Why did you move to the Islands? And how is it working out for you

Speee1dy, the dirt and dust are driving me crazy too. The mosquitos have put me right over the edge. I guess I'm "bitter" about it. Sucking my teeth like crazy. I too love Marathon especially the sea turtle hospital. Maybe both of our dreams will all come true in our "future location", after all there is no room on St. Croix for anyone to voice their opinion unless is it utter adoration for this beautiful paradise.

Sky, I have been trying to convert my crucians friends who say "Ok, I safe" to "Okie dokie, we all good". My efforts have failed but it cracks them up every time I say it.

When someone corrects me when I say good morning, afternoon, night and I have it wrong, I fall into to the southern girl thing like "MGW" and use words like "honey, sugar, sweetie pie, darlin, and explain that I've been so busy that I just plain forgot what time of day it is.

My favorite "teeth sucking story" was when a male crucian friend of our was over and going on and on about his ex wife's boyfriend and how he was worthless, couldn't make a living, didn't provide, ect. on and on. My mother was listening to all that and finally said, " Well maybe he is really good in bed". My friend just about sucked his teeth down his throat. I fell on the floor trying to breathe not knowing how to shut my mother up and repair the damage. All I could do was pat him on the back and say please forgive my mother while trying my best not to laugh hysterically.

So to the OP. Don't know who you are or why you're asking but moving to St. Croix has been an adventure and it's working out fine. We have good days and bad just like anywhere else. The ocean is beautiful, some people are good, some are not. It's expensive to live here and getting more so. I love it. My son never wants to be anywhere else. We will move on eventually. Lots of beautiful places in world to explore.

dougtamij, you made me laugh out loud with your teeth sucking story.

dougtamij, you made me laugh out loud with your teeth sucking story.

Hysterical!

Once and for all, can someone translate the language of "teeth-sucking" : Is there a difference when front teeth are used as compared to side teeth? Is there a "proper" application to this "art?" 😀

LOL...Tammy that is the best "teeth-sucking" story I have ever heard! Your mother sounds wonderful!

It does take some time to get use to a face with that sucking look, but luckily it has happened only a few times with me. I always keep talking to the person until they finally come around...or more likely they just get tired of me!!! What I find truly strange, is when I talk to someone and they don't answer me but just look down at the ground. I've ask my West Indian friends about this, and they say a lot of locals a truly shy.

St. Croix is so full of "caricatures" and many cultures that daily life is always a big adventure...LOL

swans, as soon as i master the teeth sucking, i will try to tell you what the differences are. too funny

Once and for all, can someone translate the language of "teeth-sucking" : Is there a difference when front teeth are used as compared to side teeth? Is there a "proper" application to this "art?" 😀

I believe the application depends very much on the configuration and alignment of the teeth in the mouth which really has little bearing on the actual art or language. As my teeth have aged so have my food-chewing applications likewise changed and so has my teeth-sucking changed a little. I find it more difficult now to raise a real traffic-stopping suck but always found the much simpler and barely audible little curl of the lip over the teeth more effective anyway. 😀

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swans, as soon as i master the teeth sucking, i will try to tell you what the differences are. too funny

Many thanks speee1dy. My observations of "teeth-sucking in action" lend me to deduce that an entire conversation may, in fact, be carried out without injecting a word. A bit of facial expression, decible level, length of sucking time and accompanying body language seem to be some added effects so as to be specific to the point the teeth-sucker is attempting to make:D. Care must be taken so as not to be misunderstood! Perhaps I might be analyzing this from a too scientific point of view; it may be, rather, an "art." 🙂
Swan

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swans, as soon as i master the teeth sucking, i will try to tell you what the differences are. too funny

Many thanks speee1dy. My observations of "teeth-sucking in action" lend me to deduce that an entire conversation may, in fact, be carried out without injecting a word. A bit of facial expression, decible level, length of sucking time and accompanying body language seem to be some added effects so as to be specific to the point the teeth-sucker is attempting to make:D. Care must be taken so as not to be misunderstood! Perhaps I might be analyzing this from a too scientific point of view; it may be, rather, an "art." 🙂
Swan[/quote

OT: YOU ARE TOO FUNNY!:D: You MUST dedicate a chapter in your book to this...

 

lol swans

MGW, just because some people don't like it here does not mean they are bitter-only one bitter poster and she has her reasons.

The thing that bothers me more than anything is the dirt and dust. i just can not keep up with it and i never had that problem living anywhere else.

??? I didn't see any dust in STX??
Try Arizona, google our most recent Haboob; then get back to me on dust LMAO! Sahara ain't got S on AZ haboobs! At least it's more fun to say.

AandA, i have seen those news clips from AZ-not good. but here with no air and only open window-just can't get rid of it.
Well, i could keep up with it if i spent all day cleaning, lol.

I've seen a lot of dust. Brackish well water is a drag I guess too.

Hey, we may not like the sahara dust but it does help to keep tropical storm systems at bay.
I hate having to wash windows and screens, etc., all the time but at least there is some benefit.

Good morning !

My first post here, but I have lived on STJ for 5 1/2 years...and I must say I do love it. Yes, while several things make me suck my teeth daily, I AM an expert now, I would not trade it for the stateside living. While things, like banking lines, waiting behind drivers who stop on a dime to have a friendly chat, and the price of food can add stress to life. I find it is nothing compared to the stress of living back home in Boston. First and foremost, I rarely ever complain about the weather, where in Boston that is how you open any conversation, "fuhget about" good morning, afternoon or evening, no matter what...it is never good. 😉

While many complain about the lack of available goods, I have learned a much more simplistic life, and I find it freeing ( but there is always the internet when I need to relieve my inner shopoholoc 🙂 ). When getting together with friends, the conversations are real, and about people, life, daily happenings; opposed to what do you drive, how many square feet is your house, how many square feet of granite did you replace, income levels and all the "keeping up with Jones' " I see and have to listen to when I visit home.

It is true friendships do come and go due to "rock fever" but I truly I find the freindships to be so much more real, and much more diverse, not cliquey as I used to experience.

I love walking thru town or the Marketplace and it taking twice as long as it should, as everyone stops to say hi, and chat.

I love my island life, dust and all !!!

I had good experiences and bad there in STX.
I do not have a problem with your post I think that people who love it in USVI are more bitter about anyone who post something that does not mirror their pure love for their island. NOT FAIR! and then to follow that with Island life is not for everyone WHATEVER.
I to returned the states and I am glad I am back. I wish someone would have been bold enough to state the following:

1) Costly flights to and from the mainland (To return home for holidays $500 to $750 round-trip)
2) Lack of customer service oops sorry island time
3) Expired groceries and overpriced store brands
4) RIDICULOUS electricity bills that are by the way unconstitutional (charging $40 for $15 utilized)
5) Crime - you will hear gunshots often and screams too (That was in Christiansted)
6) PREJUDICE against people who are from the mainland (Lets be honest here not all crucians welcome stateside ppl)
7) P*O*W*E*R*O*U*T*A*G*E*S!!!!! This was by far the biggest inconvenience living in STX

I DID LIKE....The FOOD! (Pate, roti (chicken), provisions, conch and sorrel)
I DID LIKE....The Beaches-beautiful water and snorkeling
I DID LIKE....The Weather...very calm and lovely sunsets
I DID LIKE....The Festivals, boat parade, and celebrations (jump up)
I DID LIKE....Cheap Movies and snacks $5-7 movie $2 hot dog $2 small popcorn

Not everything was bad about living in STX but people throw the term "island life" around as if they have lived on several islands.... I have read about other islands and no one mentioned the previous list as NORMAL on their particular island so maybe just maybe it isn't the "island life" it is just THAT island in which you live. So do not say island life was not for me...thankx

Anybody who does their homework with due diligence wouldn't be taken by surprise by any of the negatives you've listed. Again and so typically, one is damned if one does and damned if one doesn't. Extol the positives and you're accused of wearing rose colored spectacles. Point out the negatives and you're accused of being mean and unwelcoming to prospective newcomers. It's a no-win situation.

Southern girl - I agree with much of what you say, and yes, island life is not for everyone, but I didn't understand one thing:

Why are WAPA charges unconstitutional? Frustrating, yes, but I don't follow your reasoning.

as a matter of fact, i heard gunshots klast night. i live in christiansted

LET ME BE CLEAR....uh uh uhm (clears throat).....

I DID MY RESEARCH!!

Nowhere is it mentioned that people from the mainland (stateside) are treated with PREJUDICE!! Where has anyone besides myself stated this about living in this island? NOWHERE because everyone has disregarded this detail and it would have been a deal-breaker for me. I as a person of color were treated with discrimination from others of color. I am being honest so someone can make a decision with ALL things duely noted. I don't feel attacked at all by the way.....and you have a point it is a no-win.

Southern girl - I agree with much of what you say, and yes, island life is not for everyone, but I didn't understand one thing:

Why are WAPA charges unconstitutional? Frustrating, yes, but I don't follow your reasoning.

Lol! I felt it was unconstitutional to charge people for services they have not used. The term is defined as "at variance with or not permitted by a constitution". Ok basically if this were the "real" states WAPA would be unable to charge people 3 to 4 times more for their electricity because over charging for services rendered are against the law. The government determines our laws many of which are reflected in the constitution...so that's what I meant. Linda I also agree it was frustrating but it was also illegal.

LET ME BE CLEAR....uh uh uhm (clears throat).....

I DID MY RESEARCH!!

Nowhere is it mentioned that people from the mainland (stateside) are treated with PREJUDICE!! Where has anyone besides myself stated this about living in this island? NOWHERE because everyone has disregarded this detail and it would have been a deal-breaker for me. I as a person of color were treated with discrimination from others of color. I am being honest so someone can make a decision with ALL things duely noted. I don't feel attacked at all by the way.....and you have a point it is a no-win.

No need to shout. I simply happen to disagree with you on this very faulty generalization. New arrivals are treated not with prejudice but with caution. If you come here with an attitude you'll get a cold shoulder because of that, not because you're any particular color or race or because of where you come from. Exactly the same reaction you'll get when you move from any community to another (and particularly to a small one).

Lol! I felt it was unconstitutional to charge people for services they have not used.

I have no idea what you're talking about. Please explain. You were charged for electricity you didn't use? :S

I had good experiences and bad there in STX.
I do not have a problem with your post I think that people who love it in USVI are more bitter about anyone who post something that does not mirror their pure love for their island. NOT FAIR! and then to follow that with Island life is not for everyone WHATEVER.
I to returned the states and I am glad I am back. I wish someone would have been bold enough to state the following:

1) Costly flights to and from the mainland (To return home for holidays $500 to $750 round-trip)
2) Lack of customer service oops sorry island time
3) Expired groceries and overpriced store brands
4) RIDICULOUS electricity bills that are by the way unconstitutional (charging $40 for $15 utilized)
5) Crime - you will hear gunshots often and screams too (That was in Christiansted)
6) PREJUDICE against people who are from the mainland (Lets be honest here not all crucians welcome stateside ppl)
7) P*O*W*E*R*O*U*T*A*G*E*S!!!!! This was by far the biggest inconvenience living in STX

I DID LIKE....The FOOD! (Pate, roti (chicken), provisions, conch and sorrel)
I DID LIKE....The Beaches-beautiful water and snorkeling
I DID LIKE....The Weather...very calm and lovely sunsets
I DID LIKE....The Festivals, boat parade, and celebrations (jump up)
I DID LIKE....Cheap Movies and snacks $5-7 movie $2 hot dog $2 small popcorn

Not everything was bad about living in STX but people throw the term "island life" around as if they have lived on several islands.... I have read about other islands and no one mentioned the previous list as NORMAL on their particular island so maybe just maybe it isn't the "island life" it is just THAT island in which you live. So do not say island life was not for me...thankx

oh I forgot one....I DID LIKE>>>>CHEAP LIQUOR! This is one of the only things I miss about living in the islands. You will never find liquor this cheap in the states.

LET ME BE CLEAR....uh uh uhm (clears throat).....

I DID MY RESEARCH!!

Nowhere is it mentioned that people from the mainland (stateside) are treated with PREJUDICE!! Where has anyone besides myself stated this about living in this island? NOWHERE because everyone has disregarded this detail and it would have been a deal-breaker for me. I as a person of color were treated with discrimination from others of color. I am being honest so someone can make a decision with ALL things duely noted. I don't feel attacked at all by the way.....and you have a point it is a no-win.

No need to shout. I simply happen to disagree with you on this very faulty generalization. New arrivals are treated not with prejudice but with caution. If you come here with an attitude you'll get a cold shoulder because of that, not because you're any particular color or race or because of where you come from. Exactly the same reaction you'll get when you move from any community to another (and particularly to a small one).

Fine. No shouting....I did my research. I think like others who absolutely love living there, you believe that what you put out is what you receive, and I would agree if I personally did not experience otherwise. That is not what happened to me and other transplants who do not have accounts on this site. "Attitude". Really? When I researched the island I knew it would be more simplistic and did not mind but to make it appear as if crucians are ALL welcoming and are NOT blatantly rude despite saying Good morning. afternoon, night is a faulty generalization as well. Not because this behavior doesn't exist but because they don't want to "SCARE" the newcomers. I think it is misleading to not inform the newcomers, as I once were, what they will be dealing with.
Also I find that people who have colluded with other transplants have better experiences. As well as people who move with their families. I on the other-hand moved there single, with no family and friends, I do believe living there alone with no support system can dramatically effect your stay. Even though I did eventually make friends both stateside and crucian and was able to find a decent boyfriend, unfortunately my workplace was not the nicest environment. Most people that have lived there for many many years and still do probably work for themselves or other transplants. It is not the same if you do not. By the way...TOURIST are treated with caution...once you live there for so long what is the "caution" about. And don't let me get started on being referred to as a yankee...no matter where you are from. Everywhere you live there will be different experiences for each individual but most people would agree there are PROs and CONs. Too many people are nonchalant when it comes to pointing out the negatives. Again I am giving someone an opportunity to fully understand that living in the islands...ain't all roses;) Not angry at all as a matter of fact I'm headed to Starbucks lol

Southerngirl.
I like Duken Donuts coffee over Starbucks any day!That's one thing the mainland has over VI choice.