MAY 2007 BVI TRIP

First my disclaimer. My trips to the BVI are land-based so unless I go on a daytrip. I have no cool stories about boats or moorings. I don’t eat out a lot (unless it’s Chicken Lady in Roadtown <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> so no stories about fancy places to eat. This was a short trip, so it’s filled with travel to my usual haunts, which doesn’t make a very interesting report, but it is what it is. Interesting only to me and dang, I even sound dull to myself. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> BUT I do love the BVI. <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/Cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cool.gif" alt="" />

Thursday - May 24

Supershuttle is on point this trip and I reach the airport at 5:00 a.m. Pleased that check-in and TSA are pain free. Grab some breakfast and a seat near the window to listen to IPOD till flight time. Finally board and I’m sitting next to a couple who spend much too much time swapping saliva. (Hey, I like romance as much as the next woman (if not more <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> but there are a lot kids sitting nearby.) Anywho, finally put my blanket over my head and was calling the hogs in no time. Woke up to the drink lady coming down the aisle. AHHH!! Refreshment. NOT!! Before she got to me, I had fallen back asleep, so no drink. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> Woke to lots of turbulence and a second beverage serving. O.K. Now for that drink. NOT!! Woke up to the pilot saying we’ll be landing in STT shortly. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> Yes!! Full flight so I had to wait a while for my luggage, then a taxi to Tortola Wharf. Uhh, not for nothing ya’ll, but the Native Son people are too pushy for me grabbing for my bags even before I tell them I’m going on Smith’s. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />

Buy my ticket and leave my bags with Smith’s since I’m not taking the ferry until 3:30 p.m. Decide to finally pay a visit to Petite Pump Room. Thanks TTOL. Nice way to unwind and good pina colada. Now I’m off to town to do my usual. Grab some food at the Golden Dragon Restaurant. I’ve been coming here for so many years, if they ever went out of business, I would go out of my mind. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

It’s still early, so I decide to check out A.H. Riise and buy some libations for the folks back home. I pay for my six bottles and am a happy camper when they tell me they will hold it until my return to STT on Tuesday. SWEET!! Back to Golden Dragon where I get my usual: chicken, ribs and rice combo (always too much for one person and always delicious). <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />

Sit on the top of Sterling enjoying the beautiful sunny day (sans sunblock so both shoulders get sunburned). A stop in West End, then on to Roadtown, where, unbelievably, my (always late) road dawg is waiting for me. Immigration is a snap, then on to customs. The two customs ladies have serious attitudes with everybody on line. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> Since I declared my food, one asked me how much it’s worth. I mean there’s so much food in the bag, I don’t remember, so I throw her a figure and she says $5.00 duty. Whatever!! Just get me on my way. Road dawg packs up the jeep and we’re off. First stop is Bomba’s where I say hello to my old friends Bomba and White-O (sp?). Head to town to grab some Brow. Reach Rhymer’s and it’s so nice to be greeted with so many smiles and hugs. <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="" />


They’re setting up for the Music Fest right in fron of Rhymer’s. Down the beach to grab pina coladas. Always good to see Fitz who I tell I’ll be back later to hear Quito. Get two orders of my favorite wings at Big Banana since road dawg always says he’s not hungry and then proceeds to “help” me eat my food. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> Chow down and head back to Quito’s where I spend time drinking, dancing and hanging out with one of the men who did the work on Malcolm’s house. Look up and there’s Malcolm. He’s such a sweetheart and it’s always good to see his smiling face. More drinking and dancing and I realize that in addition to getting sleepy, I’m not feeling any pain <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> Thank goodness I just have to crawl back up the beach to Rhymer’s. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Road dawg is out for the count, but I wake him up to tell him the room is going around in circles AND I need a shower AND the fan is moving (he reminds me the fan is not on - LOL). <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> He finally puts me in the shower and I literally hit the bed afterwards. <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 - May 25th


He has to head to work so I’m up at 7:30. I’m heading to Jost today <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> so I grab a few things from Bobby’s (bought most of my stuff from NYC). Finally get a chance to stop by the distillery (my first time) and grab a bottle of Cane rum for da Judge. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> At West End, I drop my bags at the dock, then head to Sopher’s to say hello to Bella and have some wings for lunch. UH OH!! The bugs are hungry today. OFF to the rescue. Before I know it, I’ve lost track of time, and have to fast walk it back to the dock. Reach and decide to call Bun to meet me at the dock. Both payphones at West End are out of order!! (cloud) . Call Renee on my cell phone <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> and ask her to have someone pick me up at the dock. Nice ferry ride to Jost. Charlene picks me up, we take stuff out of the car, I put perishables in the freezer, and tell Charlene I’ll move everything else whenever! My first order of business is to hit the hammock where I promptly fall asleep. Wake and spend time with Ms. Melody (Renee’s new baby). Too lazy to cook, Foxy’s BBQ is where I’m headed tonight. Delicious and way too much food for me. Old friends started me off drinking Painkillers, then we graduate to a drink called Cannonballs. Then the bartender started pouring shots from a pretty bottle. (I was later told it was something called Jagermeister) <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> I forgot how many we drank but I started feeling a wee bit toasted. I always know when I’ve had too much to drink when I stand up and my head feels funny. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> I let my friends know I’m not feeling any pain, they say O.K. and proceed to cut up a coconut , make a hole in the top, add rum and have me drink it. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> My Jost friends are – well my friends. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />. Always have my back. As we always say “what happens on Jost, stays on Jost.”
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> <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/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="" />

SATURDAY - May 26th
Off to SD. Say hello to Mic and head for Jim’s chair. Uh wait a minute. That’s not Jim’s chair. Roger tells me the chairs have been moved around. Dang!! I finally meet Connie (periwinkle) and we sit and just talk and talk. Such a pleasant time and such a nice woman. We walk a little ways and she introduces me to her husband Lance who’s chilling in the hammock. After hearing about Lance’s (and Connie’s) fortitude, I had to tell them I’m so glad they made the trip. We then met smthsaln, his wife Lyne, and their friend Jim. Great group of people. Hit the sale basket and wind up buying some reversible bags for the beach. I also got a CD with Foxy, Beans & Ivan. How cool is that!! Time to hit the drink board where I add some drinks for Jim and for Connie (it’s a surprise!!) <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Down the beach to see Raquel (well really to see the kids, but we won’t tell her. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />Wow! Reuben is playing so I grab a drink and sit in one of the big chairs to listen for a while. Back to Ivan’s where Renee has cooked dinner. No cooking for me. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> Delicious curry chicken, I read for a while, then I’m 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="" />

SUNDAY - May 27th

O.K. in the back of my mind, I know today is my last full day here. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> Renee and Charlene are fixing chicken for dinner. I’ve been one spoiled woman this trip. Trying to decide if I want to head to Foxy’s for one (YES ONE) last drink. Ahh, why not? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> Bun picks me up and I tell him I’m not staying long, so when someone wants to go back to the campground, I’ll be ready. Grab a drink, shoot the breeze, then it’s back to camp. (Sleep)

MONDAY - May 28th

I’m taking the 9 a.m. ferry back cause I want to go to Josiah’s Bay to ease myself into actually thinking about leaving the BVI. Believe it or not, this is the first time I don’t cry when leaving. BECAUSE I’ll be back in August for three (count em) three weeks. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />

Bun comes and picks me and a man with a dog up for the ferry. In my rush to hurry, I forgot to secure one of the gallons of water and it falls out of the bus and rolls down the hill. Dude with the dog and I just look at each other. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> I wanted to get a chance to see the boat, but don’t want to miss the ferry, so I’ll make sure to visit it when I come back in August. On the ferry, I don’t look back as we pull away, it only makes leaving that much harder. Road dawg is working, so take a taxi to Serendipity House. The taxi driver is playing a great CD and singing along to the music. Turns out to be Lashing Dogs and one of the songs asks “where have all the men gone” in the VI (British and U.S.) I have to get that CD so I can sing it to my boyfriend who was born in St. Croix. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> Finally arrive at Serendipity House. We’re staying in the Lower Villa again. I love I mean, absolutely love this place. <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="" />


I cool off and decide to hit the beach but decide to stop at Tamarind Club for a drink before the long walk. It’s my first time stopping here and it’s a really nice place. I just love the swim up pool. Pina colada is served in a TALL glass and I go sit by the pool and read my book. So peaceful, I don’t know why I haven’t stopped by here during one of my previous trips. Long, hot walk and then I hear very loud music which turns out to be Naomi’s beach bar. Order some lunch and read my book to zone out the music. Walk up the beach and grab a seat under one of the umbrellas. Nap for a while, then hit the water. Stop at the bar for a drink before the walk back. During the long walk back, a young lady who works at the bar drives up, apologizes for not speaking much English and she offers me a ride. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> (Mucho gracias) O.K. Back to Tamarind again (I need another pina colada). Same seat, same book. I’m just lovin this. Lady I had seen earlier (manager maybe) asked if I had a good day and I said it was “marvelous”. Back up the hill to the House and I decide to take a dip. It’s so quiet since road dawg and I are the only ones staying at the house. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />


Hit the pool and oh wow!! Look at that view. Gotta get out and grab the camera! Bummer!!! He’s back from work and is ready to eat. No matter, I talk him into letting me take some pics and chill in the pool for a while. Grab some Chinese food, back to the house early since tomorrow is getaway day and we still have to pack the jeep. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> I try to make sure I don’t forget anything (left my water shoes on Jost). <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> Can’t find my ferry schedule so I call Smith’s and ask about Roadtown to CA. There’s a Ferry at 11:30 or 12:00. Arrive Road Town at 9:15, ferry is at 9:45 and 2:30. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> I’m not ready to take the 9:45, I didn’t get my CD yet and the 2:30 is too late. Native Son has a 12:00 out of ( <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> West End.

Oh God, he already unloaded the luggage, he’s gonna kill me. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> O.K. Sharon, think fast. I turn around and put on my “oh baby, please feel sorry for me face”. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> He looks at me and asks “what’s wrong?” I tel him the bad news, hold my breath and wait for him to scream. Surprisingly, he just sighs, <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> reloads the jeep and takes me to the record store to pick up Lashing Dogs. I buy two Lashing Dogs CD’s and we’re off to WE.
It’s still early and when we get to WE, they’re loading the 10:30 boat. Nope. Not ready to leave yet, gonna head to Pusser’s, have a last pina colada, <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> say goodbye to Bella and crew. Pusser’s not open yet, so I take a seat and reminiscence about what a great trip I had. Grab a quick drink, say my goodbyes, and it’s time for that final walk to the ferry dock. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> Guess what? Smith’s 12:00 boat is cancelled. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />) which means it’s Native Son at 12:30. Buy my ticket and ask where to put my bags. Security tells me to put them in the corner but you can be sure I’ll be standing on the dock to make sure they’re loaded onto the ferry. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />

Now to the departure tax fiasco. I take my departure tax ticket to the counter to pay my tax. Lady looks at me funny and says “it’s done.” HUH? I tell her I thought I had to pay the teax at this window. She shakes her head and now I’m totally confused (not (unusual for me) but I know that I usually stop at this window and give the lady some ducats. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> Well, something’s crazy, and I don’t want popo to have to look for me, so I’m gonna stand right in view of the security lady. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
Sure enuf, here comes this guy who asks me for my departure tax ticket.I hand it to him. He promptly he asks where I got it <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />(told ya sumpin was not right). <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> I told him I bought my ticket and the ticket lady gave me all the documents. He looked at me crazily asking me “she gave it to you?” <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> I told him yes even though I felt like saying “no I took it from her” <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> He tells me the man who the ticket belongs to is looking for it no .......... Sherlock. I politely explain to him the whole scenario from start to finish (even though I was ready to scream right about then). He tells me I have to pay the departure tax and I grit my teeth, telling him that’s what I was trying to do in the first place. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />) Dang, all my trips to the BVI are an experience. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Ferry’s not crowded so I have a whole bench to stretch out and enjoy the breeze. Stop in St. John to clear and reboard, stop in Red Hook and on to downtown CA. O.K. time to get my game plan together. I still have to pick up the liquor at Riise and there are two cruise ships in town which means tourists galore. Disembark and run into two old friends Bunny and Killer Miller who both drive taxis in Saint Thomas. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cool.gif" alt="" /> I explain to them what I need to do, they load my luggage into one of the vans and we’re off. As usual, traffic is crazy, but we arrive at Riise and there’s no line at packing. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> I explain my concern about the bottles being broken and they assure me that their boxes are very sturdy so everything should be o.k.

Taxi driver and I talk about Music Fest and I tell him I didn’t go since it was too crowded for me. He laughed when I told him I came to the BVI so I wouldn’t have to deal with people. Hey, the agent at STT Airport was touting the self service check-in, so I decided to give it a try. It was fast and easy so I think I’ll use it whenever possible. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> Flight boards and I start getting depressed. I’m leaving. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> In my funk, I walk to the back of the plane, then realize my seat is in the front.
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> Now, I have to walk all the way back to the front. People were not looking at me kindly. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />
Uneventful flight to SJU where I plan on hitting Wendy’s. Hello!! What’s this? A new Buffalo Wings place. Exit stage right to check it out. Walk in and there’s TV’s all over, so I guess I’m in men’s heaven - a sports bar. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> Forget sports, I just want some wings. Order a pina colada (yummy) and honey mustard wings (either to die for or I’m just starving). <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> Back to the terminal, I finally give up the ghost, and change from short and flip flops to jeans and sneakers. Uneventful flight from SJU to JFK. <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="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />

This trip was such a good one. My mission on this trip was to just relax and chill out and I spent a good amount of time doing just that. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> It’s nice to run away from home from time to time and even nicer when you have a judge that lets you do so. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cool.gif" alt="" /> If all goes as planned, I’m planning on retiring next year (I think working 30+ years is enuf) <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />. I’m already excited and can’t imagine how I’m going to feel when I book my flight and don’t have to think about when I have to be back at work.
<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/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="" />

For now, it’s August 2007 for my next BVI adventure. THREE weeks in THREE of my favorite places - Tortola, Anegada and Jost. Wheels up August 18th. <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="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

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