Prior to living on an island in the Caribbean, I thought these islands are all about luxury resorts and beautiful beaches. But then 19 months ago we moved to Virgin Gorda, BVI. It was not much later, I realized I was wrong.
Yes, they have the most beautiful beaches, nice resorts, amazing bays, gorgeous views, etc. But there is much more than that. As we traveled (or I should say “cruised”) around the Caribbean and visited other islands, I learned that each island has something unique to offer in addition to the beaches and resorts.
So I thought I could show you the side of “my island”, Virgin Gorda, that you would not see unless you make a trip here. I took my camera and walked around a mile radius of our apartment and photographed things that make it unique in my eyes.
Please join me as I walk along my neighborhood and allow me to share things that make Virgin Gorda special to me.
Virgin Gorda meaning “Fat Virgin” was named by Christopher Columbus because the island’s profile on the horizon looks like a fat woman lying on her side.
We live in an apartment complex called Olde Yard Village. Most tenants here are expatriates or foreigners, who rent (or own) an apartment for vacationing purposes. It is a calm and pretty complex with a restaurant, pool, gym, and a tennis court. Every single apartment has a beautiful view of the Handsome Bay.
The population in Virgin Gorda is around 5000. Most people are either from here or migrated from one of the neighboring islands to work and live here. One thing they have in common is that they are very religious. Mostly Christian, locals are a big part of the church and church activities. The church you see in the picture is the oldest building on the island and can also be used as an emergency shelter, if needed.
We have a police station here but there is almost no crime on Virgin Gorda. It is considered as a very secure island. So much so that one of the biggest resorts on the island, Rosewood Little Dix Bay, does not give keys to their guests.
As you walk around the island it is customary to exchange friendly conversations or a simple hello or good afternoon with people you encounter. As a matter of fact, it is considered as rude to not to properly greet each other.
As it is a pretty hilly island, when you climb up the hills throughout the island, you are welcomed by the stunning views of the bays of Virgin Gorda.
The graffiti on the walls of the street going to the world-known famous “The Baths” are a great reflection of the community and culture.
Locals live in small, modest, and colorful houses.
Somebody once told me that there are more chickens and roosters than people on Virgin Gorda. They are everywhere around the island. They love spending time in garbage bins. If you ever discard your trash I recommend you to be careful because there maybe a chicken party going on inside.
After people die, they are buried in a place overlooking the ocean.
It is not just the ocean that makes my island spectacular. The nature is at it best around here. The occasional rain showers throughout the day feed the nature and its habitants so much so that I feel like the green is greener here than anywhere I had ever seen before.
We have bars too. Green House is one of the fun places for locals to hang out. If you want to make friends, listen to good Latin music and have some local food, Green House should be on your list to visit when you come to Virgin Gorda.
There are at least 5 beaches within walking distance from where we live. Each with its own personality. Sometimes, in the afternoon, I take a walk on the beach. I found it to be a fantastic way to calm my mind.
As you walk along the beach, you can always make friends with these crabs.
Like I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I took all these pictures on the same day as I walk around in my neighborhood. The beauty you see here is just the tip of the iceberg and if you want to see the rest, you would have to come and see it with your own eyes.
And if you do, make sure to say hello to me… 🙂
Seychellesmama
What a great idea for a post, I’d love to do something similar around my house!! I just found your site through women who love on rocks. Once the baby has gone to sleep I’ll spend some time searching through the recipes 🙂 always nice to take some cooking inspiration from another island!
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Chantelle,
I am so glad you found me. I just looked at your site and I loved the fish in the background.
It is so much fun to read what other women are doing on other islands around the world. In a funny way we are all going through similar stuff (mostly challenges!?!).
One day I wasn’t feeling like cooking and decided to grab my camera and go outside. That is how I came up with this post.
After all I live on an island…LOL. I am glad you liked it.
Thank you for stopping by!
Cheers!
Ice
seychellesmama
Ahhh thank you very much! Glad you liked it 🙂
It really is lots of fun to read about other islanders, and realise that mostly our lives are very similar despite living on islands dotted all over the world!
Chantelle x
Jackie Brown
Ice,
I love your blog! As I sit in DC working on things related to Little Dix and dreaming of my next trip to the island, I love staying in touch through your blog and being reminded of the incredible beauty (and of course challenges) of the island. I hope to check out some of your favorite spots that I have been reading about during my visits this year. I know living on the island is challenging but what an incredible experience! The work your husband does is tremendous but it certainly looks like you are hard at work as well with the blog and everything related to it! The food also looks incredible – if I am ever home long enough, I will definitely try some of these recipes (and I love Ina as well, I grew up watching her show!). keep up the fantastic posts and say hi to Dwight for me 🙂
Look forward to seeing you next time I am there (in early May most likely)
Best,
Jackie
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Jackie,
I am glad to hear that you like reading and staying in touch through my blog. It is truly a beautiful island we live in. We feel lucky that we were given this opportunity. I agree with you about the challenges, but like you mentioned, the experience is totally worth it.
I would love to get together for coffee or dinner next time when you are in town so we can talk about Ina.. :)) LOL!!
Cheers!
Ice
Jackie Brown
Lets definitely plan to do dinner when I am there in May! Keep up the great writing – my mouth is now watering looking at your curry chicken article and the virgin gorda food fair!
Sarah
Hi Aysegul, thank you for all your comments about this beautiful island! My grandparents used to own a house on the island and that is where they spent their winters, out of Denver, Colorado. I took my first steps at that house when I was 9 months old and my parents were vigilant in taking me back every year as I grew up so that I could experience a culture and lifestyle unknown to many people. I am so thankful for those years! The BVI has a beauty unlike anywhere else and Virgin Gorda has always and will always hold a special place in my heart. I haven’t been back for almost 11 years now and in a few weeks I am traveling back! I am so excited to share it now with my son and my boyfriend’s son, along side my parents once again. We will be staying at the Little Dix Resort. I have been to Bitter End many times and to Little Dix once, but I was too young to remember it. I look forward to exploring more of the island.
Thank you again, and also thank you for the great recipes!
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Sarah,
What a great story…
Virgin Gorda is truly a slice of paradise and I feel lucky and privileged that we are living there.
You will love Little Dix Bay. I am not saying because my husband works there but I think it is the nicest resort on the island. 🙂
When are you guys coming?
I would love to say hello…
Cheers!
Ice
Sarah
Thank you for your response! Feel free to email me at Dreamscapturedphoto at gmail.com
I don’t feel comfortable putting dates up on the web. We would love to say hi! Look forward to hearing from you 🙂
Marcelo
Hi Ice and Dwight,
Thank you for adopting me on Christmas Eve, I had a great time. Loved your blog, great look and writing skills. The pictures are also amazing. Wish you a great holiday season and hope 2014 to be full of accomplishments for you and your husband.
Best regards,
Marcelo.
Aysegul Sanford
Hello Marcelo,
It was nice to meet you too. We enjoyed talking to you.
Happy holidays to you too.
Cheers! Ice
Sherri McNary
Your post is making me excited to get back down to the islands to start our yacht charter season. When we aren’t on charter, the North Sound and Virgin Gorda is our home! Hope to meet you in person.
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Sherri,
I have heard so much about you from Chrissann. I can not wait to meet you in person.
It is beautiful here. I love this time of the year on the island.
Cheers! Ice
Dalya
Iste bu! That’s what I’m talking about!! Horozlara selam!!
Aysegul Sanford
Hahaaaa.. They say hello to you too. 🙂
Alicia
I had never heard of VG until discovering your blog. What a beautiful, amazing location. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to further images of your quaint tropical paradise.
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Alicia,
Funny because I had never heard of VG before my husband was offered a job here. It was a nice surprise to come to such a beautiful place.
I am happy that you found my blog. I am planning to share more of the island in the next couple of weeks.
I hope you’ll find some to come back and check it out.
Thanks for stopping by!
Cheers! Ice
Chrissann
Great article – you did a fantastic job at sharing what makes VG so special. And as usual, your pictures are spectacular 🙂
Aysegul Sanford
Thank you Chrissann. 🙂
aysel
Dear Ayşegül, I see that you are not only an excellent cook but a great correspondent / writer as well 🙂
I’ve always been curious of the Carribbean, but now I really want to visit there starting with your island. Please continue writing and posting. I can’t wait for the next one 🙂
Aysegul Sanford
Dearest Aysel,
Thank you for your great comments about the blog.
Virgin Gorda is a beautiful island and we are so lucky to live here. I am planning on sharing more of the island in the coming weeks.
Thank you so much for reading.
Cheers! Aysegul
Sevil sebatlı
Ayşegülüm yine çok güzel resimler koymuşsun. Hepsi takvim sayfası olabilir. Keşke birazda kendi resminde olsaydı. Çokçok öpücükler!!!!
Aysegul Sanford
Sagol Sevil Teyzecigim. Cok tesekkur ederim. Ben de seni cok opuyorum.