Coral World, Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Coral World, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

This postcard was postmarked in 2022.

 

Andy's Delicatessen in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, 1963

St. Thomas
Virgin Islands
Art by Hans Bulow

Andy's Delicatessen
on back street where native New York food is served, in the island's largest wine cellar, stocked with Alexis Lichine selections.

The sender writes:
We're still not in jail.

This postcard was postmarked in 1963 with two Washington 1 c stamps and one 5c.

USA Stamp 1954

George Washington 

1 cent

 - - -

USA stamp 1963

George Washington

5 cents

Blackbeard's Castle in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Blackbeard's Castle
St. Thomas
U.S. Virgin Islands

Blackbeard's Castle, St. Thomas Skytsborg Tower (meaning sky tower), was built in 1679 by the Danes as a watchtower for the harbor of Charlotte Amalie.  It is located at the highest point on Skytsborg Tower Government Hill.  Danish Soldiers used Skytsborg as a vantage point to spot enemy ships and protect impressive Fort Christian from attacks.

Fort Christian is at sea level, which was ideal for warding off attackers with canon fire, but did not offer a good enough view of the incoming ships before they entered the harbor.  It is not known what year Skytsborg Tower took on the name of Blackbeard's Castle, but the infamous Edward Teach, commonly known as Blackbeard the Pirate, did sail the Caribbean waters in the early 1700s.

It has become part of the lore of the island that he used the Tower as a vantage point for his own treacherous purposes.  Blackbeard's Castle is one of four National Historic sites in the US Virgin Islands.

This postcard was postmarked in 2012.

USA stamp 2012

Aloha Shirt, 32 cents

Blue with Flowers

Greetings from the British Virgin Islands

Greetings from the British Virgin Islands
Nature's Little Secret

White sand beaches, swaying palms and turquoise water welcome visitors to the British Virgin Islands.  Castaways can explore over 60 enchanted islands with hundreds of secret coves and cays.

Photos: Don Hebert

This is postmarked in 2008 with a British Virgin Islands World Cup soccer stamp.

Cane Garden Beach, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Cane Garden Beach, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

A delightful day in paradise with the magnificent hues of the tropical Caribbean sunsets. This island get-a-way with its gentle surf, long lovely curved bay, many gift shops and lovely villas fascinate the most discerning visitors.

Paradise Fowl

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 c. sour cream - 1/2 c. Dijon mustard - 1/4 c. white wine - - In a baking dish, spread out chicken breasts. Combine all other ingredients and spoon mixture over chicken. Cover with foil. Bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees. For the last 10 minutes, remove foil. Serves 4

unused

From a set of 12 postcards called:

Cruising the Caribbean (each card also has a recipe on the back)

inside the folder holding the card it reads:

Pristine beaches, tranquil shady palm trees, tropical warm breezes and a laid-back lifestyle make the islands of the Caribbean relaxing, enchanting, enticing, entertaining, and inviting. Thousands of visitors arrive to one or more of the many Caribbean islands each year to find their perfect sun-kissed vacation destination is the one they will never forget.

The Caribbean has it all!!

Photos 2005: Werner J. Bertsch

"The Baths", British Virgin Islands

Inside the caves

The Baths

Virgin Gorda

British Virgin Islands

postmarked in 2008 with a British Virgin Islands 35c 'World Cup Chamion 1982' stamp

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The Baths

Virgin Gorda

British Virgin Islands

Large, house-size boulders form luminous grottos filled with magnificent sea pools, lit by filtered sunshine.  These giant boulders, caused by volcanic eruption, are strewn up and down this quiet cove.

Photo: Richard Spenceley

postmarked in 2008 with a British Virgin Islands 'World Cup Champion' stamp

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At "The Baths", the beach shows evidence of the island's volcanic origins, which deposited granite that eroded into piles of boulders on the beach. The boulders form natural tidal pools, tunnels, arches and scenic grottoes that are open to the sea.  The largest boulders are about 40 feet (12 m) long.

We have been here with a tour and the guides said many model shoots for magazines are done there because it is so beautiful.  I believe it!  It is an amazing place.

Recipe for Kallaloo, from the Virgin Islands

Kallaloo

1/2 lb. salted beef - 1/2 lb. pig's tail - 1 salted conch - 1/2 lb. ham bone - 2 whole clean crabs - 1 1/2 lbs fresh fish, cleaned - 12 okra - 3 lbs. spinach or mixed greens - 1 seeded hot pepper - - Put beef and pig's tail in a large bowl with cold water and let soak overnight. Drain the water. Add 3 quarts of fresh water to a pot and boil beef, pork, and conch together until tender. Add the clean fish and cook for 5 minutes. Remove the fish with a slotted spoon. Remove the bones, slice the fish into pieces, then put back into pot. Wash crab with water and lime and add to pot. Wash spinach and grind with okra. Add to pot with the hot pepper. Boil on high heat for 30 minutes. Add a dash of vinegar to remove the surface film. Serves 4

unused

From a set of 12 postcards called:

Cruising the Caribbean (each card also has a recipe on the back)

inside the folder holding the card it reads:

Pristine beaches, tranquil shady palm trees, tropical warm breezes and a laid-back lifestyle make the islands of the Caribbean relaxing, enchanting, enticing, entertaining, and inviting. Thousands of visitors arrive to one or more of the many Caribbean islands each year to find their perfect sun-kissed vacation destination is the one they will never forget.

The Caribbean has it all!!

Photos 2005: Werner J. Bertsch

The Wreck of the Chikuzen, British Virgin Islands

Wreck of the Chikuzen

British Virgin Islands

This 223 foot long, Korean refrigerator ship was built in 1960.  On August 11, 1981, word was received that a storm was coming.  Because of engine failure, the owners tried to scuttle the ship.  Even after being set on fire, the ship wouldn't sink.  Finally a tug boat towed her about seven miles north of Tortola, where she sank.  Huge schools of fish are her colorful local inhabitants.

Photos Jim Scheiner / Rainbow Visions

postmarked with a British Virgin Island, World Cup Champion 35 stamp

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

A world-class destination! Charlotte Amalie, named for a Danish Queen is the capital of the United States Virgin Islands and the most famous cruise port in the Caribbean. Emerald hills set as a backdrop to the white and pastel houses, old Danish warehouse buildings and the first class shopping area add to the enchantment of this lovely destination.

Pirated Thyme-Mustard Sauce

3 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves - 1/4 cup Dijon-style mustard - 3/4 cup heavy cream - 1/8 tsp. white petter - In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Before serving, warm the mustard sauce in microwave until it is hot.

unused

From a set of 12 postcards called:

Cruising the Caribbean (each card also has a recipe on the back)

inside the folder holding the card it reads:

Pristine beaches, tranquil shady palm trees, tropical warm breezes and a laid-back lifestyle make the islands of the Caribbean relaxing, enchanting, enticing, entertaining, and inviting. Thousands of visitors arrive to one or more of the many Caribbean islands each year to find their perfect sun-kissed vacation destination is the one they will never forget.

The Caribbean has it all!!

Photos 2005: Werner J. Bertsch (he did a great job!)

National Post Card Week - My First Postcard for NPCW!

Iguana wish you a Happy National Postcard Week!
May 2-8, 2010
www.9teen87sPostcards.blogspot.com

the back reads:
NPCW

Hello,

The Iguana on the front is a photo I took in the Virgin Islands. My hubby and I were married in ... 1987 ... and we went there for our 20th wedding anniversary.

God Bless,

Brenda
9teen87s Postcards

1/100

unused

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Everything you would need or want to know about National Post Card Week can be found on this site ...

http://npcw.multiply.com/

Make sure you check out the photos section as well! She has an amazing collection.

The Virgin Islands, End of a Perfect Day

End of a perfect day

Virgin Islands

St. Thomas, V.I.
Spectacular view of Charlotte Amalie Harbor at night, with cruise ships lit brilliantly is a phenomenal sight to see.  St. Thomas is a port definitely worth visiting.  The sunsets are a must see for all.

The Back of the card has a recipe

Taste O' The Tropics Rum Punch
Serves 20-24

1 bottle (750 ml) light rum
3/4 cup pineapple juice
juice of 6 oranges
juice of 6 limes
1 cup confectioners sugar
1 1/2 quarts ginger ale
orange slice and/or maraschino cherries for garnish

In a large punch bowl, combine rum, pineapple juice, juice of oranges, juice of limes and confectioners sugar.  Add ginger ale just before serving.  Chill. server over ice in glasses and garnish.

This is postmarked in 2008 with a 94 cent 'St. Johns, U.S. Virgin Islands' stamp.

Iguana - Just another pretty face

Just another pretty face...
Virgin Islands

You'll find iguanas all over the Virgin Islands. A reptile, full grown iguanas range between 4 and 6 feet in length. Their skin is rough, colored anywhere between bright green and brown, and they have scales on their back, a long, shiplash like tail as well as long fingers and claws to help them climb trees. The Virgin Islands are located in the Eastern Caribbean, 1500 miles from Miami and 40 miles from Puerto Rico.

postmarked in 2008 with a 42 cent 'Frank Sinatra' stamp

Stormy Weather - Virgin Islands

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Stormy weather viewed from Paradise Point of Charlotte Amalie and cruise ship dock. Hassel Island and Water Island in harbor.

Photo: Buddy Moffet

unused, but from 2008

On a side note, I love this postcard!! But I'm not a fan of storms right now...we live north of Orlando, Florida and are being hit hard, for many days now, by Tropical Storm Fay.

Virgin Islands Interesting Facts

Interesting Facts & Island History

Welcome to Paradise! The American and British Virgin Islands comprise about one hundred islands, inlets and cays, part of the Antilles chain, which separates the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The United States Virgin Islands are located at 18 degrees 20' North Latitude and 64 degrees 55' West Longitude.

Christopher Columbus landed on the U.S. Virgin Islands on his second voyage and named the entire island group after the legend of St. Ursula and her virgin martyrs.

Denmark took over St. Thomas in 1670. Under Denmark, the Islands developed as slaveholding, sugar-growing communities. Most of the buildings in the city of Charlotte Amalie were built in Danish colonial times.

The United States bought the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1917. Local government was finally establish in 1954. St. Croix, the largest of the islands is 28 miles long and 7 miles wide, in total 84 square miles. St. Croix is home of many ruins and restored greathouses and sugarmills. Christiansted and Fredericksted are the major towns and ports in St. Croix.

St. John, at 20 square miles, is the smallest of the three islands
St. John, with its lush mountain vegetation, outstanding beaches and unspoiled beauty is considered by manyto (should be 'many to') be the most beautiful of the three principal U.S. Virgin Islands.

St. Thomas has 32 square miles of mountainous terrain. Its harbor is the Caribbean's number one cruise ship port of call and home to a large charter yacht fleet. The town of Charlotte Amalie is the seat of Government and one of the most famous shopping centers in the Caribbean area.

Magens Bay beach on St. Thomas' north side has been described as one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world.

The Virgin Islands lie directly in the path of the easterly trade winds, insuring a year round mild climate. The temperature ranges from70 (error 2 - no space) to 90 degrees. The constant winds keep the humidity at a comfortable level and the average annual rainfall is 45 inches, most of this coming in the summer months.

The Virgin Islands offers something for everyone, friendly people, white beaches and crystal aquamarine waters, breath-taking scenery, water-sports, night-life, sports, and shopping.

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The Back of the card has a recipe

Taste O' The Tropics Rum Punch
Serves 20-24

1 bottle (750 ml) light rum
3/4 cup pineapple juice
juice of 6 oranges
juice of 6 limes
1 cup confectioners sugar
1 1/2 quarts ginger ale
orange slice and/or maraschino cherries for garnish

In a large punch bowl, combine rum, pineapple juice, juice of oranges, juice of limes and confectioners sugar. Add ginger ale just before serving. Chill. server over ice in glasses and garnish.

This was postmarked with this 94 cent 'St. Johns, U.S. Virgin Islands' stamp.