As a toursist, I am happy that such beautiful places exist for me to visit. I don't think I get to choose. We all have the same love for our island choice, we call it our paradise, our place, etc. but we are just lucky enough to visit and while it would nice to be able to create my own personal shangri la, it would not be the island that I fell in love with.

Things change, no matter what. Good or Bad is relative. I may not like something while a resident may love it...not my palce to even dream of changing.

If you had asked me this 10 years ago when I lived on island, I would have had a few suggestions, but for now, I am perfectly content knowing that in 3 weeks, when I arrive in paradise, some things will be different and some exactly the same and that is good enough for me.

The main thing I would like to see change is people littering. How obscene is it to see a beautiful beach littered... My favorite quote from a recent vacation in Hawaii was from our tour bus driver who picked up at least four pieces of garbage everytime he stopped at this one point. Kudos to being a part of the solution not part of the problem.

I would love more fresh water sources and fresh, locally grown produce.

I wound't change the weather or the beaches or the color of the sky and seas!

I also wouldn't change the terms of endearment that many of the people here say. "Yes, dear." "Thank you, dear." Such a nice, personal touch!

ms411: What better fresh water source than the cool, cool rain? ( to quote a favorite Who song.;) )

Something learned from Boy Scouts...
We always leave a beach with more than we came. No shells mind you but we carry a bag with us and collect any trash we find. Started doing that in Galveston 30+ years ago and it unfortunately works on STJ as well.