Well as some of you know The Shiznit was on vacation in St. Thomas. The decision was unanimous to do a Top 10 that reflected this trip. So here are the Top 10 reasons you should vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands
10. Rastaman in de mashup- It's always a clear sign that you have arrived in the Caribbean when you see a true rastaman. And no I am not talking about all of these US imitators walking around with dreadlocks. It takes more than that. You have to push around a grocery cart with a machete and other items in it, own a makeshift restaurant (drinks or food, it's your choice).
9. U.S. Territory- For all of you with empty pockets, who can't afford to pay for that passport that you keep hearing about, this is the location for you. If you are that U.S. citizen who hasn't been off the block since you were born, this is your chance to get out and see the world. Just make sure you bring your birth certificate and ID.
8. Family- I know that this doesn't apply to everyone, however it applies to The Shiznit, and this is our blog, so we can do what we want. Believe me you haven't laughed until you sit back with your island family and crack jokes! Now mind you usually you won't get their jokes, but you still laugh all the same. Maybe it's the accent and how they pronounce things. I don't know. Don't shoot the messenger. Then to top it off it's family so you know there will be at least one argument or that awkward moment that leaves everyone speechless. Cousin J was the highlight of this trip. Not only is she a Psalmist at the Presbyterian church, who is saved, but she can't stand her husband and is cheating on him. Praise him, Lord-A-Mercy!
7. Scenery- Photo ops are ridiculous. Lets just say the Shiz came back with over 400 pics. You just want to capture every waking moment. Believe me that's what we did. Its what we do. They don't call Madame-Editor-In-Chief the Paparazzi for nothing.
6. Partying- The party never ends in the Virgin Islands. You can get tired if you want, but the party is going to go on without you.
5. Slang- I don't know about you, but the highlight of my trip is always listening to the different slang. It makes for great comic relief, or it makes you realize just how behind your area might be in the slang department. In the V.I. you could steal a line and take it back home. No one would ever know, and you would get full credit for it.
4. Music- If you are in need of an eargasmic break from the hustle and bustle of your local R&B/Hip Hop Station, I definitely suggest you go here. The radio stations in the Virgin Islands will play a 1981 Maxi Priest album before they would dare play the latest from Weezy. The Calypso, Soca, and Reggae puts you at ease, and in the mood (if you know what I mean). The lyrics will do it to you. My favorite tune while I was there was "4 Men" by Supa G. The chorus is as follows:
"White man pay de bills,
Spanish man build the house,
Chinese man cook de food,
and Black man lay de pipe!"
3. Food- There is no food like Caribbean Cuisine! Its the best, and the Virgin Islands put there own little spin on things. As soon as the Shiznit arrived in St. Thomas we pulled over and got a hot of the press Beef Pate'. I know what your thinking, what is that? I believe on the streets of America we refer to them as Beef Patty's. But this is how the Virgin Islands lets you know that this is the real thing and you are not home anymore. Let your vacation start Meh Son! The fruit is like nothing you have ever seen in a Shoppers Food Warehouse. Genip, Ripe Mangoes, Guava, Banana, etc.
2. Duty Free Shopping- Jewelry, Alcohol, Perfume, and Cigarettes. Who needs clothes when you could by all of the above for next to nothing. You might as well walk down the street nude, smoking a cigarette, smelling good, and sipping on your favorite libation.
1. Beaches- I know a lot of people have never seen clear blue water before, besides at the pool. Well you need to leave that cappuccino lake you call a beach alone and check out real water. If your only experience at the beach is walking on the shoreline of the Anacostia River, believe me your still living in Babylon!
