Lessons from the past
Take a stroll through history
Maura Curley
The alleys and back streets have tales to tell. But you need to listen, and imagine the lives lived in, the teeming ports of Charlotte Amalie, St.Thomas, and St.Croix's twin towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted.
The spirits of island ancestors, and early visitors resonates, but is best experienced without 21st century daily distractions.
Plan a soothing Sunday stroll down Main Street in St.Thomas, when the shops are closed, and admire the intricate ironwork on the balconies and the graceful archways, free from their commercial context.
Stroll along Kongen's Gade up Government Hill and marvel at the patchwork of intriguing architecture, reminiscent of the varied European rule over the centuries. You'll find magnificent mansions, including Government House, and Hotel 1829, with Spanish, Dutch, Danish, French and English influences.
Be sure to Notice the Dutch carved wooden doors, Danish red tile roofs, French grillwork, and English gingerbreading.
Saunter along King Street in St Croix's Christiansted and reflect upon the happenings in the Old Scalehouse, where rum and molasses were once weighed by Customs Agents in the 1800s and head to Frederiksted, where the entire town is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Take a waterfront walk and breath in the air of the past, but be present for state of the art sunsets here.
Photo: A balcony in Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas
Maura Curley is publisher of virginvoices.com
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