Hey TTOL,
I figured since I've been 'home" for almost three weeks, it would be easier to do mini-trip reports than wait until I get back to NYC. My disclaimers: as usual, the reports are long. Yes, I did use spell check, but be warned. I have not one, not two, but three broken nails on my left hand (even though I'm right handed)., and I do use both hands to type. So it is what it is. I am not responsible for the coffee you spill because this report is so boring, you find yourself nodding off. Everything is not for everybody, so read at your own risk. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />
First, I must say there's somthing so refreshing about having the shuttle to the airport pick you up and you have to drag your suitcases down the block because there's snow everywhere except one small access driveway. All I could say when pulling one suitcase after another down the block is I don't have to see any snow for another three weeks. AHHHHHH!!!! The thought made the suitcases much easier to drag I tell ya. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
They were doing some kind of construction in front of the Spirit terminal, so I had to get out before the next terminal. Went to tip the driver and after tipping him, I realized I left the rest of my money in my pants pocket at home, so I had no ready cash. Luckily, the smart carts you put your suitcases on take cards. So, keeping one eye on my bags and the other on my destination, I trudge on. One of the men who help with baggage stopped me and asked if I needed help. I told him I was on my way to get one of the carts and he said I'll help you, I told him that I had no cash on me to give him a tip. He smiled and said "don't worry about it". Wow!! What a way to start my much deserved vacation. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
He put my bags on the cart and off we go into the terminal. After he placed my bags towards the front so it would easy for me to get them when called, I thanked him and told him I was going to the ATM, and would find him later. I knew one of my bags was overweight (the one with the food), so I wasn't surprised at that. I was surprised, however, when the Spirit agent told me it's no longer 50 lbs now, it's 40. Alrighty, then. <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. Got my boarding passes. Now to figure out how to get these bags around the corner where you drop off your checked bags. Voila! Here comes the same man who helped me earlier. I laughed and told him I was just trying to figure out how to manage the bags. He just smiled and loaded my bags on the cart again and pushed it to the large conveyer belt. I told him thanks again and proceeded to find the nearest ATM. Grabbed my cash and headed back to where I had entered the terminal. Outside I found the man, thanked him again and tipped him nicely. Don't find too many people like him, so I felt lucky. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
Back to the food court, where I grab some muffins from Au Bon Pain. Finally head to the gate and board. I just want to sit down so I can go to sleep. At least this time, I stayed awake long enough to hear the stewardess' spiel. That's the last thing I remember until I heard the pilot announcing "ladies and gentlemen, we are approaching Fort Lauderdale". <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
Grab some Nathan's and head for the gate. Board and grab my window seat. Spent a good part of the flight talking with a soldier who had got home from Iraq a few months ago. I thanked him for his service, and he said he had no idea what to expect as he had never been to Saint Thomas and was going to interview for a job and would be down for a week. We talked a lot about what he liked and didn't like (he didn't want crowded, but wanted to go somewhere he could just decompress) All he was traveling with was his backpack, had no reservations anywhere and was just flying by the seat of his pants. I told him about the Greenhouse for drinks and dinner since it would be easy to find. I also told him he might like to visit St. John, instead of staying in Saint Thomas the whole trip, and told him he should the St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix magazine when we landed and also hit the tourism centre. We talked about the BVI's, I gave him the caution about just being careful wherever he went and we both went to sleep.
Since the flight was arriving in STT, after 4:15, I wasn't taking the chance that I wouldn't make the ferry, so I made reservations for Hotel 1829 for the night. Sure enough, I jumped in the taxi with a group of people who watched as the ferry to Tortola left them as we approached the ferry terminal. I hadn't had time to decompress so when one of the passengers asked for a phone book, the driver asked me get it out of the side pocket and hand it to the passenger. When I did so, he grabbed it out of myhand and said nothing. I loudly said "you're welcome". While reading this trip report, you'll find out, I have little patience with rude people (even though I must say I have somewhat mellowed with age. <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="" />
When I got out at Hotel 1829, they were still sitting in the taxi without a clue as to what to do next. I had stayed at the hotel many years ago when our group used to come down to play paddleball at Subbase, so I knew what to expect. My room was up four flights of stairs, not a good thing when you have two very heavy bags. I was lucky the man who checked me in helped me to my room. Off to the Greenhouse for dinner. It's happy hour so any drink two for one. Yep, I can do that. Dinner of bang bang shrimp and drinks and I'm all set. There's a fridge in my room, so I run into a store and grab some drinks and it's back to 1829. It's been a long day, bed is calling. Tortola tomorrow. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />
Tuesday, February 8th
Continental breakfast sitting on the large patio of the hotel. It's so quiet and the weather is gorgeous. Back to my room, checking to make sure I have everything. Start taking bags downstairs, and a young man helps me take them down. Back to the room to grab the others, and there's a knock at the door. It's the cleaning lady. Huh? I aked the man last night what time checkout was and he said 11:00 a.m. It's 10:45 by my watch. Anyway, I start placing last stuff on the landing, and the lady is still standing outside. I turn to go back inside and I see her lift her hand as if saying "she's still not done?' I mention to her that I understood checkout was 11:00 and she says yes. O.K. I guess I'm the one who's confused. She asks me if I'm done. Oh yes, I'm done. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />
Back in the bar/reception area, I meet a nice lady (I wish I remembered her name) who asks how I enjoyed my stay. I told her I loved the quietness of the hotel, and loved my room. I also told her that I had asked the man last night and he told me checkout was 11:00 a.m. but the lady knocked on my door at 10:45 a.m. Not the way to start a vacation, feeling rushed and sweaty. The lady got angry and said that checkout was 11:30 a.m and the lady was not supposed to knock on my door at all unless I overstayed my time. She said that is not good business and she was going to speak to her, because if she did it, the rest of the staff might think it's o.k. and do it too. She asked me if I was in a rush, I told her no, and she mentioned I might like the tour. Why not? Turns out, I never knew there were old homes, jewelry shops (I wound up with a new ring and my daughters got earrings too), pirate shops and another souvenir shop with rum tasting, as well as a nice bar all behind the hotel, I spent hours touring and when I returned, the lady said she had just thought about me since she was getting off shortly. I thanked her profusely, as I really enjoyed myself during my self tour. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
Call a taxi and I'm off to the ferry. Check in and grab a quick drink at the Petite Pump Room. Strange as it seems, I love the ferry ride. Put my coat over my head and take a nice nap waking up when I feel the ferry slow. Yay!! First on line for immigration, the lady asks me how long I'm staying and I tell her three weeks, she smiles and says, "you love it here, don't you? I give her a big smile and tell her I love being here. O.K. grab my bags for customs. Officer smiles and asks me if I'm moving here. I laugh and tell him I'm here for three weeks so I need my stuff. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> Off to find a taxi, load and I'm off. Share a taxi with a couple going to Myetts. I thought I was bad, they said one year they came down in February and had so much fun, they came back in March too. We all agreed the BVI's are just that kind of place. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" />
Arrive at Rhymer's, my home away from home, and here comes Leona. When she sees my bags, she looks behind me, and over my shoulder, then out to the road. She hugs me and said she was looking for the rest of my bags and wondered if the taxi man was coming back with the rest. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> I tell her I packed light this time. Anyway, it must be happy hour at Big Banana, so bags will have to wait. Have a few painkillers and order my favorite wings. Ahh, room 25 my favorite patio on the front of the building, kicking AC. Shower and it's off to hear Quito solo. Britton is manning the bar and makes my favorite pina colada. I don't care how many times I hear Quito, he always sounds so good. A couple more pina coladas and I'm getting sleepy. Off to bed.
Wednesday, February 9th
This day set the tone for most of the trip. Slept late, walked on the beach, did some reading and spent time catching up with Leona, Lynette and Patsy. Wow, their children and grands grow up so fast. I did go to Bobby's to grab some groceries to take with me to Jost. So, now I have boxes and bags. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
Thursday, February 10th
Repeat of yesterday, except I went to listen to Quito solo again.
Friday, February 11th
Repeat of yesterday, except I ate my favorite wings early (friday night is wing special night at Big Banana at fifty cents a wing) and headed to Quito's to hear him with the band. Ran into Charmaine and finally got to meet her husband Dave. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> It was such a pleasure to see Char again and she's just as lively as ever. (And, of course, she still loves to dance). Finally time to call it a night.
Saturday, February 12th
Hair appointment at 10 a.m. at the salon in back of Rhymers. Young lady Olande that did my hair last year works miracles and, once again, did her thing. Only thing is, when she finished doing my dreads (4 hours later), I was no longer in the mood to go to Jost. So, I grabbed some food from the stand across the street, checked to make sure they didn't need my room, and made some calls to Jost. O.K. I'll head to Jost tomorrow. Did some reading and off to bed.
Sunday, February 13th (Ivan's 20th Anniversary Party Day)
Taxi driver Del picked me up and off to the ferry. I'm so excited, I'm finally going to Jost. Everytime I come to the BVI's, everybody I run into ask me if I've been to Jost yet. Guess I'm predictable like that. It's no secret that Jost in my most favorite place in the BVI's. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
Unfortunately, Bunn's taxi is not working (something about a hose). <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> What a bummer since whoever I get to take me to the campground is (1) not going to be as cordial, (2) as helpful or (3) not try to buy a new car with the price they charge me since it's just me and my boxes and bags.
As I expected, the campground is crowded and I know this is just the beginning. Many, many more people will be coming all through the day, especially the St. John crew. Jerry took my heavy bags to my special hut Jaba and I finally decide to put things in the kitchen. Walk through the bar to the kitchen. Oh, oh, there's a door where the entrance to the kitchen used to be and its locked. Sharlene tells me that the campers now have their own private entrance to the kitchen. YAY!!!!! I love it. While we do have to walk around to the new entrance to the kitchen, I do love the fact that it's our own space. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
Find some room in the fridge, grab a few bins for food and head to Jaba. New changes here too. Combination locks (that gave me a fit) on the door, blinds at the windows, and a fridge. Yay again. I can grab my stuff out of the other fridge and put it in my own fridge. No need to label my fridge stuff (which is good cause I can't find my magic marker). Back to the bar, and hear someone shout my name. Oh my gosh, it's Jane from Maine. She is such a nice lady and it's a such a plus for me that she's here. I look forward to sitting down with her and getting caught up. We take pics, she introduces me to her friends, and I head off to my spot on the porch, book in hand and juice at the ready. I finally notice that the campground is much more crowded than it was when I arrived. I finally get a chance to catch up with Ivan before everybody else does and gave him a t shirt and plaque I had made just for him. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />
Music starts playing but I can't remember the name of the band. They sound good, Jimmy Buffett kind of music. Funny music that makes you want to tap your feet or get up and dance. One of the guys fiddled and also played the mandolin. Took a few pics. I met Steve (from TTOL) and his wife (it would be nice if I remembered his screen name). Reuben also played and, of course, he always sounds good. It was so crowded so I'm bound to forget something since I basically do the same thing I always do - zone everybody out and read my book on the porch. Today was no exception. I heard Fiddler at Ivan's last anniversary party so I knew I was in for a treat when he came on. He is so funny, and tells it like it is. I love his irreverent songs. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> I took a few pics and then resumed my position. Read into the night until Toots (she arrived around the same time I did), tapped me and handed me a small reading light. We both laughed and she said she thought to herself, oh my gosh she's reading in the dark (well, it wasn't exactly dark, I was sitting undereath one of those energy efficient bulbs). Finally, it's off to bed. Been a long, very satisfying day. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
P.S.Remember I mentioned I've mellowed with age. Went to my cabin to get my camera and there are towels and stuff hung all outside the cabin, and none of the clothes were mine. Now I thought maybe I had made a mistake, so I looked around to make sure it was Jaba. Yep, it's Jaba. So being a mellow kind of woman, I took the clothes (still wet) down and put them in a nice neat pile in a chair. When I came back to my cabin, they were gone and hung on the clothesline they should have been on in the first place. See mellow. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
Monday February 14th
Didn't know Valentine's Day (I call it mushy-mushy day - LOL) was such a big deal around this joint. Turns out it's a big deal on Jost period. Decorations everywhere, people wishing me happy v day, parties up the gazoo. Uh Huh. Long time friend of mine nicknamed Den Den (at least I think that's how you would spell it - lol), picks me up to go sailing in his boat. No, not the kind of boat you're thinking of. It's a small fishing boat with a motor and a large brick for an anchor. We went to Sydney's where I grabbed a slew of t-shirts for my family. Then it's off to Foxy's Taboo where we grab something to drink and head to the Bubbly Pool. I had forgotten how far it is to walk to the pool, especially when you have on flip flops. I told Den Den that I have to buy some more of the flip flops I have on (body glove) because they're doing really good no matter where we walk. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
Pool is crowded with tourists and not too bubbly, but it feels good. I notice there are piles of shells and rocks on some of the boulders and Den Den says he thinks the tourists placed them there. He climbs all the way to the top and tells me to come up. Uh No, even though he shows me I could use the path to climb up. Off to Belize Bay where Wendy had towed his boat thinking about building a bar on the site. Finally back to camp as we're going out again tomorrow. O.K. Check out my mellowness. Walk to Jaba and now there's a man (no I don't know him) sitting on my porch. Alrighty then, I'm cool. I say hello, he says hello and I don't even ask him what the hell he's doing there. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> I open my door, close it and lock it loudly. Shortly afterwards, I hear him shuffle off. Look up mellow in the dictionary and guess whose pic you'll see. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
Thus, ends the first week of the best eva trip "home". Kudos to Captain Rick. Been trying to post this for two days, and he gives me the solution to posting it in two ticks. Thanks Rick. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
