Well, I'm back in New York City–chilly, rainy-sleety, home. And, boy, do I have DIF!!! Had a great time in BVI with my friends, Beverly and Carol (The BBC Tour)–I'm still dreaming about those tropical breezes!
Friday, 12/3
Arrived at Beef Island @11:00 pm, caught a cab to Prospect Reef with a lovely couple from Scotland. No one in the van (except for Curtis, ou driver, of course), but me had been to Tortola, so I pointed out a few places along the way–for some reason, the Abbatoir seemed to capture their imagination–weird. Checked in at Prospect Reef and went to the bar (closed). The night manager took pity on us and drove us to Le Cabannon, where I introduced B & C to painkillers–oops, I've created a monster! Another cab back to the resort by way of a chicken stand near the roundabout. While scarfing chicken and fries, we discover that the sofa bed is lumpy, bumpy, saggy and droopy (the usual). Also, the AC doesn't really work. Too tired not to sleep in the heat, though–we all conked out and slept like rocks.
Saturday, 12/4
I'm up early for a long walk around the resort–well-kept grounds, extremely helpful, friendly staff; a nice place that could be spectacular if they put some $$ into it. Called Bobby's to let them know we had arrived--they delivered within 15 minutes--a new record. Grabbed a Carib (it was only 10:00 am, but what the hell), swung in the hammock, played in the sea pool (just one, not 2 as on the website)--and just relaxed. That evening, we went to Village Cay restaurant for dinner, then back to the resort bar. Met a fun couple from England who gave the 3 of us new names. I chatted with a very nice gentleman who is also from NYC–former FBI agent with great stories. Got ourselves drunk enough to sleep in the heat again.
Sunday, 12/5
Up early for a visit to Rite Way and Marine Outfitters (@1 minute walk from Prospect Reef--very convenient). We decide to go to Smuggler's Cove–our driver, Mr. Pemberton, was terrific and was careful not to scare Beverly, who is very afraid of heights. At Smugglers, the building where the bathrooms used to be is now becoming a bar–bathrooms aren't ready, yet, but the bartender told me that they'll be finished soon. Mr. P picked us up and gave us an impromptu island tour–Bev was dying to see Bomba Shack and then we drove to CGB–Mr. P took us over the hill and stopped several times for us to take pictures–he was so great about keeping Bev calm that I think she really enjoyed the ride. Later, walked to The Pub for dinner (scary as hell walk); good food, but very crowded that night. Started to walk back and were picked up by Dixon, security guard at Prospect Reef–lovely gentleman who became our buddy during the week. Went to the bar (closed).
Monday, 12/6
I've had it with the AC–no one at the resort seems to be able to fix it, so I decide to see what I can do with it. Took off the cover and fiddled with these little fuses for a few seconds–I must have touched the right thing, because all of a sudden we had fabulous cold air–heavenly! Went downstairs and the coffee maker was clogged up and overflowing. We cleaned up the mess and it happened again. I figured I was on a Ms. Fix-It roll, so I took it apart, put it back together and it worked fine (I'm thinking about a second career!). Carol has adopted a little island cat and it literally eats out of her hand. Got our things together and went out on the White Squall II–great day, beautiful weather, good ship-mates and taught Bev to snorkel. Tied up in Manchioneel Bay and some of us went for a swim. VERY strong current. B & C stayed up late on our porch (bar was closed again) with the English couple who gave us new names, but after swimming in that current at Cooper for an hour that day, I was wiped out and went to bed early.
Tuesday, 12/7
Up early for my morning walk–girls slept in. Went to Rite Way and got stuff for dinner–Bev wants to cook tonight (I really wanted to go to Brandywine, but going with the flow). We hung out by the sea pools (many, many Caribs), then fixed dinner and had an early night (resort bar still closed).
Wednesday, 12/8
Up early–saw something I've never seen–a giant cruise ship with sails. Mr. P wasn't available to drive us to Long Bay, but one of his drivers, David, took us. On the way, his van died. It was raining cats and dogs and the poor guy had no clue what was wrong. He called Mr. P and he came to drive us the rest of the way. Vegged on the beach and explored the resort–they've put A LOT of $$ into it and it shows. The girls have fallen in love with the BVI and want to come back next summer–we'll stay at Long Bay. Mr. P picked us up and told us the problem with David's van was minor–we were all relieved and happy for him. Dinner at the new Spaghetti Junction: they've done a great job, beautiful place and the food is still great. Went to the Bat Cave, but it was early, so only a few people around–decide to go back to Prospect Reef and drink there with the neighbors (resort bar STIll closed).
Thursday, 12/9
David drove us to the Peter Island Ferry. Bev and I decided to sit outside in the back of the water taxi and got totally soaked–what a riot! Had a great day on the beach. Bev thought she saw Bill Gates, but it was someone else. Carol found another cat friend–they all seem to know she's there. Getting off the water taxi, my gear bag got caught on something and ripped open. I made a spinning jump, caught everything that was spilling out and somehow landed upright on the dock–I must have looked ridiculous, but the first mate gave me a round of applause! Back at the resort, we decide to go to The Pub for dinner. There's a great guy playing guitar, singing and doing the on-man-band thing–he was really good. Carol hops up and decides the music is too good not to dance to. I'm stuffing my face with conch fritters when I hear her scream–somehow, she stepped wrong and must have torn most of the muscles in her calf. Bev and I helped her get to a chair and try to calm her down, but she's almost hysterical and thinks she's snapped her Achilles tendon (I don't think the Painkillers had kicked in enough, yet). We finally get her to calm down, but she can barely walk. Dixon comes to get us and we all go back to the resort. Takes about an hour to get Carol to realize that she's not going to die–more Painkillers helped. I went outside to look at the stars and saw a beautiful, star-shaped cloud formation with a single star inside of it right over my head–not sure what it meant, but I decided to take it as a sign (of what, I have no idea).
Friday, 12/10
Going home today–seems like we just got here! It's been a great week and I decide to cap it off by drinking the last Carib for breakfast (slurp!). Bev and I walked around, said goodbye to the chickens, and got Carol ready to go to the airport. Got in the cab, went to the airport (very sad)–had a pleasant surprise when our bags weren't searched (I'm not sure I could have gotten everything shoved back in mine!). Uneventful trip home (the best kind).
I wish I was still there and can't wait to go back!!! Happy Holidays to everyone!
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