Arrived this morning to a beautiful sunrise at the city of Charlotte Amalie, capital of St. Thomas. Our extension wasn't until 11:30 so we just hung out this morning, had breakfast in the MDR, (which I don't like!)
Our excursion was a bus ride to "Top of the Mountain", elevation 1540 feet, for some great views of the bay. Then back down to the city and the St Thomas Sky Ride, a gondola up the hill to Paradise Point. Great views and a nice lunch at "Taste". Back on board by 2:30 for a 3:30 departure.
Fascinating history here. There are three main islands: St Thomas, St John and St. Croix. Collectively they are a "Caribbean Insular Territory of the U.S." First settled by the Spanish in 1555, over the decades constant conflict between Spain, France, UK, Netherlands, Denmark and Norway. Slavery was abolished in 1848 which was the end of the sugar plantations.
In 1917, during WWI, the US was afraid the Germans might build a sub base here, so they started negotiations with Denmark to buy it. They struck a deal: U.S. would pay 25 million in cold coins AND agreed to cede its interest in Greenland to Denmark! (Trump wants to take Greenland back!)
The main industry now is tourism, with Rum production next. There used to be giant oil refineries on St. Croix (Hess) but those ceased operations in 2012. Now the facility is a storage tank farm. The islands are totally dependent on imported oil....which could become a huge problem.
Residents here are U.S. citizens. And get this: They drive on the right side of the road (left over from Danish occupation) but all the cars are American with left hand drive!
Weather was mostly cloudy today, but warm and humid; few showers around.
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