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.

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.