Summer Days In The Virgin Islands

SUMMER DAYS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

The festival is over and I am back to work.
Here is my new list of  likes and dislikes of being here before and being stateside.

New in Tortola - Likes

1. Not as hot as before ....happy

2. Met new friends....many

3. Live better......nicer place and better income

4. Get to watch Detroit Tigers.... nearly every day on MLBTV

5. Get to go to other islands.....hoping for Necker, Anagada and Jost
Van Dyke soon. I hope to get a boat, but until I can, the the ferry services here must be utilized.

 

Ritz Carlton St. Thomas

The sunsets here are mesmerizing.

Here in Cane Garden Bay, an orange sky seems to be a complementary background for the setting sun.  Oh, forgot about my list so here is number 6.

6. Better landlord.  He gives me tropical fruits, pumpkin and coconut.

7. Volunteering for KATS (Kids and the Sea) Now I will teach Intro to Scuba and video all KATS programs of Swimming, Sea Skills, Scuba and Sailing for marketing at schools and on line.

8. Get 4 weeks of paid vacation to take from day one

9. Don't mind driving the hills so much as the adventure is daily

10. Dating 

New in Tortola - Dislikes

1. I occasionally have to wear suits

What I Miss Stateside

1. My daughter and her family
2. Actually going to Tiger games
3. Old friends

 A Day At The Beach 

I had a day off and spent the afternoon with Denia. We had lunch at Myetts in Cane Garden Bay and then a walk on the beach at Long Bay and then pina coladas at Bananakeet. I help her with English and she helps me with Spanish.

Nature Boy was not to be found so she filled in for him.

At Bananakeet

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The Odyssey continues..... 

                 

Soliciting a Foreign Affair on July 4th

Rewind....July 4, 2014. 

As the sun descends, Nicoleta and I settle into Bananakeet Cafe, once thought to be a restaurant with a pool. It seems there is a small Inn on the premises.

The sky began to envelop the mountainous peaks of Tortola as night falls upon the island.  The glow from mansions in the hills and the lights from the U.S Virgins complement the starry night sky with their own form of illumination.  The crescent moon glows high above us and the tropical breeze drifts in with much appreciated coolness.

With a pitiful sense of patriotism, I came to watch the celebration in the sky from nearby St. John in the U.S Virgin Islands. It is not with regret that I left my home country, but the 4th of July reminds me of friends and family who revel in this holiday with backyard barbecues, parties and parades.
                                                                 
At Bananakeet, I began to know Nicoleta who has been on the island for 5 years.  She is sweet and seems to be happy to have a night out.  This wanderer is happy to be with her. She lives one beach over at Brewers Bay.  It is a good place for snorkeling and where the best hamburger on the island can be tasted.

Soliciting a foreign affair?

Here two ex pats find solace together on this rock. Life can stand still on this island and days are often empty with neither incident nor with affairs of the heart.

We could not stay for the fireworks in the sky, but Nicoleta had enough sparkle in her eyes for this wanderer. It was new world meets old world in a tropical paradise.

        


The Odyssey Continues.........

Youth Sailing

16th Annual Premier's Cup Regatta

Nanny Cay Resort

KATS (Kids and the Sea) resumed their Premier's Cup Regatta at Nanny Cay Resort this weekend.  Teams from the Cayman Islands, Antigua, Anguilla, the USA and British Virgin Islands participated.  In 2011, I created a video of the entire Regatta, however this year I am producing a KATS promo video, which includes Swimming, Sea Skills and Scuba along with Sailing.  I will also be volunteering for the Scuba program. KATS was started as a result of a tragic accident at sea involving kids in St. Thomas.  Since then the British Virgin Islands have been strongly committed to teach the local kids about sea safety.  KATS is one the most highly sponsored charities in the BVI.  Teaching Swimming and Sea Skills is important to graduate into the more difficult disciplines of Sailing and Scuba Diving.                                                                

Friday night was the Reception and Opening Ceremonies and after a night of shooting it was cocktails and nibblers at Peg Legs Restaurant.  I sat at a small table for two and was surprisingly joined by the Premier himself. We ate nibblers and discussed the KATS program. 

BVI Premier Honorable Dr. Orlando Smith and Governor Boyd Mc Cleary and guest

I am committed to this cause as most kids here don't know how to swim and even their parents cannot. It seems to this Wanderer that living on a island means a marriage to the sea....Embrace her.

The Odyssey continues.......

U.S. Virgins

                             Wanderings in the U.S. Virgins

My second tour of Virgin Gorda has been interrupted by a side trip to the U.S. Virgins.  I visited a handful of resorts and restaurants on St. Thomas and St. John.  You may not know that all drive on the left as in the BVI.  I never really understood this. The BVI uses American money and the USVI drive on the left.???

Tour/Party Boat on St. John

Sport Fishing Boat on St. John

St.John is the prettiest U.S. Virgin Island. I did not spend much time here.  I was only vetted with all of the other visitors from the BVI.  Being a U.S. citizen allowed me to pass through without being photographed and interrogated like the other visitors.

I do plan to get back here to see Caneel Bay and other resorts.


Upon arriving in St.Thomas, it was clear that Africa's dust was having an effect on the temperature and air here.  I was on the east end of the island known as Red Hook.  The other ferry dock is right in Charlotte Amalie.

There are some beautiful properties here and one stood out to this wanderer.  It is called Secret Harbour.  I have no photo as I am keeping the secret...... oh just click the link and take a look.  It is a modest hotel with a spectacular palm studded intimate beach.

The Ritz Carleton St. Thomas

My next trip will be back on Virgin Gorda with a stop at Mosquito island where a hotel development is in construction phase.  This time I will arrive in Spanish Town of Virgin Gorda and ferry over to Mosquito.

Ship's Log 1772

Ship's Log 1972

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the Odyssey continues.......

The Prettiest Virgin and Positions

 PRETTY VIRGIN

I sure hated to dress in a suit for a day in Virgin Gorda.  Lots of ferry rides as most resorts I needed to see were not accessible by road.  Although I was working, I did take a few photos.  Below is a whirlwind tour of some of the nicest properties in the Caribbean. 

I first visited the beautiful Oil Nut Bay               Needs a Nanny

Oil Nut was being built when I was last here. I heard that locals get discounted rates, so weekend getaways are possible if anyone wants to visit me here in the BVI during the off season. Keep in mind that the ocean is warmer for snorkeling and diving.

Today I would choose this property over any other, but I have yet to see Nail Bay Resort which is on my agenda. 

 The service at the resort was incomparable.  I only had breakfast but my sparkling glass of water was always being filled and I was treated as a guest even though all knew I was but there on business.  They are even adding more facilities as evidenced by the construction occurring. 

This is how I arrived to Oil Nut Bay.  I was picked up by the resort on their ferry Hercules.  The sprawling beach, verdant grounds and sparkling pools were visual treats for this wanderer.  

I then ferried back to Bitter End to catch a boat ride to Biras Creek
Biras has has 4 horses for riding the spectacular grounds. Bicycles and hiking trails complement the equestrian activities. 

Looking for food service staff

The Iguana is not on the menu.  

Biras Creek also treated me as a guest so imagine how they treat the paying clientele. As they so aptly say, "You may want to come back as a guest."  

They summoned their boat for me to head back to Bitter End and I left with a feeling of great respect for the hospitality and tourism industry when a such a level of customer service is shown.

Biras Creek has a fine marina with a very safe anchorage.  Larry Page, Google Guru keeps his boat here as his island, Eustatia, puts his yacht at risk.

Larry Page's Eustatia Island

Very Nautical: Bitter End Yacht Club
Even though Bitter End Yacht Club seems to be Grand Central Station as you need to be there to get anywhere.  I finally settled at the BEYC for a while to meet with them and have lunch.  BEYC has a menagerie of shops, restaurants and gift stores.  It would be a great family vacation for wanderlusters and those who like sailing, diving and the charm of Caribbean Nautical.

It was a rough day with all the boat rides and taxis.  I look forward to a day to play in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda.  The weather was not ideal all day as well.  At least I did not pay to play on a cloudy day.  Working on such days is easier to accept.  Spring has been a mix of sun, clouds and rain.  I guess no different than most places.  The rain sure keeps the island beautiful.

I will be back in Virgin Gorda in 2 weeks to meet with GM of another premier property on the island and then to Mosquito Island (another Branson property) I am sure to eventually meet Sir Richard Branson during these visits.  

The BVI is getting a new Governor. Seems the stints are for 4 years so Gov McCleary must step down.  Yes, McCleary is his name and he stands very tall.  

He may share part of my name but I have been told I resemble the King of the Netherlands. I have been told this since I was but a poor child and he was then a wealthy prince.  

King Willem Alexander

Well these islands are the territory of her majesty and the only thing royal in America is Burger King.






MORE POSITIONS

Who wants to be an Executive Assistant, tour guide, wedding and event planner for Peter Island Resort?  After checking That Place out you may want to come live in paradise...That Place

Sir Richard Branson is developing his Mosquito Island and there will be many hospitality and retail jobs.  By the way, the mosquitoes are no worse there. It was not named that because of the abundance of little pests.

Look for better photos when the tropical sun cooperates as usual.

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The Odyssey continues.....

Limin' Drivin' and Writin'

Taken from my car window

Cane Garden Bay offers some unique sunset photo opportunities. When the sky is clear, the colors are vibrant and reflect resplendently upon the water.

Getting a driver's license was easy this time as I only  needed to renew my old one.  The only test was for vision and I could even use the same photo. Why not look 2 years younger?

The Internet here is not very dependable.  Lime is the service provider for the island and I like to say that they are "liming" or out at a party instead of working on better Internet service. Limin' is a Caribbean slang term that is the namesake of a publication here in Tortola. 


Quito's is a popular hangout at Cane and they hosted the Music Festival on the Beach.  It seems to be a watering hole and a calypso cafe for locals and tourists alike.  On my previous tour here I was critical of the local music, but now it seems I was just listening to the wrong bands.  Quito is a fine musician and Trinidad may not be the only music mecca in the Caribbean.

I have put off diving until more sunny days are upon us. In the Caribbean that can be tomorrow easily.  The clouds are better than rain though and the trees I thought to be dead on the mountainside are flowering instead. Although unaware of the flower, it is good to know that dead trees do not scourge this tropical landscape.

Pygmalion brings his statue Galatea to life.

On This Isle'

 

On this isle' I find

A reason to wait

For life to unwind

To my final escape.

On this isle' I take

The time to repair.

Though time is at stake,

A deed I declare.

On this isle' I seek

Not freedom from love, 
But life's mystique
Has pushed me to shove.

On this isle' I build

The dream I desire.

My days shall be filled

With starting that fire.

 
On this isle' I take

A page from the Greeks:

She lives, she's awake!

Galatea speaks!

On this isle' I wake

From a dream so true.

A princess to take;

My love, where are you?


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 the Odyssey continues...

 

   

Cane Garden Bay

I am perched high above Cane Garden Bay where the view is no less than spectacular. The landlord offered me a jeep and place to stay where I cannot have guests but will get settled and move to a two bedroom tropical abode soon.  Pack your bags later wanderlusters as the Virgins will be here for you with a tour guide extraordinaire.

I must admit that Cane is one of the best beaches here and I should be very happy to be so close. It is but a 3 minute drive to the beach and
this weekend is the Cane Garden Music Festival.  I will be on the beach but could probably hear from my balcony.  Going to the beach is easy so I may arrive early and leave early.  The rum is bound to saturate all tourists and locals alike. I shall get home safe and listen to the island music from my balcony.

Quitos is a popular place here and music seems to be primary to food, drink and beach.  It is live most every night and it is where I met a fellow expat last time here.  She and I went through immigration together.  

Here is my 4WD ride in the BVI.

I would rather be nearer to town, but I usually do banking and shopping while there after work before traversing up the hill. It is Joe's Hill and what a ride!... I will video tape the adventurous trip soon for you wanderlusters so you can appreciate your simple daily drive to work . Let me just say, 4 wheel drive is necessary on the rock


Brewers Bay is nearby where the best burger on the island can be tasted at Nicola's on the beach.  I must admit they are quite good and this wanderer may just find his way there again soon but with mask, fins and snorkel as the reef there is a delight for the skin divers.

My landlord has a friend who needs a diver to cut the nets when he fishes so I will be rewarded with fresh fish, lobster and whatever else is available in the bountiful sea.

That is all for now wanderlusters.  Stay tuned.

the odyssey continues.....

ON MY WAY

                                                         BACK  in TORTOLA


The Labour Department is typically slow to approve ex pats but I now find myself in the Caribbean.  There is little for this wanderer to worry about as this has all been done before.  It's a real been there, done that except this time I get to do it  better.

Flying out of Detroit to St. Thomas (was just there hmmm) and then on a ferry to Tortola.  I enjoy watching the sea planes land and take off while waiting for the ferry.  The seaplane company is right next door to the ferry dock.

Sea planes are among my favorite Caribbean images.  They are reminders of nostalgic travel to exotic destinations of days gone by.  Before airlines traveled to these destinations, the only way to arrive was by boat or sea plane.  Although used as commuter planes these days, it is refreshing to see them take off and land right in front of you while waiting for the ferry. 

Customs is next but newbies are allowed $1000.  The ploy is to make sure that you claim everything to be very old and has little to no value. Duty is the problem with foreign countries and that is why little property is relocated.  St. Thomas is entirely different as ex pats bring nearly everything.

My employer will collect me at the ferry dock in Road Town and transport me to my temporary housing. I'll pick up a rental car the next day and begin searching for a permanent tropical abode.  This wanderer will be exhausted from a day of negotiating 6 bags along with heavy carry on luggage through airports, taxis and ferry docks.  Ahhh but the pleasure will be worth all the pain.

I made it through the medical vetting with a pleasant 3.5 hour hospital visit.  They are intolerable when it comes to details.  I did not cry but chuckled a bit at the process and how so many may have just turned around for home. Tomorrow I go to Labour and Immigration for a long day of vetting there. 

I stay in Cane Garden Bay for a month until I find my own place. 
The drive up from Road Town is quite an adventure.
The drive down to Road Town is about the same.

The view is spectacular but just about any where you live on the island there is bound to be a visual treat.

My landlord provides me with an ample supply of DVD movies and I will add MLB.TV to the media mix here. 

This wanderer viewed some properties today with a lovely BVI real estate belonger who had a right hand steering vehicle.  I kept trying to get in the driver side.  We found my Caribbean "charmer" but I may keep looking. This place suits me just fine for now. I am heading up to Sage Mountain this weekend. 

It is the highest peak on the island. I will lunch with a view of Tortola with camera in hand.

I have yet to get wet, but a dive will be soon scheduled. The lovely real estate agent that showed me places today is the daughter of a dive shop owner that I knew from my last tour here.  It is a small island for sure.

Here are some interior photos of my temporary residence.