Embrace the Culture of St Croix

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Night! Whatever the time of day- Hi! My name is Tarin Scarbrough, but most people just call me T. I’m sure you’ve heard this “Eat, Pray, Love” type of story before. The tale of an overworked and overwhelmed woman up and quits her job to move to the Caribbean to embrace the culture of St Croix.

After working 50-60 hour weeks in Food and Beverage/Hospitality for 15 years, I decided to take a chance and leave behind what I always knew to explore the unknown. And suddenly, I find myself on this beautiful island. And I’m ready to take in all it has to offer and adventure in St Croix.

 

Do’s and Don’ts to Embrace the Culture of St Croix!

Having never been here before, I’ve spent my first couple of days learning the Do’s and Don’ts so I can truly embrace the culture of St Croix. With the oil business coming to a halt and the island needing to lean into a new sector of commerce, tourism is gaining traction and it’s not slowing down. The locals LOVE the visitors and are eager to showcase what an extraordinary place this is.

With that being said, I do believe in the responsibility as a guest to assimilate into a culture and truly embrace how the locals live. I’ve come up with some core guidelines and helpful tips while you visit St Croix so your trip embodies the carefree and easygoing nature of the island. 

Greeting The Locals to Embrace the Culture of St Croix!

Say Hello! I’ve read this many times while researching St Croix, but it bears repeating. If someone walks by, just say hello! You’re in their home, and I can’t imagine someone entering your space and you not expressing excitement for them to be there. Proper greetings are “Good Morning”, “Good Afternoon”, and “Good Night.” However, an easy “hi” or “hello” will suffice!

The ability to cultivate relationships can be daunting, and sometimes tourists can be apprehensive to being overly friendly as a defense to being an easy target. But it’s often deemed as rude when guests of the island don’t make an attempt to be kind to the locals and is seen as downright offensive.

I think of cities I’ve been to when homeless and hustlers harass tourists and you avert your eyes to avoid conversation- but this paradise is the antithesis of city living. You should act accordingly. Kindness costs nothing but can buy you a lot of respect here.

Island Time and Availability to Embrace the Culture of St Croix!

Island time- it’s a real thing. The pace here in St Croix is calm and tranquil, and it’s imperative to adjust. It’s not to say that hospitality isn’t abundant, but pressing and making demands isn’t going to get you anywhere. When ordering food and drink, give the workers time to accommodate you. If you need to handle anything in regards to the government or medical care, be sure to get there early so you’re not waiting all day. Or you could find out they’re no longer working mid afternoon.

Also, don’t forget it’s an island. Most products need to be imported, and may not be available at the time of your stay. LEARN TO ADAPT- it’s an island thing! Let’s not forget the days of the recent pandemic, and those shipping nightmares are still a real thing. Your favorite liquor may not be available and even fresh produce can be hard to come by. Look at the current inflation of eggs…

Whatever you’re missing out on, be sure to not take out your frustration on the locals. They too are lacking their favorite products! Once you embrace the culture and realize it’s a small price to pay for paradise, you can adjust your interests and maybe discover something new you’ve never had and will soon appreciate. 

Act Like You Got Some Sense to Embrace the Culture of St Croix

Perhaps the most important point to make- ACT LIKE YOU GOT SOME SENSE! A lot of people go on vacation and treat it like a free for all, except this is the home for the many people who are taking care of you.

Today, I saw a man walking around the port market in a red thong banana hammock. When he approached a vendor, she muttered to him “Disgusting! Put some clothes on!” And he laughed her off and said “I’m on vacation!” And she was right, it was disgusting. Not only his exhibitionist nature but his attitude about it.

It’s just not what everyone wants to see. While at a pool or on the beach, feel free to parade in your swimwear and live your best life. However, while off property, make sure you cover up while out exploring.

Common Sense Tips to Embrace the Culture of St Croix

Disrespecting the culture of St Croix puts a target on your back immediately and leaves you vulnerable for pushback from the inhabitants here. With that being said, be aware of your surroundings. While this may be a vacation for you, this is a community to locals.

If it looks like an area you shouldn’t be, don’t go there. If you’re out late and it’s not a well lit area, be alert and get to where you’re going. Walk with a purpose and mind your business. Like most places, if you’re up to no good, trouble will inevitably find you.

Join Along with Me as we Embrace the Culture of St Croix!

While my home base is Frederiksted, I’ll be here to explore all that St Croix has to offer and hope you join along in my escapades. Let me know if there’s anything you have questions on or helpful tips! I’ll be sure to take those along my journey. Looking forward to spreading the magic St Croix brings to anyone who is looking to adventure here!