Hello Hello I am in St. Thomas VI as I type. I am staying in Red Hook in a Huge house on the hill. It over looks the ocean and red hook plaza. I can see St. John and St. Croix.... I can watch the ferry leave going over to St. John. I am here for 3 months contract ends Mar 6 I arrived Dec 3. When I first got here it was horrible, I hated it and asked myself over and over why did I come. The housing was horrible, I had a junk car from some con man Named Barry with Barry's Happy cars and I was absolutely ready to leave. but the company Im with Foundation Medical got my housing changed and finally after dealing with this guy about the car, I have driven 3 different cars since I've been here Im finally in an Avis rental. things are ok now. I have met some wonderful people other travelers and locals. I think the other travelers is what got me through the first month. I have some advise for anyone planning on coming here to work.... Bring someone with you if possible. just incase you dont become tight with other nurses you'll have company... if you dont like the outdoors stay home.... lizards are everywhere small ones to LARGE ones...the small lizards do get into the apartments sometimes....The hospital sucks and I mean sucks... dont try to change it. if you can bring something to the table to help your department move foward great if not just accept it and do your part. care for your client/clients just like you would care for them back home (The States).... The people come across as rude but you'll get use to it. just say Good Morning, Afternoon, Night when it applies, if you have to ask dont start off by saying Hey can you tell me or where is this or that. Say Goodmorning wait for a response and then ask for help. if you've never been a people person now is the time for a change. talk to people if they are serving you be kind ask their name treat them more like a friend who's fixing your plate at home than a waiter or waitress. These people deal with tourists all the time and the **** probably gets on their nerves. I'm sure they've had to deal with some pretty rude people themselves. For those of yo thinking your going to AFRICA lol lol your not. its both white and black there some asian puerto rican everything is there and they all get along good for the most part.... and you keep your patience and have a good attitude with them and they will help you out to no end! Even the Rude ones... just humble yourself and ask. When they speak it sounds more rude than what they mean for it to. It's just the way they talk. they honk their horns here alot.. but its mostly good honks that mean thanks for letting me in or i'll stop so you can go....For those that say it's not third world...well its not because it belongs to the U.S. and we are not third world but its def. not the states, you just have to see for yourself.... but everything you can get at home you can get here..... At&t is the major network provider so you wont rome and will have service anywhere.... K-mart is the major retailer there is no Walmart on St. Thomas. if there is something that you need that you mostly buy at Walmart buy plenty and pack it..... because K-mart more than likely wont carry it. K-mart is very busy because its all they have so it can be frustrating as hell to even think about going in there to shop. They have a mall but its nothing fancy. Shopping is good all throghout the island and of course you can catch the boat over to others. Travelers may not get a great car... I tell you because my agent didnt tell me... it will literally be a piece of junk so prepare yourself. and if something is not the way you want it. speak out and your agency should have no problem changing it. I cant tell you how many times i almost bought my own ticket out of this joint. But the orientation group i was with has made it easy for me. Im in a good place with a great landlord and i have a decent dependable car. I go out with the other nurses drink dance swim shop and have gotten quite comfortable... the next two months are going to be great!!!! and it will be for you too. Just know that when you first get here it will be a culture shock, you will be miserable, and mentally exhausted. but it will all change for the better. Make friends in your orientation group. exchange numbers and places. the islanders have each other and we too have each other (Nurses). Oh and ladies careful of the men... They are absolutely gorgeous and the most charming gentleman you'll ever meet!!! P.S. you'll need plenty of bug spray for lizards and ants.... Happy Traveling if anyone needs any advise or has questions hit me up and i'll do what I can. I may also have the numbers of some good people who also traveled here as nurses years ago and made this their home that would be more than happy to assist you in any way possible.... Going to St. John tomorrow! Goodnight
Oct 25, '08 by MsPiggyHas anyone brought their dogs over to the islands with them and how did that work out?
Oct 26, '08 by blueiwahineI lived on St. Croix in 1994...brought my dog with me, when we moved there...since they are a property of the US...didn't have any trouble...just had to have the shot records/health certificate for the airlines and pay them their money....she rode in the plane under the seat and was with me all the way for the trip. Now things may have changed... check with the airlines, and of course if where your staying accepts pets. I think they had some kind of dog tag, you were suppose to get on the island from the Animal Welfare Shelter.
