BVI - Joyce and Colin visit again
A welcome return to the BVI by Andy's sister Joyce and her man Colin. Last time we saw them was some 14 months ago, and they were both well overdue an extended break in the sunshine. Since we saw them last they are trying to buy some land to build a new house on, their pride and joy is a new Jack Russell puppy called Buster, Joyce's hotel is up for sale and the global economy has fallen on its' arse. Where better to escape to than the BVI for three weeks.....
We had a great time when they were here. Unfortunately they couldn't stay with us, so we put them up in Olde Yard Villagein Virgin Gorda in a fab one bed place. Main challenge for Colin was to avoid the mozzies and to now get sunburnt! He managed pretty well on both fronts this year and certainly had less scars to show going home :-)
During the stay we managed to get four consecutive days off and took them over to Tortola for a break. I left the tourists at the Cabanon bar and headed to rent a local car from IT GO, yes IT GO! All smooth so far - a Nissan saloon which had definitely seen better days. Nevermind, back to the Cabanon to pick them up. As soon as I parked our IT GO, it was now a DID'NT GO - a loose battery terminal was to blame - ah the beauty of island cars. We spent the first two nights at the Tamarind Club in the East End. An ex-pat place with a good vibe and which does good Sunday Brunch. We spent the day chilling out and taking in the local scene. First stop was Joshiah's Bay just down the road. This is a big surfing beach when the surf is up. There was a bit of a swell when we were there but not really waht you'd call surfing California style. It didn't stop some hardy few, one of whom clearly demonstrating that you don't have to be young, cool or trendy to surf - check the photo!!
That night had a great meal over at Red Rock, owned and run by Martin and Lesley who we knew from VG, and had moved over to Tortola to start up and revamp and existing restaurant called Eclipse. They have done a great job with the place, and the food was great - hope to see you both again sometime soon!
Off next to Sebastian's Beach at the East End. A chilled out place and home to a local and unique blend of rum - Sebastian's!! Our trip there took us via the West End and Soper's Hole. Just time for a quick beer or two before heading up the hill and down to Sebastian's. Unfortunately our lack of local knowledge on the condition of the road led us up a narrow and twisting single track road which started as tarmac, then turned to concrete and then finally rubble, which in no time turned into something that wouldn't be out of place in the Paris-Dakar rally. Our Nissan was not up to the task. A tricky U-turn then ensued with Colin remarking that the fluid he saw leaking from the front wkeels could possibly be break fluid. Hmmm. Not good as we have to go back down hill to get onto the right road.....thankfully as was ok as it was only AC condensate dripping out of the car. Phew.
On now to Sebastian's and a welcome shnifter. The rum blend is unique as they've added a banana liqueur and a bit of spice. The rum is sold as a shot and best either slammed down or sipped. A great atfter dinner digesif! Sebastian's is a great spot for chilling out on the beach and for catching the surf. the hotel is basic but good value and the restaurant is friendly with good food. For sure a place to come back to - wish we could have spent more time there.
Back then to VG for Joyce and Colin, and for us, work! It is after all, living the Caribbean lifestyle.....
Here's some shots of the four days in Tortola.....
Read MoreWe had a great time when they were here. Unfortunately they couldn't stay with us, so we put them up in Olde Yard Villagein Virgin Gorda in a fab one bed place. Main challenge for Colin was to avoid the mozzies and to now get sunburnt! He managed pretty well on both fronts this year and certainly had less scars to show going home :-)
During the stay we managed to get four consecutive days off and took them over to Tortola for a break. I left the tourists at the Cabanon bar and headed to rent a local car from IT GO, yes IT GO! All smooth so far - a Nissan saloon which had definitely seen better days. Nevermind, back to the Cabanon to pick them up. As soon as I parked our IT GO, it was now a DID'NT GO - a loose battery terminal was to blame - ah the beauty of island cars. We spent the first two nights at the Tamarind Club in the East End. An ex-pat place with a good vibe and which does good Sunday Brunch. We spent the day chilling out and taking in the local scene. First stop was Joshiah's Bay just down the road. This is a big surfing beach when the surf is up. There was a bit of a swell when we were there but not really waht you'd call surfing California style. It didn't stop some hardy few, one of whom clearly demonstrating that you don't have to be young, cool or trendy to surf - check the photo!!
That night had a great meal over at Red Rock, owned and run by Martin and Lesley who we knew from VG, and had moved over to Tortola to start up and revamp and existing restaurant called Eclipse. They have done a great job with the place, and the food was great - hope to see you both again sometime soon!
Off next to Sebastian's Beach at the East End. A chilled out place and home to a local and unique blend of rum - Sebastian's!! Our trip there took us via the West End and Soper's Hole. Just time for a quick beer or two before heading up the hill and down to Sebastian's. Unfortunately our lack of local knowledge on the condition of the road led us up a narrow and twisting single track road which started as tarmac, then turned to concrete and then finally rubble, which in no time turned into something that wouldn't be out of place in the Paris-Dakar rally. Our Nissan was not up to the task. A tricky U-turn then ensued with Colin remarking that the fluid he saw leaking from the front wkeels could possibly be break fluid. Hmmm. Not good as we have to go back down hill to get onto the right road.....thankfully as was ok as it was only AC condensate dripping out of the car. Phew.
On now to Sebastian's and a welcome shnifter. The rum blend is unique as they've added a banana liqueur and a bit of spice. The rum is sold as a shot and best either slammed down or sipped. A great atfter dinner digesif! Sebastian's is a great spot for chilling out on the beach and for catching the surf. the hotel is basic but good value and the restaurant is friendly with good food. For sure a place to come back to - wish we could have spent more time there.
Back then to VG for Joyce and Colin, and for us, work! It is after all, living the Caribbean lifestyle.....
Here's some shots of the four days in Tortola.....
