In May 2012 we visited Japan and spent several days in Takasago, Himeji and the ancient imperial capital of Kyoto.

In April 2012 we finally were able to accept an invitation from Roger and Peg to join them at their timeshare on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.
Magens Bay on St. Thomas US Virgin Islands from Drake’s Seat, where Sir Francis Drake spied on Spanish Fleets passing through Drake’s Passage where the Atlantic Ocean joins the Caribbean Sea.
Cooper Island in British Virgin Islands.  Great beach bar and restaurant.
Coming ashore at White Bay on Jost Van Dyke island in the British Virgin Islands.  No dock, so the money gets wet.  Home of the famous Soggy Dollar Bar where the rum drink “Painkiller” was invented.

Enjoying Painkillers at Soggy Dollar viewing White Bay.
Beach on St. Johns US Virgin Islands.
Dinner at the Old Stone Farm House Restaurant.  More than two centuries ago the Old Stone Farm House was the core of a Danish sugar plantation at Estate Lovendahl.  The graceful arches, two- foot-thick walls and majestic rafters are reminiscent of St. Thomas during the days of the flourishing clipper ship trade, sugar plantations on lush rolling hills and the aristocratic mansions of prosperous merchants.  This is considered one of the best examples of classic West Indian architecture on the island. Native blue bit rock and brick and rubble masonry are the prime construction materials.
Sunset over Charlotte Amalie Harbor, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Charlotte Amalie Harbor from Roger and Peg’s place.