Beginning of life in Grenada

For those of you who didn't know I have recently began my graduate career at Saint George's University in Grenada, West Indies. I am currently taking my required courses for my masters in public health which is a one year program, and granting I don't get into trouble or flunk out I'll probably start Medical School exactly a year from now. I am currently wifeless and babyless while I complete my first term, after which I return back to the good ol' USA for my practicum (end of Act -January). Its been lonely not having my fan club with me, and I realized how much of a slob I am without them around. I miss them very much and hope my very busy schedule will make the time fly by.

After a 24 hour plus voyage including layovers in Newark,NJ and Port of Spain Trinidad I arrived to the beautiful tranquil island of Grenada. Lucky for me I got all my baggage in one attempt and made some friends along the way.

I felt so out of touch with the world because I haven't lived without a phone for the past 5 years and it still is kind of strange. To top that off I forgot only one thing, the power chord to my laptop, luckily for me I have a Suite Mate (we live in a 3 bedroom suite on campus) has the same chord and has been gracious enough to let me borrow his when he's around.

These are the only pictures I have taken thus far. We (my suite mates) took the campus shuttle to Grand Anse beach the other day where the view was amazing with the green hills and vibrant colored houses and rooftops scattered aound. The water is as warm as bath water (even warmer than Hawaii). I have a suite mate from Florida who is an accomplished spear fisherman and we (and by we I mean he) went out snorkling and caught some lobster and fish (one of which was a barracuda). I didn't contribute much to the excusrsion other than getting to be a spectator and carrying in some gear. We had one funny experience as we were walking down the beach and a man in a police uniform was yelling at us to stop. I thought for sure we just did something illegal and he came running up to us and asked if we were selling it. We resopnded by saying we just got here and we planned on taking it home and cooking it and he said "that's to bad, I really wanted to buy one off of you" So we cut it up and gave him some. We all had some laughs after that, and hopefully we now have a friend on the force. When we got home we had fresh sea food and that has been the highlight so far. Orientation involves standing in long lines sitting through boring lectures with little down time, its definitely getting me more exited about school starting up. I have an awesome academic adviser who was born and raised here and he talks about taking us to go play and watch soccer and cricket. The people here are super friendly and open. everyone seems to greet you by what time of day it is. There is little to no frowning, lots of laughing. Definitely a different culture but one I think I will grow to appreciate.
I can't wait to bring Ashley and Janey here I know they will love it.