The General Beauty and Ambiance of the USVI

I have lived in the Virgin Islands for 18 year and didn't realize the paradise that surrounded me, until I left for college.  So many crystal clear beaches, mind blowing sceneries, mouthwatering Caribbean food, and festival activities that keep you engaged. 

The tropical ambiance is just breath taking. Oh and the weather is just perfect. 

No matter what time of year you come you can have a nice time.

In the YouTube video, is a song made by one of the VI’s most prominent singers, Delyno Brown, also known as Pressure Busspipe.  The video expresses a sense of pride and Virgin Islands loyalty.

Scenery

Animoto

In the video above is a summary of what the USVI has to offer and what you are missing out on!

Beaches

Figure 1. Magens Bay in St. Thomas

Some of the best beaches can be found right here on these three little islands. 

The feeling of the grainy sand between your toes, the site of the clear blue sky above your head, the feeling of the crystal clear water against your warm body just puts you in complete bliss. 

 On the left, is a picture of one of the most popular beaches on the island of St. Thomas .

Historical Sites

Figure 2. The seven flags that occupied the VI.

Historical Sites can be found on St Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. The Virgin Islands on a whole has gone through quite a bit. 

 Over the course of its existence, 7 countries have occupied these lands.  Being under the control of 7 different flags (as shown in the Figure 2) not only highlight the struggle during history but it also shows it uniqueness.  

Each country left its mark in language, music, food and religion but most importantly they left landmarks. 

Tourist Attractions and Activities 

The USVI is home to some of the greatest tourist attractions in the Caribbean.  After experiencing these destinations, you might never want to go back to the mainland. 

According to Planetware, the top 7 rated tourist sites are:

• The Virgin Islands National Park, St. John
• Cruz Bay, St. John
• Trunk Bay Beach and Underwater Snorkel Trail, St. John
• Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas (the capital)
• Buck Island Reef National Monument, St. Croix
• Heritage Trail, St. Croix
• Christiansted, St. Croix 

In Figure 3 and 4, the collage of picture represent each one of the places listed above.

Figure 3.VI National Park, Cruz Bay, Trunk Bay, Charlotte Amalie

Figure 4. Buck Island, Heritage Trail, and  Christiansted

Culture

Figure 1. The is a collage of 
various tropical fruits such as 
mango, golden apple,guava,
coconut, sugar apple, etc.

Food

Food. Food. Food. The USVI is comprised of tons of Caribbean dishes.  Yes we have fast food restaurants like McDonald's, KFC, Wendy's and many others but that's not where the good food is at.

The Local dishes are the bomb, filled with the right seasoning and spices. The funny thing is, no one cooks with recipes!

Figure 2. A variety of  local dishes

My grandmother would tell my mom, "Just put a little of this and a little of that and you good to go." The food leaves you just wanting more.








Some of the Local dishes may include:

• Fungi (pronounces fun-jee)
• Callaloo (or Kallaloo)
• Johnnycake
• Pates (pronounced patties)
• Roti 
• Conch
•  Saltfish 

Figure 3. Virgin Islands Nice
 by: Pressure Busspipe  

Music

Caribbean music vibe the VI. It can be heard almost anywhere you go.  A wide variety of other types are played, but the most common is steel-pan played by many of the younger generation, Calypso, Soca, and Reggae.

In Figure 3, is a picture of the icon Pressure Busspipe that sang in the opening YouTube video.

Festival Activities

Everyone waits patiently for the best time of year on their island. On St. Croix its festival activities start during Christmas time. St. Thomas, starts its own in the end of April and St. John celebrate theirs Fourth of July week.

Figure 4. This is a collage of different festival activities. 

However other events that many people attend is J'ouvert, a food fair presenting the island's best traditional foods and drinks, the crowning of the King and Queen of the parade troupes and the best thing of all, PARADE.

References

Figure 1. This image is a collaboration of words of the main ideas.

Brown, D. (2014, Feb10). Pressure-Virgins Islands Nice [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54aPmBnAj00

Hastings, K. 14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the US Virgins Islands. Retrieved from http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/united-states-virgin-islands-uvi.htm