Josiah's Bay Beach Tortola, BVI

Images of Island Life: Part 1

Some of the drudgeries of daily life—grocery shopping, paying bills, vehicle issues—are pretty much the same regardless of where you live. But when the daily chores take place on an island, they’re framed by a backdrop that ranges from the beautiful to the bizarre.

As Bill and I are coming up on our 1-year rock anniversary, I thought it would be fun to share some of those backdrops with you. So here’s what daily life on an island (mostly) entails…

Traffic and vehicular issues are quite different on a rock

island Traffic Jam

Island traffic jams usually involve livestock rather than accidents or construction. Cows are the worst. They’re slower and take up more road space than goats or sheep.

BVI Driving

The hills can be brutal, not only on your calves, but also on your axles (if you’re a car).

Yep, I don’t think the wheel’s supposed to turn that far.

That’s just painful.

I think there’s supposed to be a solid connection here…

Jeep

Your own parking spot, no matter how tight, is one of the most sought-after perks in renting a house or apartment. Second only to electricity (and more reliable).

BVI Dodgy Driving

But if it’s raining and you can’t find a place to park at the local grocery store, no problem. Just drive right in.

Virgin Gorda BVI Runway

Landing in Virgin Gorda is my favorite air travel experience of all time!

The wildlife ranges from scary to cute to just plain annoying

Don't be fooled by the lack of size perspective. This picture was taken from 12 feet away.

Don’t be fooled by the lack of size perspective. This picture was taken from 12 feet away.

Island Spider

A little smaller, but no less creepy. Thank goodness for a Shop Vac with a long hose.

IMG_0493

I have to admit, I have a fondness for the little lizards (locals call them wood slaves) that show up in my shower.

Lizard BVI

A rare look at the underside of a lizard. In an unusual turn of events, this one was on the *outside* of our screen.

Snorkeling BVI

These are my favorite fish. I really need to look up what they are.

Snorkeling BVI

I like these too, but only when viewed from outside the water.

Island rooster

Pretty. And pretty annoying. Someone please get these guys an alarm clock.

Christmas trees come in all shapes, sizes, and materials

Roundabout in Tortola, BVI

Who says Christmas trees have to be fir, spruce, or cedar?

Miniature Wooden Christmas Tree

My sister sent me this small, wooden tree (originally from Germany!) because, as she so poignantly put it, “Everyone needs a Christmas tree.”

Airplane bottle Christmas tree

Even the local bar has a Christmas tree. Drift wood with airplane bottle ornaments – perfect!

IMG_0972

Snow-covered tree. Wishful thinking, island style.

Next up: pets, tourists, and scenes from a local bar!

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2 thoughts on “Images of Island Life: Part 1

  1. kimvt95

    Hi Danielle, every time I try to comment I can’t freaking remember my password.  I love the photos. Kim 

    From: …Come on in To: kimvt95@yahoo.com Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2015 9:47 PM Subject: [New post] Images of Island Life: Part 1 #yiv1947201913 a:hover {color:red;}#yiv1947201913 a {text-decoration:none;color:#0088cc;}#yiv1947201913 a.yiv1947201913primaryactionlink:link, #yiv1947201913 a.yiv1947201913primaryactionlink:visited {background-color:#2585B2;color:#fff;}#yiv1947201913 a.yiv1947201913primaryactionlink:hover, #yiv1947201913 a.yiv1947201913primaryactionlink:active {background-color:#11729E;color:#fff;}#yiv1947201913 WordPress.com | Danielle Nolen Collins posted: “Some of the drudgeries of daily life—grocery shopping, paying bills, vehicle issues—are pretty much the same regardless of where you live. But when the daily chores take place on an island, they’re framed by a backdrop that ranges from the beautiful to th” | |

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  2. Pingback: Images of Island Life: Part 2 | …Come on in

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