Sitting Still in St. Croix, VI

Sometimes in life when you get all caught up in the busy, it is easy to forget to be still. By still, I mean it in the literal, figurative and spiritual sense. Somehow in March, with all of my comings and goings from Miami to Montreal to Monterey to Miami....then from Miami to Missouri and home again...I was tired in all sense of the word. I missed being at home on my couch with my Mr. Goodin…who seemed to criss cross me in the skies for the entire month. All it took was for some disappointing news for me to claim that I needed a time out...appropriately timed with Spring Break, I was going to take a "Life Break." It was time to reflect, readjust, relax, and reinvigorate my soul. I decided I needed a mental cleanse. Rid my mind full of the self-doubt and negative talk that so easily fills the space between my ears.

Mr. Goodin was on a flight from Las Vegas to Chicago, when I logged on and booked a trip to St. Croix Virgin Islands. It met all my requirements for a getaway: 1) was within a three hour flight 2) space on the plane and 3) it was a place that I loved. We had been visited here in 2013, so I thought we were due a return trip to this lovely island. As Mr. Goodin landed, he was greeted by a text announcing our plans....there was no arm twisting. He arrived home on Saturday morning at 11am and we were back at the airport at 4pm, bags in hand. No passport necessary for this island gem.

We took a night flight, which would give us two solid days on the ground to explore, dream or just lay around in the hot tropical sun. We landed close to midnight so it was to the hotel for a good night’s rest. We were staying on the Christiansted Marina this time (versus our trip to Frederiksted in ’13) and when we woke up, we decided to take a quick walk for coffee and provisions.

Christiansted Marina Harbor

View of the boardwalk from the pool balcony

                 

Unfamiliar with Christiansted, we asked a few locals how to get to the market....up the street past the church. Seemed easy enough. As soon as we passed the church full of parishioners singing hymns, we knew where everyone in town was.  Now...here is where I should mention that it was Sunday and absolutely nothing was open...except for a few restaurants on the Marina where we were staying. Sunday is a day of rest and worship. This was my first sign that being still was to be a part of my itinerary for the day.  Signs are good. This is the Universe’s way of speaking. 

On our way back home, I spotted the local Roti shop. Disappointed that it was not open, I made a mental note to return the following day.  I wasn't leaving without having some very local cuisine. So back to the pool. My goal was to spend the day watching the boats in the marina, looking at cloud formations and closing my mind to the clutter that had taken over. Reassess and reevaluate....be still and take it all in.

Hello, Monday morning. Rested and feeling rejuvenated it was time to take a morning walk for coffee. We found a coffee and pastries hut. Greeted by Alex at the Baked Cafe, we sat for a while drinking coffee, eating a bagel and watching the roosters chase each other in the courtyard. This is easy to get used to. 

Back to the pool, but anxiously waiting for lunch so that I could get my hands on some roti. My brain had quickly switched from my daily stressors to "What are we going to eat next? And is it too early for a rum drink?" The answer to the last question is no, by the way, in case you were wondering. Home to the Cruzan Rum and Captain Morgan distilleries, rum is a way of life here on the island.

As we approached Singh's Roti Shop, the line was out the door. I knew why. This was the place to be. I waited my turn and ordered two "doubles"...one with conch and the other chicken. A Trinidadian favorite, this warm sandwich piled high with curried chickpeas, potatoes and a heap of marinated conch on a special cornmeal bread was just what my soul ordered. I was about to become one with this local favorite. There is no good way to eat it other than sloppy joe style. It's messy and delicious. My eating partner in crime dove right in. I think his first double was a success.

A Conch Double

The evening highlight, besides the sunset views, was the hermit crab races...yes, hermit crabs. This event drew at least 75 locals and tourists alike to a local bar on the Marina. Dozens of hermit crabs hidden in Home Depot buckets turned upside down. Once the buckets were lifted it was every crab for itself...headed for the blue outer ring for the win. Maybe it was the rum, but this was some funny stuff. There was cheering and jeering...all in good fun. Tonight's lesson was being present in the moment. We cheered on Vera, an octogenarian whose crab was one of the winners. I was happy to be her cheerleader. I hesitate to share this tid bit but her crab was named Master Baker....she turned to me so innocently and said, "But I really am a baker!" Way to go Vera.

Ready?

Set.

Go!

Tuesday, our last day, came too soon. We only had time to hurry out for one more food excursion. On our way home from the Roti shop, we discovered Harvey's, a local diner.  Since they were only open for breakfast and lunch, we decided to return....greeted by a very friendly Harvey Jr. We asked for a menu and he gave us a yellow steno pad with five hand written homemade dishes scribbled on it. We discussed our options and ended up ordering the goat stew to share. You may be saying "eww" to the stew....but it was delicious. A plate full of love and a part of his family tradition.  Part of travel is being still and trusting in the recipes that have filled the bellies of local families for decades. Harvey Jr. was kind and hospitable as we found all the local Cruzans to be. 

As I leave this island, I am grateful for the moments of respite and for the stillness that I so desperately needed.  I go home with a renewed sense of self and a few more plans and dreams to realize. Until next time..... We are #GoodinsOnTheGo! Have a Good-un...

GoodinsOnTheGo