Our B.V.I. Adventure

Of the five Pusser's locations, which ones did you visit on your trip? (Soper's Hole, Marina Cay, Charlie T's Lobster House, Leverick Bay, Road Town Pub)

Answer(s): Charlie T's Lobster House for delicious lobster & Road Town Pub for our first Roti

True or False. Driving on the left side of the road feels as weird as I thought it would.

Answer(s): Per Shane (as the driver & a man), false. But as the passenger...my eyes were peeled for him to cross over to the right side out of habit.  However - in his defense, the stayed left throughout the trip!

Shane not only drove in the BVI, but he drove without either me or Michael in the car, offering friendly reminders about the roundabouts and speed bumps.  He and Kaley made their way to the grocery store to get the ingredients for a delicious dinner that they prepared for us! 

What was the most bizarre thing you saw on Tortola?

Answer(s): The two hen gang bangs that we were fortunate enough to witness or Charlie Sheen's interview on the Today show...um, WINNER!

Can't believe this guy below didn't make the list for "most bizarre."  HA!

Favorite dining experience on the island?

Answer: They were all wonderful, but if I had to pick just one?  Barfly...a pork tostada, calamari, olive & mussel spread under the stars!  Couldn't be beat!

Which "island drink" will you be craving next week when it's a rainy 52 degrees back in Knoxville?

Answer: And as you predicted, it was 51 degrees and raining today and am definitely craving a Bushwhacker!

Which Da Tree Men original song was your favorite?
a) Bomba Punch
b) Cane Garden Bay
c) Jost van Dyke: Tropical Paradise
d) Bushwhacker
e) Virgin Gorda

Answer(s): Couldn't come to a joint decision on this one...Kaley's favorite is Cane Garden Bay, and Shane's is Bushwhacker.

What surprised you most about life in the BVI?

Answer(s): Most coveted position on the island: Ms. Delta Petroleum!  The grocery store chicken counts: 4 breasts / over 20,000 frozen wings available for purchase.  And of course the tree growing out of Michael's car!

It was great having Kaley and Shane here.  One of our most pleasurable experiences was a late afternoon SUP in Brewer's Bay.  Even though it was their first time trying stand-up paddle boarding, Kaley and Shane did great!  They never fell, not even once!

Michael and I were so fortunate to spend time with both of our families this Christmas.  Here's what my family had to say about their BVI adventure! 

What was your favorite beach day and why?

Mom:  Trunk Bay with Milly digging for gold.

Dad:  Probably Smuggler's Cove, the second time when the crowd was smaller, but Jost van Dyke (aka Dick van Dyke, in American) was a close 2nd.

Whitney: I'll always love Smuggler's Cove the best, but this time I'll have to say the beautiful Trunk Bay, since it was new to me.

Mom:  B) Steeper than I remembered, especially on the way to and from Cane Garden Bay!

Dad: All of the above, except A & E.  And "scary" is the best adjective.

Whitney: Definitely D! Every ride is a bumpy one!

Mom: Jingle Bell Rock, because the Bell Lady did a fantastic job!

Dad: "She wants a Bushwhacker, Bushwhacker, Bushwhacker..."

Whitney: Bushwhacker

And here Whitney is having one the very next day!  "She likes the coconut cream, and the coffee liquor..."

Mom: I love Gecko Manor II for the beautiful kitchen, view, feeling of space and bedrooms upstairs.

Dad: Much better, good hot water all the time, spacious rooms and brand new!

Whitney: Sooo much better! Cooler, more space, more privacy, huge kitchen!

Matouk's hot sauce. Take it or leave it?

Mom:  LEAVE IT!  I don't get it.  Why would you put something on your food to burn your mouth?

Dad:  Take it in a BIG way.  I only bought two bottles, but it's a great new taste for me.

Whitney: Didn't try it.

Mom:  Road Town, Soper's Hole, Pusser's East and Marina Cay.  Marina Cay is my favorite of all the Pusser's because I am a romantic and I love the story of the young couple coming there so long ago, the unique location and the fact that you have to take a boat to get there!

Dad: We ate at Pusser's East and Road Town Pub (see photo below) and visited the stores at Soper's Hole and Marina Cay.  I also liked the bar and live music on Marina Cay.

Whitney: None - it's a first! (I did pop into the store at Road Town though.)

Mom: The brown pelican sitting on the red phone booth while we were getting our photo taken on Marina Cay.

Dad:  Has to be the "Christmas House" covered with lights, blow-up Santas, and movies playing on the concrete wall in the driveway.

Whitney: Hmmm... I'm used to the roaming farm animals and the crazy driving, so probably the typo on the billboard where the beauty queen exclaims, "Blah, blah, blah..." :)

Our apologies...
This exit survey is somewhat delayed.  With the craziness of Christmas and the back-to-back house guests, this post has been sitting in the drafts folder for more than a week! 

We had such a great time with Sharon and Dennis and we're so grateful that their trip could be extended due to Mother Nature!  Not only were we able to share Christmas together, but Michael's parents celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary while in the BVI...Happy Anniversary you two!  {Thanks to the staff at Charlie's at the Moorings who made it so special!  Dinner was delicious!}

Answer: I believe there were approximately 18 cruise ships and a few awesome sail boats!!

Answer:  OMG!! A HUGE DIFFERENCE! We actually felt like we were in the states.

Answer: Hey Jude! They rocked the night we saw them perform – all their music was great, but Hey Jude was the best!!

Answer: Breaking out into a cold sweat and fainting really does get you through the line faster, but then you have to deal with the EMTs who will discourage you from flying.

Answer: TRUE!! When we saw Santa at Soggy Dollar and his three "hoes" it certainly felt like Christmas!! What a fun day!

365 days in the BVI.  Wow. 

It was exactly one year ago today - in the early morning hours of December 14th - that Michael and I left our home in Knoxville with suitcases in hand.  A crate of our belongings was already on a ship making its way through the Caribbean sea.  Our life was about to change drastically.  We were feeling a mix of emotions...excited, somewhat scared, and sad to leave family and friends.  I remember looking at Michael when our plane landed in sunny San Juan and saying something like "We're really doing this..."

Transplanted from a place where all things were familiar and comfortable, we landed on Tortola without much more than a sense of self and each other.  We rented a car and Michael drove us "home."  Grocery shopping on Day 1 seemed too overwhelming so we went to Pusser's in Road Town for dinner.  {Remember, this was before the new Rite Way!} 

This date on the calendar has completely snuck up on us!  To mark our anniversary, we are unveiling a new design for Our BVI Adventure!  You like?  Too much pink?  :) 

We'd like your help with Our Anniversary Survey!  Similar to the exit surveys we give our guests, we'd love to turn the tables a bit and answer your questions.  What do you want to know about life in the BVI?  What have I missed? 

And to incentivize our dear readers, we're giving away a BVI package full of treats from all over the island...
A bottle of Pusser's Rum, Da Tree Men t-shirt, local spices from Sunny Caribbee, just to name a few! 

All you have to do is submit a question either through the comment section, Facebook, or email (ameliadaniels @ gmail.com).  We will do a follow-up post that will include our answers to your questions and announce the winner of the random drawing!  Sound like a plan??? 

Lastly, a huge thank you to all of the family and friends who've supported us during this year away from home.  I received so many sweet messages from friends this past weekend, reminiscing about the bon voyage party, hosted by our dear friends Caty and Matt.  Here are a few photos from that night...

I think I win the award for "most changed." {My skin color is much darker and hair color is much lighter thanks to the sun!}  Ha!

Okay, submit those questions!  We'll  be accepting them all week, until midnight Friday!   Thanks for joining us on Our BVI Adventure!

Of the five Pusser's locations, which ones did you visit on your trip? (Road Town Pub, Pusser's East, Marina Cay, Soper's Hole, or Leverick Bay)

Answer(s): We only ate at Pusser's East but we did drive by the Road Town Pub 734 times. Okay, okay. It only felt like 734 times. It was probably closer to 16 or 20.

What restaurant has the sturdiest chairs?
A) Nanny Cay
B) Jolly Roger
C) Pusser's East
D) The Elm
E) None of the above
Answer(s): While the chairs at all these establishments are outstanding, the Jolly Roger is the best place to visit if you like chairs that look sturdy but are actually cracked. The cracked chair leg makes for a fun, although somewhat painful, slow motion ride to the floor. Let the good times roll. Literally.(He is so perfectly describing my slow and painful fall, not his own.  I hit my head on the specials board which then fell over and pinned Travis in his upright chair!  What a mess!)
What was your favorite wake-up call?
A) The roosters
B) The sun
C) Milly politely barking at my bedside, her way of asking for assistance in getting on the bed
D) The smell of bacon
E) None of the above (I'm not a morning person.)
Answer(s):
F) All of the above. It wouldn't be a Tortola morning without hearing the 1,931 voices of the Crowing Rooster Choir sweetly announcing the arrival of the morning sun. After hearing of the torrential rains of the "rainy season" I was thrilled to wake up to blue skies and sunshine every day of my visit. Ms. Milly is a rock star and the bacon, grits, waffles, and OJ at the Daniels Café are outstanding! All in all, the mornings were pleasant even though I'm not a morning person at all. True or False:
The slide and overall pool experience at Scrub Island puts Dollywood Splash Country to shame.
Answer:
True. I did enjoy the slide, infinity pool, hot tub, company, and the serene setting overlooking the ocean at Scrub Island. However, there is something to be said for thousands of overweight, tattooed, bikini and jort clad rednecks prancing and dancing around in a waterpark induced high that tugs at my heart and brings a tear to my eye. It truly is a tough call on this one.
Finish the following sentence:
The thing that had changed the most since my last visit was...
Answer(s):
1) The accommodations at Chateau Daniels are much more refined and comfortable. They were good before but now they're outstanding!
2) The roads. Just when I thought the roads couldn't get any worse, torrential rains set in. Potholes galore. Enough said.
It was great having you here Travis!  You are such the comic relief in any situation...even when I'm the one falling out of my chair! 

Our time with Courtney went by way too fast!  I think she would agree.  We sure did pack a lot into her five days in the Caribbean.  Let me count...she went to six different islands, well, seven if you include Beef Island where the airport is!  Ha!  There's Tortola, Scrub Island, Sandy Cay, Jost van Dyke, Norman Island and Marina Cay...  Whew! No wonder we're exhausted! 

So, here's the survey!

Of the five Pusser's locations, which ones did you make it to on your visit? (Road Town Pub, Pusser's East, Pusser's at Soper's Hole, Marina Cay and Leverick Bay)
Answer(s):
What is Pusser's? :)
Road Town Pub - loved meeting Charles and having my first Painkiller there and Marina Cay - gorgeous!
Favorite dining experience on the island?
Answer:
The buffet from the Nanny Cay boat show, served out of Styrofoam...yum yum! No really, Pusser's Marina Cay. 

And here are the Marina Cay champagnes we had before feasting on lobster!  Cheers!

What's the most bizarre thing you saw on the trip?
Answer(s):
As a "country girl" I didn't think the farm animals roaming the island were all that bizarre. So, I will go with a tie...
Marc whipping his shirt off at the Dove to show us his tattoos (captured this one on my camera!) and perhaps Michael dancing to "Son of a Preacher Man" on the catamaran.

Good thing there is photographic evidence of BOTH of these bizarre occurrences, so these won't be left up to the imaginations of Our BVI Adventure readers.  



Of the following, which best describes your feelings toward kayaking?
A) Take it!
B) Leave it!
C) Kayaking? Never tried it. (Or at least that's my story and I'm sticking to it!)
Answer:
C, C, 1000 times C

What was the yummiest cocktail you tried in the BVI?
Answer:
"She wants a bushwhacker, bushwhacker, bushwhacker..."

What was the funniest quote of the trip?
Answer:
Compliments of sweet Sebastian, spoken in a lovely British accent as we were posing for a group photo (see below), he said to the guy standing in our shot: "Excuse me sir, but can you please f off?"

It worked!  The guy moved and we got our group shot!

How would you best describe Michael's boating skills?
A) Expert, especially with his sense of direction!
B) Good
C) Safe
D) Novice
E) Michael? You mean, Captain Drinky Pants???
Answer(s):
Trip to Jost van Dyke? A.
Trip back to Tortola?  Definitely E!
Love you MDD!

When are you coming back to visit us again?
Answer:
So, seems there are some good flights on Monday? Too soon?


In conclusion: What a trip!! Visiting your best friend, her husband that is also beyond adored (and can't forget my sweet girl Milly!) when you miss them like crazy would always be a blast...just doesn't hurt that those people, for me, live in paradise. I am ready to plan my next trip to see them and the other friends I made on the island. Longer than five days next time! Rest up my friends! Love y'all!

We love you too Courtney!

What a memorial Day weekend with our friends McRee, JMac, Kevin and Lauren.  As you will see from their exit survey responses, we packed a lot into a few days!!!  The theme song for the weekend was "Thunder Island" by Jay Ferguson.  If you really want to get the entire effect, play it while you read this...

Here we go!

Of the five Pusser's locations which ones did you visit on your trip?
McRee: Pusser's Road Town and Soper's hole on a boat? maybe?
JMac: Pusser's Road Town, Marina Cay, Pusser's East
KK: Pusser's Road Town, Marina Cay, Pusser's East, and we took pictures of Soper’s hole from the boat
Lauren: Pusser's Road Town, Marina Cay, and Pusser's East

Here's the gang at the Road Town Pub on Friday night...

What was your favorite drink?
McRee: Margarita from Soggy Dollar
JMac: I would say the Painkiller #4
KK: The Original Painkiller from Soggy Dollar
Lauren: Amelia converted me to the Naked Lorna, but I would have to say that the Bananawacker was my very favorite.

JMac's answer makes me think of a famous quote from Charles Tobias about the Painkiller, which has four ounces of Pusser's Rum in it...  "The painkiller number four is for men ONLY! The women don't like that very much, but we work it out."  - CST

What was the most bizarre thing you saw in the BVI?
McRee: If "bizarre" was changed to "awesome" then Willy T's is correct. Bizarre would be when within five minutes of arrival, a woman accosted Jason asking for a banana...
JMac: The obvious answer would be Willy T's and the antics that prevailed there. Other than that a close second would be the island animals for sure.
KK: Willy T’s and the interesting sites, but a close second was the Seagulls vs. Red Parrot battle over our heads at Pirate’s Bight.
Lauren: Chickens, goats, horses, lizards, geckos, dolphins, fish, cats, dogs, birds, crabs...

Driving in the BVI...take it or leave it?
McRee: Take it.  I drove - it was frightening. The side of the road really isn't the issue. It is more that the drivers on the other side of the road think that your side is theirs.
JMac: Leave it, not because of the turns, but because you can't go fast.
KK: Take it!  Driving was an experience, Yield/Give way on the roundabouts = very confusing! Also, I’ve never seen some of the hairpin turns like the road coming back from Smuggler’s.
Lauren: Leave it!  I am extremely grateful for Amelia, Michael, McRee and Kevin for driving me around. Riding in the BVI is great!

How would you best describe your time at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke?
a) So much fun, but those chairs don't seem too stable...
b) It was awesome - best painkillers ever!!!
c) Best hammocks for an afternoon "nap"
d) Most definitely a sunny place for shady people!
e) We went to Soggy Dollar Bar?
Answers:
McRee: A & C
JMac: I would say B & E  but not C (as I did not "nap.")
KK: Definitely A & B
Lauren: D - I am a shady-pi after all!  {Shout out to all ADPi's out there!}

Check out these fun photos from our day on Jost Van Dkye...



If you could re-live one moment from your time in the BVI, what would it be?
McRee: Snorkeling at the Indians. That was by far my shining moment. {He kids - the seas were pretty rough that day and almost claimed him!!!}
JMac: Definitely docking the boat - in the rain - on "Thunder Island" aka Pirate's Bight.
KK:  Doing the Superman with Al & Einstein!  {Al & Einstein were the dolphins we swam with...check out the video of this move from Dolphin Discovery!}
Lauren: The whole thing! Is it too soon to come back? I could never pick one, but my top three would be: Jumping off the boat at Willy T's, swimming/dancing with the dolphins, and the Last Resort on the last night.


What was your favorite restaurant experience?
McRee: Lobster pasta at The Moorings restaurant. It wasn't what I ordered, but it was delicious.
JMac: The one next to the Moorings.  {That's Charlies - same as McRee}

This is one of McRee's photo - he has an incredible camera and takes some stunning photos...
{I may actually do an entire post featuring his best stuff from this trip.}

KK: Lobster-jalapeno pizza was the best meal, but The Last Resort was an experience unlike any!
Lauren: The Last Resort is probably the coolest restaurant in the world! But all of our food was great! I also loved the lobster pizza on Jost Van Dyke and the jerk chicken quesadilla from Pusser's.

Here's that lobster pizza...mmmmm...

True or False: "Ghost-riding the whip" is the best way to ward off seasickness.
McRee: I don't think there is a way to ward it off. If the sea wants you sick, it is going to happen. It smiled on me this trip.
JMac: Definitely true, I was in good shape during the high seas as I rode the whip all the way to the Indians.
KK: True! Never felt better after ghost-riding!
Lauren: True. Although I stayed at a steady 10 the whole trip!

You may be wondering what "ghost-riding the whip" is - well, according to Urban Dictionary, ghost-riding is the act of exiting a motor vehicle, specifically a car, while it is still in motion, and dancing either next to or on top of the vehicle.  We altered the definition a bit and applied it to a boat...So, ghost-riding the whip means standing up on the front of boat, hanging onto the rope, putting one hand in the air as the boat goes from point a to point b. 

JMac wins for most stylish riding...


Thanks so much friends!!!  Michael and I enjoyed having you here in the BVI!  We love you and hope you can come back soon!

How many cruise ships did you see pass by Gecko Manor?

Can you name all of the islands you visited during this trip? Which one was your favorite?

This photo is of a small island off of Jost...


Here is the ice cream menu at the Nutty Banana at Nanny Cay...


What's the most bizarre thing you saw or experienced on the island?

How would you best describe Michael's boating skills?
A) Expert
B) Good
C) Safe
D) Novice
E) Michael? You mean, Captain Drinky Pants???


What was your favorite dining experience?

What was your favorite drink?