Things I Miss About the BVI...(Humorous ONLY!)

Even though I'm still here for one more day, I've been thinking about what I'll miss the most. Now, I don't mean the things we all often talk about like the people, our friends, the beauty. No, I mean the personal, non-enlightening things. Here's my personal start:

1. The casual attitude towards hygeine.
2. The ability to wear clothes well past their shelf life.
3. Shoes? We don't need no steenkin' shoes!

You get the idea. Any others??

How 'bout breakfast Caribs?
Still here for two more and it gets better every day.
Have a safe trip home and we'll talk Tuesday night.
G1

Swearing over lunch that we're only going to have a few.

Drinking Callwood's rum ... and thinking it tastes great!

Paying for rain to take a long shower.
Having to pump the head 25 times
The race for the last ball at Coopers
Island time for deadlines at work

The choice of whether to eat lunch, or just continue the liquid diet.

Do I REALLY need yet another Soggy Dollar Bar t-shirt?

I miss the 2am rainstorm "I'm getting wet!" hatch-closing fire-drill, followed by the 2:30am "I'm gonna die it's so stuffy in here" hatch opening fire-drill.

I still get the urge to grab the Joy dishwashing liquid and run outside for a free freshwater shower every time it rains....

1. Thinking that Bed Head all day looks really good.
2. Yogurt with granola for breakfast, because anything is better than long-life milk.
3. Underclothing is optional.
4. Those few wonderful "clean" minutes between washing off the cruddy sunscreen and applying mosquito replellent.
5. Singing out loud, in company, along with all of those great cruising tunes, even though that's reserved only for the privacy of the car at home.
6. Thinking you're exercising remarkable discipline by having happy hour start as late as 10:30 a.m.

- Driving on the left (and tooting often)
- You mean I can't wear a sarong to work?
- Letting the wind dry my hair
- Having roosters as an alarm clock
- Yes, breakfast Carib and johnnycakes
- Losing track of what day it is (and what month it is)

Whenever I'm feeling hot and sticky, taking 4 steps in any direction and finding myself swimming in the Caribbean.

...the lizard on the coffee maker and the rooster outside the window.

1. Not Flushing the Toilet and Throwing the Toiletpaper in the Wastebasket. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Sick.gif" alt="" />
2. Taking a Shower Outside.
3. Putting on a Baseball Hat Again.
4. Nothing on my feet! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />
5. Ooops almost forgot....Roosters crowing day and night! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />

Bottle of Cruzan for $2.75 and the two liter coke for $3.00...

Ah, you mean like BillH showing up at our place the morning after our dinner at Spaghetti Junction, still wearing his shirt from the night before, with the spaghetti sauce on it?? And then sticking his finger in it to taste it, to try to remember what he had for dinner??????? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />

...Sorry, G1, I'm just p*ssed off that you're still there and I'm here!!! Love ya!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Kiss.gif" alt="" />

[quote]wanderer said:
- Driving on the left (and tooting often)
I hope it was a convertable!!!

The celebratory painkiller after FINALLY get that damn ring on the nail. Victory tastes so sweet. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

1) What do you mean I'm overdressed in shorts
2) Wearing the same swimsuit 5 days in a row
3) Looking at the stars while floating in the pool
4) Puck's cooking
5) Sunday brunch at Mad Dogs
6) Vinnie Connolly's 50th birthday
7) Ester's cooking and conversation at the Fat Virgin
8) the water taxi ride to Saba Rock
9) the water taxi ride back to Gun Creek
10) O2 on a Friday nite at Chez Bamboo
11) any nite at the Rock Cafe
12) Driving back at 1:00 AM and diving into the pool
13) VeeBee and friends at the Rock Cafe bar
14) Flying in to VG Airport on Air Sunshine and having a no hassle customs clearance
15) Having a few at the Bus Stop bar at the top of the hill overlooking the North Sound and chatting with the roadworks crews
16) taking a day sail with Dave Irwin of Double D
17) Stolling the beaches on Anegada after a lobster lunch
18) Having your rental car waiting for you with keys in the ignition and signing up for it the next day
19) Running my toes through the sand at Mahoe Bay and trying to figure out if the tide is going in or out
20) lying under a sea grape tree and falling asleep
21)phoning the airport and letting them know you are running behind and letting them know you're coming but not getting displaced by other passengers because you show up 40 minutes befoe flight time and still having enough time to get one of Puck's "take off" rum drinks with a breakfast sandwich.

I forgot one. Getting thrown out of Big Ben's Superette in West End for not being properly dressed. My buddy came walking out with his head hung low. "They told me to get out, cause I didn't have a shirt on". Too funny!

The 5' high sink at Nicole's so tourist STOP WASHING THEIR FEET

Friends of mine will ask me how much I drink when I am at the BVI.....Well, I still like my brewed coffee first thing in the am....but immediately after start I my alcoholic consumption....and finish up with 3 advil, then night-nights <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/snore.gif" alt="" />.....that ole expression,"don't let the bugs bite", does not apply for me...they bite from the time I arrive till the time of wheels up....And I love every minute of the BVI!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Rofl.gif" alt="" />Dette

1. Getting off the plane and having the Caribbean sun hit your face and you know you are home.
2. That first delicious bite of Anegada lobster.
3. Having a cocktail to celebrate...whatever...anytime of day just because you can!
4. Seeing the deep shades of blue and green in the water as you sail...it's just intoxicating!
5. and yes...being on island time!

everything

Ain't that the truth! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/pirate.gif" alt="" />

Sitting in the cockpit, smelling the Dominican coffee perking down below, watching the world swing by, waiting for the 7:30 AM weather forecast on ZBVI.

A) Wearing your wet swim-suit top as head gear so you don't sunburn your brain.
B) Letting your eyelashes rest by wearing NO mascara for a week
C) Shoes? What shoes?
D) Limin', I could lim' for life.

Taking in the million stars above you while taking an outdoor shower only to realize that while you were taking in the amazing night sky a milion mosquitos were having their way with you! But it was all good!

- Getting the last roll of toilet paper wet when taking a quick shower in the boat.

- Getting the best food in the world in the worst looking restaurant.

The people.

Last summer while waiting for our adult children to arrive at the airport we were standing outside by the truck having a beer. Another couple with kids walked up. We struck up a conversation and the gentlemen said that he was from Tortola (still spoke with an island accent) but he now lived in Virginia. I asked him what part of Virginia? He stated Virginia Beach. My husband and I were floored as we are from that area. We chatted a while and he told us he managed one of the restaurants in the area.

Yesterday I went to the restaurant just to talk to him and let him know we were going back! He remembered meeting us last year and said his wife and children were going back this summer but he could not. I could tell he misses home.

1. Waking up to the sound of goats bleating on Cooper.
2. Listening to the way they pronouce "zeh beh vee eye" on the radio. (I miss David Jones)
3. Winning the "first to see the trees" on the trip to Anagada.
4. Singing "It's 5 o'clock Somewhere" with a Carib in your hand... at 10am <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/busted.gif" alt="" />

[color:"green"]The coquis of Brewers Bay. Just love that sound and very sad to not be hearing it as much as in the old days.
Music coming out of the Gazebo at 5am..especially new/old years day.
Walking home after a night of dancing and smelling the fragrance of Lady of the Night
Lizard poop on my pillow(it's a love/hate thing)
The old ariport and the man at the bridge with the cup
Cows that stand in the middle of the road and just refuse to let you Drive
by them.
The johnny cakes that we use to get a Columbus's in CGB..they were the best![/color]

One word:

Ring Toss

I miss people who can't count after a few Caribs (oh come on...humour)

A little juice glass of Sebastian's Rum for breakfast! 'Tis the "breakfast of champions" <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Let's not forget the roosters....

How about Foxy, stopped playing, got up upon our arrival and gave my family a hug on 2 occasions.
Everybody looked at us, like who the heck are these people???
It's amazing how people in BVI remember you after a few visits even though we go there only once a year!!

dette--true story from this most recent trip--We were in Riteway, and there is this small chicken running around the store!! He stopped right in front of the chicken counter!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> This store employee was chasing him around. Last I saw, he hadn't caught it yet!!! (maybe the little guy knew he was running for his life????? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/thinks.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />)

1...after a long trip, the 1st sighting of Jost from the ferry 2... the thrill of arrival as we turn into Sandcastles/ then sit a the bar and have the first of many painkillers 3...Ivans thurs nights 4...the barefoot walk down the "road" in Great Harbour, saying hello to all/stopping along the way..finally having dinner sans shoes !!! only in the BVI !!!

Yes, this is the real me sans fluff. This is who I am, no fluff or primp. Wind, Water, Sun, Fun. If you call me a bedhead, you beat me to the swim ladder, and no fair making snide comments on your way out.

Tomorrow I'll be first in the water.

Breeze

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> oh my, only on the ilons.

How about ANCIENT history Things I Miss About the BVI...

in 1984, at the Salty Whale Bar and Grill in Leverick Bay when the wait staff was given new boxes of paper wrapped sanitary straws, sitting at a table in the bar area preparing for the evening rush by punching the straws and blowing the paper off to make a stack of paperless straws.

Then moving to the dining area and hearing a flotilla captain exclaim, "I'll pay for anyone's dinner who strips naked and jumps in the pool!" -- and they all did!

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/pirate.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />

That would be Turnbull at the Bridge?
http://mysite.verizon.net/bythebeach.bev/images/turnbull.jpg

My list:
* rolling backwards down Joe's Hill when the Jeep conks out!
* mosquitoes, no see-ums, sand fleas (they don't exist in So Cal)
* walking up the hill to Cannon Point Cottages at 4 a.m. from Quito's and having to stop 3 or 4 times to look at the view (definitely the old days!)
* having the Island Blues set in 24 hours before leaving the Island - crying in my Carib
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/band.gif" alt="" />

This isn't a "miss" item as I do it too often, telling people my phone number is six tree tree two, rather than 6332.

I love these threads!

*** sitting in the co-pilot's seat on the Cape Air flight and catching that first glimpse of the BVI, as the pilot opens his window to let some air in.

*** not knowing what time it is or caring.

*** wearing eau du OFF as my evening fragrance and feeling like I primped if I put lip gloss on...carrying a stick of After Bite as an accessory

*** the switchbacks and crazy steep roads, seeing cars parked on driveways with a 60 degree slope!

*** having no plan and ending up going to dinner somewhere with other vacationers you just met that day

*** having a happy hour cocktail on the boat and watching the late comers to an anchorage come in with all of their fenders out or the ever so entertaining first timer's mooring ball attempts

*** deciding that a couple of painkillers have all the properties of a nutritious breakfast and then lunch

*** seeing the locals dressed in jeans as I can barely stand being in a sundress on some of those really hot days


*** listening to the locals speak to each other and being amazed that we are all speaking the same language

*** always being in awe of the colors of the water and stars at night

Ok..we're joining the departure crowd shortly.. on our way to MCO in a few hours. Will be home tomorrow afternoon.. but already making '07 plans!

Safe journey home! ..and let me know when you get your dates firmed up!!

Tony the Taxi Man's Hula Girl!!!

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />

1. Celebrating my sister and brother-in-law's anniversary twice because we did not know the date. (it's easy to lose track of time)!!!
2. The Stars - The Rainbows - The FLOWERS
3. Laughing so hard your cheeks hurt
4. Tequila shots after a big meal, so we can continue to party instead of going to bed.
5. Shutting Foxy's down - they literally put up all of the chairs before we left.
6. Dancing all night and sharing one pair of flip flops to go to the bathroom because one of us had lost ours in the water.
7. Hearing my husband over the microphone singing at Foxy's and he has never sang out loud at home, much less in public.
8. 5 girls getting stuck in the sand at Anegada and building a road to get out because we refused to call our husbands - and we did get out.
9. Looking Forward - In 10 days we will get to introduce my brother and his wife to sailing in the BVIs. Can't wait to experience it through there eyes.
10. Total RELAXATION!!!!!!!!!

Some days I smile Most days I GRIN.
Jo Ann <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cool.gif" alt="" />

1. Carrying a cute little bag of essential accessories: Bull Frog, Cutter Advanced, After Bite, and anti-fog gel.

2. Losing track of the day of the week

3. Bikini bottoms as acceptable undie substitutes if I can't get away with commando

4. That moment of "clean" after showering off the sunblock and putting on the bug juice

5. Changing from the "everyday" flip flops to the "formal" black flip flops to wear to dinner in a sundress

1. The feeling of relief when you've made it safely around a switchback, only to be quickly replaced by panic when you see the next one and hear what sounds like a big cement truck honking.
2. Having your car break down and not stressing about it; instead, using it as an excuse to stop and have a Red Stripe and lunch with friends who just happened to pull up.
3. Leaving all your valuable things (money, camera) on the beach as you snorkel for an hour and knowing that everything will still be exactly where you left it.
4. Getting so accustomed to the heat that you feel like you need a jacket when you step into an air-conditioned building.
5. New friends -- lots of 'em -- that you know you will see again!

Or standing in front of the Air Conditioner in Pussers at Marina Cay after being on a hot boat for 5 days in July and not wanting to leave!!!

Wow !!! Yep so true

I miss the Piranha Bar at Pussers in Soapers. I often wonder what year they removed it. My wife always got a charge out of watching those fish watch her toes while sipping a pain killer. It was like she thought if she let her guard down, SNAP!, a toe would be gone. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

I miss the random cows we saw walking up our driveway one morning while eating breakfast at Nail Bay. And the goats on the way to Leverick Bay.
And drinking Carib like its water.

Getting attacked by the same evil hen everytime I ate lunch at the RoadTown bakery

Desperately trying to find the corpse of the dead lizard I knew was in the Montero someplace because it smelled so bad

After filling and lugging several crates of water jugs to the car, always having at least one that had a small split and leaked all over the car creating a minor flood

Being at Cane Garden Bay on a Sunday night and realizing that my gas tank was on empty and I forgot to fill it and had to drive home to Nanny Cay, praying I would be able to make it. (And I was dumb enough to do this several times)

Micheal Beans!

Getting ready for bed and being greeted by a lizard when I turn back the bed sheets.

Scott