You could take a tour with Tan Tan Tours... we enjoyed ourselves and saw a lot of STX we would not have seen otherwise.

What types of things did you experience?

I like to take photos of ordinary things when I visit a place. Things like worshippers leaving church on Sunday, front porches and the activities that go on there. Just ordinary snippets of everyday life.

Any idea how to observe those things?

I've been to St. Croix 10 times and think it's great. It's pretty easy to get around the island and just kind of blend in with the flow of things. There are lots of churches in Christiansted to observe. I remember one time that there was a fair sized wedding going on and lots of people all dressed up. Pretty neat. If you go when there are any festivals going on you'll have lots of opportunities to get neat pictures. Mocko Jumbie dancers,bands,entertainers etc. It's not the most exciting island that I've been to but it is our favorite. Nice mix of restaurants,beach bars and not over run with too many tourists. You will take tons of pictures,believe me. Good Luck.

My husband, I and 2 teenage sons love to do what you said; explore an island's unique nooks and crannies when we go on vacation. We went to STX last June for 10 days and it was great!! First, you have to rent a car. There is so much to do that 10 days wasnt even close to being enough but here is what we did that was fun and unique to STX. Buck Island, although touristy, is something not to miss. We found one of the smaller boats (Terraro, I think was the name) which left from Green Cay. We liked it b/c 1-not alot of people on board so you can spend time chatting with the crew) 2-it stayed at Buck Island the longest period of time. Take an afternnoon and ride through the rain forest. Stop at the "Leap" (a mahogony wood working place) and then at the Domino Club to drink some mamma wannas and see the Beer Drinking Pig. Try Normas chicken and Johnny Cakes while you're there. Just be careful when drinking the mamma wannas. they are potent. To see the pig, you need to go before 2pm or 4pm. I cant remember which. That was the absolute highlight of my kids trip. It was hysterical!!!! Just sitting there and talking with the people who live on the island is always what makes our trips most memorable. I love to hear about stories of how people ended up there. One thing Ive learned is to read the local paper and see what interests you. The island is fairly large with alot of people from the states so there is alot of neat stuff to do. We found a 2 mile road race at the Univ of VI and I ran in it. I was the only nonresident in the race and it's something I'll never forget. I made i in the local paper of STX. COOL!!! We felt the island was as safe as any as long as you listen to others and use your head. We drove all over the island, hit a different beach and restarant (or two) every day and it was a very pleasant time. I would suggest researching all the different STX sites to see what interests you. There are alot of them out there. To me, researching a trip (and hearing otjhers adventures) are half the fun. Have a great time. You will LOVE it.

We like to do what you're talking about,too. When you get to the airport, you'll see a free magazine called St. Croix This Week that tells you about different things that are happening on the island while you will be there. We found this very helpful. It's also put out at several places downtown Christiansted. We spent a morning walking around downtown C'sted taking pictures a couple of years ago, you'll be surprised at all the interesting shots you can get! With the old Danish architecture,old Churches ,the fort ,etc there's ample opportunity for some great shots. I agree with the above poster on renting a car and getting out and exploring. I love the island.

phyl,
You hit on a phrase that we have been saying to ourselves since our first trip to STX . St Croix.... COOL!

oh, I forgot one other neat thing to do. If you get out to Point Udall, hike down to Jack and Issacs Bay beaches. They are REALLY nice. Take alot of water and DO NOT lock your car. THat was against all my husband is but everyone says they do not hesitate to break your windshield to take something. And there is glass on the ground to prove it. On your way out, get a lunch from In the Case Deli. Their stuff is really good. And I found out from chatting with the owner, that she is an old high school friend of my sisters. COOL (again)!!!

What are Mocko Jumbie dancers?

I really liked your descriptions and although the advice to leave the car unloacked was a bit disturbing, it does seem helpful.

Did the pig get drunk?

Mocko Jumbie dancers are dancers in costume on very tall stilts. It is quite amazing to watch - the leg strength and coordination is unbelievable.

I'm told that the first pig, Buster Sr., developed a "liver problem". The pigs now drink NA beer. I don't know if this is entirely true, but for sure when I first went there it was regular beer and now it's NA.

It was wierd to leave your carunlocked but everytime we've beento the islands, that's what we've been told to do. So we didnt leave ANYTHING in the car and we did what was recommended. It was WIERD!!!
The folks at the Domino Club used to give their pig real beer but they don't anymore. We heard stories as to why but I cant recall what they were. Too many drinks myself, I guess.

Where do the Mocko Jumbie dancers perform?

Domino club is a for sure place to see some local color ..buster was murdered .he was fed a sponge and died...Norma switched to non-alcoholic beer years ago for the pigs...you can see the Jumbies every Friday night out at Carambola around 8 pm or at jump-up and other festivals and events. as far as locking your car...the tourist rental cars are marked and yes they will break windows any where on island. I had my car broke into at 12 noon downtown Cristianstad on the main street..stole my beach towels...if you want to keep it .take it with you....I live here and when my folks and friends come to visit I send them to Tan Tan .......ask for Wave or Jenny....... this is your best bet on seeing STX off the beaten track in one day.......wear cloths that can get dirty and wet ...its one great ride......