Free Time

So what is it like to be an ex-pat on a remote South Atlantic Island, cut off from the outside world for most of the time? And what do we get up to? Here's a snap shot of last weekend!
It's Friday night (well 4.30 in any case!) We all went to Donny’s on the seafront for a beer after work – followed by Pizza from one of the few eateries open - Get Carter's – it’s not always Pizza – it varies weekly. On Saturday morning Henry and Andy went scuba diving, whilst I went ‘shopping’ in Town – just a walk up and down Main Street really – we all met up later at the Coffee Shop with some other ex-pats for coffee and lunch.
In the evening one of our neighbours (Andy at No 2) hosted ‘Piccolobury’ (Take on Glastonbury!) He had hired a local band to play on the veranda, lots of beer and wine and Thai food all in aid of his 'closer to 60 than 50' birthday party. The band, Blue Magic, were fab.The event was well supported by ex-pats and locals alike - I really prefer and enjoy evenings where we are out-numbered by Saints! The party went on into the early hours although we left before midnight as we had an early start on Sunday morning!

Now normally on a Sunday morning the boys are up early to play a round of golf with friends – a group of them tee off at 9am across the road (literally) at St Helena Golf Club - membership is very reasonable and to be recommended – It means I get to relax, maybe go for a walk or go to a friends for coffee – me time! But this week a ‘Round the Island’ boat trip had been arranged by Dave Higgins – apparently not for the feint hearted or weak traveller!

So a group of around 30 met at the wharf steps at 9.30 full of Stugeron and light breakfast for a trip of a lifetime – they rarely go all the way around as it is very rough on the ‘other side and previous trips had run into difficulty! Andy and Henry chose to stand up on the bow for the duration – I secured myself a little cubby hole where I could hang on! I don’t particularly like being out in vast open water at the best of times, but when there’s little between you and hundreds of miles of Ocean, it is even more daunting for those of us who find the concept less of a pleasure. However, unperturbed, I wasn’t going to miss the trip because of a little unfounded fear! We had been warned that on the last trip round the Island out of 40, 36 were sick so it was with some trepidation that we set off!
It was fantastic and although a couple of people were unwell the vast majority (including several children) were fine – it took 4 hours to go right around and cost just £10 a head. Exceptional value!

We were lucky enough to pass between Shore Island and George Island on the south east corner, close up.

The views of St Helena Island from the south side were stunning: sheer rock faces and some familiar places that we have walked to, like Shark’s Valley, Cox’s Battery and Sugarloaf, now viewed from a completely different perspective.

The sea birds were amazing too, swooping low over the boat, following the wake for most of the trip. In addition we were lucky enough to see three of the remaining Whale Sharks too. The season is coming to an end and so they are not quite as easy to find in the waters! Once Speery Island had been negotiated, it was a calm and smooth trip back to James Bay.

When we returned home we found a note from Andy inviting us to a ‘finish up last night’s food party, so I didn’t even have to think about cooking, just wandered over to Andy’s for wine, beer and more lovely Thai food.

This is a good example of life here - over the next few weeks we have our own party - Andy and I will have been married for 25 years next week and Deanna Woosey will be 18. There is also a afternoon tea and drinks organised by Dave Higgins to celebrate Mother's Day - Full on indeed!!!!!!!