Our B.V.I. Adventure

While Tortola's (relatively) shiny and new supermarket, Riteway, offers a wide selection of items from the US and the UK, there are a few things it doesn't carry, at least not regularly:  Pampers, for starters.  They have Huggies, but no Pampers.  

When you see that they have stock of Hint of Lime Tostito's, you better buy two bags...maybe three!  And good luck if you want an everything bagel!  I haven't seen one since we've been back.

As for coffee, we have to import our Keurig K-cups.  The Keurig craze has yet to hit the BVI.  There are a few ways to get these coveted items to the island...  The first option is to send a box to stateside friends who are coming to visit and kindly ask them to pack the items in their suitcases.

More often than not, however, we shop online and send the items to Tortola Express in Miami.  From there, the items are flown to Tortola and for a fee that includes both the freight cost and duties, you can pick them up at their office in Road Town.

Most recently, I picked up some of Anna Drake's baby items that we ordered from Amazon.


Oh, and if you're wondering about the rose on top of the smaller box...  Let's just say the clerk at the desk has a "thang" for this baby momma.  :)

We were anxious to get Anna Drake's new bathtub.  Here she is trying it out that very night!

A reader recently asked a question about where we shop for other items, like clothing and home goods.  A post on that is in the works!

The new Rite Way grocery store opened the day we left for our week and a half in Knoxville.  I even tried to go that morning, before our 1 o'clock flight, but was turned away because their official ribbon cutting wasn't until 2 o'clock.  Go figure.
I have to say it was well worth the wait!  But before you see the beauty that is the inside of this new grocery store, a quick reminder of the old one, which is just next door.  That's it with the green and yellow awning.   (Remember when they had a sale at this same grocery store?)
Another shot of the old store, this one of the interior:
And the new!
Get a closer look of that produce!
It truly was a pleasurable shopping experience!  Don't worry Publix, you're still my number one.  And Fresh Market, they've got nothing on you; however, for BVI standards, this is most definitely the "best on the island" as they say.  

The aisles were nice and wide - two shopping carts (or trolleys for our British and Irish readers) could pass each other with ease.  The staff looked great in their new uniforms and they seemed more helpful.  Although, I didn't see my favorite stock boy...he usually sings Iyaz's "Solo" or "Replay" to me while I shop.  I'll have to go back soon and make sure he made it to the new store!

Up until now, grocery shopping has been something I've dreaded here in the BVI.  Not anymore! 

DISCLAIMER: This post contains humor that your inner adolescent would find amusing.  If you are an adolescent, my apologies to your parents for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.  OR if for some reason you are unable to tap into the adolescent inside you, I'm even sorrier because this is funny.  Sophomoric, juvenile, and immature are applicable as well, but above all, it's funny.

A major source of humor here in the BVI is found in the mundane...like grocery shopping, for example.  I'm sure your favorite grocery store, whether it be Fresh Market, Food City, or Publix has special sales, right?  Usually that means, a few strategically placed signs announcing the deals of the day or whatever it may be.


Well, those lovely signs floating above the pies just wouldn't do here in the Caribbean!  Check out what a sale at the grocery store looks like and more importantly sounds like in the British Virgin Islands!



Fun, right?  It put us in a good mood, despite the second day of rain we've had in a row. 

Okay, back to Signage Sunday...have you tapped your inner adolescent yet?  You better hurry because here it is!  Straight from the soup aisle!
In my best Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers way...

"REALLY?"  
"Really Grace Foods."
"Really."
"Come on, could you not use the word 'chicken' instead?  Really!" 

According to its website, Grace Foods is the leading Caribbean food manufacturer and distributor.  Well, in my opinion they're doing more than that. On this Signage Sunday, they're manufacturing and distributing a few good laughs!  Really!