Tropical Storm Rafael

Since living in St. Kitts, we have not had a big tropical storm - until this past weekend!  It began raining Thursday or Friday (I think?) and has not stopped yet!  Saturday and Sunday were completely rainy, REALLY windy, stormy and black.  Most places on the island were without power for the majority of the weekend - but we were very fortunate that we only lost it twice - once in the early morning on Sunday and again Monday afternoon/evening for a couple hours!  We were without internet and cable all weekend though - what is one to do?!?

Thats Us- the Red thing with the black dot..

Brayton had an exam today (Tuesday) another Friday and another the following Tuesday, so he was on campus all weekend, trekking back and forth in the nasty flooded road rain!  Now, that wouldn't be so bad - but considering we drive an island mobile - we, of COURSE, have NO FAN - at all!  So when it rains, and you close the window and continue to breathe, you fog up the windows and cannot see.  Therefore, when it rains, you must continue to drive with the windows open, get really wet, and most of the time - still not be able to really see!  I have begun comparing driving in St Kitts during a Tropical Storm similar to driving at home in the winter.  Yes, due to the bald tires that are on 90% of the cars here, the roads get slippery - but they also seem to fall through the bottom of the earth and pot holes the size of Texas suddenly 'appear' in the road... Unfortunately when you combine flooded roads, fogged windows and bald tires - you often find yourself falling into the bottomless pits of the pot holes - therefore, you must drive slow and maneuver your way carefully around them!  Here are some pictures to give you a better idea!

Flooded Roads! 

Pot Holes of unknown depth to the water being deceivingly held inside of them 

Now in St Kitts, when the roads flood its not just a small puddle, its more like a rushing rapid river!  

And a rushing rapid river filled with dirt, large rocks, and garbage...gross!

And sometimes the St Kitts Taxi Drivers decide to venture these roads and the next pictures summarizes about how well THAT worked! 

Oooopss!  Guess your taxi van is going to seeeeaaaaa!!!

When the storms start raging and the wind starts blowing, sometimes some crazy things happen.. like skeletons on the beach... or sailboats that get washed ashore!

Yes - this is REALLLL..  It was found at Shipwreck beach - one of the popular tourist beaches on the Caribbean Sea!  

I guess leaving your sailboat anchored during a tropical storm isn't such a good idea (also note the *used to be* road to the right!)

 Well aside from the outside world - we have our house...Which leaks...everywhere.  I mean, we live in the Caribbean, it storms a lot - of COURSE you construct home with leak FRIENDLY roofs!  HA!  Let's just say our house has been plastered in buckets and towels and little wet dog footprints...and when you head to the basement - you will soon find that the water doesn't leak from the ceiling - but from....yup, you guess it - THE OUTLETS!  WTF!?!?!?!?!?!?!!??!?!!??!?!  Pretty sure that is an electrical danger!

On Monday, everything on St Kitts and Nevis was closed....except Ross... Instead, they risked all of our lives, forced us out onto the roads (which as you can see were reallly safe and travel friendly!) and made us go to school in the worst of the storm....Oh, but wait - it gets better!  Than at 12:30, they decided to SHUT DOWN the campus at 1....When you work at the prep school - that means you have 30 minutes to call every parent, of every student, have them drive on the *SAFE* roads, to *QUICKLY* come retrieve their children by 1.... P L E A S E!!!!!!!!  (take me back to reality!)

View from campus -  LINK HERE



Non-the less, we did get all the kids out and home...with someone, somehow by about 1:30...and by about 3, it stopped rainy and was sunnny...Moral - we drove to school in SHIT, left in SHIT and got home safe, and it stopped rainy...Backwards I say?!?!

Well - today we were back at it, there are about 5,569 new pot holes in the 4 mile drive to campus that could easily eat your car, so its back to Mario Cart Real World St Kitts while you drive...and don't forget to watch out for the local 'Learner' drivers who think that 8 mph is the BEST speed limit to drive...anywhere and everywhere!  LEARN IN THE PARKING LOTS IF YOU WANNA DRIVE THAT SLOW!!!! YOUR A DANGER!!!

If you check the radar you will see there is another 'blurb' heading this way - who knows what will become of it - maybe another weekend of Tropical Storms!  At least this weekend is Mid-Semester Break so we have our 1 day off (the one and only that we get in the 15 week semester - yah..no Thanksgiving break, Columbus day Weekend, Labor Day...I don't even know what other holidays exist in America anymore) on Monday...WOO hoo.....

 Well - back to reality (leaky roof, rain, wind) of St Kitts....Did I tell you we're moving again? (Did I ever mention how much I HATE moving/living/looking for houses in St Kitts?)  They are all WAY to expensive, with furniture I would be embarrassed to have on my front porch in the winter as living room furniture and full sizes beds on wooden boxes that are about 158 years old?  Its really awesome...I'll let you know what we find...


421 more days in St Kitts.....

Half Way There...

Mid-October marks our HALF WAY point of living on St Kitts - we have been here for a year and 2 months, and have a year and 2 months left!  Time to really flying by!

Over the course of our time here, we have had so many great experiences, met some AMAZING friends, learned a lot about ourselves and especially about life.  While we appreciate and are thankful for that, we (well at least I!) am counting down the days till it is back to "normal" American (or even more civilized) living!  430 days to be exact till we will be parting ways with our current St Kitts home!

On a more positive note - Brayton is doing great in 4th semester, enjoying his classes and studying hard (he has an exam for the next 6 weeks straight, 2 weeks off, then finals!).  More test = more grades (at least that's how I look at it!)

Things with us are going great, I am busy with work (check out my teaching blog here!) and Brayton is studying all the time - as he should be!  Nevi is doing great - and growing fast!  Today she weight 38.8 pounds!  We never thought she would get that big!  She is such a good girl - we are so lucky!  Koala is a princess as always and does as she pleases, when she pleases - I don't think that will ever change!  Life is good!

We are looking forward to our December break on island - its a full 3 weeks of no school, no work, no stress, just US (and anyone who may be coming to visit.....?) and the beach and sleeping in late and living the TRUE island life!  I am super excited and it will be here SO soon!  Only 10 more weeks!

Well, aside from that boring stuff-  I have nothing new to report!

Koala LOVES Duke Dog!!  And sleeping on her back! 

Nevi too likes sleeping on her back!  Silly animals! <3

We are missing home and would love to hear from anyone!  Keep in touch!  We are still out here in our little world!

Diving into 4th semester and a new school year!

Brayton and I have officially survived our first week.  4^th semester is off to a good start for Brayton as he enjoys his classes and has had an amazing turtle opportunity!  The new school year is off to a great start for me as I have a great little class of 13 and feel much more prepared for my upcoming year!  If you’re interested in my teaching life, check out my blog @ teachingcaribbeanstyle.blogspot.com! 

Back to the exciting turtle opportunity!  Last week, Trevor (our roommate) who works with Dr. Stewart on the turtle project was called out to rescue a Green SeaTurtle  that was found floating.  The turtle was alive but was in need of some immediate attention and care.  Trevor and Brayton have been working close with Dr. Stewart giving the turtle the proper care.  Today, they were able to help in giving the turtles x-rays to see if there were any internal problems.  They think there is some sort of blockage, but are seeking the opinion of a veteran turtle doctor at the Georgia SeaTurtle Center.  If there is something internally, they may get to participate in a turtle surgery to help remove or repair the problem.  Brayton is really excited to get to be a big part of this mission, this mission which is now living in our bathroom!!  (I'll post pictures later on!) 

Aside from school, life on the island is going pretty good, at least as good as it can be for St Kitts!  My family made it safely back to the states, Brayton and I spent a few days relaxing and getting ready to dive back in, Kate and Trevor are all moved into the villa and the 6 of us (and 4 pets) are doing great!  I feel really lucky to have such great friends /family who are always there for you!  Although it is hard at times to live in a house with 6 adults (groceries, bills, etc), 4 animals, and lots of stress, it is TOTALLY worth it to come home and sit down and feel like you’re eating dinner and hanging out with your family!  Moments like this make it even better. . Brayton while looking at FB..."OMG there is Candy Corn M&M's now!"  Emily responds with.."YES and Candy Corn Oreos..I NEED THOSE!"  I <3 my roommates!!

Although it is hurricane season, it was been A W F U L L Y hot, muggy, still, stagnant, uncomfortable here!  There has been NO wind and the air is hot and heavy all day and night!  I am actually looking forward to a few month of Caribbean Winter! 

Nevi and Koala are also doing great.  Koala is a princess, she thinks she is a dog, she does whatever she wants and is the ruler of everything!  She comes and goes as she pleases and makes it very clear when she wants to be in, or out, wants food or wants to be left alone!  She loves to roam around outside (though we are not really sure what she does/where she goes) and she loves to lounge around the pool deck or cuddle up in bed!  My roommate’s, Emily, mom was here during break and she emailed Emily upon leaving and said that Koala should have her own children’s book – she is a hoot! 

Taking care of 'sick' Daddy!  Not leaving much room for me!

Koala at about 1-2 weeks old!

Nevi is growing like a weed and isn’t a puppy anymore!  She is so smart and such a great dog!  I feel really lucky to have found her, rescued her and brought her back to health!  She loves everyone, and is so good with people!  She will certainly let us know if there is someone coming, but just needs an ‘its okay!’ and is back to herself!  Her favorite thing to do is swim..jump into the pool..chase her toys..or just relax on the stairs in the pool.  She is certainly a Mama’s girl and generally gets lucky enough (as long as Brayton doesn’t get too mad =)) to sleep in bed with us!  We are getting nervous though for cold weather and Nevi…At night when the a/c is on, she likes to sleep under the covers because she gets cold…I cannot imagine what she will do in the snow!  We better find some cozy dog sweaters! 

Well, I cannot think of too much new in our lives at this point.  We have been in St. Kitts over a year, and are about a month away from being ½ done!  Time sure does fly by!  

Nevi days after rescuing about 6 weeks (she is 7 months now!)

Pre-leaping into the pool! 

SPLASH!

Super Dog!

My roommate dog Duke!

She sure loves to jump!

This become NEVI's RAFT!

The family visits St Kitts!

One year ago, we stood in the driveway at my parents house, saying our good-byes, crying, hoping the days flew by and that St. Kitts treated us well, we spent a few days in NYC and then said good-bye to our siblings....Today, we stood in the St. Kitts airport crying as we once again said those dreadful good-byes...The past 10 days with my family here have been THE BEST 10 days I have had on the island of St Kitts, and I was EXTREMELY sad that they had to end....

Although flying down here Lyndi, Bit and Travis were faced with the usual flight drama, it was great to get the first night to spend with just me and my parents!  Brayton was studying for his last final, so I was able to take Mom and Dad to the French Restaurant (my fav!) and enjoy a MUCH needed night with them!  Luckily, the other 3 arrived the next day with no problems, and vacation truly began!

Thursday was my last day of work, so once I got home I took Mom and Lyndi on their first St Kitts grocery shopping adventure... By the time we visited 3 grocery stores, waited for the store clerks to tell us they wouldn't sell us something for the price they had posted, and FINALLY made it home, they quickly realized one of the reason we dread grocery shopping...and also one of the MANY hardships of St Kitts living!  Later that night, we all ventured down to SpratNet for dinner and had a great time being together again!  We ate tons of food and it felt sooooo good to have my family around me and let them experience some of the GOOD things about the island!

Friday was our Port Day..We wandered around, and quickly decided it was far too hot!  We also made a trip up to Carabelle Botique and got a little island site-seeing (oh and should I mention we did it with 7 people in my island rav-4...yup, 2 in the trunk!!).  We found great relaxation vegging around my parents pool at the villa they rented and although it was only down the hill from my house, it felt like a vacation for us too!  Nevi thought she was in heaven with the attention and spoiling she was getting!

Saturday we headed to ShipWreck and went snorkeling.  Lyndi tried, but didn't make it past 5 feet and Dad didn't even try, but the rest of us were able to get out and see a few sea turtles and some great ocean life!  So fun!  Since they had rented the villa, we cooked at home, had drinks and lounged in the pool most nights...It was true island living!

Sunday was a relaxing day at home, with a trip to the Marriott for lunch and some beach time and another awesome evening of relaxing and just being together!

Monday though, we took them out on a Catamaran trip and we had a GREAT time!  I was so glad my family was able to see the island, experience the great things about it - like Catamaraning, and get to spend a fun-filled relaxing day together!

Unfortunately, a tropical storm decided to head our way and made our next few days be home, pool, inside, relaxing days!  Although it was sad to not get and do more fun things, it was also really nice to just relax, especially for my parents who rarely get to JUST RELAX!  And as we all know, Dad cannot just relax and had to try to repaire the many problems in the islandmobile..and because he is my Dad and is amazing - he was able to  fix most of them!  Thank goodness for a handy-man Dad!!  

Despite the nasty weather on Thursday, we decided to venture out and make a trip around the island.  We went down to the Peninsula, and saw the sites down there and also made it all around the outside of the rest of the island!  The family was able to see it all!  

Well, that leads us to Friday, the worst of the days...I reallllly hate saying goodbye, especially to my family, and even more to my parents.  Having them here made me realize how much I NEED my family in my life, def my sisters, but even more my Mom and Dad.  I often go without telling them enough, but they are my everything and I cannot imagine my life without them!  They do SOO much for us, especially me and being away has helped me to appreciate them so much more! 

This has been the best 10 days in St. Kitts I have yet had and I am SO glad my family was able to see our lives here - good and bad - and have a much better understanding of the hardships and fun that we have!  I hope they can come back again before we leave - but we do only have 16 more months here!  WOOOO!!  

6 more days till I am back to school and 10 until Brayton starts 4th semester!  Time is flying and though I have enjoyed my time here, learned many things and appreciate so much in life - I am ready for America, and HOME!

Love these guys! <3

3rd Semester

Wow...We have been on St. Kitts for almost ONE YEAR already!  That does not seem possible!  The past semester has not been overly exciting...At the Prep School, we have been in Summer Camp so it has been slower paced for me but I have been working on the accreditation process our school is currently undergoing and it is a LOT of work!  Now that the new school year is quickly approaching, I have found myself getting really stressed out about planning and prepping for the new year!  I am excited and have started a teaching blog to keep track of all the things I am doing!

Brayton is off studying for all hours of the day and I haven't seen much of him - the joys of begin a vet school wife!  =)


My parents will be here in 3 days and I am really excited to show them the island and let them get an idea of what life is like here - good and bad!

Our break is going to fly by and the new school year will start soon - which just means, the rest of the year will go fast, and our time here will soon be totally over!

Yes- Island life is NOT easy..its a paradise out the window...thats about it!  I am REALLY missing 'normal life'!

One year?!

I can hardly believe that yesterday was our ONE YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!  It really does not seem possible that we have been married 1 year, have been in St Kitts almost 11 months, and are less than 2 years away from being done here!  Time really does fly!

Since our anniversary fell on the weekend before a big exam, we did not really do anything exciting...I made steaks and homemade mac and cheese for Brayton, Andrew and I (Emily is back in NC for the weekend - and we missed her!) Friday night...and watched a movie and fell asleep on the couch while Brayton studied and today I did some work for school while Brayton studied, watched a movie, and ATTEMPTED to make beef stroganoff, but it was realllly bad =/..

I did try to create for some anniversary celebrations and scheduled us a photo shoot for next weekend with a friend down here to take photos, Kate Walsh, and I also got Brayton a photo book that recaps memories from our past 5 years together! I think these gifts are probably more 'for me than him' but its the thought that counts, right?

Next week we have a busy week with our pets - Monday, Koala has a pre-op for her Spay, Tuesday, Nevi has to have a procedure done on her tooth because it is growing in and not out, so its going into her gum instead of on the outside of her tooth, so she is getting something put in to help move the tooth into the correct place....Thursday is Koala's Spay and Friday is Nevi's Spay!  I took a personal day Friday, but I am not sure it will be very personal (they never seem to be down here!).  Brayton and I are hoping to do an anniversary dinner Friday, and Saturday is our pictures...Things never slow down!

At home this weekend, it was French Fest - two years in a row of missing it...In some ways that makes me sad...in others not at all.  That seems to be my general feelings about home lately.. I cannot seem to find a happy-medium...Some days/moments, I am so homesick and just want to go home, and other days/moments, I love it here and am thankful for having this opportunity..Its really hard! I think the things that make me miss home the most are all the new babies, all the kids growing up, and the fun events our friends are all having...Missing things sucks!


Today marks the ONE MORE MONTH TILL MY FAMILY GETS HERE!  I wish ALL my family was coming..but I am still grateful for my parents, sisters and Travis to get to visit..Maybe some others will come someday before I leave...

Summer in the Caribbean

One thing I have learned about living in St. Kitts during the 'summer season' is what being REALLLY hot and sweaty and uncomfortable feels like.  Northern New York gets hot in the summer, but I just don't think it is the HOT that we have here!  Often times, I get out of bed, and am sweating before I can even get dressed!  I walk to the car and drive to school and continue to sweat (because our POS islandmobile has NO A/C!)   In short - it is hot here right now!!

Aside from the heat, our lives have been pretty normal.  Brayton is working hard on 3rd semester, studying lots and getting good grades.  He is continuing to work on the Leatherback Turtle Project but will be done with that in a couple weeks.   I have been extremely busy with summer camp at the Prep School, but am loving working with the older kids and the change of pace and such that comes with summer camp as opposed to the school year.  I am looking forward to next year though with more experience under my belt!


A week from Saturday will be our ONE YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!  It seems impossible that in the past year we have: flown me across the country for a job interview 5 days before the wedding, got married, enjoyed an amazing time in OBX, traveled back home, packed our lives into suitcases, enjoyed the last River summer for a few years, said 'see ya later' to our friends and family from home, moved to St Kitts, made it through 2 1/2 semester of vet school and teaching in St Kitts, lived in 4 different home, made some of the most amazing friends I could EVER ask for on this island, traveled home one time, and are now looking back at the anxiety we felt about coming here to begin with...Who would have thought a year could go by so quickly!  In no time at all, we will be at this point again and only have 5 months until we are done here!  I do have to say, summer at home, and being here while everyone is posting pictures of the river, and friends and family and summer vacation is making me quite homesick...I often have to remind myself that I will only be here for a short time and I should cherish the things I have here before they are gone and I am missing them!

Nevi is doing great - her skin demadex is all healed up and she will be getting fixed next week!  She is learning her commands and is a GREAT puppy 90% of the time!  Koala is a crazy cat who does what she wants, when she wants - but we love her dearly!  She too, will be getting fixed in a couple weeks!  Our poor girls!


I cannot think of anything new, fun, or overly exciting in our lives.  I have been doing Insanity in the mornings with my roommate, Andrew and signed up to run a 5k in a few weeks (YIKES!)... I should probably start running =)  Brayton has exams the next two Monday's - then we have a slight break before diving into finals!

I am SO excited for my parents and sisters to be here in about a month and a half, and I cannot wait for them to see and experience 'my home', the good and the bad, the fun and the scary.  I am worried my father will be bored stiff - but hopefully he will force himself to relax and enjoy =)

I hope everyone at home is enjoying summer, the river, friends and family.  We DO have skype and email if anyone ever wants to catch up, send pictures, or let us know you're still out there ;-)