what do you love about living in the vi?

I like the people, the beach, the bars and restaurants, the weather. I even like where I work and live.

It's not where I grew up. 🙂 No family here. You create your own family which in my case is much better than my blood family. Good opportunities, good weather most of the time, less uptight, the view from my place would cost a few million in some places in the States & small town atmosphere.

I agree with Trade... I don't have any family here, but I have made friends who are like my family. You know, the people you can call when your car breaks down all the way across island, and they'll come get you no matter what time it is. 🙂
And like Linda, I love the beaches, the bars, the people, the weather. I try not to eat out too much, but when I do, we have some stellar restaurants here.

I love the way the locals will take you in and make you family, once they see you aren't going anywhere. As long as you are willing to be patient and extremely polite, by the time you've gone back to the same store or bar or whatever three or four time, you're family.

I love the west end. I love our beaches, the sunsets, the pride of place, the way I feel I can walk around the pier and feel safe. I like that people stop and say hi to my dogs by name, even if they don't remember my name. 🙂

Beth, did you get your car running? When I come back in march, I'll bring those books I read in Nov. I was going to drop them off, but you wern't at the book store the last day I was there.
terry

Terry, the car is still not running and we can not put any more into it. We are now going to try to sell at a way reduced price, and a big loss.

Bookstore is closed. We couldn't keep it going without a car. Will try to reopne in Fred in a couple of months.

sorry to hear that you closed the book store. Fsted will be at least within walking distance.

I think what I love here is that life is a little less complex unless we ball it up, there are so many choices and spending a day in a rainforest or on a pristine beach is not a flight away, just a walk or a short drive. People given even the slightest bit of respect and kindness respond in kind.

I am here, this is now my home, and going anywhere else would be just a vacation, not a relocation.

Dan

I enjoy reading Dan's responses, as well as others. Dan, you seem to have a positive view on things. i was wondering if you know if there is that insurance, and the cost, to fly one out of the island to the mainland in case of an emergency? I quess i am asking, in case of a medical emergency how do islanders afford to get off the island quickly and does insurance pay for such a transporitation. thank you, K

kini: There is air ambulance insurance. One is MASA: http://www.medairservices.com/ You do need to read the fine print and quiz the representatives carefully. Most policies fly you to the nearest hospital where the service is available. That means, for the most part, you will be shipped to Puerto Rico. And quite honestly, I am not at all about Puerto Rico for health care. Most emergencies can be handled here. There is a problem with neurosurgery and open heart surgery, but every day we get better and better with the regular stuff.

If you are a visitor, you can get insurance that will send you "back home." But if you live here, it is a different story.

Oddly enough, I really love not have a billion choices for things like on the mainland. Simplifies my life.

The stars at night when there is no moon.

I grew up in Northern Maine. So, I like not having to wear socks and boots and hats and etc.... I like not having to run my truck for a half hour to warm it up and scrape the windows and shovel the drive. I like swimming in January. I love the clear beautiful water. I like the rainforest and driving around exploring. I enjoy the lack of an open container law. I always get such a kick out of going into a bar with a beer already in my hand. Simple I know, but hey I like it.

hi all,
about insurance; I am a Purdue student in the states considering coming down for 3-6 months. Does anyone know how I would do health insurance? Would I still be covered by my parents or would I need my own?

Thanks,
aj

You'd need to ask your parents' insurer.

Does anyone know what kind of money one can expect to earn working as a bartender in St. Thomas? Also what are the prices for beer and the like in grocery stores and bars? And one final question... what in the world is an "efficiency condo"?

The view and the weather

I'm guessing that an efficiency condo is like a small studio. I sort of doubt it has a full kitchen but maybe it does or it could have 2 burners, an under counter refrigerator, microwave/toaster oven.

I don't know exact amounts but I know bartenders can do very well in popular spots here.