The "All About Provo" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Reading the brochures that we picked up at the airport and the brochures that were available to us at the resort where we were staying on the island of Providenciales.  You know, after so many stories about our recent vacation, I'm getting pretty good at typing Providenciales.  Don't even have to look at the note that I have in front of me showing me how to spell it.  Thought I would give you some of the basic info and tips about the island just in case you may want to make it a stop on your vacation itinerary the next time you travel.  So here are some quick facts about the place that we called home for two weeks this fall, 2012.

1. The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of 40 islands and cays, eight of which are inhabited.  The islands are located 550 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, just below the Bahamas chain and just to the east of Cuba and the island of Hispaniola.  Technically the islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean, but I don't tell my wife that, since she wanted to go someplace in the Caribbean. 
2. The language of the island is English and the US dollar is the official currency of the islands.
3. The island chain is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone.
4. The islands are home to roughly 30,000 full time residents and welcome more than 200,000 tourists annually.  
5. The average daytime temperature ranges between 85 and 90 degrees and the water temperature is 78-82 degrees.  A constant trade wind keeps the climate at a very comfortable level and is a welcome addition while sitting in the sun on the beach.  
6. Electricity is 110 volt, the same as in the US.
7. A US Passport is needed to enter the island.  
8. It is home to one of the best beaches in the World (Grace Bay Beach), breathtaking hues from inviting waters, and legendary diving, snorkeling and fishing.  
9. In an average year the islands have 350 days of sunshine.  You just have to hope you don't come when they have the two weeks of rain.
10. The residents of the islands are mostly descendants of Africans who were brought in to work the salt pans or the cotton plantations.  The expatriate population consists of British, Canadians, Americans, French, Bahamians, and virtually everywhere in the world.
11. The economy relies on the tourism industry, real estate development and the exportation of seafood.
12. The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Crown Colony.  A Governor is appointed by the Queen and presides over an Executive Council formed by an elected local self-government.
13. Cable TV is available throughout the islands, but some of my favorite stations were not offered.
14. Fresh water depends on rainfall or desalinated water produced by reverse osmosis for the supply. 
15. Telephone service is good on the island, and my Verizon phone worked good to call the US.  Be aware that it costs $1.95 a minute.
16. Tourists from the British Commonwealth, the USA, Canada and holders of an international drivers license are permitted to drive for 30 days using their license.
17. Duty free goods that I can take back with me are: 200 cigarettes, 1.136 liters of spirits or wine, perfume and 50 cigars, as long as they did not come from Cuba.  You can drink and smoke all you want while on the island, naturally.
18. Firearms need a special written permission form to bring to the island.
19. Dining is usual casual dress and you may need a light sweater in the evenings.  Public nudity is not allowed.
20. All visitors must hold a round-trip ticket.
21. Needless to say, drugs and pornography are illegal, but you will find that you may be offered them for sale by beach vendors.
22. There is a modern hospital system with two state-of-the-art medical centers.
23. The speed limit on roads through settlements is 20 mph and on the highways is 40 mph, but the car we had wouldn't go that slow.  Either that or my shoe was too heavy.
24. You must remember to drive on the left and there are very few stop signs.  Roundabouts take care of most intersections and they work very well.  The US should try more of them.
25. Due to a map makers error, the Turks and Caicos flag once had an igloo on it, due to confusion with salt mounds (designer thought they were igloos).
26. The Caicos islands name is derived from the Lucayan word 'cayo hico', meaning string of islands.  Lucyans were the original inhabitants of the islands.
27. The Turks and Caicos Islands have the third largest barrier reef system in the world and several of the world's top dive sites.  

Well, I think I have covered most of the things I have learned about the island.  It was a relaxing two weeks of vacation and I believe you would enjoy the island if you choose to vacation on it.  Let me know if you have questions that I can help you with in the future.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.