Our B.V.I. Adventure

On Sunday, we did what any good host and hostess would do...

We personally escorted our guests, Cristall and Will, to their next destination:  The Westin on St. John in the USVI.  The Harkins were blessed with magnificent weather during their stay.  We thoroughly enjoyed the ferry ride out of West End, as did this seagull that soared above the boat most of the way.
When we weren't ducking from the bird overhead, Michael and Cristall took turns posing at the top of the ferry...

The pool at the Westin was the perfect way to spend our Sunday.  We had lunch on the beach and recommend the fish tacos and Caribbean pulled pork sandwich to anyone heading there on vacation!
It was hard to say goodbye to Cristall and Will, but it was time for the two of them to explore St. John on their own...  So, it was back to Tortola for us, not before getting Mexican food at Margarita Phil's to take back to Tortola!  (We can't resist! We go there every time!)

Cristall and Will, we loved having you here!  You are welcome back anytime!

This sign hanging in the restroom at the Jolly Roger always gets a laugh from our guests.  We took friends, Cristall and Will there on Friday night for lobster and you can thank Will for venturing back into the restroom for this shot! 

Saturday was a perfect day weather-wise for a trip to Virgin Gorda.  We caught the 10:30 ferry and headed to the fat island.  This was Cristall and Will's first time to experience the Baths and they did not disappoint.  


After the hike through the monoliths, grottos and pools, we reached the stunning Devil's Bay.  The turquoise water was sparkling especially bright on this Saturday.
Our next stop?  Little Dix Bay for lunch and an afternoon swim, make that an afternoon float. 
Here, Michael and I are doing our best to relax...
We highly recommend the Baths/Little Dix Bay itinerary for visitors looking for a great day on VG that combines the active hike and swim through the Baths, followed by the yummy lunch buffet at the resort and beach time. 

On Friday night, we took Cristall and Will to the Jolly Roger so they could enjoy the fresh Anegada Lobster for which the BVI is known.  They loved it!  Jolly Roger grills lobster during season and serves a yummy seafood pasta as well.  It is all delicious!

There was a live band on Friday night, so we just had to hit the dance floor!  I have to admit, my 5-month-pregnant-self felt a little funny out there bustin' a move...ha!
And lastly, here's a great shot of the boys.  (And no, they didn't color coordinate their Skittles-inspired shorts!)
Tomorrow we're off to Virgin Gorda!!!

Our friends from Atlanta caught a one-way flight to St. Thomas and hopped on the ferry to Tortola on Thursday!  While this wasn't Cristall and Will's first trip to the Caribbean it was their first visit to the BVI.


Their journey was so quick and easy, until it came time for me to pick them up.  I had thoroughly explained the process of hailing a cab from the St. Thomas airport, making sure they specified the correct ferry dock to their cab driver (Charlotte Amalie, if you're wondering) .  I also offered an in-depth explanation of the immigration and customs process once they arrived in the BVI and strongly advised that they make every attempt to sit near the exit of the boat, so they could be first in line...something our friends Ashley and Gordon learned the hard way after a 50 minute wait when they arrived here back in February.

Well, Cristall and Will followed my directions to perfection.  I, however, was too busy snapping photos of their ferry and got confused.  They must have slipped off of the boat without me noticing! 
Unbeknownst to me, Cristall and Will breezed through immigration and customs. But when they emerged, no one was there to greet them!

It wasn't until Michael showed up 10 minutes later that he spotted the lost tourists standing at the other end of the parking lot.  I felt so horrible!!!  The good thing is, this rocky start to their vacation was not indicative of how their BVI adventure would go!  Barfly, Smuggler's Cove, Jolly Roger, The Baths, Little Dix Bay, St. John...we packed it in over the long weekend! 

Turning 32 was a lot easier thanks to the love and top-secret planning by Michael and dear friends, Richard and Louise.  Michael threw me off by taking me to the Peter Island Ferry Dock on Tortola.  (This is where he took me last year...)  While waiting on the dock, Michael snapped this side photo of me...this is what 22 weeks pregnant looks like I guess!

But the Peter Island ferry never came.  Instead, our friends Richard and Louise pulled up in their boat, Lady Sol!  What a fun surprise!  Off we went for Cooper Island; here's the crew!
Before we enjoyed a yummy lunch at Cooper Island's Beach Bar & Restaurant, they had me open my birthday presents.  I was completely blown away...Louise and Richard gave me the most beautiful teardrop earrings (see below).  They're made of the Caribbean semi-precious stone, larimar.  Gorgeous! 

And if you notice what I'm holding in my hands, an iPad2!  Michael teamed up with my parents and in-laws to surprise me with it!  He had me completely fooled...  He had been keeping me out of the guest bedroom all week, even closing the curtains so I couldn't see in the room from the porch.  Since he led me to believe the gift was large in physical scale, I didn't think there was any way he'd be able to transport it to Cooper Island.  He's so sneaky!!!

After lunch we enjoyed a nice swim and snorkel off of Cooper Island.  Louise and Richard then dropped us off at Peter Island to spend the rest of the evening.  It was a perfect birthday!  So grateful to have such loving family and friends!!!