When I booked the flight from Puerto Rico to St. Thomas (to board the Catalyst), the flight leaving at 9:55a.m. seemed like a good thing --- not too early, but maximizing our actual time at sea.
What I didn’t factor in was the time to get ready (even if we were packed the night before), stopping for breakfast, getting to the airport, getting checked in, and getting through airport security.
The actual flight from San Juan to St. Thomas takes 26 minutes, but we had to request a 6:15a.m. wakeup call to accomplish all of the above. Puerto Rican service workers are THE nicest people, but their sense of urgency is NOT what it is in the states. A 26-minute flight is also NOT enough time for even a quick nap.
Our cabbie was the nicest guy and thankfully he spoke English, however heavily Jamaican-ish accented. He took us "the back way" to the marina --- straight over the mountain separating one side of the island from the other. Plus, they drive on the "wrong" side of the road, but the cars are all American (steering wheels on the "correct" side). There’s no way I could get used to that!! Way too odd!!
Stop signs here are just a warning, and cars may stop and may not, depending on who’s around. "Permissions" are given via blinkers or hand signals ---- really the bravest drivers prevail. And did I mention they drive on the wrong side of the road??
What I didn’t factor in was the time to get ready (even if we were packed the night before), stopping for breakfast, getting to the airport, getting checked in, and getting through airport security.
The actual flight from San Juan to St. Thomas takes 26 minutes, but we had to request a 6:15a.m. wakeup call to accomplish all of the above. Puerto Rican service workers are THE nicest people, but their sense of urgency is NOT what it is in the states. A 26-minute flight is also NOT enough time for even a quick nap.
Our cabbie was the nicest guy and thankfully he spoke English, however heavily Jamaican-ish accented. He took us "the back way" to the marina --- straight over the mountain separating one side of the island from the other. Plus, they drive on the "wrong" side of the road, but the cars are all American (steering wheels on the "correct" side). There’s no way I could get used to that!! Way too odd!!
Stop signs here are just a warning, and cars may stop and may not, depending on who’s around. "Permissions" are given via blinkers or hand signals ---- really the bravest drivers prevail. And did I mention they drive on the wrong side of the road??
The drive did afford us a good picture of real life on the island, from abject poverty to beautiful hilltop mansions, and everything in between.
We got dropped at Molly Molone’s, Captain Allan’s traditional meeting place. It was crazy hot, but no as humid as Puerto Rico. We parked our luggage under the stairs and enjoyed a beverage before tracking down the captain and hiking out the docks to the boat.
We quickly unpacked, got the "flushing" tutorial, safety lecture and complete tour of the boat. Though we will be sailing later in the week, we motored to Tortola so Captain Allan could get us through customs. I wish I could tell you how long the trip was, but really, I was so distracted by the beautiful completely azure water and the ocean breeze that I have no idea how long it took.
All I know is we filled out a couple of forms, gave Captain Allan our passports, and he took off in the dinghy to see Customs. Fifteen minutes later he was back and everything was all good.
We "parked" offshore at Tortola, spent a little while enjoying the sun and swimming off the back of the boat, then headed to shore in the dinghy in search of beer, snacks, and a sunglass leash for Dana. I attempted to get stamps for the postcards I got in Puerto Rico, but that search was fruitless. There are a dozen or so assorted shops, a little general store, a boat charter office, and a restaurant. Half the people speak with Jamaican-ish accents, the other half British.
Back to the boat for snacks and more sunning, then off in the dinghy in the other direction for dinner at Jolly Rogers’. The water right at the dock was only about 4 feet deep, and we could see the tarpin swimming around, waiting for someone to toss in some bread.
Their eyes looked like they were glowing in the dark. Dinner was excellent, service EXTRA "relaxed" --- conch fritters for a starter and calamari salad for my entrée.
The sun and previous day’s activities took a toll on everyone, so after "dinghying" back to the boat and one nightcap, we all turned in.
No internet connection to be found, although I’m able to text message on my cell. I’ll post this first chance, and hopefully can include at least a picture of the my view from the front of the boat.
Truly wish everyone could enjoy this with us.
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