July 29 2014 – St. Croix

USA Purchase

         Christopher Columbus arrived November 14, 1493 finding natives already occupying the island. Spain, Netherlands, Knights of Malta, Great Britain, and finally France, who sold it to the Danish West India Company, were precursors to the United States who bought St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix for a measly $25 million in gold from Denmark.

Sahara Dust      

“’Sahara Dust’ is what the natives call it,” says our breakfast waiter. The haze surrounding St. Croix is unique indeed, hard but true accepting the claim that it made its way across the ocean. Heat and humidity are clearly contributing factors; nevertheless, we go ashore. The water is royal blue and beaches frame the island.

Disappointment

         Economic woes appear to have damaged this deteriorating territory. A huge oil refinery previously employed thousands; unlike St. Martin/St. Maarten that has transitioned almost entirely to tourism, St. Croix is suffering with the closing of the refinery. The switch to tourism is clearly a challenge. Innovation and investment is not visible. We had a sprite.

Birds Fishing

         “Quick David, look!” Debbie exclaims. Off our balcony hundreds of white small birds circle, dive, and scoop up small fish who themselves, swarming at the surface of the water are splashing to their deaths. It is a rhythmic dance of participants in the food chain. The birds are winners this day; the fish are losers.

Cancer

Do I tell my cancer story? Will it change the relationship? So often interaction becomes awkward? I must keep them comfortable. The tablemates tell of their (previous) respective spouse’s cancer deaths, the time is now. I tell them. Expected frowns spread across their faces, anticipated sympathy thankfully remains silent; I am relieved, back to normal.

NOTE: Sahara Dust blurred the photos! Haze was very real!

Birds swarm jumping fish

Beaches frame the island

Closed for business

Beautiful Mountains rising- but nothing there