I clench my teeth, tighten my grip, and nearly hold my breath as the kids look on in diligent silence. They dare not talk unless to warn of a ditch, wall, or pedestrian a bit too close to the left or a middle-of-the-road, crazy-driving yellow bus (or car) approaching from the front. We arrive and they say, "You rock Mom! Way to drive on the left and be safe." I just love them. And I am so very grateful to have a car to drive, even if it means raised cortisol levels!
EVERYONE has been talking about the gorgeous east coast and how we should drive there. Robert and half the kids led as his wife Sophie, the other half the kids, and I followed. I felt safer knowing I had a Bajan in front of me to follow and beside me to guide. Our kids go to school together. How sweet of them to take us to the beach, river, and lookout spots on the east coast. The boys had a blast and the views were incredible. The coastline was familiar to home in some ways--rocky, wind-battered, dramatic--and the boys and I felt a comfortable fondness of the area.
The boys were not comfortable, however, in their satin, red toga dresses when we arrived at the start of the Hash run. Unfortunately, the first males they saw simply had red clothes on but were otherwise gender-conforming. Why couldn't the men in red, lace teddies have been near our car when we parked!?? However, we eventually (with some coaxing) joined the crowd of 100 or so to run the urban streets and busy beach areas in red dresses as a fundraiser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. You would have never guessed that Barbados is known for being a bit homophobic and conservative with the amount of joy and laughter witnessed by runners and spectators alike as they observed men of all shapes and sizes in both lovely and hideous dresses, teddies, and tutus. Hmmm...maybe the run offered some gender-bending freedom not otherwise experienced in this culture. I was lucky to find a slightly damaged, skimpy (i.e., light and somewhat appropriate for running in 80 degree weather), prom dress in the $10 box on a street in Bridgetown known for discounts. That's $5 U.S.! Score! There was something about finding a deal here on this expensive island that felt like poetic justice (or maybe I am just missing one of my favorite pastimes-bargain hunting). $1K was raised and the 6 mile run will be one of my most memorable.
Another financial gain: I won $100 for taking second place woman at the Holetown Festival 7K race! It was a very hot day and I ran with traffic, rather than against (race rule), along pothole-covered roads. With traffic approaching me from behind, I started the race with anxiety given the dangerous drivers here in Barbados and what happened to my dear friends running last year (tragic hit and run from behind). My anxiety eventually eased as I was running in front of (on uphill) or behind (on downhill) the only wheelchair racer for most of the race so the cars gave us extra space. Whew! I also drew inspiration from him as I was in awe of his upper body strength and determination in the sweltering heat. This pic is of me and the 1st place woman.
Work at the university is going quite well and I am really enjoying getting to know my colleagues and the faculty and administrators at UWI. Everyone has been kind, collaborative, and welcoming. They have some unique challenges here. They just raised the grade points and now students have to get 50% in a class to pass! Yes, I said "raised." I was shocked that 50% (rather than 75%) is a "C" and 60% of every class overall grade must come from the final exam! I can see how such distributions can lead to student reading noncompliance, lack of preparation, and cramming, which, in turn, can lead faculty to more traditional, vs. learning-centered, forms of instruction. Such institutional practices certainly impact my work as I attempt to encourage faculty to utilize innovative pedagogical strategies. And, similar to faculty in the CSU, they are overworked with demanding teaching schedules and large class sizes and not rewarded for teaching as much as they are for research. I better work on my motivation speaking skills!!
The kids are still loving school and playing basketball, cricket, and football/soccer every chance they get (pic above left is Andre playing beach football/soccer at sunset and the pic to the left is of the boys playing basketball after school). We had their parent teacher conferences this afternoon (Yay! Paul is visiting right now) and they are both doing fabulously. Both teachers remarked on how they easily meshed into the community and are appreciated in the classroom by both teacher and peers. Such a relief given our difficult start to school in Barbados.
Thank you so much for reading. Please click "play" on the picture below to see a few more pics.
I so enjoyed reading about your new life and seeing the lovely pictures of your family and your digs! We miss Avery at school!! I will share this blog with Vincent. :) I hope the logistics go easier for you(settling on school and transportation sounded harrowing!), while life remains rich and beautiful.
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Sue Baby
2/23/2014 01:58:09 pm
Tasha!!! Miss you girl...love your posts and updates!! What a shift in culture...sounds like you all are having new experiences each and every day! People seem so friendly in Barbados and yet I love how you connect it all back to the states, congrats on surviving driving on the left side...after Big Blue, you can do anything girl! Xoxox
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We (Tasha, Andre, & Avery) feel so grateful to have this adventure in Barbados. This Blog will chronicle our discoveries and experiences as we become a part of Bajan culture.