So how does a surfer kid from Southern California end up falling in love with the Caribbean?  Have you ever seen the surfing opportunities in Barbados and Tortola?  If your answer is YES, then you know the other answer, too.

I arrived in Redondo Beach  in 1948, and lived on the beach for the first 21 years of my life.  I thought it was normal to live a block from the pier and enjoy all the Pacific Ocean offered - everyday!  I thought all things connected to the Pacific Ocean were normal - sailing, surfing, diving, beach volleyball, pier fishing, boat deliveries to Mexico, and a hundred more activities.  In hindsight I was one the luckiest kids I know because of growing up with amazing experiences connected to the Pacific Ocean - every day.  I had no idea that my love for the ocean would lead me to the Caribbean Islands and then create an international real estate company. Read the rest of this entry »

Kids and the Caribbean are quite a pair!

The Caribbean is not just a place for adults to vacation and play.

Your kids are completely aware of the Caribbean.  Ask them if they have watched the movie Pirates Of The Caribbean .  I know many of you have never been to the Caribbean.  Your kids are now asking that you take them there for your next vacation.  I have done my homework, so here are some suggested Caribbean destinations for your first or next visit: Read the rest of this entry »

What does it take to create a memorable moment for the world you touch each day?

I was minding my own business yesterday, waiting in line for a sandwich at my favorite deli at Lunardi’s Market.  Pamela, one of the ladies that always is smiling and engaging who makes my sandwiches, welcomed me back to the deli.  I had just returned from the VICL Boat Show the week before.  After she made my sandwich she said she had something for me and asked me to wait just a moment.  She went in the back of the store and came out with a DVD of the movie “Pay It Forward”.  She asked that I watch the movie and return it to her the next time I came in for a sandwich.  I thanked her for her thoughtfulness, and let her know I had already seen the movie.  She asked me to please watch it again. I took the DVD from her and promised I would.

So, a moment later I walked to the check out counter and Denise was there to ring me up.  I fumbled around in my pockets and realized I had forgotten to put my wallet and money in my pants when I left the house.  I embarrassingly let Denise know I had no money, but I told her I would go back home and get some cash if she would just keep the sandwich at her check out stand until I returned.  She said, “No problem. I will pay for your sandwich today. Next time you’re in the store just pay me back.”  I was blown away by her random act of kindness.  I hurried home and came right back to the store to repay Denise within a half hour.

It takes so little to create an unforgettable moment for our customers - whether they are charter yacht vacation guests, real estate clients, or just one of the retail stores on or off island.  Just so you know, I have this experience all the time in the Caribbean.  The locals in the Caribbean are some of the kindest people I know.  Maybe that is one of the reasons I love it so much down there, and keep coming back. 

My question today is,  what are you doing to create unforgettable memories each day for the world in which you live in?  Please rent “Pay It Forward” and watch it. Also, click on “Johnny’s Story” right now in order to see “service above self” in action.  Take a moment and leave me some of your extraordinary customer service stories.

Ten romantic spots in the Caribbean not to miss - from a $2,000 a day luxury resort,  to a $10 Pain Killer rum drink on the most beautiful sunset beach in the Caribbean.

So, my wife, and fellow world adventurer and I sat down today and said, “Why don’t we share with our friends our Top Ten Romantic spots in the Caribbean?”  I have been remiss in not telling you know about these ten jewels that are our favorite romantic spots to hangout at.  They range in price from a $2,000 a day to just the cost of a Pain Killer rum drink for $10 each.  Here goes; Read the rest of this entry »

Jim Walberg  met two high school students who are making a difference in the world - $1 at a time.  This story will inspire all of us.

I met Garrett and Kyle Weiss last week at my Rotary Club.  These are two high school young men who were inspired to make a difference in this world because of attending the World Cup  games several years ago.  The most impressive soccer game they watched at the World Cup include an African team with almost no support and from a war torn country.  They sat next to the small enthusiastic group of cheering fans and had the chance to speak with them about their country.  They were shocked at the conditions in the country and how difficult it was to participate in the game of soccer that Garrett and Kyle love so much, because of having almost NO soccer fields. Read the rest of this entry »

It has been amazing the past month to see how the Caribbean wants a hero, too.  Sully Sullenberger has been adopted as the one they need right now.

I just returned from a trip to Europe  attending the Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate International Conference in Paris.  Sully Sullenberger has been the topic of conversation everywhere I go, lately.

Many of you know that Sully and his family are dear friends of mine from the San Francisco Bay Area - Danville. You also have been following the whirlwind attention that has come to him because of the “Miracle On The Hudson”.  Sully was the right person, at the right time in history, with the right skills. His 35+ years as a jet pilot and as a glider training pilot was the perfect stuff for the first forced landing in water that had NO fatalities. Read the rest of this entry »

Geneva = International.  Of the ten families that make up my “Geneva Family”, twelve of them were born in some other country besides Switzerland.

After the Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate Paris Conference  I took the TGV - the bullet train, to Geneva in order to spend time with my “Geneva Famiies”.  The reason why Geneva = International to me is because of the ten families waiting for me at the train station with most of them being naturalized Swiss who were born in other parts of the world.  Out of 20 people waiting at the train station, here are their countries of origin… Canada, USA, Scotland, England, Sweden, South Africa, Holland, France, Chile, Spain, Russia, Denmark, and Switzerland.  In addition, they all have second, third, and/or fourth homes outside of Geneva.  Here are some of the locations of their homes outside of Geneva:  Caribbean, Spain, France, England, Thailand, Singapore, the Alps, USA, Chile, and more.  So, even though we think of the Caribbean as a melting pot of the world,  this special group of friends is the definition of international in living breathing form.

From the Geneva train station we all car pooled to Champery, Switzerland  to my friends’ Swiss Alps chalet.  This was my headquarters for a three day ski trip.  This is one of my favorite European destinations for skiing.  The Champery ski resort allows you to ski from Switzerland to France any time you want - which we did.  Our lunch destination on one of the days was a goat village at the base of the French side of the slopes.  What an adventure of skiing on fresh powder all the way down the mountain to this quaint village for more food and wine.

The men took a side trip one day to the Chevalier de Bayard Winery  in Varen, Switzerland.  My past views of Swiss wines are typically sweet white wines such as the Alsace region of France.  What I didn’t know is that the Swiss do not export their wines so the world generally does not have the chance to enjoy the many varietals that they produce.  The other surprise for me was visiting a wine region that was covered in snow!  I have never seen snow covered vineyards.  We shared a wonderful day with one of the owners, René Bayard.  (The Knights Of Bayard have been in existence since the 15^th century!  Even the knight’s armor is at the winery.)  After wine tasting, we eat a typical Swiss meal of Raclette cheese, fingerling potatoes and baby pickles - plus, more great Swiss wine.  What a day of exploring new regions of the world and lots of new experiences - and some more great wines that I will never taste in the islands!

My last few days in Europe were spent exploring Geneva - the Old Town, the yacht clubs along Lake Geneva, and the many Swiss watch shops.  I wanted to make sure I stopped by the yacht club that holds the Americas Cup - Societe Nautique Geneva.  I still have a problem understanding how a country with no ocean is the holder of the cup.  Another cold moment was showing off my Obama t-shirt in Old Geneva.  A man from England asked where I purchased it.  I told him San Francisco.  He wanted a copy of it, so I decided to gave him the shirt off my back.  Another magical moment. 

I am blessed beyond measure to have such dear friends as part of my world’s extended family.  And, I am sick of being so cold!  The Caribbean is 85F degrees today.  Varen, Switzerland is 28F degrees.  I love Europe, but my next visit will be in the Spring or Summer.  Now, back to sunshine, warm turquoise waters, and the warm trade winds.  Contact me  if I can be of any assistance with your Caribbean real estate needs.  Until next time…fair winds.

The Virgin Islands are just one of the many regions that celebrate Three Kings Day!

One of the many locations that celebrated Three Kings Day was St. Croix this week.  Three Kings Day honors the arrival of the magi bearing gifts to the baby Jesus.  After the Christmas gifts have been unwrapped and put away,  many communities in the Virgin Islands and Pureto Rico celebrate this holiday, also known as Epiphany or Dia de lost Reyes Magos.  Many European countries still celebrate it, too.

The Biblical story tells how the Kings or Wise Men or Magi - who according to legend are named Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar - presented the baby Jesus with gold, frankincense and myrrh. During this weeks holiday,  Three Kings Day was celebrated by giving gifts.  There was a parade, and afterwards families gather together for a community meal,  and for the gifts from the Wise Men are given to the children.  On St. Croix over 300 gifts were distributed.

It is also a National holiday in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and many others. It is looked upon as an extension of the Christmas holiday, and all government agencies and business are closed. There is a public procession in most of the local communities and it is focused on retelling the story of the magi to all the children involved in the celebrations.

If you participated in any of the Three Kings Day celebrations I would enjoy hear about your experience.  We need to find many more opportunities to celebrate life’s important traditions in all our cultures.  My observation is that we miss too many “moments” that allow us to take a break from the typical stress of our lives and get some further perspectives as to what is really important - family and dear friends.  Until next time…fair winds!

Kwanzaa means “first fruits of the harvest” in traditional Africa and it is celebrated throughout the world starting December 26th.

December 26^th the Kwanzaa celebration begins in the Caribbean.  It is an annual celebration in December that lasts seven days - ending on January 1^st.  Each day focuses on a principle that reaffirms the African commitment to themselves, their families, their community, and their black struggle for equality.

• December 26^th - Umoja - Unity
• December 27^th - Kujichagulia - Self-Determination
• December 28^th - Ujima - Collective Work & Responsibility
• December 29^th - Ujamaa - Cooperative Economics
• December 30^th - Nia - Purpose
• December 31 - Kuumba - Creativity
• January 1^st - Imani - Faith

The seven principles are collectively referred to as the Nguzo Saba, and are intended to serve as guideposts for meditation and daily living.  The greeting each day of Kwaanza is Habari Gani, and the reply is Habari Gani, followed by the principle of each day.  Kwanzaa is celebrated by people of African descent in North America, the Caribbean and other part of the world connected to African heritage.  It was created by M. Ron Karenga in 1966.

The St. John gathering is held in Cruz Bay in a small park near the ferry dock. Lucinda Parsons, Sigma Theta Omega Chapter President welcomes the audience of local residents and tourists each year.

The Love City Pan Dragons play the America National Anthem and the Virgin Islands March. The “3 Sweet” trio sings the Black National Anthem and South African Anthem. There are also student performances, as well as the St. John Cultural Dancers.

There are celebrations all week on St. Thomas and St. Croix.  Also check out the local celebrations held in all of the Windward and Leeward islands.  Habari Gani!  My family and I send you our best wishes for an unforgettable Kwanzaa celebration!!!

Jim and his family send you Holiday greetings and best wishes for 2008!  We know 2009 is going to be another unforgettable year!!!

December is the time of year that all of us spend time with family and friends, and it is a time we remember the many blessings that we have received each day throughout the year.  One of our wishes for you to is that this Holiday Season is not the only time that is only focused on a few days in December, but actually everyday throughout the year.  There are so many grateful moments that we need to pay attention to each day!  There are people to love, to serve, and even to just take a moment and listen to that will improve whatever condition they are in.  There is a quote I really like, “If you are wondering if your mission in life is complete, it is not if you are still alive.”  Below is a prayer that we will be using at our Holiday celebration dinner.  Make a copy of it and review it from time to time.  It means a lot to us.

Dear God, this is the Season of getting together with our loved ones; feast, toast, enjoy the blessings of life - and give thanks.  Thanks for life all around us, under foot, and overhead.

Thanks for the ability to remember the things that we love as well as to forget how much we’ve been hurt. Thanks for fine young bodies and old, venerable minds; for sun on our faces, the rain on the roof, and the food on the table grown by people we don’t even know.  

Thanks that the jets overhead aren’t dropping their bombs, that our healing hands have a place to practice, that children are born every minute of the day, and that death is there to gather us up at the end. And thanks for at least a few days a year when we all take the time to get some perspective.

 We send our best wishes for a wonderful Tropical Holiday Season with your dear family and friends!  Until next time…fair winds for 2009!!!