Success on St. Croix in 3 Easy Steps

Moving to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands offers so many rewards: the white sand beaches, the warm and welcoming Caribbean waters, the culture, flavors and unique history of a diverse population. However, transplants from the States can face challenges adjusting to their new lives. I offer 3 easy steps to embrace the "Crucian" way of life.

Step #1:

Begin each interaction with locals and visitors alike with an unhurried smile and a warm greeting. A friendly "Good Morning / Afternoon / Evening" will go a long way to easing interactions with shopkeepers, bus drivers, and government workers. (A quick note, "Good Night" is also used as a greeting in St. Croix, not just to say "Good-bye.") Many from the States have come to see these interactions as "time wasters" or superfluous, but they are still important in St. Croix. Before demanding service from a clerk - stop, smile, pause, greet. Easy!

Step #2:

Accept that "simple" tasks that might have been accomplished in a few minutes may take a lot longer in St. Croix, and plan on that time. Driving through town during "rush hour" may take longer than expected because the driver of the car in front of you stopped to visit with his friend. Picking up a few sandwiches for a sailing trip to Buck Island may take 20 minutes, not 5 like it would in a New York deli. If you feel yourself getting frustrated, remember Step #1 before you take it out on the clerk.

Step #3:

Don't merely "accept" the slower pace, but embrace it and all that it represents. Some have theorized that this is due to the lack of seasons; each day is just as beautiful as the next, so what's the hurry? In every aspect of our lives today we are expected to multitask, be connected and on-line, filling every minute with productivity. St. Croix represents a more respectful, more civilized way of life that is gone is most parts of the world. Stop and enjoy the tranquil waves as they lap at the waterfront, watch a hummingbird negotiate its way through your flower garden, stroll through downtown and chat with the taxi drivers about their day. Next time you way may find yourself bragging about how little you did in your day, not how much!