TORTOLA

We woke up Sunday morning tied up to the pier at the pretty little Caribbean Island, Tortola, which is part of the British Virgin Islands.

After our very brief walk into Road Town, Tortola, we quickly returned to the ship and made our way up to Deck 11 to find a spot by the pool where we could enjoy some relaxing time in the sun.   Joni asked me if I knew what the temperature was.  My response, “Somewhere between beautiful and perfect.” 

Our stop in Tortola only served one purpose, as far as I was concerned.  That was to cause inquiring minds like my own to ask, “Why in the world did the Captain decide to stop here… on a Sunday?”  Virtually everything was closed.  Really.  Apparently Tortolians didn’t get the memo.  Americans will spend money on ANY day.  We certainly don’t need a day for worship, rest, and to spend time with loved ones.  Please take note of my rhetorical sarcasm.  

But really… I found myself trying to figure out why RC would make a decision to stop in Tortola.  There must be a “profit” motive, for it certainly was not for the enjoyment of its customers.  I just have not yet begun to figure it out.      

Even the “Tour” vendors, with their modified trucks-turned-into-tourist (read: sardine) cans, seemed aware of the strangeness of having a ship in port on a Sunday.  One guy said to us, “Everything is closed today.  For $25 I will drive you around the island for 2 hours and show you.”   And, no… I am not making this up.  He really did say this.

However… remember… I am an “at sea” guy.   I am having the most fun when we are at sea, under power, in fair seas.  Ports of call don’t empress me much.  Tortola didn’t empress me at all.