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Hi eveyone and Happy Holidays. I've just registered for this website as "Papagio" but haven't received my log in ability yet so I'll look for any responses to this query by either name.
My wife and I are contemplating on a move to the VI's (prefereably STX?) in the next few years, I'm waiting on my son from a previous marriage to turn 18 and decide what he wants out of life.
We will be taking a cruise the third week of January 2006 out of San Juan and have one day in St. Thomas. We've decided to use that day as a fact finding mission and am hoping you could give us some advice on how to best spend the one short day most efficently. We plan on renting a car but not sure where we should be going. I plan on picking up the local papers and real estate brochures, things like that.
We are no strangers to the Carribean, spending a bit of time in St Marrtin, Cozumel, Turks and Caicos, etc. so I think we know what island life can be like.
I've really enjoyed reading everyone's messages and feel you all have a genuine desire to help those of us looking for advice and guidance.
I plan on getting the "Setteler's Guide' book and reading that but not in time for our one day mission. We will be in STT around January 18th and then in St Marrtin on the 20th for my 45th birthday! I hope to hear from you before we arrive there and maybe even hook up for a drink as we head back to the ship.
Thanks for your time, advice and patience for any (and all) of the spelling errors.
James "Papagio" from Washington D.C
Posted : December 6, 2005 5:51 am
James---There was a good thread recently about PMVs, the subject was "What are the 5 Most Important things to do on a PMV????". You can do a search and find it:)
Posted : December 6, 2005 9:30 am
as you're still a few years out from making a move, you aren't quite to the point of needing to complete some of the typical activities people do during a PMV. Although you won't be seeking specific job and housing opportunities at this time, it doesn't hurt to see what's available so you'll have a better idea if you'll be able to find a niche that fits you in the future.
People on this board who are familiar with rental rates on STT can tell you which apartments, condos and maybe some houses fall within the rate you would expect to pay. That would give you some things to drive past to see if they are places you'd feel comfortable living. You can search the MLS from a variety of public real estate websites to see what is available for sale in your expected price range if you would purchase a home rather than rent.
Depending on the type of work you hope to find, you may be able to make a short visit to a few businesses that fall within your industry. You could see working conditions and in some situations be able to chat with an employee or two. This is easy at restaurants and bars and more difficult at office situations.
You should stop into a grocery store and KMart and see what's on the shelves and at what price. If you are on-island on a weekday, a quick glance into the lobby of such places as WAPA and Cingular would show you the kind of lines islanders regularly deal with to set up and/or pay for services.
Visit a couple of beach bars and see where the locals hang out. Different places attract different types of people and it's common to have a couple of favorites where you soon get to know all the regulars.
Stop to see a beach or two, but don't spend your whole day there if you want to have enough time to get a feel for the island and not just spend the day feeling like a tourist. If you have activities you really enjoy and hope to pursue in the islands, check out their availability.
Keep your eyes and your mind open. Say Good Morning and Good Afternoon when approaching someone or entering a room that is occupied. This is the quickest way to get a friendly response rather than a semi-hostile one.
STT is very different from STX. If you already think that STX might be the better choice for you, don't rule out STX if STT doesn't suit you. Some people assume all islands are alike and slam the door on the thought of living on ANY island if the first one they try out isn't to their liking.
Have a great time and keep reminding yourself that the weather really is warm here ALL year around.
Posted : December 6, 2005 5:53 pm
