And They Have Started Calling.....

At the arrival of the first storm scare, the majority of the population in the Virgin Islands start stressing and freaking out. In late December, the tradewinds arrive. In May we start seeing throngs of honeymooners. These are all things we can count on every year. But the other event we can count on are the phone calls and emails from those long lost "friends", and they usually start about now.

This is the time of year where the Statesiders start thinking about the Caribbean. Winter weather is just around the corner. Thanksgiving and XMAS are rapidly approaching. President's Weekend and Spring Break follow closely behind. It is time to start making plans.

Being in the Real Estate business leads to an influx of calls. Those friends looking for the deal of a lifetime. Many are blessed with staying in our apartment, others we cannot fit (or they are wise enough to stay away from me). But it is inevitable that we will hear from our many lost friends who disappeared over the pleasant stateside summer months, only to return as they ready themselves for winter fun.

I love hearing from these people, this is not a complaint. I get giddy just thinking about their return to the island. I start planning my time to capitalize on their presence. Try to spread them out to best suit my availability. Some helpful tips:

1. Don't have three sets of guests in town straight in a row
2. Don't have two PARTY guests in a row unless it is the Holidays, or you will be really tired.
3. Make your single friends bring a mate or buddy, regardless of whether you know them, so they are kept busy while you are working
4. Make sure they have a car, serving as a shuttle can be tiring
5. Confirm you have your place to stay for your next Stateside visit