Last night we called up our favorite take-out place and ordered pizza (me) and a meatball sub (him) for dinner. Brought to our door. Luxury! That won’t be happening on the island…we’ve had to direct cabs down to our place, I’m pretty sure a food deliverer isn’t making the trek.

We’ve had our share of flying up and down route 6, route 3 and 495 all summer…at speeds of 80 (gasp!) It’s nice to hit the open road and just drive. Tomorrow, when we fire up our island ride we’ll get back to the winding-around-the-hills speeds of 35. Maybe 40, if we’re feeling spunky. However, there is the possibility of a safari cab lurking around every corner, and clusters of cars manuevering in and out of trash spots…so let’s say 35. Not exactly a wind-whipping speed, but it is a safe one.

In the states we live a stones throw away from a post office, bank, grocery store, convenience store, pharmacy. It’s no problem to arrive home, realize you forgot milk, and run back out to grab it and return before a commercial break has finished on TV. (Small tangent: During my Pittsburgh years I once made it on foot down an alley, into a convience store and back home with three items before the commecial break ended. True story. I think I hold the record.) Once, on the island, we were having pasta for dinner and realized we were out of grated cheese. Clearly this was an emergency, so I made the haul up our road, onto the main road, winded my way to the nearest store, and overpaid for a small container of grated cheese. There’s no way that trip fit into a commercial break. I think Scott watched a movie while I was gone. Okay, small exaggeration. We do miss the closeby conveniences, although you do become much more efficient with your errand-running on the island.

Each time an islander takes a vacation up to the states they usually make a beeline for their favorite restaurant. And then facebook about it to make everyone else jealous. We have our favorites, just like everyone else.

I have to be honest, while I like shopping as much as the next girl I don’t really miss it. Most stores have online shopping available, and while squinting at the computer screen and wondering if it will/won’t fit isn’t as fun as wandering a mall with a girlfriend and gossiping, it’s still some sort of shopping. So I’ll take it.

We’ll miss family and friends. Of course.

That’s the major stuff, not much else I can think of. Oh, one more, the many options of beers on tap in the states. Yum. I’ll miss that.

Now I’m done. Bring on the sun.

You know the rest.

We saw this ad the other night on tv, the medical alert -ish one, don’t ask what we were watching. A few posts ago we told you about the new and improved 911 system in the Virgin Islands. There was another article about it recently, online on the VI Daily News. In it they spoke about the new system, and how it’s a huge step up from when operators used to take calls by pen and paper.

I say anything is a step up from that. Especially in today’s world. I don’t even ask people for phone numbers anymore; now it’s “Are you on facebook?” I can’t tell you the last time I wrote anything extensive with pen and paper. Lost art.

Hopefully we’ll never have to experience or review the new 911 system firsthand, but I’m happy to see improvements being made. Yes, it’s an island, and you hate to see too much of the modern world interfere, but enhancements and progress are always being worked on in the background. 

So, back to our leading lady in the next most popular commercial after “Where’s the beef?”…I wonder if the medical alert button-on-a-necklace thing would work on the island. I don’t see why not. It might even be in place and I’m not aware.

Either way, kudos to the new 911 system!

For donations email: rabbit@demastri.com

I can’t wait…

…to see the island

…to see our home

…to step out onto the deck

…to hear waves crashing

…to hit the beach

…to hit the beach (yes, it deserves a repeat)

…to see friends

…to see the sun

…to visit restaurants and see familiar faces

…to feel the warm breeze

…to look at the horizon

…to see a sunset that only the Caribbean can produce

…to wade into the warm water

…to stop using lotion and let the natural atmosphere of the Caribbean hydrate my skin (and oh yes, ladies, the minute we arrived stateside I swear my skin just shriveled right up, my hair dried and my nails cracked. Pretty much the minute I stepped off the plane.)

…to get my tan back (yes mom, with plenty of sunscreen. And a hat. I hear ya.)

…to down a few calorie-laden frozen drinks

For now I’ll dream of the above, and not the other things that await…like downtown traffic, slow-moving water trucks, long Cost-U-Less lines, construction sites and driving around the island all day to get a few simple errands done.

And a huge one at that:

Gorgeous, right? This picture was snapped by fellow island dweller, Jamie Hitchcock, who was lucky enough to see it live on beautiful Lindquist beach. Even more impressive she took this photo on her PHONE; imagine what one of those fancy National Geographic photogs could do with their big, bad cameras if given such an opportunity.

Here’s another shot, with Jamie on the right:

I’m telling you, if you see the skies darken with a storm on the way, and notice sun trying to shine behind the storm, then grab a camera, ‘cuz a rainbow be coming. Great pictures Jamie!

And no, in case anyone is wondering, these photos are not retouched. The water in the Caribbean really is that color. That’s a fact, Jack.

Here are some pictures to look at in the meantime.

ASK QUESTIONS, people. Sheesh.

We spent a week on both St. Croix and St. Thomas before we moved. We called it a vacation with real estate appointments. Others call this a PMV, or pre-move visit. Highly recommended if you’re thinking of making the move.  See and experience the island firsthand. We learned a lot from the real estate agents we were working with, but we tried to get the down and dirty from everyone else we came into contact with. And, since we like to eat and drink, servers and bartenders were our favorite target.

How long have you lived here? Do you like it? Where are you from? What do you recommend for this, that and the other? Is it safe? Friendly? On and on. We absorbed the answers like sponges. We rented jeeps and drove around both islands, from the tip to tip. We went out at night to see what the scene was like. You get the idea.

As a waitress on St. Thomas I get the same questions from customers. Most people want to know where I’m from (MA), how I got to the island (took a plane), do we like it (no, we LOVE it). Others have real estate questions (varied). Some people want to know if it’s worth it to take a cab from Havensight to waterfront or if they can walk it (really, it’s up to you. It’s hot out there and it’s not a short walk). One man asked me if I thought his wife would be able to eat the whole burger (sir, I don’t know your wife’s appetite, nor will I offend her by guessing).

A few times I’ve had people ask me about shopping, and if the island prices blow the stateside ones away. Maybe you’re just looking to pick up some t-shirts, sunglasses, souvenirs or random accessories. Or, like a lot of people, you’re looking for deals on big tickets items, like jewelry, watches or cameras. And personally, I don’t know, but with the internet at our disposal it can’t be too hard to price out what you’re looking for and see how the stores compare, right? I can tell you it’s an enjoyable walk around Havensight, Crown Bay or Charlotte Amalie; all three have places to sit and enjoy a beverage while people watching and enjoying the outside.

I will say we enjoyed the strong opinions that people on St. Croix had about living on St. Thomas and vice versa. The Virgin Islands each have their own personality, that’s for sure!

Today, as I was glancing at our stats I noticed an increase in people searching for ‘oasis of the seas’, ‘largest cruise ship’. Last June we tossed up a quick post about this monster ship with a few pictures. I have more info to share, now, as this ship is on the water, with scheduled trip dates and tickets for sale.

More importantly we know when this giant vessel will be parking at St. Thomas, it’s first Eastern Caribbean port-of-call. Tuesday, December 8. Prices for this trip start at $1299.00 (interior), or $4829.00 (to travel in style) and according to this page that doesn’t include airfare, any excursions…etc. It does, however, get you a place in history. You know, until someone builds a bigger boat (and you know someone will).

A few stats, courtesy of the fabulous Wikipedia:

Price tag: $1.4BILLION. Completed on 10/28/09. Maiden voyage: 12/1/09 (details). Length: 1,181ft. Height: 236ft. Sixteen passenger decks. Speed: 22.6 knots. Crew: 2,165. Capacity: 6,296 possible passengers. There are seven ‘neighbors’, which include countless bars/restaurants, a science lab, tatoo parlor, a spa for teens, a freshwater pool, an outside amphitheater, rock-climbing walls, boutiques and the first living park at sea complete with 56 trees and over 1200 plants. There are 7,000 works of commissioned art, over 3,000 miles of electrical cable, over 5 million pounds of water in 21 swimming pools and jacuzzis and over 110,000 pounds of ice cubes are made each day. Room counts: 496 interior, 254 outside and 1,956 balcony.

I’ve been on one cruise my entire life, around 2005, on a ship that took it’s maiden voyage back in 1986; the Carnival Jubilee. After learning the stats of the Oasis the Jubilee stats make me laugh: Passenger capacity: 1,486. Deck count: 10. Length: 733 feet. Crew count: 670. Total cabins: 743.

A stat they don’t measure? FUN! Which was limitless.

According to this article in the St. Thomas Source the Oasis will (unfortunately) be docking in Crown Bay on December 8. I say unfortunately, not because of Crown Bay, but because more people would have a chance to view it in Havensight at the WICO dock. That area has to be dredged to accomodate a ship of Oasis’ size, and the goal is for WICO to be ready for the Oasis in the cruise year 2010-2011.

So, safari cab drivers, like I said, make sure your cab is in working order for this momentous day. I figure with a possible passenger capacity of over 6,000, and with most cabs holding roughly 22 people, we’ll need about 270 cabs rides to get everyone out of Crown Bay and over to Magens Beach.

On a related note: Magens Bay bartenders, make sure your blenders are ready. I’m serious.

Unless I’m working on 12/8, I plan to be parked at Tickles restaurant, which overlooks the Crown Bay dock. I’ll have my camera in one hand (and most likely a bloody mary in the other…) to catch this vessel as it slides on in. I wonder how loud the horn is on this sucker.

Government offices and schools are closed today in the Virgin Islands; allowing people to celebrate Liberty Day, also called D. Hamilton Jackson Day or (as the title says) Bull and Bread Day. This day is normally celebrated on November 1st, but that fell on a Sunday, so they are celebrating today, a Monday. I like the way they think

A little background is necessary on this holiday; it’s new to me, so it’s most likely new to most of you. An excerpt from this article in the VI Daily News:

“…D. Hamilton Jackson is the one who petitioned for freedom of the press in the Virgin Islands. Jackson was born Sept. 28, 1884, in Estate East Hill, St. Croix. Before his death in 1946, he worked as an activist in the labor and civil rights movements, as well as as a newspaper publisher, educator, lawyer, judge and legislator. In the early 1900s he changed the course of history by establishing labor unions and lobbying for citizenship.

In 1915, Jackson traveled to Denmark in a fight to revoke the royal edict, persuading the king of Denmark to change the law, granting the territory freedom of the press. He then returned home and published The Herald, the first Virgin Islands newspaper that did not bear the Danish government seal. In honor of the publication, a bull was slaughtered and roasted, and roast beef and bread were given to the public to celebrate, which is why Liberty Day is also known as Bull and Bread Day…”

St. Croix hosted the annual celebration today with traditional food and drink.

And now, my friends, you are that much wiser in Virgin Islands history. You’re welcome.

You have to ask yourself what your needs are? Do you want to live on the water (like Nicci and I), if so prepare for everything to rust away. Once that salt water spray gets inside your electronics it’s game over. Do you want a house or a condo? A condo is nice if it’s a second home as you won’t have to do any maintenance.

What side of St. Thomas do you want to live on? The East end is much hotter and drier than the North side. This makes a difference when it comes to keeping water in your cistern full. Water can run you 5-7 cents a gallon depending on where you get it from. We have two 10,000 gallon tanks, so you do the math.

There are a lot of St. Thomas real estate agents to choose from. We fortunately are friendly with a lot of them so if you have questions send us an email.

St. Thomas is a great place to live and work but it is more expensive than a typical US city. Think Manhattan type prices for most items. Remember you live on an island!  And make sure to check out our moving tips section of the website as it has a ton of information. Good luck and happy home-buying.

I also secretly love NECCO candy, but it rarely makes a Halloween appearance. What’s up with that? 

November means Thanksgiving and holiday prep. It also means that season is kicking in on the island. People are getting ready to board planes down to our turquoise waters. Cruise ships will become more plentiful as each month goes by. Stores are getting their wares organized and restaurants are ready for you to try their best dishes. The sun, as always, is prepared to shine down, hot and bright. The sand is soft and ready to be sifted between your fingers. The ocean is warm and clear and ready for snorkelers. Caribbean sunsets are ready to dazzle you.

What are you waiting for?

The mission of Arts Alive is to present the best in visual and performance art in the Virgin Islands. To involve and encourage young people in the appreciation, study and performance or exhibition of fine music and visual arts. Founded in 1981 by Rhoda Tillett. 

Next Wednesday, 11/4, Arts Alive is pleased to present Eric Bibb (click on his name to be whisked to his website and listen to his tunes, perfect break for your work day) in concert, at Tillett Gardens (in the Tutu area across from Four Winds Plaza) as part of their Concerts in the Garden series.

The above is a picture from Eric’s website, and might I say his relaxed demeanor puts me in the mood to sit back in a chair, sip a drink and listen to some great music. Some background on Eric Bibb, as mentioned in the press release:

“…Eric Bibb is the son of legendary folk singer Leon Bibb. He grew up in a musical family and has played many of the leading music festivals around the world. He has been a Grammy nominee and is a four-time Blues Award nominee. His CDs include collaborations with artists such as Bonnie Rait, Maria Muldaur and Rory Block. Time Out has described his music as ’smooth, soulful, subtle and sophisticated’. Music Review Quarterly said ‘This man has all the credentials to be one of the premier blues artists of all time’…”

Sounds like concert-goers are in for a fantastic evening!

Concert details: Tickets are $30. Arts Alive holds a reception, ‘The Prelude’, before each concert – offering local jazz and a tapas buffee for $25. Reservations are recommended. Tickets are available at Tillett Gardens in the Arts Alive office, between 10am-4pm, Monday – Friday. For more information and for reservations please call (340.776.8566) or email (artsalive@tillett.net). You can check out the website here.

The St. Thomas Pirate Festival 2009 kicks off tomorrow night, Friday 10/30, with a Pirate’s Ball:

7:00 – 11:00 pm The Second Annual PIRATE’S BALL will be held Friday 7:00 to 11:00 PM at DRAKE’S PASSAGE downtown St. Thomas. In the passageway of the old Harbor Bar. A variety of entertainment with special guests. Pirate costume required. $10.00 cover charge at the door. Charity fundraiser.

The pirate-ing continues Sat night with a Pirate-themed Halloween Party (on Halloween night, no less, those smarrrt Pirates…):

Happy Hour – Third annual PIRATE THEMED HALLOWEEN PARTY held at Tickles Dockside Pub at Crown Bay Marina, St. Thomas USVI. Pirate costume contest with huge cash prizes. Lots of fun, lots of Pirates! Live entertainment. Phone 340-776-1595

On Sunday the kids have a chance to get in on the fun – on Lindbergh Beach (by the airport at the Beachcomber):
12:00 Noon – Second Annual KID’S DAY TREASURE HUNT will be held Sunday. Hot dogs, frozen lemonade and refreshments for everyone…Sponsored by Merchants Market Inc. The location will be at Lindbergh Beach at the Island Beachcomber, near the airport. Children must be 12 years of age or under to participate in the Treasure Hunt. Over 500 dollars in cash and prizes. Also there will be a sandcastle building contest for kids 12 and under. Prizes will be given. An afternoon of fun for the whole family.

For more information you can check out their website. It sounds like a great weekend!

Nope, that’s not Hawaii, that’s beautiful Trunk Bay on the island of St. John. I can’t blame the producers for choosing this locale for the scooter scene…anyone who’s ever been to St. John has no doubt been on a safari cab and stopped at this very spot for a photo-op. It’s not hard to see why, the only way to get a bad picture from this site is if you leave the lens cap on.

Another funny observation from this scene? We drive on the left in the VI, and Ben Affleck and Maura Tierney are clearly taking their lives into their own hands not only by driving on the right, but on a wobbly scooter at that. Those crazy Hollywood kids!

Who wants to bet the crew hit up Woody’s for a few before they left the island…

Our friends at The Buzz 104.3 like to play some tricks. One day they dedicated Careless Whisper by Seether to Nicci and I knowing our strong disdain for not only the remake but for the orginal. We planned our long awaited revenge, and as lame as it is… we used all our computer skills to strike back. Hahahaha, on Hallowen. Let the games begin Buzz. Let it be known from this day forward we will strike you down through this new fangled invention called…..the internet. Oh, it’s broughten.

p.s. Seriously how good does Web look as the Wolfman?

p.p.s. I bet Alan regrets wearing that gold tooth now!

p.p.p.s. Sorry Cristina, we ran out of hot chick bodies but we got you good hair.

First thing we did when we moved into our St. Thomas home? Made sure the ceiling fans worked and turned those suckers on! Whew, it’s hot on the island, we needed to get some air moving! Ah, the ceiling fan, our new best friend, how we love you!

Yes, they’re everywhere – restaurants, homes…I’m waiting for them to be installed in the roofs of safari cabs for those long treks through traffic-filled waterfront when you’re just begging for a breeze, any breeze, to come wafting through the cab. The Home Depot on St. Thomas has a decent selection of ceiling fans; we paid a visit to them during our first few weeks and hemmed and hawed over a bamboo style, what color, how big, did we want an attached light? Our main room has a tall ceiling, so we knew once it was installed that would be the end of it, unless we felt like scaling a ladder, and trying to unscrew it and th…well, like I said, once installed it was there for life.

If Home Depot isn’t your cup of tea feel free to swing online and check out the gazillion options that are available for your browsing pleasure. One place, Hansen Wholesale Ceiling Fans claims to have over 1500 styles of ceiling fans for people to choose from. 1500! Wow. I mean, if you don’t find a fan that suits your style there then you’re just not trying!

Scott and I moved to the island during the month of December, and we were pleased to learn of the existence of “Christmas winds”‘; a wonderful breeze that blows past our deck during the winter months causing me to *gasp* actually seek out long-sleeves and pants. During the winds the fans add to the already pleasant breeze sailing in through the windows and sliding doors.

Sadly, these winds die out as spring moves towards summer and ceiling fans have to work double-time just to get a puff of air moving, never mind keep you cool. It’s okay, though, make sure your blender is in working order and keep those frozen drinks coming!

click on the photo to enlarge for full scariness!

Nicci and I have been ploppin’ our hard earned cash down at the Caribbean Saloon for 4 years now and we can tell ya one thing. Frank and Terrie know how to throw a serious bash. So if you’re lookin’ to have fun I imagine you’ll find it at the Saloon Hallows Eve.

And as always, the Saloon is a valued advertiser on the blog but in no way are our opinions swayed because of it. Well, not until the Jager shots begin

Tripp & Jenn at Jost during her first visit to St. Thomas, February 2008

At Tripp’s B-day dinner last February

Enjoying Carnival last April as part of the Gypsies Troupe

Ah the romance…Jenn and I used to be roomates about 10 years ago, in good ol’ Somerville MA. After her schooling she left the snow and went back to her home in CA. Flash forward a bunch of years and here’s Jenn, flying in to visit Scott and I in St. Thomas back in 2008. Scott had an inkling that she and Tripp would hit it off and invited Tripp over for dinner. Long story short Jenn moved to the island later that year and look at them now!

We are so happy for both of you, and wish you the best! We can’t wait to celebrate with you, cheers!

(click on flyer to enlarge)

The event, a fundraiser for the Society, will be held at their brand new campus, Almost Home, which looks amazing! It’s located on Weymouth Rhymer Highway, across from Cost U Less. From noon - 5pm there will be prizes, a pumpkin patch, a haunted bow-wow trail and dog contests. Food will be available by Far From Home. It sounds like a great way to spend a Sunday!