Our Year on St John USVI

[@islend12]

I love this video and have watched it over 20+ times. It’s great to watch when you feel you need a vacation or having a bad day. A big thank you to the Reuter family for taking the time to make this video and share it so we can share their adventure.

[@randytiefenthaler3022]

I have been to the VI several times. This family video may be the best representation of what is available in the USVI and BVI. Loved watching it!

[@8883mp]

Watching this video change my life I lived in the virgin islands in my young 20s and always dreamed about taking my family back with me so therefore I’ve decided to go for it one year in the Virgin Islands thank you brother have never met you but I Envy you

[@ststan7071]

What an awesome video capturing the beauty of St John and your family! We lived on island for 15 years in between Marilyn and Irma, and this brought back SO many great memories. You nailed it! Thanks especially for including the whole Tire Kingdom song :)

[@nansanfilippo7035]

Just loved your video. As a family we have traveled to St. John since 1978 usually every year or every other year and have watched it grow and develop and change… Your video just brought back all the happiness and wonderful times we spent there. I hope to be there again soon thank you for the video

[@captnrickealy4029]

As I go on..... this is the most beautiful and fulfilling video I've seen. Fantastic job. What a talent. I've lived there for 5 years and never seen anyone capture the true sights of everyday life so well... Thank you again and again.... Capt'n Rick.... now retired in Mississippi, USA

[@corareuter7347]

Capt'n Rick Ealy thank you thank you thank you! I never dreamed so many people would watch it. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@JoanneSgrignoli]

What an awesome thing to do! I loved the video. Well done! So much fun. Thank you for sharing this wonderful adventure!

[@sctenz]

21:00 You can take see the father-daughter connection there. They look so much alike! Live this video. Prob watch more than I should (should focus on making enough $ so I can move there!). Hope the family is doing well in WA!

[@KINGJERBO17]

Beautiful Vibes,,,Thanks for sharing this great chapter of your journey. My three daughters and I are vacationing on St. Johns now and We Love it here. May you have countless beautiful chapters and keep spreading love and light…. Namste….oh and Great Job on the video.

[@rebeccawilliams9469]

Great video guys absolutely beautiful we did the same thing with our kids I raised three babies in St John and then we moved over to st. Croix we move 4 years ago back to California and now we are going back we miss it but watching your videos of St John brings back so many great memories you did a great job filming thanks for sharing One Love

[@captnrickealy4029]

Beautiful video.... STT resident for five years.... sailed the STJ waters so many times.... love your photography so much... thank you. Capt'n Rick...

[@Defender-Guy]

Awesome video. I’ve shared it several folks when I see folks asking about moving to STJ. My wife & I have owned a home on STT since 2012 & look forward to retiring there. Thanks again!

[@aldorodriguez9881]

Love this video! Can't wait for our vacation! St. Thomas! Thx for sharing:) beautiful family:)

[@connieconnelly6436]

Thank you for sharing your year in St. John...we recently visited for the first time and fell in love with the island and the people of St. John. Cant wait to visit again!

[@takingchances9760]

My husband has the opportunity to work in the USVI. This convinced me we should go!

[@fredchapman622]

What a wonderful video! … My wife and I have been to the islands several times with St. John being one of our favorites … Missing trunk bay... LOL Thanks once again!

[@jeffharris3320]

Never been to the USVI's...was doing research online to learn more about St. John and found your family adventure video...Bless you for taking the time to assemble/edit this treasure map! watched a year of your lives unfold before my eyes...very sweet! Thank you and Be well!!!

[@SCHN4UZ3R]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video. The half hour went by fast. What a great opportunity for your family. St. John is a special place.

[@kattubadi1]

I watched it end to end. So fun to watch. I am jealous of you. I wish I will do what you did one day. Thank you for sharing with all of us.

[@articledon4880]

Wow. This is an excellent video. Captures the essence of the vi. Beautiful life.

[@susancastillo6286]

Watching this kind of left me a little breathless! ...And just heartbroken when you were leaving. I've wanted to move to the Caribbean for about as long as I can remember... I've visited several islands (not USVI - yet) and have been researching how a single woman in the healthcare IT field, and her little dog, can best make the move. USVI seems the way to go. I'm 15 years from retirement and I don't want to wait!

[@goateemike72]

I guess I’ll just have to come with you

[@Lacroix999]

Then don’t wait!! Life’s too short to wait for ‘retirement’!! 💗

[@kingtrance6826]

@ Yoshi STX - It’s 2020 mate. Tell me what place on earth isn’t commercialized. Perhaps your confusing commercialization for colonization?

[@redhouse1002]

@Calvin Hodge Lake Unless you are Arawak, you don't have much room to talk.

[@beehanes8671]

Just DO IT...make the move while you have the desire and enjoy your life! We all live here just once.

[@mrs.m3436]

What an amazing video!!! Incredible memories you have made with your beautiful family! Thanks for sharing!

[@scottford2776]

Well done. Absolutely amazing. You truly captured the island lifestyle.

[@RuthALacey]

Two of my favorite things... book ends of Michael Franti, and Love City! Returning to STJ in about 50 days after having to miss last November. Excited and petrified. I have a feeling I’ll be shedding some tears. Thanks for the video.

[@michaellaumann4156]

I hope Mera Realizes How blessed she is to have experienced all she has already & appreciates what all she has had the opportunity to experience already in her young life.

[@harlandeke]

Thanks for posting, we just visited the VIs for the first time on a cruise in June, we took the Red Hook ferry over, and fell completely in love with St John. I wanna go back sooo bad.

[@svca12218]

What a great and inspiring video! I am working towards my teaching credential just to have the entire summer off every year and take my young boy to such experiences....thank you for the video.

[@richreese1075]

I was born and raised in St. Thomas USVI and wouldn't change it for the world. What a blessing! Magen's Bay St. Thomas is my favorite beach.

[@WilliamsPinch]

Ollie is living an amazing life!! I’d trade in a heartbeat. These family adventures are really incredible. How lucky you all are 🤍💕

[@corareuter7347]

kyra williams we sent photos to the rescue organization where we got him and they replied back, OLLIE WON THE ADOPTION LOTTERY 😂😂😂

[@dennisclark8766]

That was a great video, thanks for sharing. What an adventure!

[@randydowell3902]

Excellent video. We’re going for our 20th anniversary. Thanks so much!

[@user-jd29ac6sdw]

This was a beautiful family fun video = Glad that you guys enjoy your stay in the Virgin Islands

[@ebonyprather5841]

Beautiful video...I loved every minute of it!!

[@biggadon]

glad you enjoyed your time in our Islands....glad you used some local music too......COME TO TIRE KINGDOM ...lol

[@AdventureswithCheryl]

What a wonderful adventure for your little family. St. Johns is such a beautiful island. I have been there many times but only for a day at a time...as I work/worked onboard a cruise ship. Love snorkeling in Trunk's Bay. Very nice. Are you still doing a youtube channel? I have subscribed and will wait and see. I have a new travel channel and am having so much fun posting videos and meeting new people.

[@corareuter7347]

Adventures with Cheryl thanks I’ll check yours out! I do have a channel, although it doesn’t have much. Just click on my profile pic I think. About a year ago I posted my favorite video yet… a compilation of us telling loved ones that I was PREGNANT! It was a total shock. we actually traveled back to STJ last Jan and thats where the baby was conceived. We can’t get that island out of our blood! Anyway, it’s a fun video, as is the gender reveal. I’m busy now making a video of the baby’s first year : ) We plan on living abroad again when the baby is old enough ❤️

[@AdventureswithCheryl]

@@corareuter7347 WOW Congratulations. It's very difficult trying to live/work and be diligent with youtube videos. Not easy to do. Yes, please check me out when you have some TIME! hahaha you sound very busy. What are some of your options for the future move? No worries about answering my questions as i know you must be really busy. All the best to you & your little family.

[@charissescully5893]

Wonderful video! Great to watch during this quarantine! Thanks for the getaway! We loved it!

[@jenniferlorence185]

NICE VIDEO, One of the BEST VIDEOS on KZbin about a Destination. That's the LIFE.

[@flip_lady_t]

A dream vacation! Especially for my husband. I was really sad when you guys left. Like I was leaving myself. Thank you for sharing.

[@JeanVance]

What a treat to see it all how it was. Thanks for making me smile. So you know things are slowly coming back. I actually saw 22 Caribbean reef squid today and a school of Blue Tang.

[@corareuter7347]

LOVE!!

[@jad8174]

Trying to head that way for work. I hope I figure it out too! Thank you for your video of St John. I am looking to work on St Croix though. Videos of what it will be like are harder to find. I've been to St Thomas, St John, and Tortola in one week several yrs back. We went by water cab to Foxy's also.

[@1981SBAX]

Beautiful video, can't wait to take my kiddos there. Laughed so much at "come to tire kingdom".😂 Thank you for sharing!!

[@thervgoalielife6666]

We are from Seattle (MLT) too and heading down to recon for our retirement move in about a year!

[@alicianwinter]

Wow!! You captured the island so beautifully 💗 I have been going there nearly every year since I was a baby (grandparents built a house there on the East End right above Salt Pond), and am just getting to go back next month for the first time since Irma!! So excited💗 Thanks for this wonderful video! xx

[@cyndigirl418]

Very nice video! I can't wait to visit St. Thomas and St. John next June with my family.

[@beautifulmonster4u]

This was wonderful to watch. Thank you! So so nice:)

[@DJSbm-28]

One of the best damn videos I have seen in a long time! Well done, made me smile all the way through.

[@kevinmcdaniel7206]

Good stuff.😉. Thanks for documenting what the island landscape used to be. It would be interesting and a little sad to see footage of some of the favorite beaches after the Irma devastation. Thanks for sharing

[@joanpiney4999]

Wonderful! Makes me miss St John so much.

[@Gracetillmannn]

Me and my family are going there this Saturday! (We will wear mask and are social distancing) I have gone to this island ever since I was little! Me and my family love it here and are so glad u guys did! I sent this to them and they are now think about it! 💕 I am so happy for u guys and your adventures!

[@meghand6864]

Can’t tell you how much I loved this video!!! This is my dream, both my husband and I and our future child hope to move there someday!!

Do it

[@Caribbean_King]

A lot to adjust to but it's worth it. Stayed on St. Croix for 3 months and know I'll retire there. Hopefully have property well before retiring so I can vacation on and off until then.

[@ATLLasercare]

Been there done that, got a Tshirt. My best advice... Spend 6 weeks vacation before you consider jumping all in. You'll be glad you did

[@olgahewitt5917]

Hi I live here in stcroix and it’s beautiful in the Caribbean 🇻🇮❤️

[@mabelpetersen9091]

❤️. This video be. Arecibo I’ve ❤️

[@johnphantom]

Feed any iguanas you run into with hibiscus flowers, red ones especially, that's why if you're wearing red they might come up to you and try to chew on your shirt. There used to be a 1 story shack where the 3 story building is right at the end of the St. John dock. It had stones out front with a couple picnic tables, and there was no gate or building on the dock. My dad was involved in the St. John Pub that was there throughout the 1980s that sold subs, hotdogs, cold beer and mixed tropical drinks to the tourists. I used to go over to St. John and have lunch at The Backyard on some Saturdays, that was practically all traveling by road on that island I did in the years I was there. When I was 12 dad bought me a 13 foot Boston Whaler with a 55hp and besides the other 4 boats he had I used to use it to go to St. John once in a while. A couple times was to Trunk where we visited our schoolmate that lived in the house on the peninsula that you see. She used to travel to St. Thomas to go to school and back every day. My best friend's dad owned the largest dump truck on St. Thomas during the time they were moving the Eastern mountain to off the Western end of the runway extending it. His driver was dropping a load off the end, lost control and jumped out just in time to see it sink into the end of the runway. Time, resources, etc dictated that they just keep going. So when you land there, you are landing on a dump truck. My family of 6 including 2 of my grandparents were scheduled on the American Airlines flight that crashed on the island in 1976 running into a Shell gas station at the end of the short runway. My mom had a dream, and rescheduled us for a week earlier with all the work and changes made for dad's 3 stores to run for 2 weeks. We were at Magens when it crashed. A call went out for the 2nd most rare blood, AB-, which my father had. My dad said he wasn't taking time out from his vacation to donate blood. Read the karma my dad died to on that island 14 years after that crash, in this book with links below. I've probably been on more cruise ships than anyone reading this, yet never been on a cruise. My dad ran a ship chandlery that had a monopoly on selling liquor to the cruise ships in the early '80s, that I used to spend my afternoons after school doing my homework at, that was located at the last building on the Havensite dock (has Senior Frogs painted on its roof). After growing up on the island and starting when I was 17 in late 1986, we used to roam Charlotte Amalie downtown streets at night bar hopping Coconuts, Rosie O'Grady's, The Ritz, Yesterdays, then to the Greenhouse at 10pm for the current live band, when everyone was partying in the islands. Since the bars closed at 2 AM we would go out to steal cars, usually rentals, and race across the island, afterward sometimes stripping them for parts. I've floored it in a brand new 1987 Accord LXi from the Fort all the way to Frenchtown one night easily doing 100mph, or over 5 times the speed limit, which was not unusual to do with stolen cars but sometimes done even with the ones we sort of cared about. One night I was with a few locals and we got pulled over for racing into Frenchtown. The cop went to arrest one of us and he started skipping around the car in a circle repeatedly singing, "Haha you can't catch me!" to the cop. He made it a couple times around the car and we had to bail him out that night. I hold the record for most boats stolen in one night while alone; three - I took them to a birthday party. Would you like to read about real modern pirates based out of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands taking place in the end of the cocaine fueled '80s? "THE REAL PARADISE: Diary of a Modern-Day Caribbean Pirate" Paperback: www.amazon.com/dp/1653714360 or Kindle: www.amazon.com/dp/B083C3DD19 (free with Ultimate).

[@corareuter7347]

John Phantom wow what amazing information and stories! Thank you so much for sharing. Made my day (and it’s my birthday!) I didn’t know about the plane crash. Crazy.

[@Docjonel]

Showed this to our two eight year olds who have heard all about St. John from their parents who love the place. "Daddy, I want to go there so bad!" Hopefully in a few years after recovery has progressed they'll get their chance to visit this incredible island. Thanks for this wonderful video!

[@corareuter7347]

8 is about the age we took our daughter for the first time! You should go sooner than later; all my friends say everything is back up and running and locals are desperate for tourists to come back. The beaches are empty and beautiful! Trunk Bay had a total of 10 people on the whole beach yesterday!

[@stjohnruth]

Recovery has certainly progressed enough to visit. No need to wait years!

[@ResilientSurfer]

My favorite Caribbean island, every beach there is stunning 🏝🌞

[@kbenj9242]

Loved this video so much! We’ve watched it ten times. We love to visit St. John. I would be honored to know why you only stayed year. Thanks for making and sharing this!

[@corareuter7347]

K Benj 10 times wow! That’s more than I’ve watched it! We only stayed a year because that was the original plan. We thought about staying longer, but we missed family too much and I missed the seasons a lot. Plus, we just had a (total surprise) new baby girl a few weeks ago!

[@islend12]

Cora Reuter Congratulations on the baby! I loved the video. Getting ready to watch it a 2nd time.

[@dlldll1352]

So nice so nice..stj a real paradise!! 🎵🎵 I'm from there great video!

[@cancun1989hermoza]

That's one lucky dog 🌞🏝🐕

[@busybizconsultingllc3493]

I love your dog so cute!

[@shelleygibbons1065]

Amazing memories for your family! Love st John's and the Redbook ferry and trunk bay! Honey moon bay !

[@robertsonfamilyfun9873]

Thanks for sharing your awesome adventure

[@justingraham7387]

I would like to camp at Pebble Beach St John. By far the best ocean sounds I ever heard.the roosters are incredibly colorful and the donkey's are friendly and Don't forget your Colombo's smoothie with rum at the top of the island

[@hanadvorackova5596]

This is AWESOME! Can´t wait for visiting USVI in January :-) :-) Hopefully one day we will also spend a loooong holiday somewhere :-)

[@mikehygj9221]

Show this to ur family 25 years from now,,,,,,,,memories

[@serfinusa908]

And the grandchildren can watch from lockdown in their smart pods!🙃

[@centralvafarmer]

What a nice video. I was really sick last year(kidneys) and realized that life is short. I'm seriously considering selling some land and buying a house on st john. Your video really makes me want to take the plunge. Beat wishes to you and your family

[@centralvafarmer]

I meant best wishes lol

[@smithmillson1354]

I've lived in St. John for like 2 years now. Awesome video!

[@donparsons760]

Absolutely tremendous. You are the coolest parents ever. You should write a book and tell about the experience.

[@iTipful]

Lol the Tire Kingdom ad took me out 😭😭. I’ve been a local for 10 years and I hate that song with a passion . Great video!

[@corareuter7347]

iTipful it still gets stuck in my head weekly, I swear

[@cugglymonster]

Yoshi STX take your toxicity elsewhere. Her family lived there and contributed to local businesses therefore boosting the economy so take your hateful agenda elsewhere.

[@tysoncantara5273]

@Yoshi stx how have you specifically been oppressed? Please don’t confuse life decisions with oppression bud. Life is about choices and we all have endless opportunity to better ourselves and do big things. FYI I’m Portuguese so keep your white privilege bs to yourself. It’s 2020 move on.

[@allthekingsmen6470]

@@tysoncantara5273 hi five to u sir

[@QED_]

A nice document for your future -- well done. Best regards . . .

[@daniellebrow8174]

Amazing job at compiling your year into such a beautiful video! My boyfriend has an interview to work in the USVI which would require for us to move there permanently. I would love to hear your intake and ask you a few questions if you wouldn't mind. Neither of us have ever been and of course it looks stunning, but I'm trying to get some feedback from people who live/ have lived there. Thank you!😊

[@corareuter7347]

Danielle Zailik sure shoot me an email at cora dot reuter at gmail dot com

[@sandrasiecgrist9233]

I’m with you....I would love to have helpful information on making that decision.

[@Johnronbondon]

I was here just a week ago for 10 days and it was breathtaking definitely recommend going!

[@busybizconsultingllc3493]

Very nice video thanks for sharing it

[@IanHn56]

Wonderful video! Thanks!

[@Shellross65]

Oh yes! Most definitely a D R E A M vacation! Beautiful way to spend some true quality time with family. Loved this!

[@dlatin23]

I love this video. I miss St John! Be there soon...

[@kentlewis2715]

That Tire Kingdom theme is lit

[@lindseyrose3472]

Such a great video!! Looks like so much fun! Thanks for sharing!

[@darianblaine4810]

Wholie crap... 1 year there........ what a trip! Im saving now

[@miacities1577]

Nice Doggy, great experience for a child, The Baths is one of the best places to relax, No place like home in the Beautiful USA, especially the Western States, home in WA not so bad either, and the Fiddle playing improved too!

[@bighaasfly]

Only 5 minutes in and I’m like, “I’m Sold! Now shut up and take my money!” LOL

[@kmra]

I loved this video so much that last night I booked a trip to St. Thomas this month for 2 weeks!

[@corareuter7347]

Jordan Mortenson get out! Be sure to visit St John for at least one full day; it’s a completely different vibe!

[@Samuel-hk6vn]

Hello! I love this video! I know this was 2 years ago but how did you guys make this work financially and the overall process of moving down! What a dream!

[@corareuter7347]

my husband is n software and can work from anywhere with an internet connection (though he had to travel off island quite a bit) and I am a violinist. I played in weddings and taught lessons there, both virtually and in person

[@cwells9434]

Love your video. Moving to Saint Thomas in March. Any advice or tips?!

[@corareuter7347]

st thomas is a lot more “big city” ish so it will be easier! I wrote a blog post about living on St. John if you’re interested. my STJ website is no more (where it used to live) but I can email you the word document if you’d like.

[@LRittenhousePruss]

Nicely done. We miss you guys.

[@corareuter7347]

Skylarrrr! I miss you guys oodles and oodles. We are hoping to come visit in January! We will keep you posted : )

[@craigbeals2852]

Awesome Video. We are from Oregon and hoping to spend a few months a year there. Looks like a blast. I love all the animals everywhere. FYI, touching green turtles deposits oil from our hands to the shell of the turtle. It causes fungus and other diseases which eventually kills them. They are protected. I know it's a $20,000 fine if caught in Hawaii. I know it's illegal to touch them in the VI's too but I don't know what the fine is. Just FYI for the future. Thanks. You look like an awesome family!

[@corareuter7347]

Oh trust me, seeing the turtle touching now makes me CRIIIIINGE. We didn’t know about it for the first several months we were there. There were zero signs at the time. I made this video for a “yearbook” for my family and the file was too big to keep anywhere but KZbin. Had I known this little video would be watched by so many people I would have edited the turtle touching out! Sadly my original video footage and edits live on a lost hard drive. So I put a turtle disclaimer in the main video caption.

[@jenniferlorence185]

What a GORGEOUS VIDEO and Family's FUN. WOW. WOW. WOW.

[@WilliamsPinch]

My family and I visited 2 yrs ago, now we’re planning to buy a family home there ☺️

Very inspirational video. I wonder if you guys considered staying there?

[@tomblack4748]

What a fantastic video! Thank you!

[@dancarlson4290]

What a great video of family enjoying life

[@ealyp1]

That was an amazing adventure! Gosh I felt like I was there with you

[@Lacroix999]

I’m curious... do you miss it?! Looks amazing!!! Can you tell us some of the good and bad parts?! What you loved and didn’t care much for?! I’m sure anyone watching this would just want to up and leave ASAP (myself included!) but loved to hear it from those who have been there how it *really* is! The beauty is enough to sway anyone and I’m trying to convince my husband to move there, but I first want to visit...at least then I know he’ll fall in love with it too!! 🥰

[@corareuter7347]

Chrystal Lacroix what’s your email address? I’ll send you an in depth blog post I wrote about the good, bad, and ugly 😃 It’s not on my island violin business website anymore since I took the site down, but I saved it as a word doc.

[@Lacroix999]

Cora Reuter [e-mail] Thank you!!!

[@corareuter7347]

Chrystal Lacroix sent 😀

[@Alloutparanormal]

This island doesn't get much attention! I will be moving here and will have an overlook of the caribbean!

[@benjaminbarlas7068]

No tf u won’t 🤣 stay tf in America

[@Alloutparanormal]

@@benjaminbarlas7068 catch me if you can!

[@curtcoller3632]

Which Virgin Island does NOT get attention? You must have missed your geography lessons. Sure, you can rent there, but try to buy a decent property and you will change your mind, especially after the first two hurricanes.

[@averygrace2791]

I have a been before and I loved it and I’m going back in about three weeks

[@contrac4u]

beautiful video. thanks

[@jou2166]

Everywhere I went sounded like something yummy to eat...remember cinnamon bay and chocolate hole and the first road going uphill is Jacob's ladder....lol

[@manuelmadrid1050]

Enjoyed your video. Thanks!

[@SKC193]

I’m in animal rescue & absolutely love dogs & that is one beautiful dog! (Not that there are any ugly ones!)

[@aimelise]

Loved this video. Can you share what rental company you worked with? Was it tough to get your kids registered for school? Can you share which school they went to? Did you always have to travel to St Thomas for groceries?

[@corareuter7347]

We found this house on craigslist for rent. But it was super hard to find and we just ended up getting lucky. Our daughter went to Gifft hill school and we loved it!

[@abbythompson950]

Love this video!! I was just there 2 weeks ago!!

[@roguewarrior21238]

What beach is shown @ 18:27? An American Airlines plane flying over the beach, road and loads of people on the beach. Looks to me like St. Martin.

[@corareuter7347]

Gary Kilbride yep st Martin!

[@kellyturner8864]

Hi Cora, My husband and I came across your video as we are considering the same YOLO adventure with our three kids. Wondering your take on Gifft Hill School as well as how you located such a good rental. Any advice is appreciated! I would love to pick your brain a bit!

[@corareuter7347]

I'd love to help! Shoot me an email at cora dot reuter at gmail dot com