Hey there! So, you made it to my Virgin Islands page. Kick off your shoes, loosen your tie, you're in Paradise now! I bet you feel more relaxed already. *grin*
Well, let me tell you all about the VI it has been my home for about 6 years now, and I have to say it is one of my favorite places to live! The Virgin Islands are made up of six large islands, and many smaller islands, and cays. The island chain is nestled just under Puerto Rico, in the azure Caribbean Sea. Unrivaled natural beauty, these lush emerald islands rising from the sparkling sapphire blue waters, it is truly breathtaking!
Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, but left virtually untouched until the late 1500's. In 1595, Sir Francis Drake made his way to these islands, it was during this time that England claimed several of the islands, while Spain and Holland laid claim to several others in the chain.
Caves at the Bight on Norman Island, setting for the novel "Treasure Island"
The Virgin Islands are known for their colorful past, a hot spot for pirates, there was lot's of raping and pillaging going on in the quaint tropical ports. Can I get an "AAAARRRRGH MATEY" *laughing* English Planters boosted the economy with large sugar, and cotton Plantations. Of course theses Grand Plantations required a large work force, and so the slave trade was also another big business in the islands. Hundreds of plantations prospered, and slaves outnumbered
free men by over ten to one. slavery was abolished in the 1800's, and plantations owners left the islands, as they had been put out of business by the sugar beet.
In 1917 the US bought the Danish Islands(St. Thomas, St Croix, and St. John) for 25 million dollars in Gold. The US wanted these pretty little islands for their strategic location in the Atlantic
remnants of Sugar Plantation on St. John
During World War I the island was used for military purposes, the area I live in used to be a submarine base, and old forts decorate Water, and Hassel Islands. Right next door, are the British Virgin Islands, in 1967 the BVI established a self governing ministerial system , but chose to remain a British Territory , with the Queen as head of State, represented by a Governor.
Marina Key, BVI
I love living here! Everyday is a feast for the eyes, just the ride to work makes you happy you're alive! The sun shining on your skin, and the cool trade winds blowing gently in your hair. Tourism is the major industry here, during season our islands are visited by numerous cruise ships, tourists shopping downtown, and enjoying the sights via an island Taxi tour. St Thomas is the "hustle bustle" island, the most modern, and the most heavily populated in the VI. It is 13 miles long, and 3 miles wide at it's widest point, about 28 square miles, with a population of approximately 48,000.
The British Virgin Islands are less populated, and less developed, they have maintained their quiant small island atmosphere. Gorgeous, and untamed, the slower paced BVI's are a great place to relax!
Foxy's at Jost Van Dyke
Living in the Virgin Islands is very interesting! Life here is an adventure....... EVERYDAY! That colorful history I was telling you about has persisted through the years, and the result is a colorful present as well. "Island Time" is a reality, and a way of life, you must keep a "tomorrow" attitude, life is NOT lead at a harried work - a - day level. Oh no, laid back is the mode here!! And I love it! *smile*
One of the best ways, in my opinion, to see the Virgin Islands is by boat. Which gives you a lot of versatility on the places you can visit. The Virgin Islands is a popular spot for boating, and our islands have a large boating community.
Coral Sea at anchor in Maho Bay, St. John
There is an endless possibility of things to do here, snorkeling, beachcombing, sunbathing, shopping, fishing, surfing .................... or just sit on the beach and drink rum punch all day *grin* A hopping nightlife with tropical beach bars, and discos rocking late into the night.
I'm telling you, there is no doubt in my mind.................. The Virgin Islands are definitely my Pardise!!!
Elephant Bay, where my boat is anchored
Well.......... come on , you know you want to come down and visit! *laughing* If you have any questions, or want to know anything about the Virgin Islands, Please E-mail me!! I would love to help!
