St Thomas
Charlotte Amalia
Wednesday 7th March 18
So before we can take Mr X to the USVIs we need to validate our ESTA visa we have submitted online and to do that we need to take a ferry from Road Town, Tortola BVI, to get a visa. The trip is a good hour, and it feels like a day out from the minute we board the ferry. Makes a change to get places so fast!
Charlotte Amelia is a sleepy town, despite the 2 cruise ships in harbour. Love the little streets of the main drag, very atmospheric, you can nearly hear the noise of drunken sailors of years gone by going from one drinking establishment to the next. Now of building only house jewellers and high end goods for the tourists, but still most of the building have been lovingly restored and it really feels like we are somewhere exotic. Our meandering have taken us to Pisarro’s house. The house where he was born and where is family lived for many years Again it is a pleasure nosing around the colourful facade in the many courtyards and rickety staircases. The house has been turned into an art gallery, obviously and it is nice to see the local painting being displayed. The lady is a font of knowledge and we spent a while idly chatting.
Lunch in one of the many courtyard is fun, the haunt of shop girls on their break, we eavesdrop to our heart contend.
Off course we try to see it all, next if climbing the hundred steps that leads us to the nearest hill. The mansions and gardens are stunning, so are the views. Next is the red fort, not big but great to while away an hour. Love the architecture and the chapel.
It is soon time to get back to the ferry port, but not without having an ice cream, we are having a real holiday today!