In the Caribbean

It is in our nature to judge. We judge what other people say, what they don’t say, and – last but not least – what they wear. As such, in line with our nature, Passepartout now must pass a few uncomfortable judgments. Having returned from two extraordinarily exotic escapades with a heart of glass, Passepartout will judge.

In the past two weeks, Passepartout and Willie Fox played little Pirates of the Caribbean, they snuck away – not the Philippines – but to the very beginning of the New World – the one and only, St. Thomas. The Iguanas were omnipresent. The Beach sellers adamant. And The Island Taxis non-sensical. There was lots of fun to be had.

If only it wasn’t for the locals. And voila, ladies and gents, here’s where the judgment comes to picture. And holly molly! Judgment, will it be!

I am not gonna walk around the hot pot. Simply and trimply, the locals were: mean. Oh, man! And By mean, I mean mean, meaner than the video that killed the radio star.

Evidence numero uno: they don’t EVER look into your eyes. Someone said it was their culture. But man! Their culture really does make you feel like you’re dealing with the radio-star killers.

Evidence numero dos: Passepartout and Fox were trying to visit the island’s capital taking advantage of the numerous one-way-only taxis, named the Safaris. When demanded where to get off the Safaris in order to reach the famed capital, the two travellers were told to get off in front of the local K-Mart. Doubtful yet trusting, they did. Well, they shouldn’t have. Upon getting off the Safari, Passepartout saw a glimpse of the locals giggling in the quickly departing taxi. Of course, the get-off location was the funniest joke St. Thomas ever saw. With heart of glass the locals put the two travellers into a not so desirable position – left in the middle of a suburban mall, mocked and lonely.

Victims of island’s humor, Passepartout and Fox stood frozen staring at the passerby shoppers with bags full of the new K-Mart collection. Tears reached their eyes. Desperation their cheerful minds. In the middle of the hurdle-durdle of the consumerist fever of St. Thomas, the two young gentlemen remembered their most cherished chanson:

“Once I had a love and it was a gas, soon turned out

Had a heart of glass.

Seemed like the real thing, only to find

Mucho mistrust.

Love's gone behind.”

And Hallelujah. Praise the lord. The Blondies spoke the truth. It is in our nature to judge, and so let me judge. Dear St. Thomasians, Passepartout can deal with your low look – no matter how harsh they are on the radio star. Beware, nonetheless, the sneakiness is not ok – it is not ok to mislead to world travellers and leave them behind in a strange Caribbean suburbia with no means of escape. Oh, St. Thomasians – keep giggling – if you wish so. But keep in mind. With respect to your little island, for Jean Passepartout and Willie Fox, love’s gone behind.