Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Issue # 10 - June o What


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

A bit of travelling this month!



St Maarten sunset

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.

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.

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.


Rum Point

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...







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.









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.

"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:

Rugby Dinner

More Visitors

other stuff

Oh and by the way, Dave now has a job. More on that next month


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Friday, May 30, 2008

Issue # 9 – The May Be Knot


Hello!


Well, another month has gone by... and guess what? We've been here for 12 of them now. For those who have trouble adding, that equtes to a year! How time flies when you're having fun (or as one of the tourist T-shirts here say "Time Flies When You're having Rum!") which could be close to the mark as well at times. 22 May 07 we arrived here. And despite all of the confusion, frustration, waiting, swearing, stomping, yelling and screaming, we've had a pretty good time to date. Rather than re-hash it here or do a highlights package, you can do it yourself by going to the very first Blog (yep, wayyyyy down to the bottom) and then scroll quickly up, stopping at those bits that appeal. There. You'll have your very own personalised highlights package of our last 12 months.



And now to this months action packed edition. Plenty happened in May, generally Nautically related, but we won't spoil it for you now, you can read on at your own liesurely pace and find out for yourself. It's only an hour or so until lunchtime, so read slowly!

Boats
It’s been a boating month for us this month. Friends of ours have a boat and are keen to go out for a day now and then exploring the outer islands around the neighborhood. We’ve done quite a bit lately, as you will see below.

On Boats

One Saturday day we all went out on our friend's boat and popped over to Peter island for lunch at a new resturant called Ocean’s 7. Very nice setting overlooking the water and the boats. Following that we all went for a snorkel and a then got the biscuit out to take the kids (and the big kids) out for a drag. Heaps of fun!

Another day (a week day this time) Dave went out Dead Man’s Chest (another part of Peter island) for lunch. The resturant had built a little gazebo on the beach that they had their table in and lunch and drinks were served there. Very nice spot indeed! Dave said the Smoked Salmon Pizza was just the best! They were too full to do any skiing after that and were running out of time so raced back to Tortola just in time to pick up the kids from school.


Just had lunch at Ocean's 7
More water pics:
Michelle on Mystique
Michelle went off for a day sale on a chartered cat called Mystique, around Jost van Dyke with some friends a couple of sundays ago.

A 9.30am start, which, in usual BVI form, was 10.30-11am - and off to a really tiny island off Jost Van Dyke called Sandy Spit - you can walk around it in about 3 minutes. Most of the guys had drinks in hand as soon as they arrived - Michelle who was not so well trained held off for a while, scared that she'd miss all the fun if she started too early! They did a bit of swimming, lounging in the water, and snorkelling. The snorkelling wasn't that exciting until Michelle found a massive Jack swimming in the shallows - looked about 3-4 feet long and wasn't at all perturbed at being followed. Then back at the cat a baracuda hung around underneath freaking out a few of the unsuspecting swimmers. After a couple of hours it was off to Foxy's for lunch (Michelle had taken her own picnic lunch so scoffed that and wandered around while waiting for everyone else to finish!). Then there was a bit of a trek off to the bubbly pools - Michelle was expecting something like a natural spa but it turned out to be a small pool that was fed by the waves from time to time - rather disappointing initally but when a decent wave smashed in it was very entertaining. Michelle took a heap of photos waiting for the perfect wave but never got it! Then they wandered back to the boat and went around to White Bay and the Soggy dollar - and met up with Dave & the kids. It was a very pleasant day!
Starting off on Mystique
Sandy Spit

Having a Beer at the Bubbling Baths

Sandy Cay, Soggy Dollar, & Willy T

While Michelle was living the high life aboard Mystique, Dave and the kids went out on our friend's boat which just happened to be going to the same area. They went to Sandy Cay (which is an island off JvD, and is a little bigger than Sandy Spit). After a couple of circuits on the skis in some rather bumby water, they had lunch there on the beach where some other friends had brought a BBQ. So lunch consisted of fresh homemade burgers and hotdogs... and a wee Carib or two. A real Americanised BBQ. After that it was off to the Soggy Dollar Bar on JvD. It's called that because you have to anchor your boat off shore and then swim to the beach. Everyone's money is usually wet by then, hence the name. We met Michelle and the Mystique crew there and she jumped ship and came with us.

After about 15 Painkillers (a very drinkable yet lethal rum concoction) it was off to the infamous Willy T for dinner. Another great day out on the water.

The kids marooned on Sandy Cay.
En route to the Willy T

Fishing for Marlin


The boats at dawn

A bunch of guys from the rugby club arranged a morning out Deep Sea Fishing on a charter boat a few weeks back. Dave went along. There were two boats. One full of Saffers (Sth Africans) and the rest of the world on the other boat. There was a wager on which boat would do the best. The Saffers were confidant (and very vocal about it too) as they had a few very active anglers on their boat. The Rest of the World (ROTW) had a few Poms, a Scot, an Aussie, and two Kiwis who really didn’t have that many clues about Deep Sea Fishing. This was clearly evident as they hooked a fish (Barracuda) only to lose it before getting it on the boat.
The boats left at 6:15 am from Trellis Bay and headed out the back of Virgin Gorda to a spot called ‘The shelf”. The beers were cracked at about 6:17 am – for medicinal anti sea-sickness purposes.


The two boats trawled around the area criss-crossing each other’s path with plenty of banter between the boats when in earshot. No-one had hauled anything about after an hour or so. Suddenly one of the lines on the ROTW boat pinged and the line started to scream as something had taken the hook. Looking up, the ROTW were rewarded with the sight of a Blue Marlin leaping out of the water and dancing on it’s tail right behind the Saffer boat. The Saffers couldn’t help but see it and their heads dropped and shoulders sagged immediately.
Team ROTW were having turns being the “Man in the Chair” so when the Marlin struck it was the Aussie in the hot seat working his bum off as the others wound in the other lines then sat back enjoying a beer and offering plenty of vocal threats and support. After about 20 minutes the fish was done. They are protected here so you can only catch and release them. But not before some good pictures were taken. It was estimated at around 200lbs. A great effort by the ROTW boat. The pressure was all on the Saffers now. As the ROTW celebrated their catch in the accustomed style, the Saffers hooked a big Wahou but lost it. Then they got a couple of scawny barracuda. Not their day it seems. The contest was over and the boats headed home. Although it was pretty special to see the Marlin it was a little disappointing that the other fish weren’t biting that day. Maybe next time they’ll have caught something to eat when they come back…
(See Facebook pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=23029&l=110f9&id=766998601 )
Team ROTW point the finger at the losing Saffer boat.


Under boats
One of our friends needed his boat hull cleaned and repainted. It had slime and barnacles all over it which plays havoc with the efficiency and speed of the boat. Dave spent a couple of days with two other guys scraping the smelly slime and stuff off the boat on a trailer before sanding it and painting with Anti foul paint. It was pretty hot and smelly work but as there were three of them doing it, it only took about a half day. Once that was done, there was another friend’s boat to be done. They’d got it down to a fine art by then and managed both days to have the boats cleaned and painted in time for a lunch at the pub while the paint dried. But both boats are looking pretty good now – and fast too!!!
Into the blue!


Behind Boats
Biscuit & Skis - we bought some water skis and a biscuit a while back. Now we have some friends with a boat, we make the most of the opportunity to get out on the water. The kids just love the biscuit – Jake likes going fast and tipping up at speed while Sam enjoys a slightly more sedate ride. The boat is a 25 footer with two 200’s on the back. Plenty of power there! Michelle and Dave have both been out on the skis a couple of times and both managed to survive the seas.
Dave and Jake with a bit of pace on...


... and the end result.





Michelle and Jake - lovin it!


As summer comes, hopefully the sea will become even flatter and the skiing will get even better.
Maybe even Skurfing (Surfboard behind a boat) & Wake-boarding to come!
(See Facebook pics)
Fast Boats
Last sunday was the Annual Poker Run. It's a charity fundraising race around about four islands here and only the fastest of the fast enter. Some of these boats clocked in excess of 160 mph. Yep 160 mph. They don't use petrol for these babies, only the hot stuff! The photo above was taken from our house. We heard the massive roar of engines and by the time we got to the balcony, half of them had gone past already! When they aren't doing the poker run, rumour has it that they spend their time outrunning police boats and helicopters as they run their drugs around the carribean. Well, I guess you've got to pay for it somehow!

Rugby Club Wine Tasting
Another fundraising event for the kids rugby programme was the annual wine tasting. It was a 3 pm Kick off. Apparently they used to start at 12 but things tended to get a bit messy. After about three hours of quaffing back wine a tasting competition commenced. Entrants were required to provide the country, year, type and anything else they could provide of six different wines. After three hours of drinking prior, there wasn't a great deal of expertise left in the place. Although Dave proved to have the most educated palate by winning the contest… somehow. His grand total score of 2.5 out of 6 was by far the best. 2nd place only got 1.5. People said it was just good luck, but we know different. There were a few miffed wine buffs though who thought they knew everything! So dave walked (or staggered maybe) away with a half dozen wines to add to the ever diminishing collection.
Another entertaining night with some sore heads the next day.

Phew! Lucky this pic was taken before the reds were dished out!

Jake’s Sports Day
The little kids at school had their end of year sports day the other week. It was a morning of fun and relay races which the kids enjoyed. Jake was the captain of his team and they did pretty well, coming in 2nd overall.

Jake setting the pace with his team manager in support.

With the ribbon

The Rat Count Revival.
We had some people around for a barbecue out the back the other week when a fat rat sauntered past and disappeared into a hole in the wall. Right, Game on! Dave duly set the trap right outside said hole in wall and also borrowed a block of Rat Poison from the neighbor who was having issues with rats in his downstairs apartment.
Dave set the trap and went inside to check the beer stocks or something. Upon returning just a few minutes later – the rat was caught. The poison was still sitting in the hole but disappeared over night, so there were possibly two rats who met their demise that night. Unfortunately the International Rat Count Confederation don’t allow us to count kills without solid evidence. So we can just claim the one this time.


Weather Watch
It’s definitely getting warmer now. The coldest of late had been about 23 over night with highs in the low 30’s during the day. Summer is nearly here. It's been quite muggy this last week with rain threatening but never really arriving.


Surf Wrap
Well, believe it or not, even in May the surfing has continued. Not very often though! We’ll officially call the season over and just make the most of the occasional storm swells that pop up from time to time.
Jake – Jake started standing on his Boogey Board before Christmas so Santa in his infinite wisdom provided a board for the budding ‘Kelly Slater’ (Google him if you don’t know who he is). He took his board out after coming back from NZ in January and stood up immediately. His surfing continued to improve and he is able to paddle out and catch a wave on his own (conditions permitting). He’ll have all of next winter to work on his form so should continue to improve.
Sam – Sam loves the Boogey Board and seems content to stick with that for the time being.
Michelle – Michelle has only had a few opportunities to get out on Dave’s board, but with a full season next winter there should be plenty more chances to get out. Dave has managed to find a longboard for Michelle so we’ll see how that goes too!
Dave finally got his board in late Jan/early Feb and has made the most of his opportunities since. He can now catch ‘most’ waves and even a few clean ones and ride them all the way into the beach. He is working on steering the board now, which appears easier said than done.
"Us surfies get all the hot chicks". This is some NY model whose boyfriend lost his kite at Josiah's. Dave just happened to rescue it from the surf for him. Anyone recognise her? Dave couldn't remember her name...

Fuel costs
We note that the cost of petrol in NZ has got to $2. Just to really annoy you, it costs us about $3.85 a gallon here. So with a gallon being approximately 3.78 litres, a litre here would cost (with the exchange rate of .78), $NZ1.30 per litre. That might explain why half of the population here leave their cars running with the AC on while they pop into a shop or pick up kids from school.
Sunset swim in a friend's pool
Whirlwind House Tour
If you want a quick tour of our house, we have added a video clip below. Please let us know if it works or not. It all seems fine at this end.
See ya!!!!
Next Month

Visitor’s Report - Who will it be?
Tri Nations Rugby – Carribean Style. Or should that be “Quad nations”…

Travel report - hopefully we'll be able to report from our st Maarten trip as well as a little visit to the Cayman islands.


and much much more!!!!!






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