West Side Story

27-12-11

West Side Story

Last Wednesday, December 21, I finally went past the middle of the island.  I left on the early bus from Somerset to meet Anika, Sandra, Viola, and Val at the Peace Corps office.  You all at home should remember Anika from training cause she’s in charge for Green Initiative, Sandra is in charge of training overall, and Vi is one of the nurses who you know, keeps us in stock of all the things we need, like chap stick, band aids and condoms.   I had no idea the road trip that was about to take place.

In one day I traveled across the length of the island, stopping for ice cold jelly coconuts, and settling in Bluefields, Westmoreland for an afternoon at the organic farming festival that another volunteer Patrick’s farmer’s group was hosting.  It was super neat because Patrick works with farmers and fishermen in this small coast community.  We were able to enjoy roast lionfish.  YUM!!  We took a boat ride to see the boundaries of the fish sanctuary, operating for the last two years, and increasing the fish population, monitored 24/7 by local fishermen in order to ensure success of the sanctuary.  I bought new placemats, hand-crafted by a women’s group, soon to serve nicely when I move to my new apartment.  We got to see Jenny!!  That was one of the most exciting parts!  We visited Patrick’s yard, where we met all his chickens, and witnessed a boy bathing at the standpipe, pausing to say hello, as according to Vi, his penis just happened to get dirty, since he chose to wash it right as a carload of ladies drove past.

Anika and Sandra stock up on organic produce!

My vegetarian bestie eats some lionfish!

On Thursday morning, Val and I traveled back into Sav for a little shopping before meeting the ladies coming back from Negril.  We both managed to find some great deals before the ladies picked us up.  We thought we were headed back to Kingston, but we were soon to learn otherwise.  Thursday included stops at both a venue that could be the upcoming hotel for Group 81’s close of service conference, and a visit with Cree in St Elizabeth.  While the visit with Cree was short-lived, it was still a place that I didn’t think I would get to visit for a long time still so we were happy to have the time.  Sometime during this afternoon, it became apparent that Val I would not be reaching our original destinations that night.  It was well past dark when we got back into town so we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to crash with Jason, who was also hosting Chris, in his apartment with high speed internet, and again, hot water!  It was a lovely night as it also consisted of a meal at Chilito’s, the Jamexican restaurant with burritos, margaritas, and a Peace Corps discount.

Slumber party in Kingston with the boys!

Friday, I finally left for St Thomas, meeting up with Kyle to bus together.  We got to Morant Bay right before dark, pausing to purchase liquor for the 4-H advisory council party, and heading to the RADA office for a party.  Let’s just say it’s not Christmas in Jamaica without apple vodka!

What a cRaZy week!  I am ever thankful for all the amazing people in Peace Corps, I only wish they carried peanut punch in the bag in places other than Somerset, St Thomas  I can’t seem to find it anywhere.

A post about Christmas is soon to come.  Until next year!

PS:  I had more pictures but the cafe connection is SUPER slow right now.  Sorry guys.  Maybe when I get home you can see them.

Love and Peace!