Let Me Tell You About A Place . . .

Moving to the United States has been a HUGEE impact on my life. I realized that sharing with people about where I grew up; not many people knew the location of the British Virgin Islands. I remember a few asking if it was located on the continent of Africa. Africa? Come on!! Did you hear the ending 'Islands'?!?!


Well, come on let me take you home with me.. Let's take a trip to the British Virgin Islands.
Located in the Caribbean, northeast of Puerto Rico, lies an archipelago of volcanic islands known as the 'British Virgin Islands.' Now, do not get it confused with the U.S. Virgin Islands, for these are two different groups of islands.

The British Virgin Islands also known as 'Nature's Little Secret' is one of the six British Overseas Territories located in the Caribbean. The B.V.I. consists of a large group of islands Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. Along with over 60 other islets and cays; some uninhabited. The British Virgin Islands main product is tourism; because it is known for its rich culture and heritage and also famous beaches. The official language is English and main currency is the U.S. dollar.

Tortola. This is the largest and main island out of the group of islands. The capital of the B.V.I. Road Town, is located on the island. Tortola means 'Turtle Dove' in Spanish. A name given by Christopher Columbus upon his arrival to the island. There are many things that you could do on the island. You could take a walk around Road Town and visit historical sights such as the Sunday Morning Well, where the Emancipation Proclamation of 1834 was read.

The Sunday Morning Well

Or take a visit to the Botanical Gardens. As a tourist, you may find yourself wanting to take a hike up Sage Mountain, the tallest point on the island. Or stopping on the Ridge Road to take pictures of the beautiful artwork of a local artist. You may also visit Mt. Healthy National Park or take a trip to Cane Garden Bay and visit the Callwood Rum Distillery. Yes, I said Rum Distillery, they still have exhibits about how rum is made.

While in Cane Garden Bay, you may want to visit the beach or stop by Myetts or Quitos and have a drink. Tortola is famous for some of the many beaches such as Smuggler's Cove, Josiah's Bay, Long Bay. Are just a few. Now that we've had a mini tour of Tortola, let's go back to Road Town and take a ferry to Virgin Gorda.

One of the Paintings on the Ridge Road

Virgin Gorda. 'The Fat Virgin' Virgin Gorda is the third largest and second most populated island in the British Virgin Islands. The capital is Spanish Town; which was once the capital of the British Virgin Islands. It is home to the famous beach known as 'The Baths.' Also other historical sites found on the island is the Copper Mine Point.

Coppermine Point

The Baths

The Baths is one of the most places that is highly praised by visitors to the island because, it shows proof of the volcanic features of the island. From Virgin Gorda, we are going to take the ferry and head over to Anegada.

Anegada. 'The Flooded Land' The most northerly island in the British Virgin Islands and also the second largest. Unlike the other islands, Anegada is made from coral and limestone. While all the other islands are mountainous, Anegada is flat and low, with its highest point being about 28 feet above sea level. Hence, the reason for the meaning The Flooded Land. 

Anegada although the second largest island in the archipelago, it is sparsely populated. Most of the population live in the only village, known as The Settlement. Anegada is home to the world's famous Horse Shoe Reef. One of the main festivals, that many people look forward to is the lobster festival held on Anegada during the month of November. Yes, I said lobster. Anegada is also famous for its lobsters. 

Anegada

Okay, now that we've toured Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Anegada; lets head over to Jost Van Dyke. 

Jost Van Dyke. Some visitors may refer to it as, 'The Barefoot' island, because it is known for its beachfront restaurants and bars and protected anchorages and fine white sandy beaches. But the island was named after an Early Dutch settler and former pirate. Jost van Dyke is the birthplace of William Thorton, the architect of the U.S. Capitol building and also John Lettsome the founder of the London Medical Society.

White Bay, Jost Van Dyke One of the famous beaches

The most famous Great Harbour is one of the busies ports on the island. Jost Van Dyke is approximately 8 km northwest of Tortola,and 8 km to the north of St. John an island located in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Off the eastern end of Jost Van Dyke lies Little Jost Van Dyke.  

Jost Van Dyke, although the smallest of the group of islands, is home to the world's famous 'Foxy's New Years Party. Many people from around the world travel to the B.V.I. to ring in the New Year on Jost Van Dyke at this party. 

Foxy's

Another famous bar on Jost Van Dyke, is the Soggy Dollar Bar, which is known for the birthplace of the famous drink known as 'The Painkiller'. There is indeed so much to say about Jost Van Dyke, but I will keep it short.

This is just a brief history on the British Virgin Islands, some other famous islands include Beef Island, Copper Island, Norman Island, Peter Island, Necker Island, Guana Island, Sandy Spit. And much more... I could go on and on about the rich history and sites located on each of these islands. Also, famous people that share the love on these islands. One of the best times to visit is during the summer when the emancipation celebration is held. 

 

The British Virgin Islands, a place where you can party live life and be free. Our home is yours!

Below is a link to the tourist board's website:

       http://www.bvitourism.com/

-Maisha.