Eric Snow DJ At Large

Hip Island Tips:

#1. Bring Sunscreen. The UV factor is always 10+ here. That's 365 days a year!

#2. August is typically the hottest month of the year.

#3. The USVI is on the same long distance systems as the states --rates typically are the same as calling state-to-state.

#4. Check with your cell phone provider before you depart-- you most likely will have coverage if you are on a major network like Sprint, Motorola, etc. Most cell plans treat the US Virgin Islands like any other state in the USA. Again, check first.

#5. The Virgin Islands on the same postage system as the US (but sometimes it moves slightly slower!)

#6. The Virgin Islands uses US dollars...exactly the same as in the states.

#7. We drive on the left. It's really not that difficult. But if you drive, just pay close attention and you'll be fine.

#8. You can shop at our stores and get some good duty free prices at certain shops (especially Jewelry & Liquor)

#9. Many places close around 10pm, except for a couple restaurants and clubs. Most of the larger resorts have outlets that are open later. If you are not in a resort or near one of these places, you may want to consider stocking up on some food in your room, if you are a late night eater. NOTE: If you are on the EAST END, "FAT BOYS" serves food until around 2am (mostly quick stuff---try the Chicken Taco's!!!) and if you are near downtown, SHIPWRECK serves food until 3am (full menu and it's very good!)

#10. Iguanas, Mongooses, Wild Parrots and Donkey's run around on certain places away from the towns on the islands. They won't harm you as long as you don't mess with them. They also make for great photos!

#11. There is just one hospital on St Thomas. There is NOT one on St John or on most of the outer islands in the Virgin Island chain. For major care, Puerto Rico is your best option (30 minutes by plane).

#12. Almost everyone you encounter speaks English...or a form of it...known as Calypso.

Island Lingo

West Indian, Calypso & Frenchie cultures all have a bunch of fun phrases which you may hear from time to time on the island.

Here's some of them to help you understand some of the "island slang" used in different areas of our island.

Belonger: A person who was born in the Caribbean and who's ancestors have been here for many generations.

Bug: Caribbean Lobster. Frenchie fisherman term.

BVI:  British Virgin Islands. A short ferry ride from the US Virgin Islands, these islands consist of mainly Jost, Tortola and Virgin Gorda, plus a ton of smaller islands. You'll need a passport to go there and ferry service is relatively cheap. If you want real breath taking adventure, I strongly recommed going out to Virgin Gorda for an amazing day.

Carnival: Happens in St Thomas in Late April/ Early May. Occurs in St John usually on 4th of July Weekend. Consists of parades, food booths and concerts for one week, with the final "Adults Parade" being the highlight not to be missed.

Continental: A person from the states. Usually refers to a white person who is here only for the season.

Dark & Diet: Popular local (and Frenchie) drink on island. Refers to Dark Rum (usually Cruzan) and Diet Coke. Diet is very popular with rum because it cuts back on the extreme sweetness factor in the drink.

Dark Eyes: Sunglasses (Ie, "He's the one wearin' de dark eyes on the beach over there")

Dere (as in: "dare"): Slang for "there" or "over there"

Don't Stop the Carnival: A book written by Herman Wouke about St Thomas in the 60's from when he lived here on island. He calls it Amerigo, but it really is St Thomas. A lot of the wackiness in the book still holds true today.

East Ender: Person who lives on the East End, near Red Hook.

Frenchtown: Small area between the airport and town. Small cluster of some good restaurants and little wine bars.

Frenchie: Person who lives on island who is of French decent and are related from original French settlers who came from St Barts.(NOTE: It's perfectally acceptable to use the word "Frenchie" as most "Frenchie's" are very proud of the heritage and also use the word to refer to themselves and others).

Foxy: Local celebrity who owns "FOXY'S Beach Bar" on Jost Van Dyke. Sometimes you can catch him playing local guitar ditty's there. Also has a beer you can buy  in certain stores called "Foxy's Lager", which is also available at his bar. TRIVA NOTE: Foxy's daughter "Justine" runs the BAREFOOT BUDDHA CAFE on St Thomas, see my "Dining in St Thomas" page for more.

Island Channel: Local Channel 3 on your TV set will give you a run down on Virgin Island happenings. (It's called "The Island Channel")

Island Handshake: When thanking someone, people will hold there fist straight out and have the other person gently bump it, knuckles to knuckles. This is a greeting or is done when parting company, like waving goodbye and saying "thank you".

Island Pour: Liquor is so cheap here in the VI, it's usually cheaper then the mixers the bartenders are using. So they tend to pour heavy. In some cases EXTREMELY heavy. So be careful out there. An island pour can be anywhere from 2 shots to 4 shots, in place of that one shot, that you are used to in the states. You don't have to ask for an island pour...you'll just normally get it. You can always ask them to "go easy" if you aren't a big drinker.

Island Time: Someone who is running late and will (unfortunately) "get there, when they get there". Example: "He's on 'Island Time'."

Island Trader: Usually found in restaurants and around town, this free paper has listings of whats going on in town. It's not always up to date, so call first before heading out, but it gives you a nice overview of what's going on at night and on which nights entertainment is going on.

Jellynut (or "a Jelly"): Fresh coconut full of clear coconut water. So called a "jellynut" due to the meat being like jelly inside with clear sweet water. When coconuts ripen longer, the meat gets hard and turns white. It's supposedly very heathy to drink the fresh, sweet vitamin filled water inside. Vendors will sell you these in town and at Magans Bay for a couple bucks.

Jerk: West Indian herbs used to spice up chicken, pork or conch. If you don't mind very spicy food, give it a try. Jerk chicken is very popular.

Jost: Short for "Jost VanDyke" which is an island in the BVI's. Home of Foxy's Beach Bar and a giant New Years Party every year. Great place to go escape. You'll need your passport to visit as well as having to arrange a boat ride over. There is a ferry, but you have to go through Tortola. (pronounced "Yoast"--like toast)

Jumbie: Bad Spirit. A "moko jumbie" is a sort of scarecrow on stilts, that you see in carnival parades. Supposed to keep off the bad luck from getting to the people down below it.

Limin': To lounge around or rest. To Laze About.

Local: Someone who lives on island year round (or at least on a regular seasonal basis).

Magens: Short for 'Magens Bay'. Popular tourist and locals beach. Voted "One of the World's Most Beautiful Beaches' by National Geographic magazine. (Pronounced as "May-Gans")

Mon: A Person. Form of the 70s slang word, "man".

Northside: Northside of St Thomas where Megans Bay and Hull Bay Hideaway are located. Usually cooler then town with lush jungle setting.

Northsider: Person who lives on the Northside of the Island.

Old Wife: Local fish thats is excellent when cooked West Indian style with the head on. So called 'old wife' cause of it's big, mean teeth.

Old Years Night: New Years Eve. The biggest party is held on an small island called Jost at a place called "Foxy's". It's one of the biggest New Years Eve parties in the world. You can take a ferry from St Thomas to get there and back. It's in the British Virgin Islands, so you'll definately need your passport.

Pan: Steel pan.

Red Hook: Small town on the East End of the island with several restaurants.

Roti: West Indian burrito of sorts. A tortilla wraps up curry spiced chicken, shrimp or conch, with potatoes, vegetables and hot sauce. Try "IDEAL" Roti near the post office downtown. They make the best ones on island, in my opinion.

Safari: Short for 'Safari Cab'. These are the converted pickup trucks with the roofs that tourists use to go to and from the cruise ships, as well as island tours. Usually the cheapest way to travel rather then a private van or taxi. You can share one with locals from downtown to TuTu for a couple bucks and there are also many tourist versions running all over the island. (Example: "Does the Safari run by here?")

Safe (as in "Be Safe"): Calypso for "How are you". You also ask: "Safe?" or "You Safe?" and the person will respond: "Yeah mon, safe."

Sandy Cay: Located in the BVI's. It's where they film all the Corona commercials. You'll need to charter a boat and a captain for this one as well as have your passport. But what a day! The beach goes all the way around this deserted island.

Santo: A person from "Santo Domingo"

Soca: Fast paced tropical "carnival music" you'll hear in parades. A form of "calypso" music, only very fast with African and Latin blendings thrown in. Usually accompanied by a horns section.

Soursop: Fresh juice from a "soursop" tree. Get a glass from "Gladys' Restaurant" in downtown Charlotte Amalie, if she has it. You can only get it here and it's a refreshing and interesting experience. Her food is excellent too.

St John: Beaches on the Northside of this island are not to be missed. See my 'Beach guide' page for more info.

Ting:  Slang for the word "thing". Also, this is the name of a really good Caribbean Soda made with natural grapefruit juices. Comes from an island called Anguilla. Many places carry it.

TuTu: An area in the center of the island where the mall, K-mart and an Office Max are all located. Avoid it after 5pm and on holidays (and Fridays & Saturdays if you can).  It's the area to go if you want to avoid "tourist prices" for supplies and are going to be here for an extended period of time (over 2 weeks - a month).

Udder Delight: The local dairy farm located on the road to Magens Bay. Fresh Milkshakes, and a ritual for most (locals and tourists alike) who are on the way to or from Magens. You can get them with liquor or without for a couple bucks.

VI: Short for "Virgin Islands".

Virgin Gorda: One of the most beautiful places on Earth and an amazing day trip. Take a ferry from St Thomas (Sundays and Thursdays) and go for the day. Hit "The Baths" and prepare to be amazed. Worth the effort and expense (which is minimal if you take the public ferry). Run an "image search" under "Virgin Gorda" if you want to know what I'm talking about and see for yourself!

Wahoo (pronounced "Wha-Hoo"): A Fresh local fish thats usually available in season. It's excellent.

**NOTE: DJ Snow is never on "Island Time!"

DJ SNOW'S FAVORITE LOCAL "Quick Meals"

 in ST THOMAS, THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS.

Remember, these are my own personal "grab & go" choices!!!

(My sit down dinner favorites have to go to OCEANA & HAVANA BLUE)

DJ SNOW'S TOP 10 on ST THOMAS

#10. CHICKEN SOFT TACO's with GINGER TERIYAKI SAUCE at FAT BOYS (East End, St Thomas)

#9. BREADED WINGS with COUNTRY SWEET SAUCE at JACKS WINGS (Tillet Gardens, St Thomas)

#8. BLACK & BLUE SALAD (out of the cold case) at the MARRIOTT PRESTO MARKET (Marriott Frenchman's Reef Resort)

#7. HOT & SOUR SOUP from CHINA EXPRESS (Nisky Center, St Thomas)

#6. FRESH FISH SPECIAL OF THE DAY with WEST INDIAN GRAVY at UNCLE BUDDIES (Coki Beach, St Thomas)

#5. BANANAQUIT MILKSHAKE at UDDER DELIGHT DAIRY (Magens Bay Road, St Thomas)

#4. CHICKEN ROTI at IDEAL ROTI (downtown St Thomas)

#3. SWEET POTATO WRAP at BAREFOOT BUDDHA (Havensite St Thomas)

#2. GEMINI ROLL with IGUANA SAUCE on the side at BENI IGUANA's SUSHI BAR (Havensite, St Thomas)

#1. SPECIAL K ROLL at BUDDHA BAR (East End, St Thomas)