Goodbye 2015!

As part of the last post of 2015, I wanted to let you know how thankful I am that people actually read this blog. Originally, this was meant to be a way to keep in touch with my family and friends back home while I set out on my island adventure. I wasn't sure if I would even continue writing this or if I would be back in the states by now, but thankfully, I am still in St. Croix and I have received so many very gracious email and comments from all of you, that I will definitely keep writing until I have nothing to write about, which I think is very unlikely.

2015 started out on a very stressful note. I was extremely tired and stressed and I just wanted a change. I thought about moving to an island because it's what everyone always says but never really does and I couldn't find a reason not to, and every reason to try. I planned this move starting in January of this year, I visited in March and I moved in June. It's December and I'm still here and I can honestly say that I made the right decision for me. On paper, my life in Chicago was perfect. In reality, my stress level averaged a 12 on a 10-point scale. Now, my stress level is probably a 0 or a 1 or 2 daily and maybe a 3 or 4 when I'm at work. I used to check my email and phone at least every 5 to 10 minutes during dinners with friends and family. Now, I sometimes don't turn on or forget my phone or sometimes my phone doesn't even work in certain places and here and I don't really stress out about that. I used to shop just to shop back in the states; here we buy things we need to live and that's been a great change. It's not that we don't just buy things sometimes as well here because I did just that about two hours ago because it was "super cute," but for the most part, our houses are not trinket central and shop therapy doesn't play a huge role here.

For the first time in my life, back in September, I was really happy just being me by myself. I didn't necessarily need anyone in my life to make me happy, I figured out how to change my environment and surroundings to create the happiness I was meant to have. And then about a week after that happened, I did meet someone who made my life really special. The most important part of this whole experience is that it's amazing to meet someone who is on the same wavelength as you and who makes everyday even easier than it was before, but who isn't the foundation of your happiness. I learned that it's important to be content with your life before someone comes into it because a relationship is not an anchor for happiness, it should be more like a sail that can be raised as needed when flowing through life. It almost feels like I was meant to come here and figure out things about myself that I couldn't figure out back in Chicago (Like that I get super seasick while sailing in the open sea during a rainstorm. Sorry fishies and thank you to my boyfriend for holding my hair back; You must really like me because that wasn't one of my best moments.) 

When I first came here, I made a huge deal about the temperature difference between St. Croix and Chicago, and while it's nice to be able to wear flip-flops everyday and have extremely warm temperatures year-round, the temperature and location isn't really important. Many people are extremely happy all around the world and not everyone lives on a tropical island. What I really like about St. Croix is the attitude people have towards life. I love the small community and the value people put on each other. I just had one of the warmest and most genuine holiday celebrations. It started really early on Christmas morning with the most beautiful sunrises made even more special by someone I really love, and the weekend continued with people who genuinely cared about each other and wanted to see each other happy. We did give presents but that wasn't the focus, although the aloe socks I'm wearing right now feel amazing, especially since we almost never wear socks here! And to my boyfriend's mom who gave them to me, thank you! And thank you to my wonderful parents who sent me my favorite banana chocolates, iced coffee, dried fruit and a mini new year's tree (it took two trips to the post office and some pleading and puppy eyes but it was well worth it).

2015 came with some of the best and some of the worst moments of my life. I am so thankful for both because I was able to figure out what really makes me happy and I was able to meet people who have the same outlook on life as I do now. I really miss my family and my friends who are still in Chicago and elsewhere, and if I could have one wish, I'd bring them all here to be with me. But right now, this is the place where I should be and while it may or may not be forever, it has been the best decision I ever made.

Restaurant Review:

Villa Morales

Ask any local where they go for great local food and Villa Morales will be in their top three choices. Located right off of Queen Mary Highway in Frederiksted on the west end of St. Croix, this one-of-a-kind local favorite is only open on Thursday thru Saturday and this very quaint restaurant serves an extremely flavorful menu. The dishes are all local including beef stew, conch and favorite fish dishes such as fried snapper. The appetizers include fresh mussels which come right out of the shell with a burst of flavor and prepare you for an amazing dinner to follow.  The conch is a local favorite and is made in a butter batter that provides for a lot of flavor as it this your mouth.  For dessert, the flan is also a local favorite and makes for a perfect ending to a magical island dinner. I would recommend eating here at least once during your trip or come here often if you live here!

 

The best of St. Croix...

This week, I have my really good friends visiting from Chicago and my boyfriend's very sweet mom is in town for the month, and we've been having a blast. When I have visitors, it gives me the opportunity to do the things I forgot that I really enjoyed when I first arrived on this beautiful and magical island.




 So here is a list of the best of St. Croix...

• Romantic nightly walks on the beach in warm ocean water  

• Beautiful sunsets in Frederiksted, even on a cloudy night

• Breathtaking ocean views on East End drives

• Dark Chocolate chex and cheddar cheese pretzels 

• Awww inspiring fire dancers on the beach or anywhere 

• Meeting people I know and want to see everywhere you go

• Hanukkah parties at beautiful homes with very kind people

• Gifts that come in the form of experiences rather than things

• Being cheerfully greeted by everyone everywhere, even if I don't know them

• 20 Watt indoor mosquito zappers that leave no survivors

• Holiday lights and decorations that resemble a Hollywood movie set 

• A really cute boyfriend who makes me feel really good every single day 

• Amazing friends that come to visit from over 2000 miles away

• Great friends who live right here and make me feel like I'm home   

I get to experience all of these things almost every day and it feels like a dream. I really hope I never have to wake up.

Activity Review:

Frederiksted Sunsets

Watching a sunset is a really fun free activity to do while you're in St. Croix. The best sunsets are on the west side of the island because that's where the sun sets while the best sunrises are on the east side. The best place to watch the actual sunset is by the pier in Frederiksted. There are many different beachside areas and island bars that make watching the sunset a great way to spend a night with family and friends.

Add some rum punch or frozen drinks to the mix and it's a perfect St. Croix night. Even when the clouds obstruct your view, the colors of the sky during a St. Croix sunset are breathtaking and worth the trip. But come early, the sun sets early in St. Croix, between 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm, depending on the time of year.  And make sure to bring your camera because your pics will make everyone want to come visit you!

Thanksgiving in the VI

I made it to Thanksgiving! This actually marks my six months of living in the Virgin Islands and was the amount of time I gave myself to figure out if I wanted to stay here or go back home. My apartment lease expires in a few days and this is also the amount of time that most people take to figure out that island life is not for them. If you've been following my blog, you know that island life right now is definitely for me so I am not going back just yet.

It has been really strange to be in 80-90 F degree weather during the winter holidays but I love it! I've been wearing shorts and skirts and flip flops everyday and I can't imagine being in a winter jacket and boots right now. I also just had my first major holiday in the VI. I realized that while St. Croix is a small island that gears itself towards a close knit community, when it comes to family, most people don't have their actual family relatives here and you can't travel home all the time even though you may want to (or maybe not, if home has snow and subzero temperatures). Family on the islands is the family you create here and that makes for a new and fun time on St. Croix just like a lot of other experiences here.

I spent Thanksgiving weekend with my friends and with my boyfriend and his dog and I'm not going to lie, it was pretty laid back and perfect. It did make me realize that it rains a lot here during the fall but I'll take the rain over cold and snow and sleet any day. I also realized that I can't eat any more rice. I went to Ireland a few years ago and after about 10 days of eating potato morning, day and night, I couldn't look at another hash or mashed anything for about 6 months. St. Croix loves their rice. Rice is a staple and a ration and is in absolutely every dish you have here. While I love most things on St. Croix but right now, rice is not one of those things. Other than the rice though, everything is pretty good so far.

So this year I am very thankful that my little island experiment/gamble/crazy idea hasn't made me commit to a psychiatric facility in a lovely suburb of Chicago just yet. I met a lot of cool people here and I've had so many great new experiences. I even met a somewhat larger dog that I really like. I've always been a really small toy dog kind of girl but my boyfriend has a dog and we've bonded and she's just a big baby with puppy dog eyes that makes you want to hug her, and I forget sometimes that she's actually almost my size. And even though she may chase chickens and try to eat them, at the end of the day, if someone ever tried to hurt her, I would protect her and I know she would protect me as well, and that pretty much sums up how most people in the VI feel about their island and each other.

This Thanksgiving has given me really high hopes for the rest of the year and for this whole experience. I hope that everyone who reads this blog is having a great holiday and I wish only the best for all of you and your families and friends.

Restaurant Review:

Acai Bowls

This week, I don't have a restaurant review but this is definitely a place you should visit so you can try an acai bowl. One of my new island friends introduced me to this place when I first arrived on island back in June and I just revisited and it was even better than the first time! The actual location is in the back of a video store next to Plaza East on St. Croix. In the back, they do spinning classes and what better way to cool down after a spin class, than an Acai Bowl?

Acai berry is a reddish purple fruit and here, they top it off with yogurt and chocolate and all kinds of fresh fruit to deliver an amazing flavor and yummy desert, even if you didn't just exercise. Price ranges from $6 to $9 and you can customize your bowl just how you like. It's one of my favorite island desserts.

New Beginnings...

It's hard to believe but I've live in St. Croix for over five months. When I was getting ready to move here, I had a countdown calendar that was named "New Beginnings." I was so hopeful that my new beginning would work out but I was very much aware that realistically, I was taking a huge chance and the success rate was probably smaller than I would have liked to believe.

When I decided to move to St. Croix, I tried to plan as much as I could before I came here but there were things that I couldn't really plan. I really took a chance and I just hoped it would work out better than what I had back in Chicago. On my first visit to St. Croix, I met another woman who was also moving here and that was her first week here. Her planning wasn't as extensive but she was just as determined to have her new beginning. As I sit here writing this, she is packing to move back to her previous home. As sad as that is, it reminds me that just because many people come here for their new beginning doesn't mean that it has to be the ultimate end for everyone. For some, this may be a stepping stone for the better in the future or it may just be the wrong destination and their own yearning for a better life is now turning them towards the path of success.

I do hope that my new beginning that commenced back in June can be long-term. I truly love being here everyday and my life is so different than what it was a year ago and in a really good way. I can't predict what will happen a year from now just as I couldn't have predicted I'd be here right now just last year. What I do know is that just like I listened to the pull in my heart to come, I'll listen to it if it tells me to do something else as well. I used to think that my life was pretty set as far location, career, personal relationships, etc., but I was able to give that all up and start a different life here that makes me much happier. I can honestly say that my journey was definitely worth it no matter what happens five months from now because being here has really taught me to look at life short-term rather than waiting for something to happen in the long-term.

It's also a lot about timing. Sometimes we feel that we need a change and we do it and it's the wrong time for us. Sometimes we're meant to overcome the obstacles in our lives and stay the course. But other times, we're actually meant to change course and live the lives we were meant to have. There isn't a right or a wrong and it's hard to figure out the timing of it all, but there are times where it just works and we know it's the right to do. This feels like the exact path that I should be on right now and I can't imagine any other life for me right now. But it's not for everyone because it just may not be the right time for them and that's okay, because their correct path may be waiting for them to arrive and start on its course somewhere else right now.

Activity Review:

Buck Island 

Most people don't leave St. Croix without visiting Buck Island. It's an island off an island and you have to take a special tour or know someone with a boat to get there, but it's definitely worth it. It's a National Park and it's completely uninhabited, making it even more pristine and beautiful. And there's turtle nesting on the beach which is conveniently named "Turtle Beach." Turtle Beach is on the west side of the island and it has white sand and perfectly calm shallow waters.

It looks better than most of the beaches in the movies that you have seen and the pictures you take will not be to fully embody its beauty so all your friends and relatives will have to come visit as well! The other side of the island is home to an underwater snorkel trail complete with an underwater fish world that you get to visit for a short time. It's magical, that's all there is to say, the rest you'll have to see for yourself.

There are many companies that offer tours to Buck Island from the island of St. Croix as it is only a few miles away and only about a mile from the East End of the island. Big Beards Snorkel Tours (www.bigbeards.com) is the only one I have been on as a tour and I've done it twice. I've always had a good time and the second time you go, it's half price! Half day tours are $75 and full day tours are $105 which include a barbecue lunch. They also do private charters and there are child rates
. I've only done the half day tour but if you have a full day, go for it!

Making Wishes on a Magical Island

We've all wished upon a star or a candle or 20 sometime in our lives. Some wishes are small like getting something you really want on your birthday and others are bigger such as wishing health to family members and wishing to be happy. I've made many wishes. I have thrown coins which have probably amounted to a small fortune into every pond, puddle, or pretty fountain I could find, in every country I have ever visited. I have also wished on every candle and shooting star and anything else that I deemed wish-worthy. No matter how grandiose my object upon which I was wishing, in my 32 years, most of my wishes have never come true.



When I came to St. Croix, I made many wishes. I quit my job and moved 2000 miles away from all my family and friends, and I definitely needed some of those wishes to come true so that this island could become my home. Suddenly, even though my wishing batting average has been very low thus far, most of the wishes I have made here have come true. I wish differenly here. Candles have been replaced with beautiful water, orange moons and fish that magically light up in the ocean. What I wish for is also very different here. I no longer wish for things that may or may not happen ten years down the road, I wish for things that are here and now. I wish for good friends, sunny days and beautiful sunsets. I also wish for good health and happiness for others and even though those are harder wishes, I have a lot of faith that those will come true as well.

I really do think that this is a magical island where fairy dust that lights up the water makes wishes come true, even though it's probably more than just wishes that makes this possible. The people of this island create a really positive energy that makes the world here, even for a moment in a day's time, better for others. You can feel it every time someone genuinely greets you on the street or when someone helps you at the grocery store.  And this energy makes me want to exude the same type of energy onto others. So maybe it's not all magic but just a different way of thinking about the circumstances of your present life, although right now,  there is a little magic here in mine.





Restaurant Review:

Seini's Golden Rail Restaurant at Mill Harbour Condominiums...

You won't find Seini's Golden Rail by just driving around St. Croix, but if you know where it is, you won't be disappointed. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there is a beautiful ocean and pool as the backdrop to your meal. The salads, sandwiches and pasta are really fresh and taste great, and breakfast is made exactly to order. There is also a full bar if you want to just do drinks.

Located at La Grande Princesse area in St. Croix, you have to actually go to the Mill Harbour Condominiums gate and dial the restaurant in order to gain entry (www.goldenrailstcroix.com). The garden full of iguanas and flowers, and bridge that leads to the restaurant adds to the dining experience as it reminds me of a secret garden that's definitely worth the trip to find it.

Dating in St. Croix...

I thought about just leaving this blank because I think many people think that's what dating on this island is like. I've actually had many people who live here tell me that they think dating on this island would be difficult. Most of these people are married or in relationships and I do think it may be difficult to meet someone when you're out with your significant other, although there are people who live here who have also mastered that feat but that's a different blog post. The island does have a good amount of single people, both locals and those who have moved from the mainland, to make dating a reality for most people here. I'm not sure about the exact men to woman ratio here, but it seems that there is a fairly even ratio, with probably slightly more women than men who live on island.

People here are extremely open with their claims of affection. And unlike cat calling back in the states, guys here genuinely mean what they say to you, even if their intentions are somewhat inappropriate at times.  There are also many outdoor functions where I have met people who have asked for my number. Sometimes being single makes it easier to meet many different people, not just potential dates.  Once you do meet someone you want to date, just remember that this is a small island and most people will probably know who you're dating within a 24 hour period!

Even harder than realizing that your business is the also the business of roughly half the population of St. Croix, is saying no to a date. There is a cardinal rule in the Virgin Islands that once you meet someone, you will see them everywhere and this is so true. So if you say no to a person who asks you out, you pretty much have to avoid every location at which you ever saw this person in the past. If you do say yes and go on the date and choose to not to go on any more dates at some point, there is an awkwardness that will ensue forever going forward as you will see that person at the most awkward times and locations. The good news about that is that most people here are very chill so usually everyone stays pretty friendly and civil regardless of the situation.

If you do decide to go another date with person you meet, the island provides for a little bit of a different dating experience than stateside. Most activities are outside and many involve beach activities so it's easy to let loose and get really comfortable quickly. And once you do find someone that you actually want to continue seeing, island life becomes much more fun!

Activity Review:

St. Croix Kayak in the Bioluminescent Bay...

St. Croix has a bioluminescent bay that is pretty magical. It is located at Salt River National Park and combined with the clear kayaks provided by St. Croix Kayak, it's definitely an experience that everyone who either lives here or is visiting should have. The bay lights up underneath you as you kayak. When you put your hands in the water, the water becomes fairy dust that lights up underneath your fingertips that allows you to make hundreds of wishes. And as long as kids aren't afraid of the dark, this would be a very fun child activity as well.

I had never kayaked before in my life and I made it there and back without many issues with a friend as the kayaks are 2-person kayaks. There are a lot of laughs that accompany this tour as well, especially if you have no idea how to synch the rowing of the kayak with your partner. The cost with St. Croix Kayak is $50 a person, they only do tours on non-full moon nights and the tour lasts roughly 2 hours. St. Croix Kayak can be reached at www.stcroixkayak.com.

Community living in paradise

As I write this from the swimming pool of my apartment, I think I've reached the beach bum vision I had in mind when I came here. Even thought beach bumming these days only really occurs after 3 or 4 or 5 pm on weekdays and on weekends, it still comprises a majority of my time. And since I came to St. Croix on vacation first, any time I drive on the same roads that I first encountered back in March, it still feels like I'm on vacation. So my advice to all future beach bums... go on vacation first and then make it your home!

I've talked a lot about how St. Croix has a very strong sense of community and how most people here are very warm and welcoming and that's still very true. About two weeks ago, the Synagogue on the island opened up for high holidays. The Rabbi flew in for services and I decided to do something that I probably would have never done stateside; I went to services. I'm not very religious and part of this is due to the fact that it's very intimidating to go to services when you've never been. Something about the community here made it very easy. I was welcomed without hesitation and the amazing Rabbi and all the members of the Synagogue here made me feel like I've been here forever and like I was absolutely no different than anyone else.

I really enjoyed my experience as Judaism has more of a cultural meaning to me than religious, and this experience really put this into perspective as I celebrated the new year and the high holidays with other members. I feel a lot more connected now to my culture and to St. Croix because it has allowed me to have this opportunity that I truly could not have anywhere else. In addition to the regular services, we went hiking and turtle watching. I have to admit that since our hiking journey which was a little longer, hotter and steeper than I expected, I have taken a hiking hiatus, but I will definitely be going to services again when our other wonderful resident Rabbi (whom I met back in March) comes on island for the season in November.

Over the last few months, more than when I first got here, I have been trying to figure out if I made the right decision with my move. As I make new friends everyday and learn to enjoy the moment of each day for what it actually is, I think the answer is that this was the perfect experience for me to have at this point of my life. I can't imagine my life without meeting the people that I have met recently and experiencing the events that I've been fortunate enough to experience.

I often read other blogs of attorneys who have left the profession and there is generally a very similar theme. We felt trapped in our old lives because we couldn't figure out a way to remain in our professions and still have some quality of life that allows us to have lives outside of our careers. I can sense the disappointment in many people that I talk to when I tell them that I'm not an attorney here, and I can tell that they have hope that I change my mind soon. In reality, at least from my experience, I felt trapped in a box that was my career choice. Now, I'm free to do whatever I want in my life, and I am free to figure out how to have a higher quality of life without the confines of that box that I was so used to over the last 8 years. I think that at this point of my journey to a better quality of life, I'm succeeding. It's not for everyone, but right now it's exactly what I need.

And now back to my swim and to some Sunday night TV later on...because we do watch television, even in paradise :)

Restaurant Review:

Villa Morales...

One of my friends has been talking about Villa Morales ever since I met her on St. Croix. Finally, we had a chance to go together to Villa Morales last week. It is probably one of the best local cuisine restaurants here.  They have everything from conch to Johnny cakes to lobster and Fungi.  I had the salmon balls (my first on island) and they were great. It was not what I was expecting at all but all the food that we tasted was very good.

It is in Fredriksted and they are only open Thursday to Saturday, but it's definitely worth the drive and the schedule planning. Their menu and schedule can be found here: www.villamorales.fsted.com.

The mosquito struggle is real

Most warm places have mosquitoes. The US Virgin Islands and St. Croix are no exception. When I was back in Chicago, I had a very intense allergic reaction to mosquitoes. My skin would swell up and if more than two bit me at one time, I wouldn't be feeling my best. Either the mosquitoes here are different than the ones back home or I have built up a tolerance after being bit so many times. Here, we have mosquitos and no-see-ums. The latter are small flies that bite and you can feel the bite as it's happening. The after effects of no-see-ums are very similar to mosquitoes.

My first month here I was bitten a lot every time I went outside. I stopped putting on bug spray early on as I realized I couldn't wear bug spray all the time and I'd forget to put it on pretty regularly. Now, after about three and a half months, I still get bitten, but I rarely feel the bite and the itch goes away after a half hour at most. I also don't swell up like I used to. I have a bump but that's about it. I've heard this happens to many people here but some others haven't been so lucky. Mosquitoes seem to love me, but at least for the near future, I don't have to worry about being distracted by their bites. But if you're coming to visit or are new here, wear strong bug spray!!!

It has been a few months since I arrived and the ocean is still breathtaking to me when I look at it. The water is clear when I swim in and it's extremely refreshing on a very hot day (as the last couple of weeks have been). I'm not sure if I will ever get tired of the scenery or water here but I do know that isn't the case for some people that come here to live. Some people simply prefer to live stateside and that's okay. When I was in my 20s, I hated vacationing on islands and I wouldn't have ever imagined moving to one. So in a way I do understand why this life isn't for some people who prefer to have more to do and more to see. This just isn't enough and that's a personal preference. Right now though, it's exactly perfect for me.

Activity Review:

Chenay Bay Paddle Boarding...

It seems like almost everyone has tried paddle boarding on St. Croix. I had my first paddle boarding experience this past weekend and it was a lot of fun. It's a bit challenging to stand on the board (and I have not mastered this yet) but one of my friends came out for the first time and ended up standing up in no time. The water at Chenay is beautiful and calm, and it's a great way to learn to paddle board.

Most of the younger kids that rented boards were up and out on their way in no time. It took the adults a little longer but most were on their way as well.  The rates are really reasonable as well at $25 to rent a paddle board and $45 for a lesson with a paddle board included. There are also monthly rates for avid paddle boarders.  

Back in St. Croix!

I'm back! And it feels like I never really left but I'm so glad to be back. People say that one way to figure out if you actually belong here is to go back where you are from and see if you want to come back here. I really wanted to come back. I had a really nice time with my family and friends in Chicago and if there was a way to transport everyone to St. Croix, I would do it, but as far as an environment, I appreciate it even more now.

I missed the sun. It was warm in Chicago but there was barely any sun. There is a lot of sun here. I think sun makes people happier or maybe more balanced. Whatever it is, even when I forget to take my vitamins, I feel good here. I also realized more than ever before, the value here is on people and friendships and experiences. A lot of the value in Chicago stems from how many things you have. I saw people at Costco (so many people) and they all needed something. They had full carts of stuff that they needed to make themselves balanced. I understand that sometimes we all need something and we shop on St. Croix as well, but the value here isn't on those things that we buy.

Most weekends, when I went into a store in Chicago, there were tons of people buying stuff. Most weekends here, people are at the beach. I don't know if it's due to the weather or the availability of an enormous amount of items, but the culture here isn't to accumulate stuff. This may be the reason why we don't have a lot of stores here because people just wouldn't shop there very much. I like buying only what I need and not needing to buy things that don't really add anything of value to my life here. But thinking back, when I purchased stuff in Chicago, those things did add value to my life because I looked at my value system differently. Plus, when the temperature only allows you to spend time inside for half the year, you definitely do need things to add value to your life during that time.

Restaurant Review: 

Blue Water Terrace Restaurant...

I love Blue Water Terrace! Whether it's for dinner or breakfast, the food here is very good. I personally really like going here for brunch because the food is very much like your favorite pancake house and the prices are pretty low for St. Croix. The view is Buck island so it's hard to find something else that comes even close.

For dinner, they have lobster made three different ways for about $26 and they have an all you can eat lobster and prime rib Monday! The food always tastes great, the ambiance is amazing and the company is always great at Blue Water Terrace. You can visit them online at www.bluewaterterracevi.com.

Back in Chicago!

Today is Labor Day and I just realized that I didn't do a new blog post yesterday. I am back in Chicago for a few days for my dad's birthday and I completely forgot about the blog as I am now on Chicago time. I have to be honest, things are very different here! I loved seeing my family and friends and I loved catching up with everyone. Chicago is exactly how I left it although a little warmer than the 47 degrees Fahrenheit that ushered me out of Chicago three months ago. And for the first time in a very long time while here, I was actually able to relax. I had no emails to answer or pressing work issues to think about. I had the opportunity to just be here and that has been amazing and something that I don't think would have been possible if I didn't move to St. Croix.

Things are nice here and it has been enlightening not to have broken a sweat even once over the last five days (I don't think I go more than two days without doing so back in St. Croix). My face is also very dry here so I can't wait to get back to my permanent spa-like face feeling in the humidity of the Caribbean. I did try greeting someone at the grocery store the other day and I think that person just though I was confused. I guess that was a stretch but the food on this trip was great and everyone was very welcoming. I am missing the beaches like crazy and I am also missing my new friends. I am so used to the people on St. Croix that it's strange not to hear a "Good morning" or "Good afternoon" for so long.

I think it's good to take trips back from St. Croix because it puts into perspective the reality of island living. No matter what anyone says, it's very different. I didn't really go to any stores while I was here over the last few days because I am so used to only shopping for what I need now and I don't need anything right now. The reality is that St. Croix is a tiny anonymous island in the Caribbean, but on the island everyone knows everyone and you have a bigger sense of community. Chicago is a huge city with many people and everyone knows where it is, but people keep to themselves and it's much easier to be anonymous in the big city.  These two worlds can never be merged but I do wish there was a door that I could just walk through and be in my newfound community one moment and with my family and old friends the next.

Activity Review: 

Cruzan Rum Distillery...

Located a little bit off Centerline road in Fredriksted, Cruzan Rum has a great tour for a rainy (or even sunny) day. I met a really good now friend on my rum tour (she was my amazing tour guide) so I hope everyone is so lucky. The tour takes you on an actual walk through the distillery showing you the rum actually being made. I had never seen any type of alcohol being made so this was pretty cool and I imagine kids would like it too as the mixing bins are huge and the molasses truck is pretty cool.

The tour guides are very knowledgeable and I learned a lot about rum that I didn't even know to ask before. Apparently, you can use rum in more than just Pina Coladas! At the end of the tour, you can taste a few of the rums and have a few mixed drinks. I am not a huge alcohol drinker but it was fun to see how different each rum tasted and how they taste in different mixed drinks. For the entry price of $7, you can't really go wrong here and out of town family and friends will probably really like it as well. For address and other info, visit http://visitstcroix.com/cruzan_rum_factory.html.

Tropical storms continued... Tropical Storm Erika

It's been an active storm season in the Atlantic Ocean. Right after Danny dissipated, tropical storm Erika became an issue and caused very serious damage and death on the island of Dominica. St. Croix went into prevention mode and the government urged employers to call off work last Thursday. As we waited and put up our storm doors and obtained canned foods, I could sense a nervousness which was not evident during Danny. People were concerned about the damage that would be caused by both the wind and the rain if we would get 8-12 inches all at once as was being reported.  When the storm finally came onto the island around 7 pm, the wind that I could hear definitely sounded very serious and loud. The storm doors shook and, I really hoped that they stayed where they were. The air got very cold which was nice and I fell asleep about an hour after it started as the wind died down.

In the morning, St. Croix went under curfew to make sure that all roads were cleared before residents put themselves into unsafe situations. It turned out that we had some trees and breaches down and some power lines, but it didn't really rain a lot and we didn't have much permanent damage. Thankfully, this storm went South and only grazed us with its 60 mph winds. Unfortunately, it looks like storm season is far from over and there is another system forming we speak. The Pacific Ocean has three category 4 hurricanes as of right now and everyone is very hopeful that Hawaii will be spared. As of today, most people have restored power and most water, cable, WiFi and cell services have been restored. The whole experience on St. Croix was a lot more organized that I thought it would be initially and for that I am thankful. I am also thankful for water and cell service more than ever before.

Living on a small island puts what I have only seen on the weather channel previously into perspective. When an impending storm is coming and you're watching its path and sitting in your living room (even though it seems that the weather forecasters aren't really aware that people live in the US

Virgin Islands as the islands are seldom mentioned during storm forecasts even if right in the middle of the path) while living on an island makes you feel very small. There is no place to go to get away from the storm and you just have to hope for the best and that it doesn't hit too hard. At a time with Facebook and instant video, seeing the tragic videos from Dominica right before our lights went black was not calming but was helpful for preparation with what little time we had left before it came here. I also have to say that storm doors are amazing but putting them up and taking them off leaves  a lot to be desired.

I am thankful that all the people on St. Croix came out of this storm healthy and well, and I am hopeful that this is the worst storm of the season and for a while to come. I am also thankful that the island still looks just like it did before the storm and much greener than it was a few weeks ago.  I may need a few weeks before I am ready to put those storm doors up again though.

Restaurant Review:

40 Strand Eatery...

This place is delicious and my friends and I still can't stop talking about it (there is definitely another trip to 40 Strand in our not-to-distant future). They are located in downtown Christiansted in the shopping courtyard behind Purple Papaya and there is inside and outside seating. The inside is extremely quaint and reminds me of a Mediterranean restaurant with a Spanish flare. Whether you love fish, meat or veggies, you will find something here. I had the fly fish with cabbage and risotto and I ate every little last piece. My friend had the pork chop with grits and she's still taking about it. We also tried the desserts and they were very good and many come with a chocolate spoon which was a great addition.

I really loved everything about this meal experience. The staff was quick and friendly and it was quiet inside which enabled me to have a nice conversation while enjoying
the food. I will definitely be going back soon!