Main Street
99 Steps to Blackbeard's Tower
Blackbeard, the Pirate's Tower
Fountain near the Tower
Vendor Plaza
We returned to Vendor Plaza on a different day to try the lobster stuffed burger at the Sidewalk Grill Express.
We had Philly, the owner, cut it in half to share.
Philly was such a sweet lady!
St. Thomas Reformed Church
We attended church services on Easter at this church. It was the first congregation in the Virgin Islands, organized by Dutch traders and European settlers as the St. Thomas Protestant Reformed Dutch Church. The first church was built in the 1670s and remained in use until at least 1731. The current building was built in 1846.
St Thomas Synagogue
Saint Thomas Synagogue was built in 1833, and is the second-oldest synagogue on United States soil. It also has the longest history of continuous use by a Jewish congregation in the nation. The synagogue has a sand floor. There are two theories behind this unusual occurrence. One is to represent the Israelite journey through the desert. Another theory is that it represents the Conversos who were forced to convert to Catholicism. Many continued to observe Judaism, so they usually met in their cellars and would use sand to muffle their prayers.
Interior
Mizrach
The word "mizrach" refers to the wall of the synagogue that faces east, where seats are reserved for the rabbi and other dignitaries.
Bimah, a raised platform with a podium from which the rabbi speaks.
Star of David
View of Hull Bay from the Synagogue property
Avacados
Peppers
We enjoyed a fish sandwich at Gladys' Cafe, located in the historic buildings in one of the cozy alleyway malls called Royal Dane Mall. It is rich in atmosphere with its checkered tablecloths, native stone walls, and mahogany bar with the vegetables and fruits used in the hot sauces Gladys bottles and sells.
Tamarinds