Pictures in Order:
1-2 Ruins on the Ground of Wingfield Estate
3- A really weird, big tree that have hundreds of thorns sticking out of the truck to prevent monkeys from climbing it!
4-The grounds and buildings on Romney Manor that house Caribelle Batik
5 - Inside the Caribelle Batik store
I have really been busy this week - which makes the time fly. The island has been experiencing massive blackouts due to a fire at the power plant that destroyed 2 of their 4 generators. The longest we went without power was 30 hours. No fans, no way to cook, everything spoiling the refer, no Internet or phones (except my local cell). But...that's just at the house. I've learned that this is a normal situation so the majority of people, and especially businesses have generators. The entire town hummms with these diesel-powered machines going all day and night. It's noisy! But the one beautiful thing that came into view without street lights were the stars! It was the first time I had seen the southern sky without ambient light. It is magnificent!
So, what all did I do this week - beside continue to sit 3 days of the week in training classes? On Tuesday I taught class at one of this high schools to a group of Small Entrepreneurs. Not what I expected and not something I would like to repeat. The teacher introduced me and walked out, not returning until the class was over 45-minutes later. The kids were not attentive nor interested and talked and text-ed and totally ignored me and what I had to say. As I have heard what our inner-city schools are like, I am guessing this is exactly what you would find there. It was disheartening as these children's education is so behind what we expect of our kids and our schools.
But onto better things! On Thursday Mr. Widdowson of Romney Manor/Caribelle Batik/Wingfield Estate picked me up and took me out to explore and learn more about the site he wants me to do historical research. It is unbelievable beautiful and I've attached quite a few pictures of both the ruins, Romney Manor that houses Caribelle Batik, the store, some of the marvelous fabrics (yes, of course I shopped!) I really look forward to working on this exciting project.
I went to the movies and saw Eagle Eye on Friday night with a bunch of other PVC's. The brand new megaplex opened just last week and is located right next door to my homestay family. Cost - $12EC for Seniors which coverts to $4.50 USD. Had buttered popcorn and a coke too! Stadium seating, big cushy chairs that rock with drink holders in the arm rests. Just like home! What a treat. And the lineup of movies is all the latest.
Saturday morning was golf lessons at Royal St. Kitts. It's a great place to meet the ex-pat community and of course, work with some wonderful kids. Afterwards, Aron and I went to The Hash but decided not to stay when one of our members called from the Marriott and invited us to join him for drinks and dinner. Nice to relax in air conditioning, watch multi-screen football in the casino and enjoy a good dinner. We, as locals, get a really nice break on the room rate at the Marriott. Normally rooms run about $179 and we pay only $99 a night when rooms are available. But with 800 rooms, they usually can fine one or two. A nice place to treat yourself and just get-away for a night or two.
Today being Sunday would normally mean church but we are getting close to the end of training and are going through 'competency testing' in every core class we are assigned. Tomorrow is the biggie in my NGO (Non-Governmental Organizations) track. Had to write and type up a 5-page report and present it to the class and our Regional Director who is in from St. Lucia. UGH. I'm too old for tests. But only 2 weeks left before I move. And I did have a good excuse not to go to church this morning:)
Thanks again for all the nice comments and emails I have received since I started this blog. It's my way of 'journaling' and keeping track of how I've spent my time since I started this adventure.
Keep in touch and take care of each other.
Until next week....
ReAnn
3 comments:
Re Ann.. thanks for my weekly "fix".. sound's like this week has been a bit challenging.. I empathized with you regarding your talk at the school, do you not think the teacher should have remained in the class with you and "her/his" students and shown just a bit of interest???? And to have to watch the kids "texting" each other? I would have lost it..
And the power outages... very frustrating as I can imagine.. especially if you've got "good stuff" in the frig.!!! I'm hoping you do well on your tests this week, as I'm sure you will... I know, I can't imagine at my age being in a "class-room" like enviorment and having to do a written test...maybe it would reverse my menopause!LOL Best of Luck to you.
Were you able to get in touch with Paula as yet? I sent her your cell # and actually talked to her last Friday but forgot to ask her if she'd called you. She's a great lady. Just wanted to drop you a note, and say hang in there, you've got another new adventure to look forward to in so far as your research with the Mr. W. from Caribelle, and the coming week will be better, once you've "aced" those tests'! Chin up! Enjoyed your blog and pictures this week, it's now my regular Sunday night "look forward to"!!
Talk soon
All the best
Robin
P.S. Krista (MyIslands.net) did the hash on Saturday... I would've been with you, though, chillin' @ the Marriot...LOL
Hi Re! I continue to enjoy your blogs. And I am glad that you are making the most of the extra darkness generated by the damages to the power generators, by getting out there to enjoy the starry, starry nights! Definitely one of the positive and beautifully memorable outcomes of many of the trials and tribulations of adjusting to island life!
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