We're arriving on Tuesday - TOMORROW

Hey meowruff,
Did you bring enough Sheets for that Toga party we posted a few months back. LOL

Too funny! I can't believe you remembered my lovely Queen size or Full size sheet posting from quite some time ago. And, to think that was actually something I was concerned about.

Anyhoo - Actually, the sheets we sent HAVEN'T arrived in any boxes yet. Go figure! I'm wondering if someone has confiscated them for their own toga party. But, I have some sweet beach towels that might work...

Today is my ONE YEAR anniversary of moving here. I’ve always wanted to know who “made it” and their stories, so I decided to share mine. For those thinking of moving here, I’m hoping that this gives you a bit of a perspective of life; for those having lived here a short time (like me), I’m sure I’ll provide you with some laughter; and those that have decided “There’s no place like St Croix, There’s no place like St Croix”, I just hope you remember back to those days back when…

Reflecting over the past year, I’ve learned a lot, discovered much about myself and realized that the things I once worried about were really trivial. When we did our PMV, I forced myself to journal about my day, stating the positives and negatives of moving here. My initial fears were quite silly – worried about driving on the left side of the road & wondering how we would be accepted in a different culture. Some of my impressions were right on – litter was very prominent, dining experiences were expensive, grocery store prices were expensive and we were always getting lost because of lack of street addresses and road markings. But, we felt the positives outweighed the negatives and decided to “go for it.”

While most people recommend that you hold onto your belongings (place them in storage), move here for a year, then decide if you’re committed to staying, we elected to take the commitment leap from Day One. We sold everything we owned and shipped our remaining possessions via USPS (26 boxes in all). We certainly don’t regret minimizing our lives, as we discovered that most of our items were truly just “stuff”. And, quite ironically, we haven’t missed any of the items we always thought we needed. We packed a few extra boxes with items that we just couldn’t part with and stored them with family in the states. But, quite honestly, I couldn’t tell you one thing that was in those boxes.

If you’ve read my previous posts, you know that my husband and I teach in the public school system. Yes, the year has been challenging, but also one of the most rewarding years in my career. The public schools definitely have kinks that need to be worked out, but there are some fabulous educators that really are making a difference and I believe that public schools won’t always be looked down upon – changes are going to happen (Yes, I’m an optimist!)!

Things I’ve learned in the past year…
-Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Night are the most valuable words you can learn and use!
-Patience, P a t i e n c e, P a t i e n c e, P a t i e n c e, P a t i e n c e
-Everything (except rum) is expensive!
-Driving on the left side of the road is easier than I thought
-There are places on the island that I still haven’t explored – I still get lost and say to myself, “This looks new!” (This has happened quite a few times when I attempted to pick up my students to take them out to eat for a reward dinner. )
-The expense and hassle of bringing our dog down here (even in June) was well worth it! She is part of our family, and I can’t imagine living this wonderful life without her.
-As with any place, there are wonderful, loving people on this island and there are also some grouchy, I’m-going-to-make-your-life-as-miserable-as-mine type of people.
-I love my co-workers!
-I love my neighbors!
-I love to take my dog for a walk and night, look up at the sky, realize that I can see the Southern Cross and the Big Dipper at the same time, then remind myself that I live here!
-I love to pick fruit from my trees, then (after identifying it) let the juices flow; or, in some cases, cook some new & interesting dishes
-The VI Moving Board is wonderful! Without you, my silly questions would still be unanswered. There is so much information available for anyone interested moving here. Some of the information presented may be a bit harsh, but it’s truth and reality for that person. Everyone has different experiences and opinions to share…and it’s rare that you can find a forum like this. Although I still haven’t met many of you, I consider you my friends and love to check up on the island gossip of the day. Many times, it’s more efficient than the newspaper!
-St Croix is an amazing island!
-I LOVE IT HERE!

So nice of you to post an update, and I'm pleased to hear that the school year went well!

Awesome!

(tu)(tu)

Good teachers are so needed. I bet you're great at it. Glad you're enjoying it & settled in so well.

Happy last day of school. I dont end til June 26. thank you NY
Deidre

meowruff, What will you be teaching? Which place?

Great update!

Thank you for taking the time to post - wonderful

Pia

Great news, meowruff -- it's always nice to hear an update. Wow, 26 boxes is really impressive!

I know that moment -- "remind myself that I live here" -- so well... usually comes to me when I'm riding my motorcycle and looking out over the ocean. No matter what other problems I am having, I never fail to feel wealthy and blessed and thankful just to be living where I do. So nice!

Great story and update, it makes me even more excited to move there in less than a month. I wont be shipping any boxes though, im selling everything and going with just my clothes. Hope everything works out. Thanks for the post and congrats for making the move successfully.

Edward - I taught at Ricardo RIchards Elementary this past year. I was hired to teach music, but I only taught 3 music classes and taught 6th grade math, 1st grade math, co-taught a 4th grade class, reading, intervention, etc. It was an exciting year though. My husband taught EH Special Education at Elena Christian Junior High.

Greg STT - Most of what we shipped were teaching materials (books, manipulatives, etc.), which I am very thankful for. We also shipped much of our kitchenware (great knives, pots & pans, etc.), electronic items and linens.

fdr - You are so right about that feeling of looking out at the ocean. I always tell myself that if the day comes when I can finally count the many blue colors of the ocean or that my heart doesn't leap anymore when I drive down the hill by the animal shelter...then, that's the day that I must leave.

Everyone - Thanks for the fun comments. I just posted this to update everyone and remind people that, although many people arrive and leave within 6 months, there are quite a few of us that STAY - and LOVE IT HERE! Are there challenges living here? Duh! But, there is something that keeps us here...almost to a point where we can't envision ourselves living anywhere else again. There are some of you reading this and nodding your head. You know what I mean...it's as if you start breathing the salt air and begin living again.

[i]hi, am new to this message board don't really now how to really use it yet...
anyways, thinking of moving to St. Croix from Puerto rico. but need information ...like if i bring my car..and transport house things..how dose that work..and how long will it take to get from puerto rico to st. croix? driver's license do i need a new one for st. croix? i was reading about the supermarkets in st. croix..what's the best place to shop from days and things like that...housing...what are the prices for renting or buying? hospitals..shopping malls...etc... thanks for any type information give...thanks a mill:-)

Hi,Pazd4, start by reading the info in the top of the forum right under V.I. Moving Center. Many of your questions will be answered there. Then read the posts on the forum.

i have read a lot of posting about other people moving for the states to st. criox..but some information is not up to date. and i now know if thinks for the shipping things for puerto rico to st. croix is the same from the states...puerto rico is about 20 mins away or 40 mins away from st. croix by plain. how do start looking for a house..what moving company should i go with? can a person bring is car even though she/ he is still paying monthly payments on it?

Pazd4 -
As far as moving your stuff from PR to STX there is a ship that does delivery of items between PR/STX/STT. It is called the Norma H. A friend just used it to ship a car from STX to STT. Here is the website so you can research if they take cars from PR to STX and the cost:
http://www.normahfreight.com/

As Trade said, read all the topics listed at the top of the forum. Also, use the search feature (located just above the 1st post on this page with the magnifying glass next to it) to check out any topic. There is a wealth of info available here.

As for how long it takes from PR to STX that depends on how you come. Flights are 40 minutes long.
Yes, you do need a new drivers license once you have moved to STX.
Shopping malls - FYI, many people here fly to PR to go to Plaza Las Americas if that's any indication!

Happy researching!!

ok here is a question for ya...am only moiving to st. croix because my husband got a job as a teacher...is it worth you think moving to st. croix..i mean do think we could live and like it there? i do have to small kids 5 and 2 ...and i have been to st. croix once for a wedding for 3 days...it quitter then puerto rico. and i do not mind that i like that..am worried that i might be hard to get use to it...no shopping malls...etc...
i really do want a change for my whole family...and i do think st. croix would be nice one...
are housing price really high? is it cheaper to rent or buy?
what can you tell me about st. croix? anything would be really great...thanks.

It is much cheaper to rent, especially when you add in maintenance. The rental market is in a big slump so you can get a deal right now. What do you do? With two kids and a teachers salary you will need to work as well to make it here. We don't have all the taxes that PR does but its most things are much more expensive here like groceries, electric, entertainment, clothing, etc...

Again look at the top of this page you will see tabs called FAQ, HOUSING, COSTS, etc...research each one,all of these will apply to you except shipping. Public schools are not the greatest here but then I know little about PR schools so I don't know how that will compare. But do your homework on that and make sure you live in the right area for the right school.

am a nurse but am not working right know...can i work there..i mean i dont have my license yet..do i need to get st. croix's licenses ? can i work with my temper. licenses?
what the the best place to live in ...in st. croix?
is everything far way from each other ...meaning long drives. i read somewhere that there is a hospital there for got the name of it ..but read about it.

thank you again for all your help and information

Where will your husband be teaching? That may determine what part of the island is best for you.

ok in other words i can work in the hospital until i get my license...

the only hospital i that i find in st. croix is Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital & Medical Center....( 4007 Diamond Ruby Estate,). is that the only hospital?

ok know if i work there and my husband works in a small school located at

No. 20 & 21 Estate Mountain

where would it be best to live ?

thanks for any information.

ok in other words i can work in the hospital until i get my license...

the only hospital i that i find in st. croix is Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital & Medical Center....( 4007 Diamond Ruby Estate,). is that the only hospital?

ok know if i work there and my husband works in a small school located at

No. 20 & 21 Estate Mountain

where would it be best to live ?

thanks for any information.

also health insurance...what type dose st. croix off...or do you have to come with your own...will it work there......still question i know .....but must know..:@)

 

If you work at the hospital, you'd get their health insurance which is administered by Cigna.