I'd say the answers are - no, not necessarily, only if you want to, probably, yes. Now to elaborate:

Robberies can occur anywhere, but unless you go alone to a deserted area, or go down dark streets in questionable sections of town, or go looking to buy drugs you are just as safe as you are at home. I've been there 20 times without so much as an anxious moment.

There are numerous superb restaurants where I will happily pay the money necessary for the meal. There are also numerous places that charge very reasonable prices. Breakfast at Shenanigans or the Marina Bar in Christiansted is about what I pay (maybe even less at Shenanigans) at home. Bombay Club has a wide range of great food and prices (it is not an East Indian restaurant - it's named after the gin). Kim's and Nolan's Tavern are wonderful for local food, at Luncheria you can have a very full Mexican meal with a Dos Equis for about $10 with tip. Of course there are some McDonalds, etc. but not many (thankfully!!).

Life in the Left Lane - I waited years to rent a car and still don't drive around much, but the trick is in turning right. It helps to have a navigator, and it's useful to follow the car ahead of you. It can be done - we only had two "near death experiences" (just joking).

Birds come and birds go. There are plenty of pelicans, egrets, ground doves, and frigate birds. I don't see the bananaquits (sugar birds) nearly as often as I used to in town. The island is not a real destination for birders (try Costa Rica for that) but I'm sure the rain forest has plenty to offer. The St. Croix Environmental Association has various tours.

The beaches on St. Croix are not as long and lovely as many other islands, but they aren't generally as crowded either and they do me just fine. I love Cane Bay beach, as well as Shoys, the beach at Buck Island is picture perfect and there are other nice beaches around.

E-mail me if you'd like more information.

Susan,

To answer your questions:

1) Absolutely. You will be robbed on the island. But the monies will be returned to you upon departure.

2) Yes. You will need money for meals. Plan on at least $2 per day.

3) Yes. You will crash if you drive on the wrong side of the road-- turning your rental car into a white hot ball of molten slag. Rental agencies become very upset with this kind of foolishness.

4) No. St. Croix outlawed all fowl in the mid 1960s. It became too costly to keep them.

5) No. Beautiful beaches are not for fun. You may look; but do not touch.