Although it may be easier to pass through St. Peter's gate than to work in the BVIs, I successfully moved through the BVI immigration process.
As Odysseus sailed from the shores of Ithica, I too leave the comfort and familiarity of my own shores to venture far from home. I am now an ex patriot and work permit resident of the British Virgin Islands. I am a non belonger who literally has no more respect than the transient tourist In fact many would say that the tourist brings money to the islands and is appreciated where a non belonger simply takes an islander's job. Just the term, non belonger suggests a notion of being unwelcome and undesirable. This may be an issue with the unemployed locals. Fortunately unemployment is not high in the BVI.
I was met at the ferry terminal and driven to my new apartment on West End Tortola.
An eerie feeling came over me as a British Virgin islander (my boss, and owner of Caribbean Broadcast Network Limited) drove me to West End Tortola. Was I making the biggest mistake of my life? I have accepted gigs on a cruise ship and on an Atlantic sailboat crossing only to say, "This is not for me." Would this be any different?
As I am one of 25 Americans allowed on the island yearly, I feel a sort of duty to represent America in a foreign land. Although many Americans live here, I will never compromise my heritage or love of country. God save the queen, but - Oh By God - Bless America.
July 4 means nothing here but a military defeat in British history. I may next year find myself on St. Thomas for the night and revel in the pageantry as an American with fellow Americans in America.
Nomads, why would I ever take this life, as it is given, with any doubt or deliberation? I am here and I shall make the best of it. How many can say they are living the dream; working at what they love to do and living where they always wanted to be? I always felt that the epitome of success was getting paid for doing what you would pay to do. Professional golfers are the best example, but I actually feel that way now. My earnings fail to compare with pro golfers, but the satisfaction of my work and life in the sun gives me reason to believe that I am living the dream. I work in television .. in the tropics.
Pinch me.
the Odyssey continues...
As Odysseus sailed from the shores of Ithica, I too leave the comfort and familiarity of my own shores to venture far from home. I am now an ex patriot and work permit resident of the British Virgin Islands. I am a non belonger who literally has no more respect than the transient tourist In fact many would say that the tourist brings money to the islands and is appreciated where a non belonger simply takes an islander's job. Just the term, non belonger suggests a notion of being unwelcome and undesirable. This may be an issue with the unemployed locals. Fortunately unemployment is not high in the BVI.
I was met at the ferry terminal and driven to my new apartment on West End Tortola.
An eerie feeling came over me as a British Virgin islander (my boss, and owner of Caribbean Broadcast Network Limited) drove me to West End Tortola. Was I making the biggest mistake of my life? I have accepted gigs on a cruise ship and on an Atlantic sailboat crossing only to say, "This is not for me." Would this be any different?
As I am one of 25 Americans allowed on the island yearly, I feel a sort of duty to represent America in a foreign land. Although many Americans live here, I will never compromise my heritage or love of country. God save the queen, but - Oh By God - Bless America.
July 4 means nothing here but a military defeat in British history. I may next year find myself on St. Thomas for the night and revel in the pageantry as an American with fellow Americans in America.
Nomads, why would I ever take this life, as it is given, with any doubt or deliberation? I am here and I shall make the best of it. How many can say they are living the dream; working at what they love to do and living where they always wanted to be? I always felt that the epitome of success was getting paid for doing what you would pay to do. Professional golfers are the best example, but I actually feel that way now. My earnings fail to compare with pro golfers, but the satisfaction of my work and life in the sun gives me reason to believe that I am living the dream. I work in television .. in the tropics.
Pinch me.
the Odyssey continues...
Glad to hear everything is going well! Jack talks about you often!
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