Just like Eddie Murphy in that movie classic. That's right, I'm USA bound. I've got a plane to catch Friday morning to ATX where I will be attending the wedding of our dear friends Cory and Jordan.
C.J. can't make it but I realized, hey, I can. So I'm going to their wedding and then getting in some quick visits with friends and family. Last but certainly not least I will be eating lots of queso and shopping at Target.
Tonight I went to our neighborhood bar Bananas and had a typical Grenadian service experience. We were watching the first game of the World Series on one TV at the bar. There is another TV at the bar, but it was tuned to the what looked like a nature show about an African safari on the BBC. I asked the bartender if she could change the station on that TV so we could watch the game there too. Approximately 15 people were sitting around the bar watching the game. I made a gesture to these people and said "I think everyone here is watching the game."
Well she looked at me and she said "No they're not. Some people are watching the BBC." I looked around and started to say "who?" but then I realized she was talking about herself. I said, "you're watching it?" and she said yes which I'm pretty sure also translated to "go to hell" in her book. O.K., so much for that.
About 20 minutes later Brigit tried to order food from the same bartender. She told Brigit to go to the restaurant side. When Brigit went to the restaurant side the waitress said "you should order at the bar." Brigit insisted so the waitress took her order.
Later our food came and Brigit asked the waitress for an extra plate. The waitress said she couldn't bring it, Brigit would have to go to the Cave to get a plate. The Cave is the outside area of the bar.
Then at 11, even though the World Series was in the sixth inning and the only people in the bar were watching the game, the bartender started playing loud, thumping club music. That's about the time I decided to head on home and hope the Phillies could make it without my support.
So they're not big on service here. I'm looking forward to American wait staff that actually want to accommodate their customers. If you are into service, you would be horrified at some of the things that go on here.
That experience made me glad I'll be going home for a week. Although I think I'll miss my adult summer camp life here. And I'll miss my husband a lot. Some things you just learn to live with, like a little bad service.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
It's a small island after all
C.J. had last weekend off since all his midterms were finished Friday. After his last final he had some much deserved beer(s) and we watched baseball playoffs with some friends. It rained all day so we didn't get to hit the beach.
Saturday we woke up and it was still raining. We planned to go on hike that day, but we were concerned the weather wasn't going to be ideal. Anna had sent a note that it was on rain or shine, so we weren't going to wimp out if she was still in. We met her and other friends at 11:30 a.m. and hopped in a taxi for a ride into the interior of the island to Grand Etang Forest Reserve.
By the time we were on our way it had quit raining. And it turned out to be perfect weather for the rest of the day. It was overcast so we weren't too hot but it never rained on us. From the top of the mountain we could see clearly for miles, which apparently isn't always the case. And as we hiked upward the breeze became very cool - the coolest weather we've felt on the island. Almost like a fall day back home.
We hiked to the top of Mt. Qua Qua which is at about 2,370 feet above sea level. From the top I realized I live on a really small island. This seems obvious but it doesn't feel that small when you are down at sea level. It takes awhile to get places while driving around in a car and there are lots of little separate towns that feel spread out.
But from the top of the mountain we could see the East and the West coasts and the ocean all around us. It seemed only a few miles across even though the island is actually 12 miles wide. It made me think - hmmm, Grenada is a remote and tiny island in the middle of a gigantic, powerful ocean. That's kind of freaky.
Anyway, it was a really great day with a good group of people. We made about a 500 foot climb from the beginning of the trail to the top, so it wasn't too strenuous although it was slippery in some parts because of mud (lots of mud - see pic below). It only took about three hours round trip.
And did I mention we saw a monkey?? At the park headquarters a monkey came out of the forest and took a few bananas from us. I've never seen a banana eaten so fast. This little guy was quick. He wouldn't get too close to anyone but he would grab a banana out of your hand. My hand actually. C.J. told me the monkey was going to rip my arm off. Well, I assure you, that did not happen. My arm is still fully in tact.
It was the first day C.J had been off campus in probably six weeks. He enjoyed the taxi ride into the rain forest and just seeing all the local people out and about. And of course he loves hiking. I was glad he got to enjoy himself for once.
The only unfortunate thing is that we missed one of the best games in recent college football history - TX v OU. I have to admit I had doubted that Texas could pull it off. I'm not missing the TX v Missou game this weekend that's for sure. There are lots of Texas fans here so I think we'll be at a bar tomorrow night somewhere for the game.
But we still did not regret going on the hike because it was such a great day and one of the only chances C.J. will have to get out and explore the island.
Saturday we woke up and it was still raining. We planned to go on hike that day, but we were concerned the weather wasn't going to be ideal. Anna had sent a note that it was on rain or shine, so we weren't going to wimp out if she was still in. We met her and other friends at 11:30 a.m. and hopped in a taxi for a ride into the interior of the island to Grand Etang Forest Reserve.
By the time we were on our way it had quit raining. And it turned out to be perfect weather for the rest of the day. It was overcast so we weren't too hot but it never rained on us. From the top of the mountain we could see clearly for miles, which apparently isn't always the case. And as we hiked upward the breeze became very cool - the coolest weather we've felt on the island. Almost like a fall day back home.
We hiked to the top of Mt. Qua Qua which is at about 2,370 feet above sea level. From the top I realized I live on a really small island. This seems obvious but it doesn't feel that small when you are down at sea level. It takes awhile to get places while driving around in a car and there are lots of little separate towns that feel spread out.
But from the top of the mountain we could see the East and the West coasts and the ocean all around us. It seemed only a few miles across even though the island is actually 12 miles wide. It made me think - hmmm, Grenada is a remote and tiny island in the middle of a gigantic, powerful ocean. That's kind of freaky.
Anyway, it was a really great day with a good group of people. We made about a 500 foot climb from the beginning of the trail to the top, so it wasn't too strenuous although it was slippery in some parts because of mud (lots of mud - see pic below). It only took about three hours round trip.
And did I mention we saw a monkey?? At the park headquarters a monkey came out of the forest and took a few bananas from us. I've never seen a banana eaten so fast. This little guy was quick. He wouldn't get too close to anyone but he would grab a banana out of your hand. My hand actually. C.J. told me the monkey was going to rip my arm off. Well, I assure you, that did not happen. My arm is still fully in tact.
It was the first day C.J had been off campus in probably six weeks. He enjoyed the taxi ride into the rain forest and just seeing all the local people out and about. And of course he loves hiking. I was glad he got to enjoy himself for once.
The only unfortunate thing is that we missed one of the best games in recent college football history - TX v OU. I have to admit I had doubted that Texas could pull it off. I'm not missing the TX v Missou game this weekend that's for sure. There are lots of Texas fans here so I think we'll be at a bar tomorrow night somewhere for the game.
But we still did not regret going on the hike because it was such a great day and one of the only chances C.J. will have to get out and explore the island.
Hiking Mt. Qua Qua
Ladies hike - me, Jovanna, Lindsay, Anna, Teresa
View of the rain forest, coast line and ocean beyond
This is what happens to your shoes when you hike in a rain forest
Mona monkey
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Settling in
It has been so long since I've written in my blog. I am trying to figure out the cause for this dry spell. When I think about it, I realize, I have just been having a really good time here. I've been feeling comfortable with this new life. It is starting to feel normal while I am also appreciating the adventure more.
I am keeping myself really busy with the radio show and trivia night and volunteering at the orphanage and pool day and lots of other activities. I've made some good friends here who are easy to hang out with.
This week we went on a snorkeling cruise and went on a day trip to two waterfalls. We also went to a great restaurant here, the Aquarium, for Sunday barbecue and music. Anna planned these excursions while her sister Teresa is visiting this week. So it has felt a little bit like I am a tourist here too.
Today I went to the pool with SOs and afterward we had lunch at a restaurant with a great view of the ocean. I went for a walk with some friends. I'm meeting some folks at 8 to watch baseball playoffs.
I have a job interview in the morning at the Department of Educational Services (DES). I don't actually know yet what the job is - I think clerical work. It sort of fell into my lap when an SO friend mentioned they were hiring, and I should send in my resume. It pays $10US an hour, which is big money here. Locals get paid on average about $2US an hour (slave labor!).
Even though I'm enjoying the carefree life, I'd like to be bringing in some money. So we'll see how the interview goes. It is 25 hours a week. Surely I can handle that.
On the cruise last weekend we went to two areas for snorkeling. Snorkeling, by the way, is so fun. I love it. All you have to do is put on this mask and this breathing thing and you feel like you are transported into an underwater world. I just love how simple the whole thing is for such a great view of sea life.
We saw a lot of beautiful fish and coral. We also saw an underwater sculpture garden, which is a big attraction here. You can see the sculptures at this Web site www.underwatersculpture.com/. I actually met the artist at a barbecue last Friday night. It is a small island.
Valley we hiked through to reach the Seven Sister Falls
I am keeping myself really busy with the radio show and trivia night and volunteering at the orphanage and pool day and lots of other activities. I've made some good friends here who are easy to hang out with.
This week we went on a snorkeling cruise and went on a day trip to two waterfalls. We also went to a great restaurant here, the Aquarium, for Sunday barbecue and music. Anna planned these excursions while her sister Teresa is visiting this week. So it has felt a little bit like I am a tourist here too.
Today I went to the pool with SOs and afterward we had lunch at a restaurant with a great view of the ocean. I went for a walk with some friends. I'm meeting some folks at 8 to watch baseball playoffs.
I have a job interview in the morning at the Department of Educational Services (DES). I don't actually know yet what the job is - I think clerical work. It sort of fell into my lap when an SO friend mentioned they were hiring, and I should send in my resume. It pays $10US an hour, which is big money here. Locals get paid on average about $2US an hour (slave labor!).
Even though I'm enjoying the carefree life, I'd like to be bringing in some money. So we'll see how the interview goes. It is 25 hours a week. Surely I can handle that.
On the cruise last weekend we went to two areas for snorkeling. Snorkeling, by the way, is so fun. I love it. All you have to do is put on this mask and this breathing thing and you feel like you are transported into an underwater world. I just love how simple the whole thing is for such a great view of sea life.
We saw a lot of beautiful fish and coral. We also saw an underwater sculpture garden, which is a big attraction here. You can see the sculptures at this Web site www.underwatersculpture.com/. I actually met the artist at a barbecue last Friday night. It is a small island.
Reggae band called Roots at the Aquarium restaurant (notice the beach behind them)
Folks hanging out at the Aquarium on Sunday afternoon
The boat we took for the snorkeling cruise
Fun times on the snorkeling cruise - Teresa, me, Anna and Brigit
Anna and I at Concord Falls
Hiking to the Seven Sisters Falls
Valley we hiked through to reach the Seven Sister Falls
Bottom pool of the Seven Sisters Falls - great swimming hole!
SOs having lunch after pool day
Meanwhile, C.J. has midterms this week. Anatomy was Monday, Histology was Wednesday and Biochem is tomorrow. Brutal. He has been studying nonstop. He will have this weekend off, which will be his first since school started. We are going on a hike on Saturday and then doing whatever else he wants to do. I'm glad he is getting a little break - he deserves a rest. He is working so hard.
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