Another troupe, The Party Lovers dressed up in traditional African outfits included five sections of men and women, dressed in brilliant costumes with tiger stripes, leopard spots and shades of yellow and purple and drew rounds of applause from onlookers.

The Gathering Troupe was adorned in traditional costumes from tribes in North Africa and New Guinea. The large troupe danced in four different sections in Post Office Square before gathering together to march towards Stadium as crowd eagerly anticipated their arrival.

There was additional thrill and excitement as Skydancers Mocko Jumbie troupe from British Virgin Islands performed. The members exhibited limber and acrobatic performances, hopping on one stilt at times to delight of crowd. Arryl Donovan with Inverno Troupe sparked quite an excitement with his huge dragon costume as he moved from side to side.

Calypso Monarch Whadablee won coveted crown for fifth consecutive time on St. Thomas and remained undisputed champion.

He took home a first prize of $5,000 and glory of winning for fifth consecutive time. Other winners were Road March, first place Jocky Jam Band, and Grammy Jam Band and Crazy Man Immigration tied for second place.

In Adults Parade, with floupes with more than 300 members, Escoe and Associates, Bacchanal Time won first while Hugga Bunch came in first with floupe with more than 100 members.

In Float Parade, Gypsy...the Bounty came in first while University of Virgin Islands came in second and Angels Wings placed third.

As curtains drew to a close on St. Thomas, thousands were gearing up for 14th Annual St. Croix Half Ironman International Triathlon. Some 750 athletes took part in what has become an event that features courage, determination, endurance, and physical strength.

The athletes have to complete a rigorous three part course that traverses picturesque terrain and tranquil blue waters of St. Croix. The competition starts with a 1.24 mile swim from Protestant Cay to wharf area of Christensted. Fresh out of water, racers then begin a 56-mile bike ride on a challenging course that travels through lush tropical forests and alongside Caribbean Sea. During course riders.confront notorious uphill stretch of twisting road known as "The Beast" that averages a grade of 14 percent as it climbs 600 vertical feet in seven-tenths of a mile. Competitors then conclude face with a 13.1 mile run that circles grounds of Bucaneer Hotel and finishes in historic town of Christensted.

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Edwin Ali, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com

The hotel pool, located on second floor, is huge and popular, surrounded by deck chairs that invite vacationers to sit and relax after a busy day in city. Spa services are available at Serenity Spa Hawaii at Outrigger Reef.

Grab a quick bite to eat at pool bar or enjoy great pastries and delicious sandwiches at Patisserie & Deli. Add a little spice to your meals at Chili's Grill & Bar, then kick up your heals with some terrific country-western music at Nashville Waikiki within hotel.

The first order of business for me on premier day of my Hawaii visit was a trip to find closest grocery store. Fortunately, there was one located directly across street from Ohana Waikiki West that had all that I needed and it was open 24-hours daily, offering necessary items as well as postcards and island souvenirs. Although price of a box of cereal gave me sticker-shock ($6.50!), many of groceries were more moderately priced, and I left store with an excellent supply of fruit juices, bread, and lunch meat, pasta and fresh fruit. That's beauty of Ohana Waikiki West - with a kitchenette, hotel caters to budget-minded tourists like myself. There's also a full service pharmacy on property.

The location of Ohana Waikiki West is ideal -

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Laura Romano, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com