Hello and Happy New Year to you all!Apologies for the lateness – but we’re sure you’ll appreciate the time of year and how hard it is to get the publishers moving in these conditions.
We have another action packed edition for you this month, so without further ado, read on!
Stop Press!!
For those who aren’t yet aware…. We are moving. Michelle’s work underwent a little restructuring and her position would not survive. She was subsequently offered a position in the Cayman Islands, so that is where we are off to. It is planned that Michelle starts there in mid January with Dave and the kids following toward the end of February. We’ll keep you posted on progress.
It will be sad to leave the BVI though as we have all made a lot of really good friends here and despite some of the frustrations of BVI life, we quite like it here. But we must look forward and move on to the new challenges presented to us. We are lucky in that we spent some time in Cayman earlier in the year and have a general idea of what to expect there.
Travel Report
No travel again this month – apart from Dave, but that is included in the Trini Report (below).
Surf Report
The surf is back but hasn’t been all that clean of late. It’s very big at the moment but not surfable some days. Jake and Dave went out one day and Jake caught a few rides close in. But the surf was quite messy and he struggled to get back out. Dave helped him a few times but then Jake got dumped and tried to drink half of the sea so gave it up for the day. Dave then went out and didn’t fare much better! Dave went out again the other day (after work of course!) and managed to get a few half decent rides.
Jake picking up chicks at Josiah's
Weather Report
As reported last month, we are now well and truly into winter here. Temps over night are generally around 22 – 24 degrees and daytime temps in the mid to late 20’s. We no longer use the fans at night and, believe it or not, even use duvets on occasion. Brrrr!!
Trini Report
Carib Beer International Sevens Rugby Tournament
After several months of intense fitness and skills training the BVI National Sevens Team recently headed to Trinidad & Tobago for the Annual Caribbean Sevens Tournament. The tour started badly with one of the members dropping a case of Heineken on the pavement outside the departure area of the BVI airport. The beers were cleaned up (luckily only one breakage) and off the team went to San Juan to await the connecting flight to Trinidad. After a couple of additional liquid refreshments they caught the three hour flight to Trinidad (in an ATR) where they were welcomed by the tournament organizers and a Chillibin/coolerbox full of beers in the carpark. That done, they headed to the Trinidad Hilton (nothing but the best for the BVI boys). It was nearing 1 am at this stage and they hotel bar was closing at 1. In an effort to support the local economy, a few more beers were purchased and the team settled into the hotel for the night.
Saturday morning and most of the team made it down for breakfast and then they all headed to the ground.
As reported last month, we are now well and truly into winter here. Temps over night are generally around 22 – 24 degrees and daytime temps in the mid to late 20’s. We no longer use the fans at night and, believe it or not, even use duvets on occasion. Brrrr!!
Trini Report
Carib Beer International Sevens Rugby Tournament
After several months of intense fitness and skills training the BVI National Sevens Team recently headed to Trinidad & Tobago for the Annual Caribbean Sevens Tournament. The tour started badly with one of the members dropping a case of Heineken on the pavement outside the departure area of the BVI airport. The beers were cleaned up (luckily only one breakage) and off the team went to San Juan to await the connecting flight to Trinidad. After a couple of additional liquid refreshments they caught the three hour flight to Trinidad (in an ATR) where they were welcomed by the tournament organizers and a Chillibin/coolerbox full of beers in the carpark. That done, they headed to the Trinidad Hilton (nothing but the best for the BVI boys). It was nearing 1 am at this stage and they hotel bar was closing at 1. In an effort to support the local economy, a few more beers were purchased and the team settled into the hotel for the night.
Saturday morning and most of the team made it down for breakfast and then they all headed to the ground.
The team and the sponsor's product
The ‘BVI Headquarters’ was established in one of the tents that were provided and the team prepared for their first game. The game didn’t start well with Dave straining his hamstring in the early part of the game. Off he hobbled to spend the rest of the day icing and looking after his leg and then eventually running the touch. But the BVI won their first game convincingly with their defence closing the opposition down completely. Final score 24 – 12 (or thereabouts).
The BVI have attended this tournament for 21 years and they have a reputation for being a relatively ‘social’ bunch. As soon as the game was won the announcer said over the PA system: “It looks like the BVI have brought a serious team this year and I think our bar profits will suffer as a result.”
The BVI have attended this tournament for 21 years and they have a reputation for being a relatively ‘social’ bunch. As soon as the game was won the announcer said over the PA system: “It looks like the BVI have brought a serious team this year and I think our bar profits will suffer as a result.”
Groupies...
Two more games on Saturday with two losses, one fairly close though. That night it was off to town (still in smelly rugby kit) for a few quiets. The quiets got louder and everyone then showered and changed and went back out again to enjoy the nightlife of Port of Spain.
Early game the next morning. Some of the team made breakfast. A win and a couple of close losses put the BVI into the Semi final of the bowl. A few of the opposition sides thought they would have an easy game but the BVI’s motto of “Play hard Work hard” came through. Dave even managed to play one of the games without doing too much damage (to himself or the scoreboard). The Semi final was a one sided affair against the team that BVI beat in the first round. Somehow their attitude had changed overnight. The BVI side were convincingly beaten. The BVI was out… and so were the beers.
Early game the next morning. Some of the team made breakfast. A win and a couple of close losses put the BVI into the Semi final of the bowl. A few of the opposition sides thought they would have an easy game but the BVI’s motto of “Play hard Work hard” came through. Dave even managed to play one of the games without doing too much damage (to himself or the scoreboard). The Semi final was a one sided affair against the team that BVI beat in the first round. Somehow their attitude had changed overnight. The BVI side were convincingly beaten. The BVI was out… and so were the beers.
The BVI team arrives ...
The bar profits didn’t suffer either. At the prizegiving the BVI was awarded, funnily enough, the Camaraderie award. Then it was off to the Rugby club for the party. One of our players is fairly handy on the Saxaphone and he 'piped' (or should that be 'Saxed') us into the party. A fairly big night. The next day (Monday) was a sleep-in until 10 and then it was off to a beach for the tournament beach party that was put on by the sponsors. After one or two beers and the occasional rum and whatever else it was back to town, via several classy establishments where the team played some pool, sang some songs and continued on their path of revelry into the night.
Tuesday: 5 am wake up and then catch the early flight back to San Juan. On arrival at San Juan, they learn that their flight to BVI has been delayed… then cancelled. Some liquid refreshment was called to bide the time. The team got in a few hours later and headed back to life in the BVI after a pretty good tour.
Meeting some of the Port of Spain locals...
More photos from the Trini Tour:
Volume 1
Volume 1
Volume 3
Michelle's Work Christmas Dinner
Michelle and her crew headed out to Brandywine Bay for a Christmas Dinner at the resturant there. It's a pretty nice place to go for dinner and the food and drinks didn't disappoint. Partners were invited but Dave chose to go on tour instead - what a surprise! The evening was a fairly quiet affair compared to the previous year but everyone seemed to enjoy it. Michelle did what Dave did last year - stole someone else's pressie in the gift game, much to the disappointment of the person that originally had the gift and everyone else's delight! Great game when you are able to come in at the end and take what you want - but you are unlucky if you get picked to go first!
Visitor’s Report
Dave’s parents Doug & Lil (Pop & Grandma) came over for Christmas. After a very long couple of days travelling they found themselves in the circus commonly known as the BVI. We’ll get them to add their little story in the January edition. But we’ve added a few pics of some of the things they got up to.
Bomba Rasta Man Vid
One of the locals guys they call “Road Man” was hanging out at Bomba’s one night while we were there after rugby. One of the guys decided to record some of the action. Although we’re pretty sure he had no idea where he was, the kids thought he was doing a Chicken Dance (note the tail feather action). View the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUrkIAskX48&feature=channel_page
Dave’s parents Doug & Lil (Pop & Grandma) came over for Christmas. After a very long couple of days travelling they found themselves in the circus commonly known as the BVI. We’ll get them to add their little story in the January edition. But we’ve added a few pics of some of the things they got up to.
Bomba Rasta Man Vid
One of the locals guys they call “Road Man” was hanging out at Bomba’s one night while we were there after rugby. One of the guys decided to record some of the action. Although we’re pretty sure he had no idea where he was, the kids thought he was doing a Chicken Dance (note the tail feather action). View the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUrkIAskX48&feature=channel_page
Diving
You may recall that Michelle and Dave completed the PADI Open Water Dive Course last month. Well this month it was continuing the Advanced Open Water Course where you have to complete a series of ‘specialist’ dives eg. Wreck Dives, Night Dives, navigation Dives etc. Michelle completed her course early in the month. Dave just needs to do the night dive, then we’re all set!
Caribbean Christmas
They get right into Christmas here. Anything that isn’t moving is soon draped in fairy lights. Real Pine Trees are imported from the US and all the shops try and out do each other with the amount of Christmas decorations and loud music on display. They also have plenty of street parades, just to annoy anyone in a car who might be trying to get from one side of town to the other. Below are some of the activities we got to:
Governor’s Christmas Party (and others…)
Given Dave’s higher station in life these days, we get invited to a few of the ‘to do’ parties around town. But it’s probably closer to say ‘rent a mob’. Anyway, the Governor’s Christmas party was first on the list with about 400 people attending. Dave’s gardeners had spent the previous two days putting up the thousands of Christmas lights around the property. The dress for the evening was to be “Festively Casual’. Michelle wore a Festively Casual Flowery Dress. Dave wore a Festively Casual Green and White Hawaiian shirt (courtesy of Canterbury Draught), some Festively casual bright Red ¾ pants and his best Festively Casual Jandals. On arrival they rocked up to meet the Host and his wife to see that everyone else was wearing Festively Casual Suits, Black ties and evening wear. Oops! Never mind. They joined the Festively Casual party and enjoyed the occasional raised eyebrows and whispers as well as a few drinks and nibbles that were brought around by the waiting staff.
You may recall that Michelle and Dave completed the PADI Open Water Dive Course last month. Well this month it was continuing the Advanced Open Water Course where you have to complete a series of ‘specialist’ dives eg. Wreck Dives, Night Dives, navigation Dives etc. Michelle completed her course early in the month. Dave just needs to do the night dive, then we’re all set!
Caribbean Christmas
They get right into Christmas here. Anything that isn’t moving is soon draped in fairy lights. Real Pine Trees are imported from the US and all the shops try and out do each other with the amount of Christmas decorations and loud music on display. They also have plenty of street parades, just to annoy anyone in a car who might be trying to get from one side of town to the other. Below are some of the activities we got to:
Governor’s Christmas Party (and others…)
Given Dave’s higher station in life these days, we get invited to a few of the ‘to do’ parties around town. But it’s probably closer to say ‘rent a mob’. Anyway, the Governor’s Christmas party was first on the list with about 400 people attending. Dave’s gardeners had spent the previous two days putting up the thousands of Christmas lights around the property. The dress for the evening was to be “Festively Casual’. Michelle wore a Festively Casual Flowery Dress. Dave wore a Festively Casual Green and White Hawaiian shirt (courtesy of Canterbury Draught), some Festively casual bright Red ¾ pants and his best Festively Casual Jandals. On arrival they rocked up to meet the Host and his wife to see that everyone else was wearing Festively Casual Suits, Black ties and evening wear. Oops! Never mind. They joined the Festively Casual party and enjoyed the occasional raised eyebrows and whispers as well as a few drinks and nibbles that were brought around by the waiting staff.
Festively Casual...
Christmas carols were sung and then it was out with the Steel drum band which were particularly good. A sudden downpour did little to dampen our spirits, and clear the path to the bar. Another nice evening out.
Nice Hats
The kids were also invited to the Children's Christmas party at Government house - another grand affair. There was a bouncy castle, donkeys and ponies to have a ride on for varying sizes. Santa made a visit and gave each child a present. They had lots of food and drinks and had a wonderful time!
We were also invited to the Premier’s (Prime Minister) Christmas Party, but learned that that was in fact a very formal occasion, so with Dave’s last pair of shoes falling to bits after sitting in the wardrobe for about 18 months and the fact that we didn’t really feel like going, the invitation was politely declined.
The next knobby event was the Deputy Governor’s Christmas Party but since we had some Royal Visitors of our own decided not to attend that either.
Rugby Club Christmas Party
The annual Rugby Club Christmas party was held the other night. The dress was Black Tie & Boardies for the guys and the female equivalent for the girls. Some even wore heels, but given the setting was on the sand, it wasn’t a great option.
The next knobby event was the Deputy Governor’s Christmas Party but since we had some Royal Visitors of our own decided not to attend that either.
Rugby Club Christmas Party
The annual Rugby Club Christmas party was held the other night. The dress was Black Tie & Boardies for the guys and the female equivalent for the girls. Some even wore heels, but given the setting was on the sand, it wasn’t a great option.
The news was out that Michelle and Dave would be moving on so a couple of committee members took it upon themselves to make a small presentation. They were given a set of wine glasses and then also presented with the club beer funnel, festively adorned of course, from which they had to imbibe a rather large amount of Pinot Grigio (White wine). They both survived that without any spillage or subsequent drama and still managed to be amongst the last to leave.
Christmas Carols
The rugby club also do a Christmas Carol Pub Crawl where the members start at one end of Road Town and sing Carols and drink beers while raising money for the Rugby Club’s Youth Programme. Unfortunately this was scheduled to take place the night after the Club’s Xmas dinner. The Bailey’s arrived (now numbering six with Grandma and Pop in tow) at “The Pub” (that’s what it is called) to await the arrival of the rest of the crew. Obviously the previous night had had its effect and only about six others arrived. It wasn’t enough to give a credible performance so the event was abandoned.
Sam’s 8th Birthday
We had a party for Sam at the Nanny Cay pool on the weekend before Xmas. She invited a few of her friends and had a pool party. The girls all had a lot of fun and Jake had fun annoying them all. Pop and Grandma were there as well and enjoyed sitting by the pool with drink in hand, gazing out past the coconut trees at the blue sea.
More Pre Xmas photos:
Water Crisis
On the morning of Xmas Eve, we awoke to find that one of our water tanks under the house had run dry. Not to worry, we’ll transfer the pump to the other tank which did have water in it. But, no. In someone’s infinite wisdom, the other tank was not connected to the pump system. We tried siphoning from one tank to the other with a garden hose, but the height and distance between tanks precluded this. Dave managed to track down a small submersible pump from one of his mates in the boating business and that was put to work. So for the next two days we had a hose running through the kitchen and dining area, across the lounge and into the other tank. As we were having guests for Xmas Breakfast, we put the hose away for a few hours and resumed later.
Dave missed his work Xmas drinks due to the water crisis but then a few of our mates gathered at the Tamarind Club later on in the day, just around the road from our house where we had a few pre Xmas drinks.
Christmas Day at Cooten Bay
The kids were up early (Surprise surprise!!!) on Xmas day. Up we get and crack a bottle of bubbly and see what Santa had bought us. Unfortunately Rudolph left a bit of a mess on the floor. Sam had left some Reindeer food out and it was mostly eaten, but there were still a few sticks and leaves strewn about. Messy Rudolph! Santa drunk his Carib though.
Since they were to be Xmas Orphans this year, friends of ours Liz and Steve came around for breakfast. Hot croissants with cheeses and ham and fruit salad were accompanied by some more bubbly. Sam and Jake pulled the worlds biggest Xmas cracker.
On the morning of Xmas Eve, we awoke to find that one of our water tanks under the house had run dry. Not to worry, we’ll transfer the pump to the other tank which did have water in it. But, no. In someone’s infinite wisdom, the other tank was not connected to the pump system. We tried siphoning from one tank to the other with a garden hose, but the height and distance between tanks precluded this. Dave managed to track down a small submersible pump from one of his mates in the boating business and that was put to work. So for the next two days we had a hose running through the kitchen and dining area, across the lounge and into the other tank. As we were having guests for Xmas Breakfast, we put the hose away for a few hours and resumed later.
Dave missed his work Xmas drinks due to the water crisis but then a few of our mates gathered at the Tamarind Club later on in the day, just around the road from our house where we had a few pre Xmas drinks.
Christmas Day at Cooten Bay
The kids were up early (Surprise surprise!!!) on Xmas day. Up we get and crack a bottle of bubbly and see what Santa had bought us. Unfortunately Rudolph left a bit of a mess on the floor. Sam had left some Reindeer food out and it was mostly eaten, but there were still a few sticks and leaves strewn about. Messy Rudolph! Santa drunk his Carib though.
Since they were to be Xmas Orphans this year, friends of ours Liz and Steve came around for breakfast. Hot croissants with cheeses and ham and fruit salad were accompanied by some more bubbly. Sam and Jake pulled the worlds biggest Xmas cracker.
We were all due to move to another friend’s place for lunch. After finally getting organized and then stopping at another place for a Xmas 'drink' on the way, we finally made it to Simon and Marianne’s (at about 2pm). We had a nice relaxing afternoon there and finally sat down for lunch of lamb, duck and yummy roast vegetables around 4 ish. Grandma brought her Xmas pudding bowl over (no, not to give Jake and Dave a haircut) and made the traditional Xmas pud that everyone just loved. After a lovely day the six fat tummies headed home for bed.
Boxing Day
We headed out with Marianne and Simon on their boat. It was quite choppy and everyone got pretty wet on the way over to Norman Island. We found a relatively sheltered spot and did a wee bit of snorkeling. Even Pop got in and had a paddle about. It was his first time in a couple of eons so he did quite well really. Grandma even managed to get into the water as well (we won’t ask her what she was doing though).
Boxing Day
We headed out with Marianne and Simon on their boat. It was quite choppy and everyone got pretty wet on the way over to Norman Island. We found a relatively sheltered spot and did a wee bit of snorkeling. Even Pop got in and had a paddle about. It was his first time in a couple of eons so he did quite well really. Grandma even managed to get into the water as well (we won’t ask her what she was doing though).
After a couple of post-snorkeling beers it was suggested that we go to the infamous “Willy T” – a floating bar near Norman island where all sorts of things can happen and usually do!
We ran into a few friends there and the afternoon soon turned into evening and before we knew it we were all having fun leaping off the boat into the waters below (no, Grandma and Pop were not going to have a go at that!). We eventually got back in Simon’s boat and headed back to Road Town in some very choppy seas… in the dark. We all got very, very wet. Then it was back to Marianne and Simon’s for a bite to eat and a night cap (or two).
Willy T tats...
Sam walking on water...
More Xmas photos:
Power Crisis
Wouldn’t you believe it! We’d just got over the water crisis when pppzzzzzzztttttt!!!! The electricity in the house starts playing up. Half of the lights go out and half of the outlets stop, including fridge, microwave and water pump! And it was just the day before New year’s Eve! Further investigation showed a fried out panel in the meter box. The Electricity Corporation said “Not our problem.” We found an electrician who determined that one of the phases from the pole had burnt out and that it was the Electricity Corporation’s problem. They turned up and put another fuse on the pole and left. Several hours later, the other phase went so all of the things that didn’t go before now went and all of those that did didn’t. Electrician comes back. He calls the Electricity walleys, who come and put a bigger fuse on the pole and then disappear. Next thing we know, Jake has spotted smoke coming from the meter box. Then Crack!!! And all the power is out in the guy downstairs’ apartment, but we’re OK! At time of publication it appears that things are working OK and the electrician is about to move in. Maybe it is time for us to move on…
New Years Eve
We headed to Trellis Bay for New Years where they put on a bit of cultural stuff and a few arty bits and pieces for the tourists. Grandma and Pop seemed to especially enjoy the Steel Band and also the Grasshoppers (Rope jumping and skipping).
After that we jumped on the rickety boat and headed over to “The Last Resort” for the New Year’s Party. There were lots of people there and we had a great time welcoming in the New Year. Michelle and Dave slept late the next day… The events of the past week or so had obviously caught up with them! Unfortunately our camera packed a sad and none of the photos came out… :( We’ll see if we can find some from someone else though.
Next Month:
Visitor’s Report (Grandma & Pop's BVI trip)
The Cayman Move (Part I)
Wouldn’t you believe it! We’d just got over the water crisis when pppzzzzzzztttttt!!!! The electricity in the house starts playing up. Half of the lights go out and half of the outlets stop, including fridge, microwave and water pump! And it was just the day before New year’s Eve! Further investigation showed a fried out panel in the meter box. The Electricity Corporation said “Not our problem.” We found an electrician who determined that one of the phases from the pole had burnt out and that it was the Electricity Corporation’s problem. They turned up and put another fuse on the pole and left. Several hours later, the other phase went so all of the things that didn’t go before now went and all of those that did didn’t. Electrician comes back. He calls the Electricity walleys, who come and put a bigger fuse on the pole and then disappear. Next thing we know, Jake has spotted smoke coming from the meter box. Then Crack!!! And all the power is out in the guy downstairs’ apartment, but we’re OK! At time of publication it appears that things are working OK and the electrician is about to move in. Maybe it is time for us to move on…
New Years Eve
We headed to Trellis Bay for New Years where they put on a bit of cultural stuff and a few arty bits and pieces for the tourists. Grandma and Pop seemed to especially enjoy the Steel Band and also the Grasshoppers (Rope jumping and skipping).
After that we jumped on the rickety boat and headed over to “The Last Resort” for the New Year’s Party. There were lots of people there and we had a great time welcoming in the New Year. Michelle and Dave slept late the next day… The events of the past week or so had obviously caught up with them! Unfortunately our camera packed a sad and none of the photos came out… :( We’ll see if we can find some from someone else though.
Next Month:
Visitor’s Report (Grandma & Pop's BVI trip)
The Cayman Move (Part I)
Surf Report
and some other stuff!
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