Monday, December 18, 2006

Puerto Rico! - by Geert

Olina came to the Virgin Islands last week. We sailed from Honeymoon Beach on St. John to Honeymoon Bay on St. Thomas, and on to the Puerto Rican island of Vieques. A world of difference from the tourism and development in the Virgins. There are no big resorts here, no cruise ships, and no charter boats.The island is thinly populated and rural. Dogs, chickens and horses roam free. Many of the horses are of the Paso Fino breed. Half of Vieques is completely empty. Until a few years ago is was used for US military exercises.

We are anchoed in Sombe ("sun bay"), a bay near the south shore village of Esperanza. The beach is ahaded by palm trees, and a mile long. We saw a big sea turtle today, and a tarpon chasing flying fish. Yesterday Eva and Jana arrived. They stay in a cottage ("casita") in the village. They have to close the gate to keep the horses out of the yard. Nico will get here just before the holidays.

Merry Christmas to all!