Manhattan South

Life happens at a different pace in the Virgin Islands. One often reads about "Island Ways", about seeing things from a different perspective, about taking things one step at a time realizing that one step does not necessarily follow another. As a visiting New Yorker, it causes me to smile - only because I am not greatly affected by the meanderings that come to define daily life.

The Mail Center is one of my favorites. More efficient than the Post Office, it is the center of Island business transactions. Faxes, letters, packages, boxes - all handled from a suite that is constantly under construction. Varying sizes of Priority Mail Boxes line the display with numerical markings making it easier for the customer to indicate the size needed. As one winds through the store and construction area waiting for assistance, one has ample opportunity to memorize the number indicating the exact box. Proud of my ability to retain information (no matter how small), when my tour of the environs came to an end, I stated I needed a #2 size carton. The lady quizzically looked at me - what? You know, the #2 US Priority Mail Carton - Oh well, out came a box labeled Christmas Lights and away we stuffed. Hope the recipient doesn't think it is last year's decorations gone astray when the item arrives at its destination.

The Grocery Store is another hub of activity. Named Starfish (Same owner as the Boston Star Markets. Star - Fish - clever, don't you think?), it is filled with tempting treats. Strawberries for $9.00, Progresso Soups for $3.69 - thank goodness that Coca-cola sees the light and is approximately the same as in the States. Artificial syrup and carbonation available for all. But what I love best is that the check-out area is the opportunity to catch up with old friends, run back to retrieve missing items - perhaps a dozen times and debate if another piece of fish is necessary for tonight's dinner.

New Yorkers are forced to learn the error of their past lives and have the ability to repent. Smile, converse with those around you about the beautiful weather, the best beaches (prefect timing - send the blog as you are being submerged in an avalanche of the white stuff) and whether to go to ZoZo's to watch the sunset. Tough stuff.

No wonder no one minds eating pears, foregoing the strawberries and winding among the boxes to mail a package. If it doesn't arrive - oh well, Christmas lights are not a big Valentine item.