Island Fever

Yesterday marked the 6 month mark for the boys and I here on Tortola.   We had been warned that it could happen, and sure enough, island fever has really set in.  Especially for me!  Island fever is an ailment described around here as a real need to get off “the rock.”  Hopefully, we will figure out a visit to California in the near future!  The Fall has always been my favorite season at home.  There is nothing like spending time in Sonoma or Napa counties during the grape harvest.  This weekend last year I was touring wine country celebrating my dear friend Karen’s birthday.   

The fountain at Seghesio Family Vineyards.

Grapes at Acorn Vineyards.

It really became apparent that I was suffering from island fever when our clothes washer started leaking one morning and ended up flooding our hallway and part of the boys’ bedroom with ½ inch of water.  I was not a very happy camper that afternoon.   I spent the entire afternoon that day mopping and cleaning the boys’ room.  It took a week before we got someone out here to fix it, which meant a few trips to public laundry facilities.  Here are a few shots from the nicer one we used. 

The cutest laundry helpers!

Yes, living in paradise does have down sides.  Surprisingly, our power and water have been pretty consistent, but it is not always the case.   Getting things repaired, sometimes takes a long time.   Foget about finding what you need at one or two places, sometimes a trip off island is the only way to get things. I have mentioned the road hazards we have experienced.  At our 6 month mark and since my island fever is in full swing, here are the top 5 things I miss about home:

5.  Real sushi!  There is some sushi on island, made mostly with cooked or smoked fish and/or veggies.  We were spoiled with so many more choices at home.  A lot of the fresh seafood we got at home is just not available here.  Being the foodies that we are, it has been a tough adjustment.  Oh, for a nice piece of tuna sashimi and a spicy salmon roll.

4.  Our car!  We have the Jeep here, but I really miss our car.  The Jeep has its share of problems.  The transmission slips driving up our hill. The passenger window does not roll down. 

3.  Shopping!  Specifically, I miss Trader Joe’s.  We did a great deal of our grocery shopping there.   I also miss being able to run out to get the boys a new pair of pajamas or a new pair of shoes, at the same store or shopping center.  Here you have to drive to several different places and maybe you will find what you are looking for, maybe not.  If not, a ferry ride to St. Thomas or a flight to San Juan is necessary to get what you need.     

2.  The farmer’s market!  We were very spoiled to live near a great year-round farmer’s market before leaving California.  Every Saturday morning Chris and one of the boys would go load up on fresh seasonable fruits and veggies. 

Diablo Valley Farmer's Market.

1.  Family and friends!  Although we did not live in the same city as my parents, it was nice having them just a few hours away.  The boys loved spending the time with them before we came down here and Reagan asks daily about when we are going to go visit!



Riding Grandpa's ATV with Grandpa and Annie!



Reagan loves visiting Grandma and Grandpa!



           There are many things that I do not miss, and there are also many great things about being here.  Right now, however, the things I am missing have taken the forefront.  I was told by another American expat that between 6 and 8 months almost everyone expriences it.  Hopefully, I will come out of my funk soon, I have some stories I want to post about, but have not gotten around to it.  Happy Friday!