Getting Nervous...Calm Me Down!

also, are there lots of "local hangouts"? i am sure there are...

I see problems on your horizon....

If the cost for any of those things is not a big worries, then just have fun and be smart. Don't get to drunk by your self at a bar, at lest till you make some good friends.

Do you have a job already or money to survive for a few months? If not - think twice. Groceries run 2-3 times what they do stateside. Electric bills run 3 times the rate in Detroit per KWH. And unless you room with someone - rents are not cheap - expect to pay around $1000 per month. You can find cheaper if your expectations are low. There is a place in town that advertises $800 - $1000 for studio rooms.

Eating out here is not cheap - and there aren't alot of fast food type places around. I live in Frenchman's Bay and the closest place to me would be in Havensight - Wendy's, Hooters, Subway, Pizza Amore (great food/great prices). But none of it is what I would call cheap.

Driving - I never found it hard to learn to drive on the left. What part of KY are you coming from? I lived in Ashland for a couple years YEARS ago - but found that the hardest thing about the hills in STT is that you just plain can't see over them as you crest a hill - going down. And especially on the North side - up by St. peter's Great House - and beyond - some of those roads are SEVERELY up hill. The incline is extreme - you need to downshift alot.

Drinking - I don't drink - but please let me know when you will be drinking and on the road so I can avoid it.

Good looking or not - do not go alone to and from bars (I understand you have to meet people first) at night - and don't flash anything of value when you are out and about. Simple safety measures. I would suggest until you get familiar and make friends to make sure if you go out drinking - you don't get drunk - you need to know how to get home and be safe. People will (and do) take advantage of those inebriated persons.

Drinking - Just be aware - if you have even a slight drinking problem now, you will probably experience an increase in it here. Booze is cheaper and more flowing here. I have friends who were alcoholics (functioning) prior to moving here - and became much worse after they got here.

Bugs - we got em- ants (tiny sugar type ants), centipedes, millipedes, spiders to name some more common ones.

Living on your own - don't have to - find a room mate - makes living here more affordable and helps ease you into the lifestyle. And can provide instant "friends".

This is to enlighten - not discourage. Best of luck! PM me if you need anything once you are here.

Linda

You might be living on rum but not much local fruit in November and produce in the grocery is very expensive.

I would buy a round trip ticket, plan on 2 or 3 months. This will be an excellent investment. If things don't work out you can get home safely and if they do you can chalk up the extra cost to experience.

Where in KY are you from? I've been on STX for 6 years but lived in Louisville before that.

Good luck. And reread Linda's comments on drinking - this is a big problem here and if you have any predisposition BEWARE.

umm...If you dont like bugs or crawly things this is probably not the place for you! I found a tarantula in my driveway last week, he was little according to my neighbor, a long time resident, only 5"

Take your time, meet people, get a group of friends. Be careful drinking since you say you are a drinker. Too many people fall into that category of dropping out and drinking daily. Not a great feature especially when seeking employment. At night make sure, if cabbing it, to take a bona fide taxi. There is a small group of middle eastern gypsy taxi drivers(no taxi bubble) that prey on young women getting rides home. Be careful.

- BIGGEST - driving...learning to drive, and mainly around sharp mountains (?) and seriously, HOW long will it take me too not have panic attacks when im driving... You'll learn how to. Everyone does. 2 - bugs...or any kind of crawly creatures for that matter...what am I in for (I know I'll have to get over this) Get bug spray or have an exterminator regularly

3 - food - I usually eat out at least once a day, sometimes twice - what are basic essentials when it comes to eating...will I be living off fruit and rum? As has been said, food's pricey so consider bringing lunch & leaning to cook.

4 - safety - I am a younger attractive female...not too toot my horn but some honest responses would be nice Don't be overly flattered by the attention you'll get. You're fresh meat so use your head & don't let it get turned. There are lots of jerks here as everywhere.

5 - driving at NIGHT! eek Don't if you'll be drinking.

6 - cell phone - just set one up down there? Don't get one until you know it will work where you live. AT&T & Sprint are the main services but Sprint doesn't work from my house at all.

7 - making friends - I am a drinker and usually have no problem making friends in the state Nobody has problems making friends when they're drinkers. Try to find some better ways to make friends that are healthier.8 - times to keep my mouth shut Learn to always say Good morning/afternoon/night when approaching anyone. Be careful getting mouthy until you are more acclimated.

9 - how I will be doing living by myself, I am kind of a weenie lol...at least I am admitting it though, honest opinions! You'll do fine. Roommates can be a blessing or in a lot of cases a total nightmare. Learn to entertain yourself - it will stand you in good stead for life. Volunteering is a good way to meet people.

i was exactly in your shoes a year ago, except I'm a guy.

1. You get it after a while, once you learn the roads. took me less than a week.

2. Mosquitoes, sand-gnats, ants, and other assorted creatures

3. LOTS of good places to eat here. i eat out most of the time and fix simple things at home, when I'm not too lazy that is.

4. Say in red hook or havensight area, don't stay out too late or go alone. be aware of your surroundings.

5. No big deal.

6. I just got an iphone and get 5 bars everywhere on the island.

7. Cant really help you with that one. i pretty much hang out with people i work with and occasionally my landlord.

8. Yeah, good morning/afternoon/night is essential.

9. I have no problem whatsoever, but I'm a guy so that's different haha. love it actually.