tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63384051010055755092024-03-13T23:06:23.631-04:00The BVIs: Basset's View of the IslandsThoughts and photos on moving to the British Virgin IslandsAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.comBlogger432125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-41141116847422752542012-09-03T11:57:00.000-04:002012-09-03T11:57:17.905-04:00HiatusThe last time I posted here was June 14th -- nearly three months ago. I think it's safe to say that Basset's View of the Islands is on hiatus for the moment. I'm hesitant to say that it's on permanent hiatus, as I may come back to this space at some point, but for now, I'm enjoying not having the obligation to post here regularly.<div>
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I realized in June that I had pretty much accomplished what I set out to do when I started this blog: help other people plan their moves to the Caribbean, and to the BVI specifically; add to the information available online about the BVI. I was running out of things to say, and I couldn't see continuing to write if I didn't have anything to write about.</div>
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This sense happened to coincide with some difficult times in my family, along with the most significant period of depression I've had in over five years, both of which lessened my drive to keep writing. </div>
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At this time, I'm getting ready to leave for Peru for two weeks. I know that some of my former regular readers (hi mom!) might be interested in some Peru stories, so I may post about that trip here, even though it's not BVI-related. Who knows? That might get me back into the writing groove.</div>
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Finally, I really need to acknowledge all of you that have read Basset's View of the Islands over the past two years. Thank you for reading.</div>
AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-81543547152602056152012-06-14T11:56:00.000-04:002012-06-14T11:56:14.102-04:00Seaborne AirlinesSometimes, trying to plan transportation between all the various Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico can be challenging. There are regular ferries between the USVI and the BVI, but sometimes coordinating ferry schedules to get from Tortola to St. Croix, for example, can be a bit challenging. What is an adventurous island-hopper to do? <div>
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Take the sea plane! <a href="http://www.seaborneairlines.com/services/seaplane/">Seaborne Airlines</a> operates between St. Thomas, St. Croix, Puerto Rico and Vieques, and is talking about expanding service to Tortola (hopefully soon!). In St. Thomas, planes depart from Seaborne's air terminal, just next door to the Charlotte Amalie ferry terminal, making it a convenient option for folks traveling from Tortola to St. Croix. </div>
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HB has been dying to try the seaplane since we moved to the BVI. I'm a little nervous, myself, as these 20-passenger Twin Otters are awfully small, but the idea of only a 20-minute ride to St. Croix is encouraging.</div>
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But if you're looking for a slightly adventurous, definitely Caribbean experience while you're in the Virgin Islands, you might give Seaborne a try. </div>AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-5998541004097081702012-06-12T10:40:00.001-04:002012-06-12T10:40:16.820-04:00NibblerLast night, HB and I decided to indulge in a sunset swim at Brewer's Bay. When we arrived, the pelicans were fishing as usual, and we noticed a fair number of yellowtail snapper jumping, eating the bugs that were skimming the surface of the lake-calm water.<br />
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So we waded in and floated around and chatted and didn't really actually swim much. The fish jumping started to become more frequent, and soon the snapper were daring to come much closer to our mostly inert bodies. I was startled a time or two as they broke the surface within inches of my head. <br />
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It was a lovely, relaxing swim, until one of the lovely yellowtail snapper chomped down on HB's nipple.<br />
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Up and out of the water he went, bleeding nipple and all, and I couldn't stop laughing. Ultimately, I think HB's pride is more hurt than his nipple.<br />
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For my part, I'm just thankful I had a swimsuit top.AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-10462647333810782572012-06-09T10:37:00.001-04:002012-06-09T10:37:10.831-04:00OrangeJune is the time for Flamboyants to bloom in the BVI, and these near Ballast Bay are really giving their all.<br />
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Called Royal Poincianas in Florida, I much prefer the name "Flamboyant", which is the only one most of the residents here know.<br />
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And since they've moved back up into the mountains for the summer, from wherever it is they're kept in the winter, a gratuitous roadcow picture to take you in to your weekend.<br />
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<br />AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-23460842509829981092012-06-08T12:52:00.004-04:002012-06-08T12:52:31.581-04:00Growing ThingsI know I just wrote about my seedlings a few days ago, but I am so excited at all the little sprouts HB and I have managed to raise in less than two weeks.<br />
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HB's peppers are really starting to get sizeable -- about three inches high, which is huge compared to my thyme and basil sprouts. My cilantro is starting to put on some height, too, though. HB planted nine varieties of peppers, and so far eight of them have sprouted. Still waiting on the Butch T's, which are, of course, the ones HB most wanted to see.<br />
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Here's a look at the whole operation. I have no idea how we're going to find space for all these plants once we transplant into larger pots, but we'll figure something out.<br />
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Almost as exciting as our seedlings is what appears to be an actual dragonfruit growing on the dragonfruit tree. This was the last of the four blossoms to open, and magically, it appears to have actually been pollinated. Will definitely be keeping an eye on this over coming weeks.AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-56587238641483613712012-06-05T10:12:00.002-04:002012-06-05T10:12:30.730-04:00Dear MayTo the month of May:<br />
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I'm sorry. I have maligned you <a href="http://thebvis.blogspot.com/2012/05/fog-and-rain.html">in print</a> <a href="http://thebvis.blogspot.com/2011/05/soggy-saturday.html">several</a> <a href="http://thebvis.blogspot.com/2011/06/bvi-spring.html">times</a>, and verbally many more times than that, and I apologize.<br />
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Last year, you were an awful month. It rained for almost your entire stay here in the BVI, and I probably was experiencing more than my fair share of homesickness, so I looked on your soggy, dreary existence as further proof why the BVI was perhaps, not the right place for me. It didn't help that the <a href="http://thebvis.blogspot.com/2011/05/infestation.html">tick epidemic</a> began in you, and was perpetuated by the <a href="http://thebvis.blogspot.com/2011/05/more-ticks.html">moisture you brought</a>.<br />
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But this year, you have been a kindler, gentler May. We had a few foggy days, and you still managed to drop 9 inches of rain on us, but overall, it has been much more pleasant. You seem to have shared your attitude with these first few days of June, too. In fact, HB and I can't even remember the last time it rained.<br />
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So, I am very sorry if my words here have made you disliked amongst residents and visitors to the BVI. You have shown us that you are not always a bad time, that sometimes you can keep us happy with plenty of sun and only occasional showers. I hope our relationship can continue along this improved path.<br />
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Yours Sincerely,<br />
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Basset's View of the IslandsAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-45398225341171569112012-06-01T12:17:00.000-04:002012-06-01T12:17:40.252-04:00Trying to ReasonHappy Hurricane Season 2012 everyone! Today, June 1, marks the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane season, but as you probably know, the unofficial start this year was on the 19th of May, when Tropical Storm Alberto developed off the coast of the Carolinas to become the first named storm of the year. With the subsequent development of Tropical Storm Beryl a few days later, 2012 became the first year since 1908 to have two named storms before the official June 1 start of hurricane season.<br />
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Despite all the early-season activity, <a href="http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2012/20120524_atlantic_hurricane_season.html">NOAA is predicting an average season</a> this year. What does this mean for hurricanes in the BVI? Not much. It only takes one head-on hit to make it a devastating hurricane season for the BVI, and that can occur even in a slow hurricane year. So if you're a newbie here wondering what to expect, or planning on travelling to the area, here's what you need to know.<br />
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The absolute worst weeks for hurricanes in the BVI are the last week of August and the first two weeks of September. Something like 75% of all storms that have hit or brushed the BVI have occurred in this narrow window. That doesn't mean you shouldn't be prepared at all other times, but maybe you might want to avoid travelling here during those weeks.<br />
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Overall, the BVI is a pretty safe place to be during a hurricane. The buildings are extremely sturdy, built to withstand not just hurricanes but earthquakes. There's little risk of storm surge, due to the deep waters surrounding the island, but even so, it's best not to remain in coastal areas if avoidable. Most buildings have storm shutters, which help keep the worst effects of the winds at bay. The government shuts off the electricity, so there is no chance of electrocution from downed wires -- an inconvenience if you don't have a generator, but ultimately a pretty smart safety precaution. Heavy rains flooding your residence or landslides should be your biggest concerns during a storm. Stay high and dry.<br />
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Perhaps the most important measure to take if you're in the BVI during hurricane season is to stay informed. Know what's brewing out there in the Atlantic and in the Gulf, and if it looks like something is coming our way, take preparations. My preferred source of information is <a href="http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/">Weather Underground's tropical weather page</a>, but for the most up-to-date details, it's hard to beat <a href="http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/">NOAA's Hurricane Center</a>. Take note, though, that many sources of weather news are US-based, and will only discuss storms that are threatening to US landmasses. Our proximity to Puerto Rico keeps this info relevant, but sometimes there will be a hurricane or storm that's not reported on until it's very close, as was the case with Earl two years ago.<br />
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All in all, despite the hurricanes, summer is my favorite time in the BVI, so if you're here with me, I hope you enjoy it too!AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-8323695973762377532012-05-31T13:56:00.002-04:002012-05-31T13:56:32.573-04:00SeedlingsHB and I planted our herb and pepper seeds on Monday morning, and resigned ourselves to a couple of weeks of waiting before anything happened. Imagine my excitement then, when, on Wednesday morning, not 48 hours after planting, I saw this:<br />
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Bright green seedlings growing in some of my seed cups.<br />
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They're so vibrant and big already, you can even see them through the double-layered plastic. I know basil is especially fast-growing, but I have thyme and rosemary sprouts too! The environment here is apparently very seed-friendly. Can't wait for some of HB's peppers to start popping up.AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-80931838726112894702012-05-30T11:49:00.002-04:002012-05-30T11:49:40.076-04:00WaterspoutOn my trip to Denver, I took along "The Girl Who Played with Fire" as some light airplane reading. The beginning takes place in the Caribbean Island nation of Grenada, and while our heroine is spending time in the sun, the island just happens to get hit by a hurricane.<br />
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Nevermind that this is in December, far past the usual confines of hurricane season. What really got to me is the scene in which a bad guy wanders into a waterspout, and the author insists that NEVER BEFORE has there been a tornado in the middle of a hurricane, and that it is IMPOSSIBLE for tornadoes to form over water. It seems Mr. Larsson could have done a bit more research, as tornadoes and waterspouts <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2005/0608-hurricanes_spawn_tornadoes.htm">a very common side effect of hurricanes</a>.<br />
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What I did not know until very recently, however, is that tornadoes and waterspouts can form in the Caribbean even when there are no hurricanes about.<br />
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On Sunday I was working in the kitchen, when I happened to glance out the front door at the cloud bank about a mile offshore to our north. Imagine my surprise when I espied what appeared to be funnel clouds.<br />
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Those two little wisps dropping down from the main body of cloud really grabbed my attention in a primal way. At first I thought I was being silly, but then I turned to HB and asked, "are those funnel clouds?". One glance and he confirmed my suspicions.<br />
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We stood on the porch transfixed as we watched the clouds elongate. After a few minutes, HB's sharp eyes picked up a disturbance on the surface of the water, just barely visible in the photo above.<br />
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A longer lens confirmed what our eyes suspected. The funnel cloud had touched down on the surface of the ocean and created a waterspout. This one lasted about 10 minutes all-told, and the same cloud system created a second, weaker waterspout that lasted maybe five minutes. Quite a lot of weather excitement for our Sunday afternoon, though.AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-69757432582127046872012-05-29T11:55:00.002-04:002012-05-29T11:55:46.038-04:00Dragonfruit FlowerObviously I have been rather absent for the last week or so, and with no previous notice. I had to spend some time in Denver with my parents, and it was not at the top of my list of priorities to update my blog. I appreciate those of you who have still been checking in here, and reassure you that regular posting will begin again forthwith.<br />
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I do give fair warning, however, that I am currently very happy with my island home, and find it much harder to write entertainingly about the BVI when I am happy here. As a result, you may be subjected to lots of drivel about how lovely things are, and little ranting about utilities or immigration or other similar items.<br />
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Onward! Upon my return from Denver, there was a lovely surprise waiting for me in the garden. Our landlords have thoughtfully planted a dragonfruit tree (or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitaya">pitaya</a>) just near the gate to our residence. Ordinarily, the dragonfruit tree, with its spiny, reaching limbs, garner only our occasional annoyance as we try not to stab ourselves in the eye while entering or exiting the garden. But sometimes, for just a few nights a year, we are rewarded with its extraordinary blossoms.<br />
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These astounding flowers are approximately 8 inches in diameter, literally as big as my face, and open for just one night only. Last summer, when we moved in to the apartment, we happened upon one when returning from the bar late one night, but it had withered and died by the time we awoke the next morning. Since I've been back, three have opened, and there is another bud awaiting the right moment.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lz97hNaH4Gg/T8TwGFwse1I/AAAAAAAABYc/GGh5iG09_1g/s1600/pitaya1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lz97hNaH4Gg/T8TwGFwse1I/AAAAAAAABYc/GGh5iG09_1g/s640/pitaya1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, we are unlikely to get any dragon fruit from this plant. With blossoms open for only one night, a pollinator would have to fly from this plant, to another one nearby that is also flowering, within the confines of one evening, in order to produce fruit. Although I'm sure there are other pitayas on Tortola, I've never seen one myself, so I'm doubtful this one will be pollinated. The flowers alone are satisfying enough, though.AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-29778023062478407822012-05-16T10:21:00.004-04:002012-05-16T10:21:41.715-04:00Puerto Rican Ground LizardEver since I started my job here in the BVI, I have been desperate to do a post about these lizards. They're everywhere on the property here, and in my head, I refer to them as "dinosaur lizards", probably due to the way they look like mini-Godzillas to me. They're extremely shy though, so I never managed to really get a picture of one before, but finally, yesterday, there was a slow-moving male outside the office and I was able to grab my camera and snap a few shots.<br />
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My favorite thing about the dinosaur lizards is how multi-colored they are in the sun. The sides of the males, especially, are adorned with blue and green spots, but vibrate in the sun, giving them a rainbow-sided look.
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NLvR0aG8nYo/T7OvUvaBjEI/AAAAAAAABXw/FN3RiBBy-Y4/s1600/prgl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NLvR0aG8nYo/T7OvUvaBjEI/AAAAAAAABXw/FN3RiBBy-Y4/s640/prgl.JPG" width="534" /></a><br />
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Of course, they aren't really dinosaur lizards. They are, in fact, <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQoY6BdkOyoCAGixyPg!/?navtype=&cid=stelprdb5203256&navid=150130000000000&pnavid=150000000000000&ss=110819&position=Not%20Yet%20Determined.Html&ttype=detail&pname=El%20Yunque%20National%20Forest-%20Nature">Puerto Rican Ground Lizards</a>, or some close relative thereof. They are a type of ameiva, and I haven't been able to find much information on them. The El Yunque link indicates that these guys only grow to about 8 inches from snout to vent, but I have definitely seen larger specimens than that here.AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-78894013781804298112012-05-15T13:23:00.002-04:002012-05-15T13:23:15.558-04:00GardeningI'm headed back to the States in a few days to visit my parents, and one of the things I am most excited about is picking up the seeds that HB ordered. He's decided to finally give making his own hot pepper sauce a go so he ordered a wide variety of hot pepper seeds to try and grow: some habaƱeros, some poblanos, some purple jalapeƱos and some Butch-Ts (the hottest pepper in the world). The peppers should be relatively easy to grow -- they love a hot humid climate, and as long as we can keep the birds off them, they should do well.<br />
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I am more nervous about the handful of herb seeds and the one packet of tomato seeds I ordered. Tomatoes are not big fans of the damp, so I will have to struggle to keep them dry. I also have never grown tomatoes on my own before, and I know they can be finnicky and difficult, so I may be asking advice from you, my readers, a few times once I've got the seeds planted.<br />
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All in all, I'm definitely excited to start a new hobby here on Tortola and will keep you updated with our progress.AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-51225510552569784692012-05-10T14:25:00.003-04:002012-05-10T14:25:40.480-04:00Fog and RainAwoke last night to some of the most violent rain I've heard here on Tortola. Co-workers commented it sounded almost like a hurricane without the wind, the rain was so heavy.<br />
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With the amount of fog we've had, I've been asking myself fairly frequently lately when it was that I moved to San Francisco. As HB calmly pointed out, we moved on the 1st of May. Nominally, May is the 4th rainiest month on average in the BVI, after September, October and November, but the feel of the rain is May is entirely different. The continual grey clouds, and steady drip can make it feel like it never stops raining the entire month. And on Tortola, in the mountains, continual clouds means continual fog.<br />
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I took this picture on my way to work this morning to illustrate my point. It wasn't until editing it earlier that I realized it is kind of a callback to <a href="http://thebvis.blogspot.com/2011/09/christmas-card.html">one I took in Colorado</a> last fall.<br />
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Just another twenty days or so of this to go. Unless it continues into June like it did last year. For those considering travelling to the BVI in May, be forewarned.AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-13467021324028259572012-05-09T11:54:00.000-04:002012-05-09T11:54:01.333-04:00A Dog's LifeEvery so often, I feel a need to tie this blog back to it's title, and so here is your update on the titular basset hound in the BVI. On Monday, we spent a lazy and satisfying afternoon on the porch with the dogs.<br />
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When HB went for a stroll through the garden, he took Roscoe with him<br />
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but poor Flash, who can't be trusted to wander around off leash without trying to dash through a privet and out of the garden, had to watch from behind bars.<br />
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I made it up to Flash later, though, by providing him with one of his favorite treats, a floor-dwelling human.
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One happy basset.AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-49046598703679113552012-05-08T12:09:00.001-04:002012-05-08T12:09:43.917-04:00PineappleWandering around the garden yesterday, HB was somewhat surprised to encounter this:<br />
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Having never encountered a pineapple plant before, the immediate identifiability of the fruit and the manner in which it grew made me almost think someone had bought a pineapple at the store and "planted" it (metaphorically speaking) as a trick. No, in fact, apparently this is how pineapples actually grow, right-side up at the end of a thick stalk.<br />
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I guess I'd never really deeply thought about it before, but somehow I just assumed that all pineapples came from Hawaii. Encountering this evidence to the contrary in the garden made me realize that of course, pineapples are probably grown in countries throughout the temperate zone, even here in the BVI.AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-78186090139228466862012-05-02T12:21:00.000-04:002012-05-02T12:21:01.260-04:00Other PathsAs <a href="http://conchscooter.blogspot.com/">Michael in the Florida Keys</a> will attest, having only one route to get to work can become a major liability, especially when traffic accidents occur. Not being able to quickly dart down a side street when traffic starts to get bad is something I'm still getting accustomed to, living the the BVI. I've written before about how an excavator-loading on the road to my house can make me 30 minutes late for work or, as it did the other day, cause my ice cream to melt as I was held up on the way back from the grocery store.<br />
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This morning, I was five minutes from work when I encountered a back-loader that had collided with a jeep in the middle of one of the many switchbacks on Windy Hill. The back-loader couldn't get enough purchase on the steep switchback to move out of the roadway, and a tow truck was going to have to be called in -- an operation that would keep the road closed for around two hours. Had I been in the Florida Keys and on Highway 1, I might have just turned around and headed home. In the BVI though, I am blessed to have at least one alternate route at all times. As it was, I had to backtrack about halfway to town, come down to the coast, and take the long way around to work. In all, my 20-minute commute became 45 minutes. Not too terrible. Still, I desperately missed those side streets and alleyways of my gridded-street Denver youth.AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-25125234177776600462012-05-01T10:31:00.000-04:002012-05-01T10:31:16.143-04:00King of the LizardsAnother weekend in St. John, another iguana sighting. I see them fairly frequently in Tortola, especially running around the hotel property, but never have a chance to take pictures of them. This guy was just sunning himself in the roadway and HB snapped a photo for me.<br />
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<br />AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-34169292052650017962012-04-27T12:09:00.001-04:002012-04-27T12:09:43.545-04:00Patriotism?First of all, let me apologize for my absence the last couple of days. Work has been inordinately busy -- largely due to a new sale we started that seems to be garnering a lot of attention -- and I haven't had time to eat lunch, much less blog.<br />
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In Tortola-related news, there's a sign on the side of Leroy's Barber Shop, across from the Road Town ferry terminal, I've always found a bit intriguing<br />
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I'm not entirely sure who is so possessive of the name "Virgin Islands", or why, especially as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgin_islands">Virgin Islands</a> was originally used to refer to all the islands that are now part of the USVI and BVI. I suppose it stems from the fact that the official name of the BVI is actually, simply, The Virgin Islands. I'm not sure why this should prohibit other locales from using the name though. It'd be like saying Guinea-Bissau should change to just Guinea because Equatorial Guinea used the name Guinea first.<br />
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I hope and believe this is only the invective of one, over-excited individual, rather than the stance of the entire BVI citizenry.AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-32500154303487330762012-04-24T11:18:00.001-04:002012-04-24T11:18:18.707-04:00Tortola, Ho! Part 8: Work PermitIt's been a while since I've written anything in the Tortola, Ho! series, but I realized the other day that, aside from the <a href="http://thebvis.blogspot.com/2010/10/medical-certificate.html">Medical Certificate</a>, I never really discussed what's involved in getting a work permit to come to the BVI. The process can vary a little, depending on where you're coming from, but is a pretty simple deal overall.<br />
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The first step in getting a work permit is getting a job. Before you even begin to make an application, you have to have a deal with your employer, as it is actually the employer who is applying for the work permit on your behalf.<br />
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Ideally, your employer has already been running an ad for your position in the BVI Beacon, and at this point you can go ahead and get started on your work permit paperwork. Many employers, though, will wait until they find the right candidate before they run the required advertisements. If this is the case, the employer will need to run ads for two consecutive weeks in the Beacon. After these have run, you can get started filling out your paperwork.<br />
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The full application can be <a href="http://www.dgo.gov.vg/spawpdfs/New%20Work%20Permit%20Application%20Form.pdf">found here</a>. It's a pretty simple fill-in-the-blank form. It's mostly asking for your personal details (name, address, date of birth, etc.) and details of the employment. Part of the key to filling this out is to be as detailed as possible about your job qualifications, to make it clear to the Department of Labor that only YOU can fill the position. You should also attach a resume, any awards and college transcripts, etc. to the application. Most employers here in the BVI are familiar with the process, and will help you fill out the forms appropriately.<br />
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The forms are then submitted for processing. It used to take about 4-6 weeks to process a new work permit application, but the <a href="http://thebvis.blogspot.com/2012/01/immigration-update.html">recent change in government</a> has seen new work permits taking about 3 months to process, so be aware.<br />
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Depending on where you're coming from, you may also have to apply for a Visa with the Department of Immigration in order to enter the country. Most Europeans and North Americans do not need to apply, but a full list of countries requiring an immigration Visa can be found on the <a href="http://www.dgo.gov.vg/index.php?mpageid=153">Governor's website</a>. If you are a national of a country for which a visa is required, the <a href="http://www.bviimmigration.gov.vg/Forms/British%20Virgin%20Islands%20Visa%20Application.pdf">full visa application</a> is also available online. You'll want to submit this at the same time you submit your work permit. Again, your employer can help you with any questions you have.<br />
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Once your work permit has been approved, congratulations! Get your medical certificate and police records in order, and come to the BVI!AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-2371129605915051852012-04-20T11:41:00.002-04:002012-04-20T11:55:04.931-04:00Early BloomerHere's something you don't see very often, if at all, in mid-April in the States<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UITSLyqsg-Q/T5GDZaC6b2I/AAAAAAAABNo/L0M0e6qe__w/s1600/rose1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UITSLyqsg-Q/T5GDZaC6b2I/AAAAAAAABNo/L0M0e6qe__w/s640/rose1.JPG" width="574" /></a></div>
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This rose-bush by our porch has been going crazy for the last week or so, covered in lovely, fragrant blooms. What a wonderful surprise.AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-54154821086192329752012-04-19T10:53:00.002-04:002012-04-19T10:53:35.346-04:00MachineryDespite my constant reference to all the unusual road hazards here, like roadcows, goats, etc., one thing I haven't quite gotten used to about driving in Tortola is how the construction machinery gets parked haphazardly, seemingly wherever happens to be convenient. You'll come around a corner and nearly run into a front-loader, or an excavator.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2o5ZOnm7aco/T5AmGcrvsNI/AAAAAAAABNc/Vl1wFI97tPA/s1600/excavator.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2o5ZOnm7aco/T5AmGcrvsNI/AAAAAAAABNc/Vl1wFI97tPA/s640/excavator.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We've got two of these guys parked on either side of the road to our house right now, creating a narrow, excavator-lined alley through which one car can pass.<br />
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I'm keeping my fingers crossed we don't encounter the excavator-moving-crew when trying to leave for work some morning in the near future. Talk about a bizarre excuse: "I was late to work because they were loading an excavator on my road and I couldn't get around it. For an hour." It's happened before.AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-20757070191073626212012-04-18T14:10:00.002-04:002012-04-18T14:10:40.131-04:00Irony?An article on the BVI News about the illegality of strip clubs in the BVI came to my attention recently.<br />
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<a href="http://bvinews.com/bvi/strip-clubs-brothels-operating-illegally-police/">http://bvinews.com/bvi/strip-clubs-brothels-operating-illegally-police/</a>
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The article points out that although strip clubs are illegal, there are quite a few of them open, and the police seem to be doing little to shut them down.<br />
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Ironically, the article is accompanied by an ad at the top of the page for Club Crystal, Tortola's premier strip club.AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-49788945229372204942012-04-17T11:20:00.002-04:002012-04-17T11:20:19.368-04:00PinkWhile the bougainvillea and rhododendrons bloom year-round, my favorite harbinger of spring in the BVI are these trees with pink blossoms.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z4tC0BQd0KQ/T42IkIOOVAI/AAAAAAAABNE/k-myFOf7-B8/s1600/pink.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z4tC0BQd0KQ/T42IkIOOVAI/AAAAAAAABNE/k-myFOf7-B8/s640/pink.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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They're positively everywhere on island, and this time of year, they're all in bloom -- and I have no idea what they are. An old man on the street told me while I was taking photos that they're cedars, but I think it's pretty clear that they aren't.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SdxaFYOLxxA/T42IldbuwFI/AAAAAAAABNM/KtgH3JB9jII/s1600/pink2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SdxaFYOLxxA/T42IldbuwFI/AAAAAAAABNM/KtgH3JB9jII/s640/pink2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The hillside of Martins is just covered with them. Driving down a street lined with them is like the ending of a Disney movie, as the slightest breeze brings the bell-shaped flowers pirouetting down, calyx first.<br />
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To me, the individual blossoms don't seem particularly lovely up-close, but when the trees have huge clusters, as in the first picture, it's almost like the bush is filled with cotton candy.<br />
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Anyone have any idea at identification?AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-63968251355298609102012-04-13T13:42:00.002-04:002012-04-13T14:24:34.715-04:00Left at the Purple DumpsterI have <a href="http://thebvis.blogspot.com/2010/09/directionally-challenged.html">written in the past</a> about the difficulty of giving driving directions on an island where there are no street addresses, few street signs, and a general lack of understanding of cardinal directions.<br />
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I was born and raised in Denver, a more-or-less cardinally-oriented, grid-based city, rife with street signs and addresses. In such a navigation-friendly environment, I disdained giving directions based on landmarks, preferring instead the precise nature of, "proceed three blocks to Grape Street and turn North (right). The house will be on your right, at 412 Grape Street." What a beautiful sentence. In the perfectly-gridded world of downtown Denver, three blocks is a definite measurement. Grape Street, being named with a green and white sign at every intersection, is unmistakable. 412 means the house is on the East side of the street, between 4th and 5th avenues. Lo! Beauty!<br />
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All that changed when I moved to the BVI, where roads were built more as an afterthought to urban planning (ha!) than the basis of it. Roads here follow old donkey trails, and although some of them are named, very few residents have knowledge of these names. Again, there are no street addresses, so you can't look for "14 Nibbs Street", but at least many of the commercial buildings have names, and those names are lettered on their facades. And despite my original insistence on sticking to street names and cardinal directions, the reality of giving driving directions to tourists on a daily basis has forced me to crumble to the necessity of using landmarks.<br />
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I was recently giving some hotel guests some driving directions to get to Brewer's Bay. I'd taken them up the five switchbacks of Windy Hill, gotten them past the big green Heineken sign at Rudy's Bar, but was stuck on how to describe the final turn onto Brewer's Bay Road East. It's a tricky 270 degree left that's easy to miss, and relatively non-noteworthy. Searching my visual memory for a clue, I finally struck on it: Turn left at the giant purple dumpster!<br />
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I cringed at my reliance on a landmark that could since have been moved, but when I saw the guests the next day, they'd had a lovely day at Brewer's Bay. They knew they were headed in the right direction, they said, as soon as they saw the purple dumpster.AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338405101005575509.post-6843580085782608632012-04-12T13:14:00.001-04:002012-04-12T13:14:26.384-04:00Make It WorkTalk about a "wish I had my camera" moment. Out on the property today, I noticed a delivery man carrying some goods into the kitchen -- a fairly common sight. Except that there was no delivery truck around. Where had this gentleman come from with his brimming boxes of food? A quick peek down the driveway answered my question.<br />
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At the end of the driveway, on the main road, sat a flat-bed tow truck and a distinctly grumpy-looking tow truck driver. On the bed of the tow? The delivery truck.<br />
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I guess the delivery man figured, even though his truck broke down, he still had to make his deliveries.AShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683628315210752238noreply@blogger.com1