My first “visit” to my islands…

Though I was born and raised in the states I identify with my parents birthplace; the Virgin Islands. Since I was a baby we have traveled “home” to family for summers and holidays. I have fond memories of helping my grandmother bake traditional tarts in her scorching hot kitchen or sitting on her porch watching cruise ships hoping for a cool breeze to decrease the humid and sticky temperature. We would visit my mother’s family on the small island of St. John and eat mangos taken directly from trees and swim in clear waters at the many beaches. But I was never a tourist. From the minute the plane landed I became an integral part of the island, traveling with the residents on their day to day journeys and never experiencing the “America’s paradise” my friends and co-workers would rave about whenever I mentioned an upcoming trip home. To me a trip to my islands meant familiar faces, great home cooked meals, a million mosquito bites, and time with friends and family. I knew nothing of the great resorts, activities or restaurants. Until now…

For the first time this summer I visited as a tourist as part of a family reunion. Immediately after arriving we were taken to the reunion resort and I checked into my room for my first week in St. Thomas as a tourist. The difference in experience was immediate. Air conditioning! Not that there are not  homes in St. Thomas with air conditioning, just none of my family members have air conditioning. I then walked out onto my balcony and saw the all ocean view and heard the waves and realized quickly why people love to come here.

My perspective is different from the people beside me as I wander around the resort.  In the staff at the resort I see my face reflected back to me and many times it actually is a cousin or relative who shares the many ways we are connected by blood and history.  My visit provides a more intimate look at the people of the island. But I feel fortunate that I also have my native perspective to build on. I know exactly what to order in a native restaurant or even how to drive on the left on hairpin turns and can get to any beach in St. Thomas or St. John. I don’t get mesmerized by a carnival show but am happily impressed with a perfect Johnny cake made just like my grandmother’s.

But I do see that the tourists’ visit provides extreme relaxation and amazing Caribbean experiences. No family drama. No dying from lack of air conditioning. It is the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of American life. The laid back nature of the Caribbean at times creates frustration for me when dealing with family matters during my visits but it becomes a pleasant bonus to a tourist’s vacation. No need to hurry, no worries that the service is slow, and no problem that things aren’t going as planned. You are on vacation!

My first “visit” will probably not be my last. I think I will continue to bring these two worlds together. I think a few days as a tourist are good to relieve stress but the time with family, friends and culture are good for the soul.