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I like many of the people on this site have my questions about island living however my situation may be alittle different than most and I'm hoping some of the locals might be able to help me out. I spent most of my life in San Diego california and in Scottsdale Arizona (some people might consider those places paradise as well) so I'm used to the heat but for the last year and half I've been in Milwaukee Wi. and hate it, hate the weather (cold) love the festivals and party environment and thats what brings me to my questions
As a single man in his late twenty's i have been ofered a job in St. Thomas that will pay very well and give me a lot more freedom and time off than I currently have, but I'm a pretty social guyand want to make sure
1) Dating? is there many single women (in my age group) living in the VI or will I have to depend on the tourists coming in and out as a source of meeting people and dates?
2)nightlife? I enjoy going out bars, movies, dancing etc. is there plenty to do or am I going to get burned out in ashort period of time?
3)whats the time frame for being accepted amongst the community and not looked at as a tourist and is the acceptance period a rude uncomforrtable period or just a general ignorance of new people to the island?
4)What things is there for recreation, I've read what the tourists do but what do the locals do , is their clubs to join etc.?
5)I would be coming all alone, no g-friend, no pets, no friends, for a decently outgoing person is hard to meet people and get into a social pool of people to go out with, and what would be any of your opinions on the best way to go about meeting people (men and women)
6)Would you do it in my situation or would it be too hard?
7)give me some general survivor tips that may make my first few weeks months easier?
"thanks for all your help and hopefully i'll see you all in paradise soon"
Posted : July 8, 2003 6:16 pm
Your situation is similar to mine, only I am still in the process of looking for employment. If you don't mind my asking, where did you find your job?
Posted : July 8, 2003 7:44 pm
Topic starter
I ALSO FORGOT TO ASK?
WHATS THE BEST WAY TO FIND AN APARTMENT OR CONDO FOR LEASE/RENT IN THE $600-1200 RANGE
Posted : July 8, 2003 8:01 pm
Hello,
Dating; There are single women but new residents and residents (not sure if you are opposed to dating locals???) but there are people - you have to look for them though. LOL... like anywhere else many have their boyfriends already since they have been living there. But you will meet people. Nightlife there are bars, movies, dancing... you will end up going to the same places over and over - its a small place. Burnt out can open two fold... party too much burn out or get bored of same place. Acceptance... depends on if you work among locals and make friends easily... I would say a couple months... the looking or being treated like a tourist often happens because to be frank many tourist are white, many locals are not... so in general people think white person plus new face equals tourist... particalary if the person is asking about the island so doesn't know anything - we know you are new. It can be rude yes.. definately I have seen it happen - were new people are snubbed for several weeks even months at work until they become part of the inner circle... and then I have seen those same used to be new folks do it to the new people coming in. The recreation activites for a local is very similar to that of a tourist... beach, water sports... there are limted clubs but they exisit you must look for them they wont look for you and are often not very well publicized... there are baseball teams for kids if you want to coach... there are adult teams, there is wrestling, soccer, cricket... but all these groups are already formed that is why I say you have to look for them and inquire to find out where it happens and if you can partake. There is also chamber groups, ad clubs... Meeting people... professional people I would say Business after hours, Chamber events... more a causual atmosphere - Chili Cook Off, Beach Volleyball, things of that sort... bar scene you can meet people as well. Would I do it - people move everyday..... and it doesn't matter if its here, Florida, Maine... whereever if you don't know anyone, well you don't know anyone and you have to adapt. If you have moved before you should have a little experience with what it entails. Best bet is to be prepared for the changes be open to them and enjoy the experience. To learn about island living you might order a Settlers Handbook from http://www.vitraders.com its a great resourse for getting familiar with island life.
Tips: Be Open, Patient, try to get familiar with how things work there so that you know a little of what to expect and you are not going based on assumptions of what it is likt.
Are there things you just must have that you are used to in the states that would make life a big problem if you didn't have????
Also for apartments - go to the moving guide on this site, scroll to the top of this page, and selec tMOving, then select housing... there is a listing there for Flamboyant Manor contact that person they have apartments for short term (3 monts, 6 months, and less or more... might help you with that. Also you might get the newspapers when you order the book I mentioned before.. the newspapers often have ;listings - but its more difficult doing it from the newspaper without being here. You might stay in an inn for a couple weeks while you look around. The Housing section will help with this in any case.
Good Luck.
--Islander
Posted : July 9, 2003 2:29 pm
I am also relocating to St. Thomas, with some of the same concerns. However, I spent three months in St. Thomas last fall doing an internship. I have never felt so welcome and at home. I am a 25 year old single woman and found the nightlife and culture to be perfectly inviting. If you are outgoing, you will have no trouble meeting friends and being accepted by the locals. Do remember to address everyone you encounter with a 'good morning', 'good afternoon' or 'good night' before speaking with them.
Let me know if you have any questions. I know how scary it is because I'm doing the same thing, just with a little experience.
Posted : July 22, 2003 7:16 am
