"ISLAND INSPIRATION" (was the original name of this blog until Matt deemed it too hokey... my bad.)

I've gotta tell you, I absolutely love the grape leaves that line some of the beaches, which reminds me of the rowdy bunch of men who sell these grapes in the middle of Road town. Along with the grapes, they sell coconuts that they meticulously hack from the tree that they sit beneath with a machete. They will make you a fresh coconut rum drink right from their truck. This whole week has been full of instances such as this that make us think... "is this really happening?"

This past couple days we've been under lock and key waiting for our parents to come through and overnight our Criminal Record Checks for Labor or Labour (as the British would write) and immigration purposes. When I say we've been under lock and key, what I mean is we've been trapped on this Island, biding our time by engaging in snorkeling, fishing and cruisin' around the island looking for apartments.

Looking for a place is a full time job as you all know, so for now we're still in the Lambert Beach Resort. Our first room was actually pretty dingy so we've since moved two doors down to a non infested quarters. This resort is on the market for 35 million dollars. So the upkeep has gone by the wayside, complete with complimentary mold, ants and other unsightly things.... unsightly to me, non existent, somehow, to Matt.

In spite of our hotel's unwanted amenities, the place grows on us a little more every day. We've been totally wiped out from immigration and settling-in procedures. We've been learning bits and pieces from each person we come across. The history of the "belongers" on Tortola is really interesting. Currently, you have to be a resident of the island for at least 20 years before you can purchase land. Very protective. Although we will probably not end up belongers... we feel as though they will at least give us a chance after these 6 days.

Peering out over the Ocean at a secret beach known on the island as "Lava Flow" that our new friend Mervin the real estate agent showed us on one of our house hunting excursions.

Wandering around Main Street in the Capital of the BVI, Roadtown. I bought some gummy dinosaurs while our friend Bess raved loudly about hand-sewn mermaids in the gallery nearby.

Every house we look at seems to have it's own outrageous and unique view of the surrounding landscape.

Found this thing on our walk, asked Matt E. the science guy what it was 3 times. He doesn't know.

You'll find a couple of these guys roaming around, they have the right of way. All of them are 'free range,' I guess.

Matt eating a chicken wing at a road side stand while Bess and chicken look on...

Get ready for the BOMBA SHACK. The owner has been building/adding to this place using scraps that he finds after a hurricane.
Matt says "the foundation is made of drift wood and surf boards" He can't wait to attend the FULL MOON PARTY.

Matt spotted a barracuda the size of his leg while fishing near the airport bridge on BEEF ISLAND. I wandered away to take some pictures after being bitten by bugs 479 times and casting like a little girl.

The drive from our hotel to the school (on the left side of the road) check out the view!

School in-service starts next week. The classrooms are all open air, no hallways. All of the teachers are exceptionally helpful and interesting and I must say we're pretty excited to be one stamp away from citizenship.