St John Cancer Fund.

• St John Historical Society (SJHS) celebrates 40 years of support and encourages the preservation and protection of objects, structures, traditions, and features of historic, cultural, or archeological value to the island of St. John. Their mission is to increase the knowledge, awareness and understanding of St. John’s history and cultural heritage by such means as lectures, seminars, field trips, hikes, consultations, special educational programs and events. Just this month they have uncovered and been restoring the historic 'Cruz Bay Free-Colored Cemetery'.

• April was the month of family gatherings at Great Expectations small and large. We were delighted to host - for the 4th time - Frank from MA who came with his cousin as well as to welcome for the first time Gretchen's family of 8 adults and 8 children who told us 'the house was perfect. The views, the pools and the layout made an ideal getaway for our families. Hoping to return soon.' It sure makes our day when we meet and exceed our guests expectations!