Hello Defying Gravity,

What type of pre-plan info do you need help with?? packing? transportation?

--Islander

Transportation, cooking, and overall experience. We're not quite sure what to expect in the work exchange program they have and would love to hear from someone who's done it.
Having a rental car the whole six weeks we will be there isn't really feasable for us. We're wondering if the $25-$30 one way taxi rate from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay/Salt Pond area is accurate. Do you know how unreliable the buses are? Do they come on some days and not others or just at random times? I had ask in an earlier post if anyone had a great experience with a particular taxi driver or company, but didn't get a response.
We are so excited about staying so long! We're hoping to be able to check out St. Thomas and St. Croix on our days off. We love the idea of living there, so this is as much of a trial run as we can do. If anyone is up for lunch, dinner or drinks to give us their 2 cents, that would be great.

Thanks so much in advance, this site has been so much help.

Defying gravity,
Are you staying at concordia while you work there? Are they putting you up in the tents or the studios? I have stayed in both and ABSOLUTELY love the tents (for vacation) not work. Working at concordia would be awesome, How did you get the job? Did you apply on their website?
Good luck in your adventure.

Linda

Thanks! Yes, we applied for their volunteer program through the website. We're not sure which we will be staying in. We're hoping for the tents. Ok, a girlie question, how are the bugs when you sleep in the tents? We camp a good bit and I'm used to the usual suspects, but its been a while since I was up close and personal with lizards and the like. What would you say are the best and worst things about staying in the tents? Did you have a rental car or use the bus and taxi's?

Thanks so much!

I have never done the Concordia, however St. John is my favorite place to visit and I will be there for 9 days in May. BUGS BUGS BUGS! You need the best of the best of deet on this island especially if you are near water at night! The little buggers that bother me are called, "no see em's " you don't see them but you feel them. Try to stay off the beaches after dusk! We got married last May 4th on Trunk just after sun down....OH MY GOD! I used hair spray and perfume...not a good idea, believe me. Bring scentless shampoo's and such. You will thank me later.

We rent a jeep while on the island, but I will tell you that hitchhiking is common on the island and most who live there do it. We picked up a 10 year old boy going to a birthday party. There are only around 4000 folks living on the island itself so it is safe enough. We live in Chicago and would never have thought this to be a common activity.

I really don't know about busses on the island. I don't think I have ever seen one. I see the taxi's but I assumed them to be cruise passengers on a tour. We would drive you there but we will be leaving 5/9/04. Have fun!

You seem to have isolated your real concerns. Transportation and bugs....

Transportation is a tough one. I would never be on any USVI island without my own car.
BUT the rental for a basic car is in excess of $800 per month. You need to decide how much you will be moving around and How important it is for you to have the "flexibility" of your own transportation. You can get around for much less , but that depends upon your willingness to put up with certain "unknowns". There are taxis and the VITran bus. You can get around safely but not on your own schedule.

BUGS....St John is a very "buggy" island. There are mosquitos, noseeums, and sand fleas and who knows what else... They love my wife, but rarely bite me. Why? Who knows?....

Your earlier advice is good. Use higher % deet (toxic waste mouth !) and cover up in the evenings.

Have a wonderful adventure......

When we stayed at Concordia, we didn't have any problems with bugs. The screens on the tents work great, and the bathroom is just a few steps from your door. 🙂
Good luck! (I'm still envious you're getting to work there!)

Hello defying gravity,

Transportation; you might rent a car for part of the time and then make the absolute most of it by driving out to hard to reach areas ect. You can use the Vitran bus, allow lots of time to get places, its last stop is at the parking area for Salt Pond Bay. Here is the information from the last time I checked (which was a while ago):

Vitran buses run along Centerline Road. The buses travel from the Cruz Bay ferry dock, through to Coral Bay and then to Salt Pond Bay. From Cruz Bay the bus leaves at 6am, 7am, and then 25 minutes pass the hour until 7:25pm. From Salt Pond Bay the bus leaves at 5am, 6am, 7am, 8am and then 10 minutes after the hour until 8:10pm. The fare is $1 a person.

You can also use taxis, the rates in the St. John taxi section on this site are up to date. I see $11 for one person, $18 for two people from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay. And $15 for one, $24 for two to Salt Pond Bay, for one way. As for as no recommendations for a fav. taxi driver, don't worry about it, if you find a taxi driver you like then get his/her name. You can also hitch hike.

All the best with your plans.

--Islander

Thanks so much! We are so looking forward to coming.