Gidday!
Welcome to our June edition. Sorry about the small delay in getting this to you. We've had a busy few weeks! Plenty happened in June and rather than bore you with the details in this little blurb, you might as well read the real deal just below.
Don't forget that you can find previous issues by using the archive thingy over there on the right and clicking on the month you are after. You can also see more pictures if you click on the Facebook links below.
Happy Bloggerring!
Visitor’s Report
The lovely Penny T (of ESR fame) popped in a couple of weeks back for a visit. We had planned to go on a Rugby trip to St Maarten the weekend before Penny arrived. Then at the last minute, in true Carribean fashion, the dates changed and the footy trip was now going to be on while Penny was here. Fortunately the cost of travelling from here to St Maarten is not too bad and Penny decided to come on the trip with us. But she did get a few days here in Tortola first. Anyway, here’s her version of events:
Now this is the kind of lifestyle I could easily get used to! Loads of beautiful beaches; white sand and clear blue water. Dave, who is cultivating his surfie look, was doing a good job of showing me the sights. And by sights I mostly mean beaches and pubs.
I took a trip to Virgin Gorda during my trip which was stunning, huge boulders have formed some natural caves on the beach which is truly a sight to see. After that it was off to touch rugby practice with Michelle, then off to the famed Bombas shack for a drink or two. That place has to be seen to be believed!! Dave and I went past the next day (it looks much worse by daylight) on our way to another beach where I sampled a local specialty - a Painkiller. Its not just a clever name, I was almost slurring after one and could have easily taken a nap that afternoon but instead we headed to...
Enjoying the dreaded 'Painkiller' at Smuggler's Cove
...St Maarten for the long awaited rugby trip, all of this tropical island hopping could get a little tiresome... After a day of sightseeing (and getting a little lost) it was time for the main event, the rugby! The ladies cleaned up on the touch field then it was time for the men's game. It was hands down the most mongrel game of rugby I've ever seen! Two fights in the first five minutes, during which locals from the crowd would run down to get in on the action. The highlight was when one guy decided to take a shortcut over the stand and ended up falling in a rubbish bin. Oh, and the hard fought win from the BVI team of course!
Unfortunately I had to leave early to make my flight so couldn't stay for the festivities, only somewhat abated by spotting Shaggy at the airport (sorry ladies I didn't get his autograph...).
I had a blast, thanks so much for the awesome hospitality!
If you're ever in the neighbourhood, or just the general vicinity, I highly recommend popping over for a visit!
Travel
Travel
A bit of travelling this month!
St Maarten sunset
St Maarten
St Maarten
Pool shot
As you know, we went to St Maarten for a Rugby trip. It's not often that women get to go on these tours let alone kids!), but as we were taking a women's touch team, I guess some of the old traditions had to be held in abeyance for this one.
Kid's Island
We (With Penny in tow) took a quick flight down to St Maarten on the thursday afternoon, arriving around 6 ish. We were picked up by a french dude who took us to the hotel and then passed over a rental car that had been arranged for us by the Rugby club. It was the size of a small shopping cart but was at least easy to park. They drive Left Hand drive cars there and drive on the right, so it was a little different than here where we drive left hand drives on the left! Never hit anyone, so that was a bonus.
Airport on Dutch side of island
We were getting a bit hungry so off we went in the car and drove about 100 metres before finding a Pizza place. Since we were hungry we ordered three large pizzas. The pizza's were bigger than the wheels on the car, so we didn't go hungy that night! We also managed to locate a couple of beers (to help with the digestion) and spent the rest of the evening enjoying those while listening to the fake bird calls from the patio. Apparently they are there to keep birds away, but they aren't that great to listen too!
Now that's a pizza! (OK three pizza's!)
The next day is was pig out at the buffet brekky and then a splash in the pool. Since Sam and Jake have now developed Gills, it was hard getting them out of the pool to do some sight seeing. But we managed it and away we went for a lap of the island.
See the cell phone just behind. It's a big moth!
Big caterpillar too!
We stopped at the "Butterfly Farm" were the had a bunch of butterflies fluttering about. It was quite cool really, and the kids were amazed at the world's biggest moth, which actually flew away with a lady's handbag at one stage. Speaking of which, in our typical "She'll be right" attitude, we left a bag in the rental, despite several warning signs saying not to. Lo and behold, said bag was gone on our return. Luckily there was nothing of value in it, just some of the kids clothes and a pile of leftover pizza from the previous night. At least the thief would have got fed. We don't think they'd get much use out of the other stuff.
Next stop was Waikiki Beach (that's what the sign said!) for a quick play and a bit of a shop. While Penny and Michelle shopped, Dave took the kids for a walk along the beach only to be halted as Sam asks, "Daddy, why is that man naked? and that one, and that one over there?"
"Errr, they aren't very well off and can't afford clothes. Let's go."
They had wandered onto the nudist beach which was frequented, much to Dave's disappointment, by a rather large number of men in the 60's.
Upon getting back to the shop where Penny and Michelle were, they encountered to ladies of similar age to the men doing some shopping (sans tops). That really got Sam going. A hasty exit saw us off for another drive through the Dutch side of St Maarten and then back to the hotel for another swim... and maybe a beer or two.
Upon getting back to the shop where Penny and Michelle were, they encountered to ladies of similar age to the men doing some shopping (sans tops). That really got Sam going. A hasty exit saw us off for another drive through the Dutch side of St Maarten and then back to the hotel for another swim... and maybe a beer or two.
The rest of the team then turned up and it was all on.
Pre game team pic
In action!
Game Day. Most (that made it back to the hotel) made it to breakfast and then lazed around the pool. Soon enough it was time to head to the ground where the hosts were putting on lunch. It was a hot afternoon and the girls were up first at about 3 pm. We should point out that Michelle is the Captain of this side and that expectations were high. They didn't disappoint and scored early in the match. The remainder of the game saw a couple of opportunities missed and some good defence being put in. Another try to the BVI late in the game sealed the win. Two firsts for the BVI - a womens team, and a winning women's team at that! Well done Michelle! International Touch rugby star!
Captain Happy
The men were up next. They were to combine with some players from st Marts who had come over for a run as well. The BVI had a full team, but used the St Barts players as subs... fairly often in fact.
Taking on the frogs...
As Penny alluded to before, there was a teeney bit of fisticuffs during the early parts of the game. In fact the middle and later parts had their fair shar as well. The BVI were on attack for most of the first half but couldn't finish off. The St Maarten side managed to break out and score against the run of play. The BVI eventually scored under the posts and it was 7 - 5 to the good guys. About midway through the second half, Dave wh found himself standing at First Five in mid field, recieved the ball, then looked outside (zip, no-one) so hoofed it high for the opposition fullback. Dave raced after the kick and pressured the fullback, who fumbled it backwards. Dave followed through and regained the ball only to be dragged down 15m from the line. The BVI pack rumbled over and one of the props plucked up the ball and scored in the corner. beuatiful try. 12 - 5.
As Penny alluded to before, there was a teeney bit of fisticuffs during the early parts of the game. In fact the middle and later parts had their fair shar as well. The BVI were on attack for most of the first half but couldn't finish off. The St Maarten side managed to break out and score against the run of play. The BVI eventually scored under the posts and it was 7 - 5 to the good guys. About midway through the second half, Dave wh found himself standing at First Five in mid field, recieved the ball, then looked outside (zip, no-one) so hoofed it high for the opposition fullback. Dave raced after the kick and pressured the fullback, who fumbled it backwards. Dave followed through and regained the ball only to be dragged down 15m from the line. The BVI pack rumbled over and one of the props plucked up the ball and scored in the corner. beuatiful try. 12 - 5.
But it wasn't over yet. In a last ditch effort the french guys put up a ball into the BVI corner, which was missed, then knocked forward twice (by the French) before being passed forward as they scored in the corner. Full time was up and they needed the kick to level the scores. The refereee, being French, didn't notice the kicker take the ball about 15 metres closer to the centre for his kick. The BVI team politley reminded him of the error of his ways and he was forced to move the kicker back to the sideline. He missed! Good job. The BVI were victorious again. Let the celebrations begin!
The next day was a little quieter (funnily enough), and most people lazed around the pool or checked out a few beaches before heading back home. A successful tour.
With the Ref and the French Captain
More St Martin pics
Cayman
We were home for a day and then off the cayman for the week. Michelle had a conference to go to there and Dave and the kids tagged along to check out the Caymans. It takes a full day to get there from the BVI (via San Juan and Miami). But we made it, even if our bags didn't (for a while anyway.).
We checked into our hotel and the kids went straight to the pool (what a surprise). Dave and Michelle couldn't because they gear was still circling the globe somewhere. Mexican dinner that night. The bags turned up in the middle of the night, so at least we were were sorted for the next day.
After another massive buffet brekky Michelle went off to work while Dave and the kids went the pool for a bit. They then headed into town for some sight seeing and lunch beofre heading back to... the pool! A roast chicken dinner at "Chicken Chicken!" that night filled us right up.
"Look Mayagi, white kids"
The next day (after another Fat Boys Feed) Dave took the kids to the Turtle Farm where they learned all about Turtles and even got to hold them. It was pretty good and the kids just loved catching the Turtles! In the afternoon it was off to Stingray City. That's a sand bar about 40 minutes out (by boat) where you can actually swim and touch and hug and even kiss a stingray. A very cool experience but one which shouldn't be attempted elsewhere (Steve Irwin fans take note) - as these stingray know there is always food coming and don't mind getting trodden on by the off tourist from time to time. That night was a Sunset BBQ dinner on the beach with the conference participants. Dave and the kids turned up straight out of the pool looking just a little underdressed with bad hair while the other guests all ponced around in their 'tidy casual beach BBQ attire'. Anyway, the meal was nice and the beers were free so a pretty good deal for the freeloaders!
"xxx"
Steve, this is how it's done Mate!
After a hard day with the Rays...
We need a bigger beer fridge!
Friday, Dave took the kids for a drive and found the Stingray Brewery (where the local "Caybrew" is made). A quick pint and a tour of the brewery was just what the kids were after. Then it was off to find the Tortuga Rum Distillery, only to find that that is actually in Jamaica... oops! Back to the pool for a change! Dinner was at the Hard Rock Cafe.
The next day was saturday and off we all went to Rum Point which is a bit of a drive - by Carribean standards. There we did a bit of snorkelling and swimming etc for a few hours, then it was off for a bit of sightseeing before heading back to the hotel for another swim! Thai dinner tonight!
Yeah, these conferences are tough alright...
More Cayman Pics
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=26116&l=0dee4&id=766998601
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=26116&l=0dee4&id=766998601
Last Resort?
Michelle and Dave went out to the Last Resort for a friend's birthday dinner the other weekend. It's always a good night there and we weren't to be disappointed.
Just another quiet night at the Last Resort...
Just resting my eyes...
End of School
It's now summer holidays for the kids. A whole 8+ weeks off! They had their end of year assembly on friday where they peformed a couple of items for all of the doting parents. All very cute.
Ballet Recital/Show
Sam has been practicing for the BVI Youth Dance Fest for the last few months at Ballet. There were about 30 different acts in this show. Each act being a song where the varioous dance groups (Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, and others) did their thing. Sam's was to the song 'The Rose' and hopefully we can show you the Dress Rehearsal below (Click on the video clip at the bottom). We couldn't get the main event in time for publication, sorry 'bout dat! A pretty good show though with kids from about four through to teenagers performing.
Ballet Recital/Show
Sam has been practicing for the BVI Youth Dance Fest for the last few months at Ballet. There were about 30 different acts in this show. Each act being a song where the varioous dance groups (Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, and others) did their thing. Sam's was to the song 'The Rose' and hopefully we can show you the Dress Rehearsal below (Click on the video clip at the bottom). We couldn't get the main event in time for publication, sorry 'bout dat! A pretty good show though with kids from about four through to teenagers performing.
Rat Count
Have given up counting - 'cos we're giving those Rats a kicking. Two more rats this month. Yay us!
Weather Watch
A year to the day after moving into this house and the weather repeats itself. Thunder and lightning strike Cooten Bay. Power goes off, so do the kids. But at least it's all over in an hour or so. Unlike last year where it went for most of the night.
The average temp now is around 30 degrees and dropping to about 24/25 overnight. It's supposed to be the raining season too but that has been sporadic and Dave's garden is hanging out for some wetness!
Tyres
Ever tried to get a puncture repaired in the Carribean? Dave got a flat the other day. After changing the tyre he goes to the local garage to get the flat fixed. He wheels the tyre in and asks for it to be fixed.
Tyres
Ever tried to get a puncture repaired in the Carribean? Dave got a flat the other day. After changing the tyre he goes to the local garage to get the flat fixed. He wheels the tyre in and asks for it to be fixed.
"Where's you car?" he is asked.
"Across the road. Why?" Dave replies.
"It should be on the car" he is told.
"No. I took it off to change it. Here it is, this round thing here. Can you fix it?"
"It needs to be on the car so we can fix it."
"No. I need to drive my car while you fix the tyre."
"I don't know. You'll have to go and see the office."
Dave goes and sees "The Office".
"Where's your car?" he is asked. Here we go again.
"My car is across the road. My tyre is outside your door waiting patiently for someone to fix it."
"The tyre should be on the car."
Dave is about to pop a blood vessel when the lovely Vanessa walks in. Vanessa is always helpful and looks after Dave when he goes to the garage.
"Hey, what'sup?" she says.
Dave is happy because he'll finally get some sense out of someone. He explains the situation and Vanessa says "So, where's your car?"
(Boom!!!!!)
It eventually got sorted out and the lovely Vanessa got the tyre fixed, and at no charge. Phew!
Next Month:
Plenty hapnin in July:
Plenty hapnin in July:
Rugby Dinner
More Visitors
other stuff
Oh and by the way, Dave now has a job. More on that next month
