Thursday, January 25, 2018

Back on Island Time: A Recap and Update on our Return to Post-Irma Tortola

The only time I actually got teary about our return to Tortola was during take off on the puddle jumper in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It had been an emotional few months. We were back in the US on holiday, when - days before we were scheduled to fly back - a massive hurricane named Irma demolished our island, home and livelihood. As a result, we were 'displaced' for over four months. We made the most of it, as any of you who follow our Facebook Page know; we met up with friends, we made new ones, we fundraised almost $170K for our island, and spent the holidays with family. We went to movies, dinners and we even went skiing....yes, our time in the US was nothing short of wonderful, but it was still not "home". So on that flight - that tiny little nine seater that I love and loathe so much - I felt four months worth of heartache, anticipation and excitement bubble up in me and, well, I got a little choked up.

But that's where the emotions subsided really, at least the ones that brought tears to my eyes...which actually surprised me. I had mentally prepared myself for this return, both out of self preservation and on Scott's urging (he'd been back and forth several times since the hurricanes). I also prepped the girls. There was no question that the place we left for our annual summer holiday in July was not the place we'd be returning to in January. "Tortola is not going to look like it did when we left it" I kept telling them. "We know mommy!" they would sigh (we had this conversation a lot) "It's all broken up, we *know*..." they'd say like it was no big thing, like I was asking what color the sky was. As for myself, I prepped like I do for any big moment in life: moving abroad, long sailing passages, cruising with a baby, twins, flying with kids and just about every other occasion that warranted planning: expect the worst, hope for the best. If there is anything I can pat myself on the back for it is an ability to know what I am getting into due to very calculated and ninja-like method of preparation. I was primed for some sadness and shock, and I was definitely ready for tears.

So as the azure blue of the Caribbean sea made way to our beautiful island of Tortola, I was struck by one observation: from a distance, she looks the same. (And I, for the life of me, could not get that damn Bette Midler song "From a Distance" out of my head...) But when I came to that realization, that beautiful and simple realization, the only emotion that was left was pure, unadulterated happiness. I knew then that we were going to be okay, and whatever tears I thought I might shed upon arrival were replaced with a shit-eating grin.

***

Our plane touched down on Tortola soil and I was hit by the familiar sweet, sticky heat that I missed so much. The girls were giddy and punch drunk from almost twelve hours of travel, and as we clamored out of the tiny plane they giggled and jumped and we took in our surroundings. "Look mommy, a broken palm tree!" "Look at that broken car mommy!" "There's no windows over there mommy, hurricane Irma did that!" they observed... Sure, things were a bit worse for wear, there was no doubt about that. But it wasn't that bad. It was nothing that we hadn't seen in pictures and nothing that some time and hard work couldn't fix. The blue sky, the sun shining, and that lovely winter trade wind breeze was still there. It was all I needed to know we were back where we belonged, and it felt so. very. good.

Driving back to our home marina of Nanny Cay, we saw closer up what the aerial view from the plane did not expose; broken buildings, abandoned cars, entire homes demolished with only a single toilet left standing to let you know that, yes, just four months ago someone actually lived here. Sure, it was sad. And to know that so many people are still unemployed and struggling on a daily basis, that is very hard. But nothing about the state of the island was utterly shocking to me. Nothing really took my breath away. Call it a point for social media; but I knew more or less what to expect. Sure, seeing it in person is a little bit different, but after scrolling through hundreds of photos and having spoken to many on-island friends, I felt well prepared. As our taxi man, Larry, navigated potholes new and old, the girls pointed out all the broken things around us (like it was a game) I challenged them not to find the broken things, but the beauty around us instead... And, as kids do, they changed their tune completely; "Look at those beautiful pink flowers!" "And those baby cows! Look, beautiful cows mommy!" and "Look at the water mommy, the water is beautiful..." and it is, the water and the views are still breath-taking...

***

We arrived to our temporary residence, the catamaran that my mom had bought right before the storm to use as her base for visits. Miraculously, it survived - almost unscathed - only a couple slips down from where our boat sank. The girls ran into like it was no big thing. They claimed rooms, started un packing their things and playing. Like we'd lived here forever. I immediately went into organizing mode and started assessing storage and where things would go, keeping in mind that this is a temporary dwelling and we'd be moving again in a couple of months, and that's when I saw her out of our front window: Legato. Our old boat who had been found on the bottom of our marina a month after Irma and who'd been raised and laid haphazardly on her side along the break wall in the place that is now referred to as "the graveyard". She is a sorry sight and almost unrecognizable; her name nearly completely rubbed off, her once-sparkling navy hull now a dullish gray-blue due to the murk from a month on the seabed, and her rigging in tangles on her deck and all around her. While it is sad to get an eye full of her nearly every day, she is a reminder that we have not given up and we are moving on. Life after Irma gave us a lot of perspective, namely: a boat is replaceable. People are not. We are blessed and lucky and can and will rebuild. We unpacked a few things and hit up the beach bar where we were greeted with happiness and hugs, the girls went running off on an adventure on their own, they didn't miss a beat... We even left a pair of flip flops buried in the sand like old times. It was almost as if we hadn't left.

***

"How *are* you?" people will ask us in earnest with a gentle shoulder touch and heavy look in their eyes. I feel almost guilty shrugging and saying, "We are fine, we are really just *so* happy to be back." I also feel guilty for people thinking that we have any reason not to be fine. Sure, we lost a hell of a lot in Irma and she really knocked us off our feet - but she did that to every. single. other. person who lived here as well - and we are far luckier than most. We didn't have to live through the horror of the storm, were 'displaced' in a familiar place with familiar people, we had solid insurance (that has paid out!), a roof, power, and take-out and Uber and organic food... we could flush our toilets, come and go as we pleased and we could cook on a stove. We were fine. Coming back we have returned to a very comfortable boat with air conditioning, a cooking stove and electricity. We live in Nanny Cay, arguably the most recovered and comfortable place to live at the moment, with a vibrant community, a fully stocked grocery store, coffee shop and beach bar with nightly barbecue specials (THERE IS TACO TUESDAY NOW, PEOPLE!)....we cannot complain. "Honestly, we are just so happy to be back" is what I say to everyone, and I mean it with all of my heart. Maybe that makes me odd, but the destruction doesn't really bother me that much. And the girls? They don't give a hoot about it. Kids are truly amazing in that way, their resilience is inspiring.

***

We have been back just over two weeks and the thing is this: while everything looks VERY different, (the destruction from this storm is everywhere, overwhelming and almost too much to comprehend)  the BVI still FEELS the same. In fact, in some ways, I even like it better than before. It's a little grittier, a little more raw, a little less crowded and it feels more rustic. As someone who used to live in a little cowboy town in East Africa, I like rustic. We didn't move here for the architecture, the restaurants, or the cuisine...we weren't here for the glitzy night-life, spas, fantastic road quality or the bustling city center. We were here because we love living on the water and beacause we love this community. Because we love the melting pot of cultures Tortola provides and the fact that our girls greet at least ten different nationalities and dialects on a daily basis...we were here because most of our waking hours are spent outside in the sun, running around barefoot in the sand or climbing trees or swimming in pools.... we were here because the pace of life is a little slower and planning an outing with friends takes minutes, not weeks....we were here because this little group of islands - the BVI - are so. damn. beautiful and unlike any other place on earth.... we were here because we can hop in our boat and have lunch on a new island in less than an hour....we were here because people are more laid back, rules are not so rigid, and we can be a bit more "heathen" and a little less "uptight"....we were here because the characters we meet on a daily basis range from the crazy to the quirky to the profound and we learn from all of them... we were here because I truly believe this is one of the greatest places to raise little children in the world...the list goes on. My point is this: all of that is *still* here.

So - don't get me wrong - Tortola is still struggling and the road to recovery is a long one, I do not want to sugarcoat that. I have an overwhelming amount of respect for those people who were here for the storm, and those people who have remained to rebuild in the aftermath. I honestly cannot imagine what they all endured....Help is still needed here and it will be an uphill battle for quite a while, years in fact. But for us, at least, it's okay. In fact, it's better than okay.

It is so, so good to be home.


To see more pictures of our daily goings-ons, please follow us on Facebook (@sailwindtraveler) or Instagram (@windtraveler), where I am posting daily.  More blog posts and updates to come! Thank you for your notes of concern and patience. My email has been more or less neglected since having the twins (cringe) but I appreciate all your kind notes. Thank you for being an amazing community for us.



49 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello. Thanks for giving an update in the BVI. You mentioned you raised over $170K, I remember a lot of people I know donating. Where is that money gone? Has it all been invested into de community. Are those donations been donated on behalf of everyone that supported this fundraiser or are you taking the credit personally? I guess people want accountability of ever bit that was donated to so many charities.

Thanks

Windtraveler said...

Thank you for writing. Yes, every penny we raised has gone back into our community. It has not gone to ourselves, as you have possibly hinted at. I will be posting a dollar break down shortly, but we have been very busy trying to rebuild our lives, our business, as well as also maintaining a life with three small children, so this is not been done. I apologize for this. We never set out to raise as much money as we did, we were shocked at the amount that we were able to raise. This is not a venture that we were planning on doing. We put every penny into charities, and causes that we’re doing great things for the community. So, to answer your question, yes. Every penny went back into the community, and I understand that people want answers. And we will provide them.

Catherine said...

Thanks for the update! You have all been on my mind and it made my heart sing to see the photos of the girls on your beloved island. I'm excited about your new boat and continue to live vicariously through your posts. Much love to you all!!

Unknown said...

I was writing just now and lost all my comment - but I just want you to know I am so impressed at you raising so much money in only 4 months- while maintaining you grace dignity and not to mention your family and business - all while having lost your home. I am in awe. And feel priveledged to be part of your drive, ever Jenn Bussanich Hudson JennBJazz

Windtraveler said...

Thank you. We were able to raise so much in huge part to this amazing community and our readers ❤️, so thank YOU.

Windtraveler said...

Thank you ❤️

K&E said...

Thank you for the update and kudos to you for doing what you are doing for the community! Sending best wishes! Xoxo, K&E

Karen said...

So sorry to hear about your boat! That hurricane was so awful but glad you & the fam were out before it hit. I was wondering if you can say what the status of the bareboat chartering is like in that area these days. We’ve been talking about doing a charter trip in the BVI in late fall and I would appreciate any recommendations or insights you have. I can imagine it’s all kind of a mess right now but we’d love to support the local economy if we can.... Best wishes to you guys as you start this new unexpected adventure ❤️ - Karen (of the former SV Syzygy)

Opha said...

Great !

Windtraveler said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Windtraveler said...

Oh my goodness!!!! Hello!!!!! Charter opps are good to go and there are still so many beautiful places and you will enjoy a BVI as it was 30 years ago....it’s still amazing here! Come! Horizon, moorings all have boats and there are lots of Charters out and about. You can easily get fuel, provisions and rum drinks on just about any beach! Ping me if you come and let’s meet up!

Emily said...

Hi Brittany,

Thank you for sharing your story. Two of my friends were there during the hurricane and we lost touch with them for almost a week. I can still remember how stressful it was for all of us. Waiting for their calls, messages felt like an eternity.

Anonymous said...

coach outlet
adidas yeezy boost
longchamp outlet
coach outlet
coach outlet store
coach factory outlet
supreme clothing
ray ban sunglasses
cheap oakley sunglasses
adidas yeezy
mt0504

chenlina said...

ugg sale
hundreds clothing
puma shoes
ralph lauren polo
onitsuka tiger
supreme hoodie
coach outlet
ugg boots
van cleef & arpels
ray ban sunglasses outlet
chenlina20180910

chenmeinv0 said...

antonio brown jersey
gucci outlet
cartier sunglasses
uggs outlet
oakley glasses
nike roshe
chi flat iron
true religion
christian louboutin shoes
christian louboutin
2018.10.17xukaimin

chenlina said...

timberland outlet
ugg outlet store
juicy couture handbags
michael kors outlet clearance
north face jackets
ralph lauren outlet
air jordan 3
breguet watches
columbia sportswear
ugg for men
chenlina20181026

adrianafooshi said...



Nice post, thanks for sharing with us.
keep sharing more such kind of interesting articles. Thanks again.

How To Use Coffee Maker

Skinner said...

Hey, there you can find some stuff on different pipes here.

Ricalinu said...

Kutahu Rumus Dunia

Khasiat Ricalinu Untuk Nyeri Otot Paha Belakang
RICALINU
GROSIR RICALINU
RICALINU ASLI

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing, great post!

Áo khoác Đà Lạt chuyên sỉ và lẻ áo khoác áo khoác nam với giá ưu đãi nhất 2020. Luôn cập nhật mẫu mới chất lượng và dày ấm nhất kể cả với thời tiết lạnh giá các nước có du học sinh và xuất khẩu lao động. Aokhoacdalat.com được đồng hành cùng các bạn!!!!

searchkarlo said...

why won t mcafee scan my computer

mcafee livesafe not scanning

mcafee scan not responding

mcafee cannot scan

mcafee total protection won't open

mcafee real time scanning not working

Brooklyn Smith said...

Thanks for this vital information through your many articles and, I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made in writing this awesome and so best blogs. So luck to come across your excellent data and, Your blog brings me a great deal of educations. descriptive essay -
software engineering assignment help -
essay typer

web me tools said...

really this is such a amazing post...
now check this..

Article Spinner and Rewriter

Online Course Builder Platforms

Email Marketing Tools

Web Hosting

Landing Page Builder Platforms

Jessica L. Smith said...

After being in relationship with Wilson for seven years,he broke up with me, I did everything possible to bring him back but all was in vain, I wanted him back so much because of the love I have for him, I begged him with everything, I made promises but he refused. I explained my problem to someone online and she suggested that I should contact a spell caster that could help me cast a spell to bring him back but I am the type that don’t believed in spell, I had no choice than to try it, I meant a spell caster called Dr Zuma zuk and I email him, and he told me there was no problem that everything will be okay before three days, that my ex will return to me before three days, he cast the spell and surprisingly in the second day, it was around 4pm. My ex called me, I was so surprised, I answered the call and all he said was that he was so sorry for everything that happened, that he wanted me to return to him, that he loves me so much. I was so happy and went to him, that was how we started living together happily again. Since then, I have made promise that anybody I know that have a relationship problem, I would be of help to such person by referring him or her to the only real and powerful spell caster who helped me with my own problem and who is different from all the fake ones out there. Anybody could need the help of the spell caster, his email: spiritualherbalisthealing@gmail.com or WhatsApp him +15068001647
you can email him if you need his assistance in your relationship or anything. CONTACT HIM NOW FOR SOLUTION TO ALL YOUR PROBLEMS

jonesggn said...

Russian Escorts in Faridabad, here are incredibly evolved and they appreciate the customer’s needs since this city has every sort of individual and the fight is there for everyone. Our escort knows this reality, so they give you 100% satisfaction guaranteed. We Provide bestCall Girls in Faridabad that will you never forget and come again and again. Our Agency maintain the quality and an immense collection which contains a range of categories of escort girls.
Escorts Service in Faridabad
Escorts in Faridabad
Escorts in Faridabad
Hi Profile Escorts in Faridabad
Russian Call Girls in Faridabad
Call Girls in Faridabad

Dominick said...

With the info, see your regional region public documents division to inspect whether your next-door neighbor has a criminal pasco county arrest search document. Just how are you going to run a criminal document search on your next-door neighbor?

Assignment Help Australia said...

An argumentative essay is one that creates an argument throughout the research. These essays take a place and help it throughout the proofs but, unlike various other sorts of essays, they are interested in stating a particular argument helped by evidence and research. The great Argumentative Essay Topics will be based on new or established research instead of your feelings or thoughts. So, if you are the one looking for the best argumentative essay topics, you can get our essay help services. Our professional writers will help you write a remarkable essay with the utmost quality. Call us today to get the best essay for you.

Dominick said...

It is likewise crucial to keep in mind, nevertheless that if somebody has rap sheet details on file about them, it might or might not suggest that they were in fact found guilty of criminal orange county arrests activity.

Masonethan said...

Do you write to research a paper writing topic? A useful way to find a topic that makes one want to write a good research topic is to use a topic you've already written about. Take one of the essays you wrote for this particular easy research paper topic and see if you can elaborate on the topic. How much more detail can you add? Has there been any new research on that topic? In academia, it is quite common to broaden and deepen your previous research, so you can start now. Running out of topics to write? Check out a good topic for a research paper that can help you to choose the right research paper topic.

sheeraz said...

Very awesome!!! When I seek for this I found this website at the top of all blogs in search engine. click

Volleyball Toto said...

Hey your collection is outstanding; I never see such a type of collection before. Thanks for sharing it with us. Keep it up.


배트맨토토
배트맨토토프로
토토사이트

Volleyball Toto said...

토토
프로토
토토사이트




This is a very good article. I see the greatest contents on your blog and I extremely love reading them.

Volleyball Toto said...

토토사이트
스포츠중계
토토

Your blog provided us with valuable information to work with. Each & every tips of your post are awesome. Thanks a lot for sharing. Keep blogging

maria smiths said...

Uphold is a cloud-based digital platform that provides financial services to users worldwide. It offers 58 cryptocurrencies, 27 fiat services, and four types of precious metals and enable the users to securely convert, hold, move and transact in various sectors.
uphold Login

mission vs vision statement said...

The mission vs. vision statement both gives a sense of cohesiveness and offers the framework for expectations to the workers. After developing the relevant mission and vision statement of the company, then it becomes a part of the culture…

casinositehomecom said...

Everything is very open with a precise explanation of the issues.
It was really informative. Your website is useful. Thank
you for sharing!
카지노

cragro.com said...

A high-quality blog has a lot of information and useful content. 뱃사공

Anonymous said...

I completely agree with the text. I was able to learn very accurate up-to-date information. 토토사이트

Anonymous said...

Your site is so good and informative thanks for sharing this content see this

Angel17 said...

What a beautiful photo. I love the sunset! Find us in Wainwright

Tree Service Orlando said...

Very interesting and informative blog !

Anonymous said...

"Great post! Thanks for sharing this awesome article.

Tree Service San Jose CA

'"


casinositekim said...

This article was written by a real thinking writer.

Anonymous said...

"Thanks for sharing this interesting blog here
"
Tree Services Bowling Green

uraj said...

Traveling with the wind can have different meanings depending on the context. In a literal sense, it could refer to activities like paragliding, kiteboarding, or even skydiving, where individuals navigate through the air using the force of the wind. cloud and CAD These activities often provide a unique sense of freedom and exhilaration as one becomes part of the natural elements.

Anonymous said...

It was very informative. Thank you for sharing.
Concrete Red Deer Services

Anonymous said...

Thanks for making this content so informative!
Landscaping

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing this with us.
Furnace Cleaning

CBllein said...

It looks like the content on that page is both informative and engaging. What an inspiring update! It's wonderful to see how you've embraced the island lifestyle again, despite the challenges that come with refitting a boat. The way you describe the balance between the beauty of island living and the hard work involved in maintaining your boat is both honest and uplifting. If you're interested in learning more about similar topics or diving deeper, you might want to consider finding and buy article online that covers this subject in even more detail. The progress you've made on the refit is impressive, and it’s clear that your passion and dedication are driving you forward. Looking forward to seeing more updates and wishing you smooth sailing ahead!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...