Teaching in VI

The VI is nothing like Hawaii, other than we, too, are islands. Very different culture here. Some love it, others don't (I do). A PMV is a wise move.

So how is the culture difficult?? Hawaii's culture can and is difficult also. Please fill me in on anything you can think of. And yes i agree that making a trip to the islands would be number 1 on our list. Wouldn't think of moving anywhere without visiting first. Let me know what's up with the culture.
Thanks
Kelly

Oh I am sorry. I meant to write "different"! And what I meant by knowing about island living is that i understand about being patient and respectful of the culture and the way of island life. Having lived in Hawaii, i learned that everything you need or want is not at your fingertips. That's what I loved about the Hawaiian islands! I learned to live with just what we needed and I was never happier! We went from a large house on the mainland to a 500 square foot studio and it was the greatest pleasure to us. I learned what's really important in life, "Living". I learned to slow down and take in the beauty of everyday, and enjoy. Fill me in on your islands, i am very interested.
Thank you
Kelly

Hi Kelly

Your experience living on Hawaii will give you some idea what living in the usvi is like...However, you do not say if you lived on Honolulu or Molokai. Living here would be more like living on Molokai or near Hilo...(except we have a KMart).

If you were on Maui or Oahu, you will find that it is much more like the mainland states. The entire population of the Us Virgin Islands would fit into a large neighborhood near Honolulu.

The people of Hawaii are much more mainland oriented than those who live here. The Virgin Islands are a wonderful place, but think Molokai attitude.

My Hawaii info is more than 10 years old so things might have changed there too.

stxer

Funny you mention Moloka'i!!!! My favorite island, The only hawaiian island that we would live on! I love the people, their culture, the fact that they want to keep their culture!! I have many good friends on Moloka'i, from Mauna Loa, Kaunakakai and the beautiful east end!!!! We have been looking for property on Moloka'i, and have been welcomed to do so by locals. They know where our hearts are, with the earth and life. Hawaii wants my husband to teach again and he has an interview, He was offered a teaching job last year on Moloka'i and Lana'i. The problem was that they waited until one week before school started on the islands. With quar. for pets and selling our house here, it was just to late. We received the invite to send his resume to the VI, and said let's check it out. I started looking and reading,(and yes, I sent for the book), and i liked what I saw. We love quiet and peace, love people, love island life. The bugs, No, but you get used to that.Love the food and the slow pace of things, we want peace and good friends. We lived in Hilo for 2 years and we sold everything we had and loved and cherished every minute. We did not want to come back to the mainland, and we have not been happy here since, we miss the way of life, the natural beauty of an island. We visited last October and Hilo is really growing, fast!!! It is just booming!! If VI is like living on Moloka'i, HURRAY!! That is exactly what we are looking for. We live in Big Bear Lake, California and have for 18 yrs, minus the 2 in Hawaii. House is ready to sell and we are on our way. We knew, or thought we knew that it would be to Moloka'i, but that email came from the dept. of education, so i said let's see what it is like there, and so here i am. The teachers pay and benefits are much greater then in Hawaii, and that was the obstacle there. Not that the money is the most important thing in life, but you still have to be able to afford to eat!!! LOL! We have been reading everything we can on your islands and decided to send the resume, so it is in the angels hands now. If it is meant to be, we will be there. Funny we sold everything but the house and moved to Hilo. We had to return to save our home (really bad tenants) and that was 1 1/2 yrs ago. I still live on island time, still have not completely furnished the house again. I buy what i need and do with what i have. Loved the freedom from all the stuff. My friends laugh at me because i just take the time to enjoy and don't get upset at things. The islands are good for me, and i can only hope that i am good for the islands! The magic, the spiritual healing of islands is amazing. You know you think you have everything pretty well set, on where you are going, and then one small thing can change the course of things.some cannot cope with that, i look at it as an oppurtunity in our lives to learn. so i am going with it, and we will see where it takes us.

Kelly

Just recieved my settler's handbook in the mail! I am just a reading fool! The more I read, the more I can't wait to come for a PMV! I could not believe that it came so fast, I ordered it on Thursday and had it in my hands Monday morning. It you are planning a move, you must get this book. I am sure I will be posting and asking more questions, Thanks for being here!! Talk to you soon
Kelly