Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand - and melting like a snowflake.
~Francis Bacon Sr
When I tell people that I am moving to an island in the Caribbean, I'm first met with disbelief. It is fun to watch the realization sink in. The follow-up question (after "Are you serious?! or "How?!") is usually, "How did you pick the island?" or "Why St. Croix?"
I fell in love with the Caribbean...so deciding that's the area I wanted to be was easy.
Moving almost 2,000 miles from my east-central United States home in Cincinnati, OH, is a big move. I decided moving to an island that is owned by the country of which I am a resident and citizen would be easier, especially if I ever try to start a business. Wikipedia has a long list of islands organized by country that you can find here.
I didn't consult that list, but it was interesting (and surprising) to see how many islands there are!
I narrowed my search to Puerto Rico or the United States Virgin Islands: St Thomas, St John, and St Croix.
The next criteria I used was an airport. I want my friends and family to come see me as often as possible, so I wanted to make travel as easy as possible. The other benefit is that it is less expensive to purchase things because the airport provides a way for goods to be transported to the island. This ruled out St John.
I decided Puerto Rico was larger than I wanted. This left St Thomas and St Croix.
St Thomas is just over 31 square miles with a population of over 51,000 people (2010 census). St Croix is about 84 square miles with just over 50,000 people (2010 census). After doing additional research on St Croix and St Thomas, I felt that St Croix was to be my new home.
Do you know that if you are a US citizen traveling from the US to St Croix, you do not need a passport? We keep telling people that we'll be ready for visitors in September. I wonder who will be our first guest?
All of that sounds really logical and practical...but come on! When a girl suddenly decides, "Hey, I'm going to move to an island in the Caribbean," there must be more to it than the logical and practical, right?
How about crystal clear waters of the perfect temperature with every shade of blue inviting you in to swim with turtles, sea horses, octopuses, and colorful fish?
And Moko Jumbies...
Amazing temperatures all year and miles of beatiful beaches...
Also, the music of the island: a mix of West Indian, Calypso, African, and reggae sounds...with some steel drums mixed in.
Of course, rum (Cruzan and Captain Morgan are made on the island)...
...and beach bars!
And most importantly, the warm, welcoming, quick with a "Good morning," Crucians. The people of St Croix are a mix of people who were raised on the island, who moved to the island, and visitors from all over the world. But everywhere you go, you will be greeted with a smile and a "Good Morning," "Good Afternoon," or "Good Night." I feel like our friends are already there, waiting to welcome us home!
The big day is getting closer and closer. While I am very excited for this adventure, I am living the best today I can live right here in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am enjoying every moment I spend learning about St Croix and every phone call I make in preparation, every step of the process. I am enjoying the journey and this is important to me. I am not promised tomorrow--I have only this moment.
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