Are You Ready to Live on a Caribbean Island?

When people think about living on a Caribbean island, they generally picture palm trees, clear blue water, pristine beaches and colorful local characters. Although the U.S Virgin Islands does offer all of that, there are many other things to consider when planning a move. 

Life in the islands is extremely different from life on the mainland. Everything is slower here: deliveries, lines at stores and traffic. Islanders can not be rushed and it is considered rude to try to force them to do so. Every transaction must be approached with the utmost politeness. It is unseemly to walk into a store and say, "Where is the automotive section?" Instead, walk into a store and say "Good morning." Only after the greeting has been returned is it appropriate to move into your business. 

Island drivers are a special breed. It is not uncommon to get stopped behind someone who has pulled over to talk to a friend standing on the side of a road. These interludes do not take very long. If you are on a curvy road, it is probably best to sit until the driver has finished his chat and moved on. If it seems safe, it is acceptable to go around the stopped driver, after making sure that there is not oncoming traffic. 

Horses have the right away in all traffic situations. Therefore, if you are driving down the highway and a horse runs out in front of you, you must make every effort to avoid him, as your insurance will view the accident as your fault, whether you could have avoided the accident or not. 

Mongooses are another potential road hazard. They dart out of bushes and cross the road at amazing speeds. Island drivers must learn not to swerve to avoid them, as the steep, curved roads here make it difficult to see oncoming drivers.
Goats and cows graze in herds and sometimes spill over onto the roads. Locals call them a "crucian traffic jam." They will move after a few minutes. It is best just to sit in your car and enjoy watching them until they move on.