We are now settled into our home and have navigated the bus systems with success. We have 3 bus choices which all cost one U.S. dollar each time you get on: the government bus (a bonus is that kids ride free while in school uniform), the reggae buses (with blasting music and crazy driving), and the vans that pack people in like sardines and apparently drive even crazier. We have been told not to take the vans as they are dangerous but I took one today on my way back from my embassy security briefing (due to feeling hot, tired, and desperate) and although they packed people in, I didn't feel as if the driving was any worse than the reggae buses. Driving, generally, seems quite dangerous here and I am glad we are busing it, even if it can be inconvenient (and a bit scary).
The four of us crashed a Hash Hound Harriers run on Sat. We all ran 7 miles in the sweltering afternoon heat chasing orange dots, scraps of paper, and people yelling "On on!" The route was hilly and amazingly gorgeous. Because we were "hasher virgins" (their term not mine), they made us chug a drink on our knees during the awards ceremony of the after party (they are a drinking group with a running problem). Paul and I had the local rum and the kids had a local sugary lemon drink. We even made their "picture of the week" on their website! http://www.barbadoshash.com/pics.htm They have various crazy traditions and run routes all over the island. Because the four of us had new shoes on and the boys had black shirts on (these are apparently very bad things), some poor man had to drink extra for us (as they didn't want to be too mean to the newcomers). Those with new shoes have to drink beer poured into the inside of their sweaty shoe (kneeling of course)!!! Poor guy--I wanted to thank him for drinking so much for us but he disappeared and was probably passed out in some bush. Sounds wild, huh? I think we will join them this Sat. too but we will ditch the black shirts and dirty up the shoes! The kids might do the shorter distance this time and hopefully we can avoid the rum.
I had my first day of work and they told me that I could ease into work this week since my office wasn't ready and I was still getting settled. Much appreciated! I enjoyed talking with my new colleagues, planning tentatively the next 5 months, and walking around the lovely campus.
We have ventured twice into Bridgetown, which is a crowded and busy city about 20-30 minutes away, to shop for the kids' uniforms and school supplies (about $300, ouch!). We found that the grocery stores in the city are a bit more affordable (thankfully) and I also found a natural food store where I could buy healthy cereal for $12, a smallish bag of tortilla chips for $7, and tahini for $13 (no joke). I actually bought the chips and tahini (we have been craving chips and salsa and veggies and hummus). I really don't know how people afford to live here; I am still trying to figure that one out...
The kids had their first day of school today. I cried after dropping them off as if felt like I was leaving them in such a foreign place. They stood out like polka dots besides all their school mates wearing the same adorable uniforms. Both kids made friends and Andre even received a handmade bracelet from a female classmate and a friend's phone number already. He had a good first day. Avery had some anxiety going in about making friends and although he made several, he cried for hours once home due to not feeling comfortable with his new teacher. It really broke my heart. She wasn't all that warm and fuzzy to us upon meeting her and he claims she is just plain mean. Sounds more strict than mean but I really hope she works out for him and he learns to love it there. We don't have a good plan B.
Haven't seen any live monkeys yet (unfortunately they are common roadkill) but have loved all the beautiful plants, birds, and ocean views. Its nice to hear the waves crashing rhythmically behind the louder jungle noises (crickets and such?) while I write this. Better get some rest as another adventure awaits tomorrow. Pics below include the shopping area near our home and the view of the ocean from the university.
The four of us crashed a Hash Hound Harriers run on Sat. We all ran 7 miles in the sweltering afternoon heat chasing orange dots, scraps of paper, and people yelling "On on!" The route was hilly and amazingly gorgeous. Because we were "hasher virgins" (their term not mine), they made us chug a drink on our knees during the awards ceremony of the after party (they are a drinking group with a running problem). Paul and I had the local rum and the kids had a local sugary lemon drink. We even made their "picture of the week" on their website! http://www.barbadoshash.com/pics.htm They have various crazy traditions and run routes all over the island. Because the four of us had new shoes on and the boys had black shirts on (these are apparently very bad things), some poor man had to drink extra for us (as they didn't want to be too mean to the newcomers). Those with new shoes have to drink beer poured into the inside of their sweaty shoe (kneeling of course)!!! Poor guy--I wanted to thank him for drinking so much for us but he disappeared and was probably passed out in some bush. Sounds wild, huh? I think we will join them this Sat. too but we will ditch the black shirts and dirty up the shoes! The kids might do the shorter distance this time and hopefully we can avoid the rum.
I had my first day of work and they told me that I could ease into work this week since my office wasn't ready and I was still getting settled. Much appreciated! I enjoyed talking with my new colleagues, planning tentatively the next 5 months, and walking around the lovely campus.
We have ventured twice into Bridgetown, which is a crowded and busy city about 20-30 minutes away, to shop for the kids' uniforms and school supplies (about $300, ouch!). We found that the grocery stores in the city are a bit more affordable (thankfully) and I also found a natural food store where I could buy healthy cereal for $12, a smallish bag of tortilla chips for $7, and tahini for $13 (no joke). I actually bought the chips and tahini (we have been craving chips and salsa and veggies and hummus). I really don't know how people afford to live here; I am still trying to figure that one out...
The kids had their first day of school today. I cried after dropping them off as if felt like I was leaving them in such a foreign place. They stood out like polka dots besides all their school mates wearing the same adorable uniforms. Both kids made friends and Andre even received a handmade bracelet from a female classmate and a friend's phone number already. He had a good first day. Avery had some anxiety going in about making friends and although he made several, he cried for hours once home due to not feeling comfortable with his new teacher. It really broke my heart. She wasn't all that warm and fuzzy to us upon meeting her and he claims she is just plain mean. Sounds more strict than mean but I really hope she works out for him and he learns to love it there. We don't have a good plan B.
Haven't seen any live monkeys yet (unfortunately they are common roadkill) but have loved all the beautiful plants, birds, and ocean views. Its nice to hear the waves crashing rhythmically behind the louder jungle noises (crickets and such?) while I write this. Better get some rest as another adventure awaits tomorrow. Pics below include the shopping area near our home and the view of the ocean from the university.