Those of you who know me know how this report is gonna read. A disclaimer for those of you who don’t know me: this too-long-for-just-a-long-weekend-trip landlubber’s report does not contain fave restaurant reviews, places you must see and fancy, smancy places to stay. I am also not responsible if you spill coffee and/or any other assorted drinks on your keyboard (or person) when falling asleep while reading this report. And for those of you who thought I would never post a trip report again – SIKE!
<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="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/typing.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/typing.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/typing.gif" alt="" />

The TTOL trip reports I have read recently made me second guess myself while I was editing this report cause I didn’t really have anything new to say since I always visit the same places and do the same things. BUT listening to Quito’s CD’s took me back to the BVI and made me decide to go for it. Hey maybe it can help someone’s DIF, someone’s insomnia? Didn't have much time to proofread this report, so any mistakes, people or things I forgot, SORRY!! That said, read on at your own risk. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Ever since I made the decision to visit the BVI on another long weekend, I’ve been on cloud nine, so stoked about going you would never think I was just there a few months ago. The BVI (specifically Jost) is the only place that has that effect on me. I wanna go back again and again. I’m beginning to think I have an addiction (albeit a very welcome one). Not harmful, not habit-forming (uh, let me rephrase that) not bad habit-forming. I call it “running away from home.” I’ve played Quito’s Paradise CD and Kenny Chesney’s song Be as You are so many times, I know my co-workers are sick of hearing them. But hey, WHATEVER They’ll live. <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/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

Unfortunately, last July during the trip the minis and I took to Jost I found out that, yes, even during office hours, my infected finger (it was my fault it got infected) was of much less importance to the Jost nurse Derek than a football (or is it called soccer?) game. Since then, I promised myself, that I will do whatever I can not to get sick when I visit Jost. Luckily, when I left Jost, I went to Anegada, where they did take care of my (still infected) finger. In keeping the promise to myself, however, when I pack I include (a) medicine I currently take, and (b) medicine for any ailments that may (or may not) occur during my visit. Unfortunately, that means most of the stuff in my suitcase in medicine. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />


THURSDAY - GETAWAY DAY

Flying out of Newark on a 9:55 p.m. flight on Continental. Friend drives me to the airport with plenty of time to spare. Unfortunately, after boarding, I’m sitting in front of a kid who keeps kicking my seat. This happens several times while I wait for the mother to tell him to stop. Still waiting, and after about 10 minutes of non-stop kicking, I have had enough. Now, I don’t usually talk to other people’s children, but I do not intend to sit through the flight (I’m gonna try to get some sleep too) with a child continuously kicking my seat. I turn around and see no grownups, just three children. The little kicker just looks at me when I ask him to stop kicking my seat. I turn back around and all of a sudden, I hear a woman (the mother maybe) ask the child what I said!! Amazing. She magically appears after I ask the kid to stop (where was she when the kid was kicking the hell out of my seat??) Thankfully, the kid settled down and I went to sleep. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/snore.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/snore.gif" alt="" />


FRIDAY - BACK HOME IN PARADISE


I do love flights where I go to sleep and wake up to hear the pilot telling the flight attendants to prepare for landing. Flight arrives in SJU at 3:00 a.m. Claim my luggage and a porter and we’re off to the AA terminal. Mickey D’s is open, so I order breakfast, take my usual seat and chow down. Leisurely island stroll back to the AE check-in area where I have a seat and listen to Quito. My flight on AE to Beef is at 8:45 a.m. and I start feeling sleepy so I stroll around and window shop. Lose track of time and before I know it 5 am has come and gone. Check in at 5:30 and walk to Gate 1C where the sign still says it opens at 5:30 (it never does). Ask one of the TSA folks and they say it will open but a little later. 6:30 and one of the TSA folks says it won’t open until 7:30 a.m. (when will I ever learn?) Should have done my usual and go through the checkpoint at Gates 6-19. Through the checkpoint and I break out in a big smile cause I’m taking that long walk to Gate 1C. I’m here!! I’m here!! I’m actually looking at – THE BUS!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cool.gif" alt="" />

Ya’ll know the bus. The one that actually takes you to the AE plane, the one that’s always so doggone cold when you board, then they taxi you to the plane, where they have you sit for a while before you even board. Yep, that bus. I’ve taken that ride so many times, I make sure to carry a jacket just because the bus is always sooo very cold. After staring at the bus for a while, I fall asleep several times. Finally, they call the flight. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

Uneventful flight into Beef. I don’t think I can describe the feeling I always get during the walk from the plane. I’m so excited, but I also feel like crying cause I feel like I’m coming home after being away for a long time. I always take a deep breath during that walk, and say to myself “yes, you’re actually home again.” Through immigration and custom in no time. Gonna call my road dawg, see if he can pick me up. One of the drivers ask me if I need a taxi, and I tell him I’m not sure, gotta call someone. This being the BVI, what does he do? Hands me his cell phone to make the call. While I’m making the call, one of the other drivers smiles at me, and says “Oh, you’re back, I remember you.” I laugh and tell him I remember him too (I actually do but for the life of me I can’t remember where I met him). Road dawg is busy at work on the other side of the island, so I take a taxi with the cell phone driver and another couple. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

It’s their first trip to the BVI and they’ve been traveling for a few days, due to missing a flight earlier in their travel. They ask the driver if we can stop for a beer, ask if I’d like one, and after I tell them I don’t drink beer, tell me I must have a soda. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/pepsi.gif" alt="" /> We stop at a small roadside stand., drink and talk about the BVI. The driver gets a call, and says he’s going up the road to pick someone to pick someone up, and will be right back. He takes off, the couple look at me and the wife asks “is he coming back?” <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> I laugh to myself and think they’ll be here for ten days, in a few days, they’ll be fine). I smile and tell her of course he will. Driver comes back with his passenger in tow and we’re off.

I had told the driver that I was taking the ferry to Jost, and he agreed to drop me at Big Ben’s to get some groceries, take the couple to their hotel (they’re staying at Sebastian’s) and come back to take me to the ferry. Road dawg said to call and let him know my status, so I tell him I’m at the dock waiting for the ferry. He says he’s coming to meet me and I should wait for him. Since, he’s always late, I tell him if he’s not here by the 1:00 ferry I’m leaving. 12:30 he’s still not here. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />

12:45 he drives up and I agree to hang out with him for a while. He proceeds to try to talk me into staying in Tortola for the night. No, Nada, no way. Not me. I’m outta here. I do agree to hang out with him and take the last ferry over. Grab a phone card from Bobby’s, then head to Rhymer’s. Can’t wait to see the look on their faces. Everytime I leave, they ask when I’m coming back and I always come back before I told them I would. Last time I was here (in November) I told them I’d be back in August. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

They’ve put a curtain up at the window, so I pull it aside, and say hi to Ecline, who turns around, sees me and we both start screaming. Big hugs all around. Patsy (the owner) is sitting inside, and asks as she usually does “Sharon, what are you doing here?” We all laugh and I tell them I had another long weekend so here I am – on my way to Jost. Walk across to Big Banana and order some of my favorite wings, stroll down the beach, stop in and say Hi to Quito and Fitz. Back to grab the wings, road dawg parks the truck and we eat and get caught up on what’s been happening. His phone goes off, so he’s gotta back to work. Have him drop my stuff at the dock, and take me to Pussers so I can say hi to Bella and Lorna and have a pina colada while waiting for the ferry. So said, so done.

Leisurely walk back to the ferry dock. Off to Jost. Bunn meets me at the dock. Wow! There’s a new building Bunn tells me is the new Customs and Immigration Building.
Off to the campground where I find my cabin for this trip is Cactus Hut. The sign outside reads Just Shagging. I love it, it’s big enough for two people and it has a lot of extra space. Uneventful rest of night. Fix dinner, listen to some music and off to bed. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/snore.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/snore.gif" alt="" />


SATURDAY - MEET THE BROOM MAN DAY - <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Big cruise ship in White Bay. Grab some breakfast, and meet some of the other campers Teresa and Jane who are here for a few months. (I’m so jealous). Everyone’s talking about Ivan’s anniversary party, but he knows I won’t be here cause I’ll be on my way back to NYC. (I did bring him some goodies of course) The campground is really crowded, and all the food bins in the kitchen are full, so I keep all my non-perishables in my cabin till some space frees up.


During her morning walk, Raquel stops by to say hello during her morning walk. She tells me there’s a new and improved trail. (While I never did walk over the new trail, I did take some pics of it).

One of the things I like to do in the morning while at Ivan’s is sweep the floors of the main hours. Ivan has been telling me about one of the campers who flies down with his own broom to sweep the floors. Well, I finally meet the broom man Billy who lives in Long Island, N.Y. and is a retired NYC cop, who now works with families in the court system. We spend some mornings, drinking coffee and swapping war stories about the courts. He’s up early every morning, using his ever-present broom to do his KP which includes washing the rugs. Can’t remember how I spent the rest of the day, but I do know people keep a-coming for Ivan’s pahtay.


SUNDAY - SNOW, SNOW AND MORE SNOW DAY

Met Maryann (Nightmare) and her husband who are here for a few days. I do hope they’re really enjoying themselves. My daughter calls but says she’ll call back later. Uh oh. Now I’m worried that something happened to one of the minirugrats. When I do speak to her, first thing she says is “nothing happened and all’s fine. She then says” by the way, I called to tell you that it’s been snowing since 3 pm yesterday, they’re predicting 12 to 18 inches, and all 3 airports are closed.” Utter silence, since my mouth is wide open. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> How can this be? When I left NYC, the long range forecast predicted 3 to 6 inches, maybe more in the bluburbs.

She said while they were watching the news, they showed people sleeping on the floors in the airports and she’ll call me later with an “update.” I sit there stunned, decide there’s absolutely nothing I can do about it, smile and congratulate myself for perfect timing -- I’m here in Paradise -- not snowed in in NYC. LIFE IS BERRY, BERRY GOOD!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.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="" />

A few people I met at the campground live in St. Thomas, bus used to live in Queens. Small world, huh? Tara, her husband Andrew, his sister Christina and a friend of theirs Diane are staying at the campground tonight and invite me to go with them to dinner at Foxy’s. I hesitate, but they promise it’ll be fun. Usually when I get to Ivan’s, I don’t feel too inclined to go anywhere else. But hey, I’m going back tomorrow, so I’ll make an exception this time. LOL. Andrew makes reservations for 7:30 so Steve picks us up at 7:15. Foxy’s is pretty quiet, just a few tables are occupied. They have a guy singing who sounds pretty good, so I relax and order a pina colada. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Based on Rick (the very tall maitre’d) and Andrew’s recommendations, I decide to have the jerk wings and Tamarind ribs (excellent choices). <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> We sit around, eating, talking, drinking – just a very relaxing time. Back at camp, I’m still fretting about the weather back in NYC and my flight tomorrow. Renee says “Sharon, this is a stress free bar remember“ and proceeds to pour me a painkiller. I laugh and tell her she’s absoblutely right, no more stressing. Half an hour later, I call AA (so much for not stressing), and the agent tells me, AA has only cancelled the morning flights. O.K. let me get this straight. All three airports are shut down, but ya’ll only cancelled the AM flights. UH HUH. Sure you’re right. NOT!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> I’m thinking about going to Plan B (not that I have a Plan B, but I’ll think up one by tomorrow. Off to bed. Tomorrow’s another day. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/snore.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/snore.gif" alt="" />


MONDAY - BACK TO NEW YORK DAY <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> NOT!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Up very early. Billy doing KP. First thing I think about this morning? Plan B. I still don’t believe AA’s story, and if I ever have to sleep on the floor in an airport, it will be because I have no choice, not because I put myself in a position to sleep on the floor. Soooo, I’m gonna follow my first mind, Implement Plan B and change my reservation. Hmmm, let me see, in the past, I have left my judge two voice mail messages about being stranded in the BVI. One time it was because of a blizzard and the second time it was because of a blackout. Soooo, I think the snowstorm story should work nicely this time. But first, I call AA who tell me they can change my reservation (for a fee of course) but they don’t have any flights available tomorrow from SJU to JFK. (Hmmm, they only cancelled the AM flights remember – UH HUH) Guess what? Someone else can sleep on the SJU airport floor, but it won’t be moi. <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="" />

They do have availability on Wednesday so I grab that one. I call and leave the judge a voice mail that basically says that since there is a definite possibility (??) that I will have to sleep on the floor of SJU airport, if I try to fly back today, I think I’ll pass AND since the earliest I can get a flight back to NYC is Wednesday, I’ll see her Thursday. (Hope I have a job when I get back) <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> I then call (a) my deputy clerk and (b) my boyfriend (who has no clue where I am all he knows is I’m away) and tell them I’ll see them Thursday.

That being done, I take a deep breath, relax, fix breakfast and sit on the porch, knowing I’m not leaving Paradise today. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> Many of the people here know I live in NYC, have heard about the weather and I tell them I’m going back Wednesday. They spend the rest of the day saying “oh you look soooo sad”. I ask them if they can see me crying in my painkiller”. Ivan said it’s cool to stay in the same hut I’m in now. People, people and more people come in for Ivan’s party.

I give Ivan his gifts before the madness begins. One of the gifts is a banner that a friend made that reads Happy 15th Anniversary Ivan. The second is a t-shirt with Ivan’s picture on the front and Happy 15th Anniversary February 2006 on the back. I also asked a friend of mine who owes me big time to pick up a nice bottle of something for a very special person and he picked up a bottle of Remy Martin. I later find out that it’s considered top shelf. Question? Does that mean you’re supposed to put it on the top shelf of your bar? Hey, Ivan is the kindest, humblest man I have ever met and it’s such a pleasure to be able to call him my friend. He reminds me (whenever I need to be reminded) that there is no stress allowed at the stress-free campground and he absolutely deserves the best.

It’s now crazy in the outside kitchen with people preparing for the BBQ tonight. Ivan knows I don’t like crowds, so I usually try to visit Jost when it’s not busy, but I figure I can try to be social this time. Ivan hooks up his amp, and proceeds to really get into his music. Ruben and his crew play next and jam like there’s no tomorrow. The music sounds so good, I actually find myself joining in and along with Uncle Wendy and others, find a small instrument (a little drum) to play. Sherylg and her family also play some beautiful music. Yay Ruben is playing some calypso and I’m dancing and beating the drum at the same time. The Fiddler is up next and it quickly turns out to be what my daughter calls a hoorah. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> Now, it’s beyond what I call overcrowded, so it’s time to make myself invisible.

Trying to stay outta trouble, I jump in a friend’s car and make my getaway. Wind up hanging out at his house, drinking tequila and listening to music. Finally wake up and stumble back to camp at 5am (so much for trying to stay outta trouble. Fall out like a rock. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/snore.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/snore.gif" alt="" />


TUESDAY - "NO MORE TEQUILA EVER" DAY

Surprising myself, I wake up at 9 a.m. My head doesn’t hurt at all, but for some reason I’m kinda stumbling around. Head to the kitchen to take out some chicken for dinner. Put the chicken on a platter to thaw and then it happens!! Don’t know how, it was so fast, but I knocked over a big bowl of eggs and they spilled all over the floor. Oh my gosh!! I apologize profusely and let them know I’ll replace them, all the while cleaning up the floor and proclaiming “No More Tequila Ever!!! They all laugh and start fixing their breakfast AGAIN!!

I spend most of today taking pics, doing some snorkeling, but spend most of the time on the lounge, just soaking up Ivan’s and looking out at nothing. No matter how many times I visit Ivan’s, I never get tired of just laying here, looking at nothing. Fiddler says they’re going to jam for a little while. Cool!! I am so loving the music. One thing I forgot to mention about the campground. Music playing is a spur-of the-moment thing. Someone picks up a guitar (or just walks up with their own) or someone may pick up a drum and music. It’s one of things I love about Ivan’s. It seems like whenever the feeling hits, camp just fills with music. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/newyears.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />


WEDNESDAY - REALLY GOING BACK TO NY DAY <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />

Woke up early, determined not to let a minute go by that I don’t take advantage of what I love about the BVI – Jost and Ivan’s. Fix breakfast, then sit and have a nice talk with Jane and laskalinda (she’s such a nice lady). I laugh so hard when we start talking about Jane’s love of dogs (she has already semi-adopted one that she thinks is preggo). I suggest Jane get a new tent (maybe one of those 3 room ones) so she’ll have more room for the new litter. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/greendog.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/greendog.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/greendog.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/greendog.gif" alt="" />

Since I always try to make sure I have enuf food to eat, I usually wind up leaving lot of food at the campground when I go back to NYC. When I start taking my stuff out of the food bins to share, it really starts to sink in that, I’m really, really leaving today. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />

Not ready to jump feet first back to reality yet, I grab my gallon of blue coolaid (yes, it’s blue, tastes like cherry, and yes, I know it’s bad for me) and sit outside looking at the boats, and chatting with my new BVI friend who came by yesterday with his guitar to sing and play music. After a while, he reminds me that times-a-wasting and it’s time to get dressed. Uh Oh. Time for that dreaded, last walk back to the cabin to change. Check to make sure I have everything, then, as I usually do, I tell the cabin “bye room. See ya soon.” Start to tear up, then tell myself to suck it up and get moving. August will be here before you know it. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cool.gif" alt="" />

Baldwin takes a few pics of me in my back to reality clothes and I’m off after saying goodbye to everybody. As always, I’m sad to be leaving, for some reasons, I’m not totally depressed like I usually am. I attribute that to the fact, that I’ll be down for a few weeks in August. Bunn picks me up and I finally get a chance to take a pic of the new Customs & Immigration building (when I get back maybe it’ll be open). Usual ferry ride. I don’t know about ya’ll, but when I leave Jost, I never look back. I think looking back will make leaving hurt even more. So no goodbye look for me . It’s been raining on and off and it really starts pouring when we reach West End. I leave my luggage at the dock and head for the taxi stand.

Hang out there for a while as I’m the only passenger. Finally, a couple who were on the same ferry come by for a taxi to Trellis and we’re off. I get to the airport early and the agent ask if I’d like to take an earlier AE flight. Yep, don’t wanna prolong the torture of leaving, so I take the 4:15 flight. That will give me time at SJU to grab some food at Wendy’s. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

Time to board. By choice, my seat is in the back of the plane. The stewardesses are just hanging out back there. One of them asks me if I just want to sit back there cause there’s less than 100 people on the flight, and I can sit anywhere I want. Oh my!! I feel like I did the time many years ago, when my boyfriend and I had to literally run for a flight, they put us in first class and we stayed there throughout the flight. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

But I digress. Can you say, middle row, four seats across, lift up all the handrails, grab all the blankets and pillows I want and VOILA Instant bed. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/snore.gif" alt="" /> Whole back of the plane to myself, and instantly fall asleep. Wake up when the pilot does his spiel about landing shortly. Wow! Now I start thinking about getting home. Sure hope the snow has melted somewhat or I may have a long trip home and I do hafta go to work tomorrow. Call Supershuttle to pick me up and it’s no problem. Way I figure it, I’ll be home by 2 am. jump in the bed and “sleep fast” as my mother calls it, and be up at 8am for work. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/snore.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/snore.gif" alt="" />

I loved, I mean absoblutely loved this trip. It was just so cool to see so many people, come and celebrate Ivan’s anniversary. I did some socializing and guess what? I’m still alive and kicking which proves -- I can be sociable while on Jost and still have a great time. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> I also left the cocoon and went to Great Harbour to have dinner. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> That’s a good thing cause maybe I’ll actually do it again one of these years. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

So all in all, while I didn’t find the meaning of life while on Jost, I did find a few ways to make life more meaningful. Peace. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/usflag.gif" alt="" />

Sharon (17 weeks and counting)

P.S. Hey Big Jim, because you are the great man you are, when I come over to Jost, I will drag my aged body kicking and screaming over the new and improved trail and we can hoist a few at Sandcastle. My treat!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Pics at http://photos.yahoo.com/nightqueensharon
in the album February 2006 BVI trip.