We said a sad farewell to our American family in St Thomas about 2 hours ago
and we are now back in the BVIs at the Pussers Rum bar checking email.
We had such a great time with them and I have to say I hope my daughter is
as delightful as Lauren when she is 16 turning 17!
Lauren was great - no dramas, tried everything - e.g. going over the side,
up the mast, under the water - and even tried vegemite!
Anne of course is one of our favorite people. we have made plans to meet up
in 2008 in Hawaii - assuming we have made some money by then!
Georgie was her wonderful self and Doc was amazing - he of course was into
everything and talked non stop - but loved the snorkeling especially!
We spent the day with them going to St Thomas in the USVI on the ferry. On
arrival we had a very positive discussion with the nice man at immigration
about the visa waiver programme and how to bring the boat in.
What we learned was that having gone into the US on a licensed carrier (the
ferry) we now have a 90 day visa under the visa waiver programme and can
return to the USA waters with our boat whenever we want within that time.
Of course we will need to clear in as usual but the visa thing is sorted.
We also need to remember to return the visas within that time if we don't go
back, otherwise they will assume we have overstayed. it seems very simple
but we found it impossible to resolve prior to coming here and checking it
out ourselves. This was exactly what Jason and Jo told us in Palma, but
have heard many other versions, however they were right. Thanks guys!
Our impressions of the USVI - lots of lovely bays to anchor in - a little
less busy that then BVI's in that respect. LOTS of shops housing
developments and hotels - very Americana in the main town of Charlotte
Amalie. We are quite interested to take the boat there as it doubles the
size of the cruising area available to us - and we think if we are spending
any significant time around here we may need that!
We made it back here just on sunset and arrived to an empty boat. There is
quite a vacuum when the boat goes from 9 to 5 people and we do miss em
Yankees!
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