My View
MY LIFE ON NANTUCKET
By Tijana Vucinic

Her name is Tijana and she is from Serbia. This is a story in sequels about her trip to Nantucket. Nobody knows how it is going to end, not even she.

Sequel 3 From the very beginning, on my flight from New York to Nantucket, flying over the island I could see that it was unlike anything else that I have ever seen before. Being a total stranger here and feeling as though you are at home, it becomes like mastering a certain art...the art of hospitality. Artists, in this case, are people who wear a big smile on their face, receiving all those who visit, who want to become a part of the unique magic of Nantucket Island. The word "Welcome" and one big honest smile would be the best way to describe the soul of this place. My first impression of Nantucket can be put into one sentence... "O my God, I've never imagined that a place like this really exists!" It becomes as though you are in a beautiful fairytale.

Immediately after I arrived I noticed the beautiful architecture of the island. The fact is that this place has so much style, that all objects are "dressed" the same. Fascinating is the fact that all houses are alike and with similar decoration. Also, what is interesting, is that I couldn't see any mall or a single fast food franchise. All that exists are houses cloaked in flowers and surrounding them is a special "island spirit". Maybe the spirit of old times.

After experiencing the fast, energetic and overcrowded New York City, coming face to face with the saying "20 is plenty in 'Sconset" was a huge contrast for me. Everything is new, but again, so familiar. By way of the Internet today,we can reach all spots on the planet Earth. I used the Web for the same purpose. But, even though I knew what everything looked like, I didn't know how I was going to feel here. That to me is the most important part of this island - our feelings during the stay.

Nantucket's nature heals - with its sounds, smells, views. In the dawn I walk over the grass covered with dew. About noon I am usually on the beach and my feet are in the hot sand. In the afternoon, I am on my way to the market or post office, walking through the town. When the night is coming closer, I can feel the wind in my hair and fresh air all around me. But, something that follows me wherever I go is that beautiful sound of the ocean. That is really a unique experience of nature.

Everything here seems to be old. But for me, that is not an acceptable word. I prefer to spice it up a little bit with words like "tradition, antique, heritage, experience, respect, ghosts of the past." It seems like lots of history is implanted into every single detail of this place, in every wooden board on every house, every petal of every flower. In every "Hi" or "Good morning" there is much more then just simple greeting. It is that recognizable dose of Nantucket's welcome - stranger just loses that status here. Every time when you answer back to that "Hi" you are becoming part of that fairytale reality called Nantucket. Friendliness, kindness, warm and welcoming atmosphere are everywhere. It's impossible for you to avoid it. I like this island mentality very much, where people feel like they are on their own, alone on the island, so they are always there for each other.

Sometimes, I forget that I am unfortunately here just for four months, because I feel already like I belong to this magical place. I think that this is maybe the best face of America which should be presented to the world with unique brand - the Nantucket smile. Celebration of the 4th of July was an amazing experience. It was a breath of real, good, old-fashioned America.. A small community of 'Sconset was so united in glorifying freedom and independence. As I am from Serbia, I know very well what the fight for independence and a sense of happiness after victory opens a door of freedom means. That is just a picture what I would like to remember America by. Smiled people dressed in colors of American flag eating hot dogs and hamburgers.

Sightseeing is certainly nice, but for me the work is the main purpose of staying on this Island. Therefore, I will describe more closely my roll in "this life" where I am not mommy's and daddy's little princess. I am

on my own this time. I