Ok, I am going to attempt to start this. I'm still in a bit of a fog so bear with me. Before I start, I want to emphasize that these are my experiences and my opinions. This board has always helped me plan my trips and I am very grateful for ALL of the information I have received over the years, good and bad. I love the BVI but as in all things, there are some things I do like to avoid, for instance, CGB. I know how loved this area is by alot of the board members, it's just not my thing, too busy for me. My kids on the other hand would love it. So, with that in mind, here goes.
Thursday, Feb. 12th.
Arrived at Logan Airport around 6 AM for an 8:15 flight. Security is tighter than I have ever seen it (thank goodness). Arrived in STT at 1:15, our ride was waiting for us (I had made prior arrangements with Smith's Ferry). The ferries scheduled to leave at 2 and 2:30 were cancelled so we had to wait for the 4 PM ferry. The bar on the dock was closed during the week but is open on weekends (we were told that this is something new. You now have to go upstairs to the restaurant if you want a drink). Up the stairs we went. We met a couple from Boston who were staying at the Elm for a month. They have been going to the BVI for 25 years. They were pretty cool.
Arrived in West End around 4:30, went to the Hertz office to get our rental. I was quoted $45.00 a day for a soft top but she was trying to charge me $70.00 a day telling me I was wrong. I was smart enough to bring my confirmation with me. I got it for the quoted price. Anyway, off we went. We had a 2 night reservation at the Tamarind Club along with an 8 PM reservation at Brandywine but we wanted to stop at Bomba's first. Big mistake! We stayed too long, it got dark, I got lost trying to take a short cut!! I seem to get lost alot on Tortola. We ended up in CGB, don't ask me how! I stopped to ask directions from one of the locals and he just happened to need a ride to the area we were going so we got a personal tour. I gave him a $10.00 tip for his services. We arrived at the Tamarind around 7:00, called Davide to let him know that we would be there around 8:30. We left the Tamarind around 7:45 figuring we would be early, guess what, I got lost again! Ended up at the airport! (Last year I had made reservations at Brandywine while staying in the West End and never made it, I got lost. I had emailed Davide expressing my apologies when I made reservations this year.) We arrived at around 8:30 anyway. Good thing we left early. I finally met Davide and told him about our driving experience, which he said "How can you get lost on Tortola?" Obviously he doesn't know me well. I have the worst sense of direction around. I also kept screwing up his name, which he humorously pointed out. Had an exceptional meal! Thanks, Davide! I just wish my husband had experienced it but he didn't arrive til Saturday. Went back to Tamarind to get a much needed rest.
Friday, 2/13
Got up around 8 AM, left for Smuggler's Cove around 9 AM. Stopped at CGB to drop off one of our companions (he wanted to roam the bars on CGB while we roasted on the beach), rented snorkle equipment at "We be divin" and spent the day at Smuggler's Cove, my favorite beach in the world! Checked out the bar (of course), what a difference! Bob's grandson has taken over for those of you who do not know. I asked him about the motel and he said that it would take a while before he will be able to get that up and running, if he goes that route. He is a really nice guy. Oh, I forgot to mention that the bartender at the Tamarind fixed us up with a bottle of their rum punch, MY WORD! I swear there was 3/4 rum and the rest fruit punch. I had to keep going to the bar for juice to keep from getting too juiced! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> We were toasting all of you up north! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drinking.gif" alt="" /> Went back to CGB to pick up (or drag up) our buddy who had no problem making friends of his own. Went back to the Tamarind, got showered and changed and had another wonderful dinner at Palm Delight. Love their Ginger Wine Chicken! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> Got back to the hotel with no problems. Hung out at the pool for a while, I read and my friends went for a walk. It was around 11 PM so it was pretty dark when they went walking. They told me that as they were strolling along they felt like someone or something was following them. They took a closer look at the fence by the road and saw two huge eyes that scared the wits out of them! It was an ostrich! We were told the next day that their neighbor is very fond of animals and has quite a collection, sort of Noah's ark. No kidding! Recently, they told us that one of the ostriches had gone to the beach (Josiah's) and was being chased up and down the beach by two cows. It was quite hilarious! I wish I could have seen it. The beach was crowded at the time with surfers.
Saturday, 2/14
Left Tortola for JVD and the Pink House. to be continued....... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/typing.gif" alt="" />
