getting transferred June 1

Hello Steve,

The Mall is in a commerical area (gas station, banks, fast food, grocery stores), there are residences quite close; never been fond of the Tutu area because of its close proximity to commericial activity and densely developed (there is old and new Tutu some areas are not as developed as others). Check it out to see if you like the area. You won't find a condo there but perhaps an apartment as part of a home. You could get a place just outside of this area, maybe a 10-15 minute drive from the mall iteself and stay in Wintberg, Mandahl, Rosendahl, Mahogony Run (condo area, golf course, pool, tennis), Harmony, the first areas along Skyline Drive...

For fishing... you might look into how you can get involved with the VI Fishing Association (The VIGFC is a active fishing club with a schedule of 9 events over the year, encompassing the full spectrum of fishing to suit all member anglers, and species in the VI.) As you are working at the Mall go by Pearle Vision and speak to the doctor there (Dr. Craig) he is the secretary for the association and can give you info. Also in July there is the Bastille Day Fishing Tournament contact Monica Lester at 774-5206 for details; you would need to get a boat or try and find someone who is participating to go out with. For a boat dealer in St. Thomas try http://www.offshorevi.com/

Good Luck.

--Islander

I like the TuTu mall however I wouldnt want to live in that general area.

Islander gave some wonderful areas to look in regard to housing. You may also want to look at the East End, not a far drive from the TuTu mall.

When you arrive, notice the condition of the cars as you drive around town. They do all get to look like Island Cars after not too long of a time. It will be getting dings dents and sun worn. If this will be upsetting to you you may want to leave it for awhile and get a little island car for transport. I you decide to make st thomas home (give it a year) you may want to have the car sent over. No one is going to target your car because its a BMW (there are a lot of nice cars there) but all cars end up looking kind of shabby.

Which store will you be at?

Thanks for the info Islander/Katrina. That will definately help narrow down the search. Hopefully the 4-5 days that I have free will be fruitful.

Katrina, I will be taking over one of the stores that you are not very fond of. If you e-mail me I will let you know which one. I don't like to claim things that are currently broken. Give me a couple of months to get things in line and then hopefully you won't have such negative thoughts.

I currently live in Key West. I am fortunate enough to get to travel to these odd locations to straighten out these outlying stores. This is my third island (Hawaii, Key West, now St. Thomas.) These outlying locations are difficult enough because of the touristy environment and the competition to get qualified employees. Most of the time they are neglected because of the cost to send someone out and there is no other store close enough to help with issues. They tend to flounder about. Then they send me.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a place to stay short term 4-7 days while I look for a place to live? No resort needed, just a decent clean place. Also a good rent a car place.

Thanks again

You might want to give Paradise Properties a call at 800-524-2038. I'm doing the temp housing thing with them my self right now. They have several properties available. I like the Crystal Cove and Sapphire Village units. They are clean, safe, furnished with kitchens, close to Red Hook and a quick drive to the big-box.

If it is the big-box that I think it is (it's initials sound like a meditation mantra) ...then I wish you luck! This one could be a pivital career point. You will have quite a challenge!

For the car, try First Rent A Car - tell them VICL sent you! They will drop the car off to you and pick you back up - nice people. 340-776-3730 or www.firstrent-a-car.com

Thank you very much Pamela. I checked out their website. The timing is perfect since it will be the first week of low season. Better prices.

This site is so helpful!

Yes, very cool site. I have rented an apartment, bought a car and picked up a consulting contract in addition to meeting some very interesting people from this site. It's been good to me. Glad to help.
Pamela.

What type of place did you pick up? Cost? Other places you saw while on the hunt. Would it be okay to e-mail you about some specific info?

Thanks again.

For everybodys info, I am dropping off my car on Monday. Using managed freight as a moving company. Price break down so far.

$800 Tropical shipping.
$50 I have heard that I will have to pay a fee for the Export Power of Attorney at Tropical to handle the paperwork.
$463.84 Vehicle road tax. 2899 lbs X $.16
$882.60 Personal use tax $22065(Blue book) X 4%
$150.00 Licensing/registeration/title (DMV)
$240.00 Registration Fee
$80.00 Customs brokerage
$160.00 Managed Freight handling Fee
---------------------------------------------------------------------
$2826.44

Now there is a reality check for people looking to make a spur of the moment move. The company is picking up a chunk of this so not as bad as it looks. Now this just gets the car there. For insurance I have been quoted $1400-1500 per year full coverage. $350 for basic coverage.

The car is nice but come on.

Now I am looking to spend around $1000 per month for rent so first/last/security is looking to be around $3000.00.

I am shipping clothes only so a couple of hundred for shipping costs. Then I will have to repurchase all of the necessities once I get there so with a furnished place I figure another $1000.

Flight cost from Miami - $500
Hotel for a week - $1000
Rent a car for a week - $300

Sooooooo- I figure week one St. Thomas. $10,000.

Sure, email me or call me when you get here. Rentals change so fast here ...
Pamela