To start the new year, I decided to accompany a friend to Antigua for a long weekend of R&R&R&R - relaxation, reflection, rejuvination, and revolution-writing (I don't do "resolutions" anymore - I do"revolutions!").
I had never been to this island, which is smaller than St Croix, and close to Monserrat - which is to blame for much of the dust we experience in ST Croix that I sometimes complain (mildly) about.
It is a beautiful island - it has a very different feel than St Croix. It is MUCH more expensive. I about fainted when I got the bill for my caesar salad and water - $22!!!! And a hamburger was $17!!! We were staying at a lovely resort - nice but pretty remote. A perfect place, actually, for all the R's.
My primary "revolution" for 2009 - is to stay in the moment - to fully experience and trust in every moment and to not mind whatever happens. If I can be fully present and live In the moment with NO attachment to ANY outcomes - then everything else will fall elegantly into place. God is so good and my journey is to trust completely that whatever happens is part of his divine plan - and all I have to bring to the table is joy and gratitude! So simple, yet so difficult!!!
Enjoy the photos - it is a lovely place - but there's no place like home - and St Croix is such a wonderful home.
Kim Lucas, REALTOR
www.retireinthevi.com
www.kimlucasvi.com
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
340-626-3758
The views from the northwest corner of our island are just spectacular. A small group of us hiked up there on New Year's Day and were greeted by a herd of goats! Then we explored the ruins of a rum factory. The grounds are so well maintained and beautiful. Gorgeous "Spirit Trees" grace the property, and the hibiscus, bouganvilla, snow flowers, and poinsettas were in full bloom. The first day of the new year was certainly full of beauty, comraderie, and gorgeous weather! Just another day in paradise! (Can you tell I love living here?!)
Kim Lucas, REALTOR
www.kimlucasvi.com
www.retireinthevi.com
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
340-626-3758
Sometimes pictures can be more powerful than words. These show how we rang in the new year.
Good wishes to all - hope to see you in St. Croix in 2009!
Kim Lucas, REALTOR
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
www.kimlucasvi.com
www.retireinthevi.com
340-626-3758
What a lovely Christmas we had here! The weather was gorgeous and there was a big turnout at Cane Bay for a HUGE Christmas feast! I've never seen so much food! Three turkeys were fried and people brought every imaginable side dish and dessert. By the time lunch was served (around 2:30 - 3:00), I was so hungry from smelling all the good smells that I'm afraid I bordered on being rude!
Later in the afternoon, I enjoyed a meditation and watched the sun set. It was a wonderful day - but I am about to blow up and I may never eat again.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
Kim Lucas, REALTOR
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
340-626-3758
www.kimlucasvi.com
www.retireinthevi.com
In my post about the holiday festitivities, I mentioned Soca music, then did a bit of investigating because music is such an integral part of Caribbean culture and traditions.
Soca is a musical form that mixes the slower beat of American soul music with the upbeat tempos of calypso. Soca began in the 1970s, and by the middle of the 1980s it had become a part of the music scene of Carnival.
Wikipedia states that soca is a form of dance music which originated in Trinidad and Tobago. "It originally combined the melodic lilting sound of calypso with insistent percussion (which is often electronic in recent music) and local chutney music."
Chutney music is indigenous to the southern Caribbean and combines soca and elements of Indian songs created for film.
Calypso rhythms can be traced back to the African slaves imported to the islands in the 1600s. As in the South, music was a form of communication among the slaves, who often were forbidden to talk to each other. Calypso combines story-telling and imaginative use of instrumentation, reflecting contributions by European, North American, and various Caribbean cultures.
Soca is an original style and sound of Caribbean music blending - like the islands themselves - the sounds of many peoples. History aside, soca is great dancing music and central to Carnival, which is coming up soon.
Don't you wish you were here in St. Croix dancing with us?!
Kim Lucas, REALTOR
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
www.kimlucasvi.com
www.retireinthevi.com
340-626-3758
I love to help investors and fellow Caribbean Souls find property in St. Croix, and work hard for my Island mates who want to sell their property.
I am a very fortunate lady who was able to make my dream of living in the Caribbean a reality a couple of years ago. I did quite a bit of research and visited numerous islands before making St. Croix my home. It was a great choice, and I love it! If you are considering a tropical island for a second home, or a full time residence, I would be happy to share what I've learned about the places I've been, and also tell you a lot about this beautiful place.
Most of my career was spent as a business woman, not a real estate salesperson. I started and ran a very successful consulting firm in Atlanta, Ga., which I sold in 2003. I have always had a passion for real estate and have numerous real estate investments of my own (most of them now here in St. Croix). I am well educated and have good business savvy, friendly and easy to work with. I have been a licensed real estate agent since 2003 and thorougly enjoy helping others find their piece of paradise here.
You can count on me to be straightforward, honest, hard working, reliable, dependable, and attentive to your needs.
If you are considering selling your property, you will find that I will keep you informed of all activity regarding your property, and will aggressively market your property in creative as well as standard ways. Of course, my affiliation with Coldwell Banker Land de-Wilde gives you the absolute MOST exposure to your property. And I can help you stage your property so that it will show well and sell fast.
I help make dreams come true.
Kim Lucas
Investing in St. Croix
I believe our island is ripe for growth and anticipate that prices are going to continue to accelerate. I have wonderful software at my disposal that can help evaluate property for its investment potential, and can share what information I have to help investors make informed and educated choices for their investment dollars. Whether you are looking for rental income, land to hold, "fixer uppers" to fix and flip, or a second home to rent out until you retire, I understand the market and can help guide you to a well informed decision.
Finding a Home Here
There are so many things to think about if you are truly considering moving here permanently or even part time. I have done a lot of research and am recently transplanted enough (lived here 2 years) that I can help you think through this decision. One client said that I "answered questions before he had to ask them." You can count on me to be honest - and I will gladly share my opinions about life here.
Selling a Home Here
First of all, if you're considering selling property here, you'd be wise to list with a Coldwell Banker Land de-Wilde agent. Our website gets more exposure than any other, and we really do excel in marketing properties - we have such a HUGE and well respected company behind us - we are not reinventing the wheel when we go to market your property. Of course, your property will be listed on our MLS system, which can (and will) be viewed by potential buyers all over the world. I am a very reliable and dependable person, and will honor your wishes about how you want your property to be shown. I will keep you updated and informed after all showings (for homes and condos). We will work as a team to determine the best price to ask and I will work hard to help you achieve the sale of your home in the timeframe that you want.
"Kim did an outstanding job for us. Not only did she help us find the property, but she assisted us at every turn to resolve any issues holding up the sale. She put us in touch with good professionals in the area. We cannot say enough good things about her." Ron & Wendy
"We would recommend you to anyone. Thanks for being honest, kind, and fun to be with." Bobbie and Scott
"It was a pleasure working with you." Mike
"Thank you so much for showing us the properties and all of the information you gave us. You have been more helpful than I could imagine. You answered most of my questions without me even asking. I appreciate that. I can tell you that you have earned our trust. I want you to know that all of your knowledge transfer was not wasted, and I appreciated all of it....." Mike
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