Mainlanders and Islanders - Culture Shock?

Some do, can't handle it, and leave before a year's time. Others (like myself) fit right in and make the islands their home. It really is a matter of your personality. The easiest way I can describe it for you would be to say that the people who use the terms "us" and "them" (when referring to locals and transplants) tend to be the ones that move back to America. It IS different here than there (wherever 'there' might be), and that is what makes it so special. Don't complain or try to change it...just embrace it and become a part of it. Most don't consider anyone a 'local' until they have been here for more than a couple years. There tends to be a lot of turnover in that department.

Okay, this is a true story... I was at Motor Vehicles today to do several things. First, I went in to see if the driver's license machine was working, as I have been waiting 5 months and many visits to get my new license. Well, no, the lady says, they just had a power outage and the computer hasn't come back on line and the cashiers are all closed. I ask her about registering my car (my next task) and she says she thinks they are closed next door, too.

Next door, there are two people in front of me- one who didn't know that you now have to go to Territorial Court to get your tickets checked (Old window #1 for those who have been there before.) So, off he goes...choops!!! The next is a new couple who are trying to get their vehicle cleared and registered. It is sitting on the dock at Tropical. (I'll bet it still is.) I found out that indeed they couldn't process anything else this afternoon, would have to come back tomorrow morning.(However, I did find that I had all the stuff I needed for the morning...I hope.) The lady behind me also had been sent from DMV to Territorial Court- couldn't find any place to park, drove around for 20 mins, finally got her "no tickets" stamp and drove all the way back to Subbase to be told...she would have to come back. I have to say, as an aside, that all the employees were very service-oriented, helpful and kind.

It is not an unusual story, really. When you have to do anything, especially with the government, make sure you allow plenty of time. Take your sense of humor with you and be prepared to go back the next day or so. Oh, yes, they are going to be closed Thursday through Monday, so if I don't get it done tomorrow, I will be in line with all the end of the month people with "3" on their stickers. Yikes, I just realized that the 31st is another holiday!!!!

This is the kind of culture shock that you face as a new Virgin Islander. Can you learn to live with it?

I am in the process of becoming a local. I may have added on another year to my process just by saying that, but some of you understand what I mean. I have imagined myself back in the states driving and pulling out in front of someone and them hitting me just because I was in the 'wrong'. I am sure they saw me and could have stopped in time, but it wasn't the island and rules are different. If you can adhere to the rules of the road on the island, you are well on your way to making this your home.

I have observed an obviously non-local driving his/her vehicle here in STT. He/she over the weeks has become a road rage maniac driver. I am guessing that he/she will be moving back to the states fairly soon. He/she has almost rear-ended me because I stopped to let someone out and had plenty of time to stop. I got yelled at and cursed at. I saw that person again another day going the opposite direction and he/she cursed again, because someone pulled out in front of his/her vehicle in Havesight. Some people find it hard to change their ways and adapt to life on the island. I still think you don't know until you try, but try not to get so angry and frustrated. If the shoe does not fit, move on to another one - don't try to change the size of the shoe. Have I lost anyone? 🙂

People with open minds, flexability, determination, and a general exceptance of many different cultures, I think would be able to live comfortable here on the island. The first few months were hard being separated from all my friends and family, but now I feel more at home and have made new friends. I like living here and I hope everyone else does too. I appreciate more things now having experienced life on the island. I am so glad I moved here and that I stayed! 🙂

Teresa