I think that I have found paradise. This morning I find myself high atop one of the mountains overlooking the main harbor town on the island.  I look westward to see the Sun shining over lush greens, and delicate blues. The clouds are everywhere, making my heart beat a little faster with each moment that passes.

 

I hear the bustle of the island seaport, and the hustle of those people that call it home alive in the town below. I feel the warm touch of the gentle trade winds, like the fingers of a beautiful woman running lovingly through my hair.  Perhaps it is these beautiful surroundings that has me waxing romantic, or maybe – and most likely – it is because I hiked up the trail too fast…

 

Yesterday I made it over to Cruz Bay, St John,  from the St Thomas airport without much difficulty. I bargained my way onto a crowded taxi that was headed to the Red Hook dock located on the far side of the island.  In this process I learned two things  (1) seat belts are a good idea around here, and (2) I surely have some things to learn about when it comes to negotiating my fare.

 

 

From  the dock it was a thirty minute cruise on the ferry across Pillsbury Sound. Once on board I was immediately hypnotized by the vibrant hum of the diesel engine powering the boat below. My attention was quickly transfixed on the hoard of school children who wildly danced around the boat on their way home from another day of learning. This vehicle certainly beat the giant yellow bus that I was accustomed to in grade school.

 

Soon I was carried beyond imagination as I looked around and experienced the grand views of these islands. I was awestruck watching the lush green mountain peaks breaching through the smooth surface of the pristine turquoise sea.  When we eventually arrived at the dock there were friendly faces waiting to greet those who disembarked.  There was even a spot to sample assorted rum drinks for the new arrivals.  This was a genius local tourism ploy.

 

Making my way through the wharfside village, I stepped into a dimly lit and smoke filled bar to get a beverage to celebrate my arrival. Then it happened. My first on-shore beverage was exactly what I needed; a “painkiller”. Made of sweet local dark rum, orange and pineapple juices, mixed with a kick of coconut syrup, and a touch of ground nutmeg – it was a formidable mix. My weapon of choice was now in hand, and I was ready to storm the island. It was time to invite the creature out.

 

Last night was my first night in port. I opted to stay in rented room at the local Westin Resort. Certainly it was a high priced affair; but it was only going to be a couple of nights before I would be settling into a several month commitment  designed to get back on track with my medical training.

 

I needed a good restful sleep, and I fortunately had the money and time to spend. The room turned out real nice with open air breezes through the louvers, and an unblocked view of the pool. There is lots of energy in this place – I can feel it deep in my chest.

 

After a refreshing swim in the warm ocean, another couple of “pain killers”, and  a taste of the wildest mahi I have ever eaten,  I retired for the night. I had to reset my circadian clock, after all I was now re-synchronizing from Irish time.

 

 

 

 

 

Today I started hiking at 7:00 am. Two hours into the national park hiking trails and I’m stoked. I take a deep breath and feel more alive than I have in months.  As I look down on this unfamiliar island that I will soon call home, I open both eyes outward.

 

I become aware of the wooden bench that I am sitting upon. It rests under an unusual four branched tree; certainly a non-native that was transplanted here sometime in the past. It shades my scalding skin, and whispers promises through its budding limbs.

 

The bench reminds me of the importance of taking the time for outward observation. Clearly there is much to be taken in, and in this landscape my eyes are drawn by forces other than my own.

 

I take a deep breath and turn both eyes inward… I begin to meditate on what lies ahead as I make my way over to Altamount Hospice tomorrow. I am scheduled to meet with the Simon brothers and the facility’s staff for dinner tomorrow evening. I feel pretty anxious, but something in their voices over the telephone, seemed very calm and welcoming.

 

In the meantime, tonight is the night to check out the downtown area, and see if I can’t network with some of the locals. From what I’ve seen so far, there appears to be a pretty young crowd around here, and a lot of New Englanders…  Based on what I saw coming of the boat, as long as I wear my trusty, worn in Red Sox hat, I should blend right in…