As we sailed into the harbor of Charlotte Amalie, Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands, it was a breathtaking vista. A sheltered mooring for small boats, houses climbing the verdant slopes, and clear blue water reflecting the sky. It was just what we think a tropical paradise should look like. Click here to see it live, via a webcam!

But like every supposed paradise, there was a prosaic reality to deal with. The economy of the island is almost completely based on tourism. Almost all food has to be imported. Much of the population lives near the poverty level. And, despite having been a US possession since 1917 (before that, they were Danish), they still drive on the left side of the road!

Coral World

One of the main tourist attractions on St. Thomas is Coral World, an aquarium which includes a viewing chamber that allows you to view the sea bottom in relative comfort. From a photographic standpoint it was very challenging: the light was dim, the colors were way off, and the fish were moving! We did the best we could.

(c) Copyright 2005, F. W. Schneider, all rights reserved.