Attn. Bill, Your Feedback on VI Move

Hello Bill,

Since you offered to answer questions I will take you up on the offer. Thanks.

One of the topics you had asked about before moving was meeting people outside of work to hang out with. How did you find it; easy to meet people, difficult?
A
nswer: It was not difficult at all. In fact, I met people from NC on a ferry over to St. John my first week here. If one is worried about finding a social life, they should not. You can meet people on the beach, in Kmart, at the hospital cafeteria - practically anywhere. For the first time in my life, I had black friends. Not just acquaintences, but real friends. As many of you may know, the mainland is still very segregated, and it was great to have that experience, one that I hope will continue now that I have returned to the mainland.

Apartment - I recall you posting that you had a rough start with your first landlord, so I am assuming you found another place. In general how was the apartment search?

I found a place within a week.

Anything about the island that totally took you by surprise or you weren't prepared for? Good and/or Bad.

My job and my life were so intertwined that I saw parts of the VI that many people will not. That is, I saw everyday on my beat how much crime there truly is in the VI, and that most of the time, police do not make arrests. All one has to do is read the newspaper and see that there was a robbery, a shooting, etc. Moreover, police are very, very slow to release information about crimes, if they do so at all. The police are not cooperative with the press. I also found the poverty on St. Thomas astounding, as well as the conditions of the schools

Did you find yourself missing things back home that you didn't think you would? With the exception of my family, not really. Much of what I read on here has to do with material things and food - I am not much of a materialist, so I was comfortable in that sense. That said, I do believe that while many people were very nice, some people were mean. Of course, that happens anywhere, and one must keep it in perspective. I learned patience, and I also developed something of an assertive streak myself, for which I am glad. You must be assertive to get things done. Also, people drive like maniacs there, and people ran me off the road several times in the mountains. Then again, when I picked up my car in Jacksonville last week and was driving down a real highway for the first time in months, I realized that people here drive like maniacs as well.

Do you find yourself missing anything about the islands since you left (besides the mac & cheese that East Ender mentioned )?

With the exception of the friends I made, not really. Many people move to the VI because of the weather. That was not a factor in my decision. In fact, I prefer cold weather, I believe that if you are coming to the VI for a job such as bartending, working on a boat, etc., you would have a much "better" time than having a job that gives you no time to decompress. While I was glad to spend time in the islands, it gave me a better appreciation for what I had in North Carolina. To me, that was the best part of the move.

If you are willing to share it, what were the factors that caused you not to stay... or were you only intending to stay for a short time?
I was planning on staying longer, but I found that the islands were not a good fit for me, for various reasons.

Are you glad you made the move? Yes, I am. It was a learning experience, and it is something that many people never have the chance to do. That being said, I am glad to be home and I am much happier and relaxed. I feel like "myself" again. But remember, it is important for people to get out of their comfort zone periodically, and moving to the VI certainly is not "comfortable."

Any tips for those considering moving? Remember that a "Pre move visit" is much, much different from the reality of living there. Be prepared to have flat tires, car trouble, etc. If someone calls you a sk...nt, it is not a compliment. The Islands can be a very raw and brutal place. If you live in an apartment, you most likely will be living under your landlords, and that is something that many people are not used to. Liquor is very easy to come by, so have fun but for God's sake, be careful. Think very carefully before you make the move, especially if you have a family. I am single, so it was just myself I had to worry about. If you have a family, remember the saying - if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. You never get "used" to the heat. Find an apartment with air conditioning - I kept hearing about trade winds that I never felt, as did one of the characters in "Don't Stop the Carnival." Don't say Good Day and Good Afternoon and Good Evening when your friends and family from the states call - they will think you are weird. The government is most corrupt.

Please keep in mind that I was trying to be as objective as I can, but of course, everyone has a certain bias in their posts. So if I said anything that anyone may disagree with, feel free to reply. Just don't get snarky about it.
Best,
Bill

Very interesting read.
Bill, how long were you here?

Best,

LR

Thank you Bill. I enjoyed your perspective on the move. All the best with your present and future plans.

--Islander