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I think St Thomas is officially home. Having to go back to Michigan for my father's memorial service made this abundantly clear. I missed my new island home and am happy to be back. The whole time I was asked questions like "isn't the crime bad there?", "isn't everything super expensive?", "don't you miss the 'seasons'?" and finally, "would you do it all over again?" Without hesitation the answer to that question was a big YES. My wife and little boy love it here so much even if my answer was no, I would still stay.
Posted : June 1, 2015 1:36 pm
I know that feeling well and love hearing about it from others! I rarely travel these days but when I first moved here and got around more frequently I felt exactly the same way from the very first time I left. As soon as the 'plane came in sight of the islands I heaved a sigh of contentment at being "home". I have to go to Florida in a few weeks for surgery and, it's weird, but I'm not looking forward to being back in "the real world" at all even setting aside the reason for having to go there which is bad enough! 😀
Posted : June 1, 2015 1:51 pm
The best part of my last winter vacation to the states was the 4-hour layover in STT while coming back to STX! I was so glad to be back in the warm weather.
Posted : June 1, 2015 10:34 pm
Hate to burst the bubble but I've been loving FL.
Probably a good ting since I plan on relocating here next year after decades on STT.
Everything is so CLEAN and haven't felt a pothole nor seen one in weeks. Grocery prices are amazingly cheap for produce and many items that we're getting charged an arm and a leg for. Just got 2 pair of glasses and a thorough eye exam for way less money than I spend on one pair reusing my old frames and a less thorough exam.
It will be nice to get back to my own home to my pups and my own bed, tho.
Posted : June 1, 2015 11:43 pm
Hate to burst the bubble but I've been loving FL.
No bubbles to burst. I had no doubt at all that you'd enjoy your PMV to Florida and have no doubt that you'll find the right spot for you there. I've lived on two continents, various places on each and on a Caribbean island for now decades. I may yet decide that there's another "home" for me somewhere but I don't compare anywhere to anywhere else in terms of "good" and "bad" as every place has its own unique character to enjoy. I'm planning on bringing just two things back from my trip to FL - some new cheap reading glasses and some "real" tomatoes!
Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Posted : June 1, 2015 11:59 pm
Get some fresh corn at 20¢ each while you're at it, the peaches are also cheap, delicious and ripen to perfection. Bananas are 44¢ a lb., a big mango is 47¢. Spices are 88¢ each for a normal sized container.
2 lbs. Vidalia onions for 99¢. Anyways, you get the drift.
And you're right, comparing the 2 are like comparing apples and oranges. Vastly different.
Posted : June 2, 2015 12:12 am
What city in FL?
Posted : June 2, 2015 7:46 am
Different places as I've been in Lady Lakes area where my sisters live, Gainesville to visit niece and St. Pete Beach visiting friends. The grocery stores visited have just been Wal-Mart, Public and an Aldies (in Lady Lakes location.)
Each location had a Dollar store tho.
Everywhere has been so clean!
Posted : June 2, 2015 11:49 am
That was Publix.
My kindle auto correct strikes again.
Wal-Mart is cheaper than Publix. Corn there is 30¢ an ear!
Just got some peaches that you can actually smell to bring home.
Other goodies too.
Posted : June 2, 2015 5:17 pm
alana, went to a wegmans in florida-i took some photos of the produce and the sushi.
safeway had corn 10 for 2 bucks. the prices in general were so cheap. there were a few items we pay the same. not many though.
i just can not get over the produce and how fresh and firm and beautiful it was. i still salivate over the photos i took
Posted : June 2, 2015 5:50 pm
Topic starter
I didn't walk in to a single store except a gas station while I was in Michigan. I know things are cheaper, more available, cleaner, etc. they are also more generic, boring and without character. I did go have a breakfast at the Coney Island and was nice to get so much for $5.99, but we always do breakfast ourselves here on weekends. The boy got to run around on flat ground at the Great Lakes National Cemetary which is the thing I guess I miss most for him. Play areas.
Posted : June 2, 2015 6:01 pm
Sparty, Yacht Haven Grande, Roosevelt Park, Lindberg Bay Park, and maybe a few others, all have flat, grassy play areas. The Caneel dock in Red Hook, too. The kids are always running around when they have events in these venues. Many parents come just so the kids can play.
The kids' area at Magens is another great option with suggested activities. UVI has the green which looks perfect for flying kites, IMO.
Posted : June 2, 2015 6:16 pm
Topic starter
Yes, we go to all those places and tot lot in Dorothea, but he is a relatively new walker and something you didn't have to drive to would be nice.
Posted : June 2, 2015 6:48 pm
You bring up a good point, Sparty. Parents with small kids might want to think about flat play areas when considering housing. Anchorage is good for that, I think. Always see kids playing there when I visit.
Posted : June 2, 2015 6:54 pm
Topic starter
I have Anchorage dreams on my Lenkenlund budget. Such is life. 😉
Posted : June 2, 2015 7:25 pm
