The Delayed Update

Last week of Training

Monday we met with our counterparts which I am working with the National Conservation Agency.  Tuesday we met with some other volunteers who had very sound advice on what not to do on social media and other things. Which was interesting, because the following day there was an article by NPR explaining the exact thing that a person shouldn't have done and the website that we referenced.  Wednesday we found our way around town to important locations like the police station, hospital and work. I did happen to get turned around a few times, but the Lucians were very kind to help me out.  So far everywhere we ride the bus and getting around has been pretty easy.  Getting lost also treated me to some fantastic view over Castries.   

Friday was our first day at work and I got to meet the rest of the office staff.  I may have said this before, but everyone is so friendly.  I got the grand tour of the northern beaches and got to see a tiny part of what the NCA does. The areas were amazing.  I was a little surprised that Reduit Beach was so much more crowded than any other beach.  It was the one right next to mall and a few bars tho which tourists tend to flock toward.   I also got to taste a local snack called Cassava bread (unleavened bread) which is made from a root and usually has some sort of fruit mixed in.  It was pretty delicious and gluten free! This week I am researching a little bit about the island's marine resources and a few more site visits to learn more of what the NCA is responsible for.  I will try not to wait so long to update again!  Bonjou!

Bonjou

More Training

My second day of training was fun because we had the chance to learn a little Patwa/Creole.  The first thing we did Thursday morning is open our local bank accounts in downtown Castries.  That was an experience all to itself trying to get all the volunteers through, but everyone is so nice. There are a few people who have a little less patience with us Americans because of a certain person, but that is because Saint Lucians are very up front.  This can be seen by the language that has very matter of fact and has no hidden meaning like the English language and all the sarcasm of the US.  It is also noticeable with signs on the streets and in their Carnival where people are free to air their grievances.  The food is definitely amazing.   Friday, we stopped at this restaurant called Tastee Tinges and the owner definitely hooked us up with some great wings and the Saint Lucian national dish of green banana salad which is similar to potato salad.  

Moving In and Exploring

After we were finished with training on Friday, we went to pick up some starter items at the grocery store and were dropped off at our apartments.  Mine is in this really nice area outside of Castries called Karibelle Gardens. My landlord is extremely nice and really hooked me up.  The view toward the Caribbean Sea is spectacular.

 On Saturday, I started exploring my neighborhood trying to get familiar with the area.  I walked down to Vigie Beach and relaxed for about an hour before realizing I forgot to bring any water.  So, once lunch time neared I hiked to the neared Massey Grocery store and got some water and snacks to go with my lunch. The rest of the day I mainly relaxed because tomorrow I am probably going to get some more items I forgot and try and figure out how to use the washing machine.

Travel Day and Training

Tuesday May 13 Travel

This was a fun day of not sleeping because of worrying about my 5 am flight and then sleeping on the plane all the way to Saint Lucia.  Arrived at the southern part of the island at Hewanorra Airport and went through customs.  It went pretty fast all things considered. I met up with my Peace Corps driver and we made our trek up to Rodney Bay where I will be staying for the first portion of training at the Peace Corps head quarters.   I was pretty silent because I was in awe of the natural beauty and the awesome change in elevations and curvy roads.  Had to get used to them driving on the left side of the road a little, but it shouldn't take long! Our Country coordinator, Remi, is extremely nice and took us out to dinner the first night and I ate this savory Jerk tenderloin pork.  Then of course, I went back to sleep because traveling is exhausting!!!

My 1st Day of Training (the 2nd official day)

Well since I was delayed in departing I am a day behind on training.  Today we did some medical emergency training, Peace Corps goals training, Harassment training, and the best one which was Culture and History training.   This island has such a diverse culture and has been traded between the English and French several times due to its position along trading routes. The speaker was a professor nicknamed "Boots" and he was very knowledgeable.  He actually is an artist and participates in Carnival.  It was interesting to learn that Saint Lucia moved their Carnival because of tourism and that all the islands stagger their Carnival so that people attend.   Trinidad is the island with the largest celebration and they dress up and speak out against different social and political issues during this time. The subversive culture here is basically a way to preserve their African heritage among the French and English occupations. The steel drums and music is to tell stories and such that the French wouldn't allow to be taught, and the French Creole has a lot of the African structure  in it but sounds French so that the people occupying didn't care because it sounded like the locals were trying to learn French.  I also met my landlady today and ate some lamb neck bouillon from the back of a truck.  It was delicious by the way!  Short posts for now while my days are busy and I am getting settled in.  So far this place is amazing and I haven't even seen much of it yet!