Journal: St. Lucia

(7-9-05 until 8-20-05)

Last Updated: 03/06/2007 11:18 PM

7-9-05   I will be leaving for staging in Miami on July 27th. After two days of staging I will fly to St. Lucia to begin training. All I know about my assignment is that it will deal with HIV/AIDS prevention and education. (This assignment was latter changed to Youth Development).

7-25-05  Good-bye. I spent yesterday saying good-bye to family and friends. Packing is almost done and letters are sent out. Applying and getting ready for the Peace Corps has been one of the longest processes of my life, but is almost over. The overwhelming excitement has begun to mix with an uneasy nervousness. Many questions loom over my head about if I am ready, if I have what I need, and if I really have what it takes to leave everything I know behind for over two years. Tomorrow is my birthday and I will spend it with my parents saying good-bye. So many good-byes saddens me, but also shows the amount of people that support and love me. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from all of you.

7-26-05 Miami. Staging was a wonderful and quick process. On my flight into Miami I encountered a fellow PCV (Peace Corps volunteer) on my flight. As the day progressed I met more and more amazing individuals. I truly feel honored to be part of such an amazing group of people. I feel completely at home with all of them- almost as if I knew them before. We enjoyed our last few days in the U.S. with great meals and conversation. The majority of individuals are woman in their early to mid 20's. We trained on development, risk management, policies, and much more. One of my biggest fears- hurricanes- was put to rest. The Peace Corps has safe houses throughout the islands for PCVs to hide out in during storms. I feel much more secure after hearing the many stories about how the Peace Corps reacted under difficult and dangerous situations to keep their PCVs safe. I am very happy to be embarking on this journey, but still often think, "what did I get myself into".

7-28-05 Flight. My stomach is aching and I feel very frightened. We will be leaving shortly for the Miami international airport where we will be taking a plane to Puerto Rico for a four hour lay over. Then it is off to St. Lucia. This is it- time to get my head screwed on straight and get excited. I am trying hard not to be sad about saying good-bye to everyone and instead get pumped up for the adventure.

7-29-05 Welcome. We flew into the region in the dark. The first thing I noticed was the amount of stars in the sky. They remind me that I  am not in an entirely different place, because we all have the same view at night. It reminds me of the nights my father and I sat under the stars while he taught me the constellations. I had the opportunity to share that knowledge with a fellow PCV. It helped me feel a bit more at home. As we walked off the plane a cheer arose from a group of people who stood behind a fence holding up a large American flag. I had never felt as proud of my heritage as I did in that moment. We where greeted soooo warmly with handshakes, cookies, and many smiles. Then we where whisked away to our amazing hotel. Driving on the left side of the street, we drove past homes, businesses, and three KFCs! I would like to take this time to pledge that I will NEVER eat at a KFC while in the Caribbean. The dinner they served was amazing and I already know that I will LOVE the food here. Fruit, fish, pumpkin- it was all amazing.

 7-30-05 New beginnings. Today I meet my host family. I am beyond nervous. As the sun rose I got my first glimpse of the island. The beauty is astounding. The air is heavy but comfortable and our staff members seem kind and informative. I love the sounds at night with the tree frogs squeaking and the ocean waves. I also love the colors of flowers and plants. Today will be a big day. I look forward to its beginning.

7-31-05 Home. It is amazing to think that this wonderful place will be called home for the next two years. The island is more beautiful than anything I have ever seen. The home I am in is comfortable and my home-stay parents are wonderful. There are six other PCVs in my neighborhood. We will be able to travel together on the busses that take us from our village to our classes. Last night I settled in and talked at length with my host mother. She is a very kind women and has hosted two previous PCVs. My first St. Lucian home cooked dish was from a women selling a tamale type food who comes by every Saturday. It was amazing and had several flavors including coconut and nutmeg. I feel VERY nervous about being accepted and not offending anyone. It makes me home sick. I miss everyone very much- more than I ever have (even in Boston). There has not been a single food that I have not liked so far- salted fish, green bananas, ukka, bread fruit, rice and beans, tomatoes, and cucumber salads have been the main dishes. We awoke in the morning and had a light breakfast of bread and cheese. Then we went to the "mall". The selection of food was similar to that in the U.S. including apples, grapes, frosted flakes, and Lean Cuisines. I bought cereal and milk so that no one has to fix me a breakfast, and some various local fruits. The prices are way higher than in the U.S. A bottle of conditioner costs 18 EC dollars which is about 9 dollars US. A half of a cantaloupe cost 5 EC dollars which is about 2.50 US. This makes life a little harder because I will need to budget more money for food than rent. I have begun to really see the many ways the US culture is very different than the Eastern Caribbean's. The top two come from the first two questions I seem to get from everyone I meet- "are you married" , "how many children do you have". It is very strange to receive these inquiries. In the U.S. someone my age would get the question, "do you have a boyfriend". If I answered no than I might receive a "good, get your life together first". Here I say no and I get a sympathetic, "oh, well its ok". The second question always follows, I guess, because even if not married, many women my age at least have children. In the US if someone knew I was not married they would never ask if I had children, because it would be 'shameful' if I did. I will need to begin to readjust and be less taken aback by such questions if I am ever to really feel like this is my home.

Cable TV. I can not believe the amount of technology that is available here. Almost everyone has cable television. It is strange to watch television shows and adds with all white people in a country that is almost entirely black. One commercial was for a magical spray that eliminated animal urine in the home. It pictured a blonde model spraying her tan coaches in the middle of a huge room. They also sprayed porcelain toilets and oriental rugs. This was obviously marketed in the US. As I sat and viewed the commercial through my own eyes, I wondered how my host mother was perceiving it. What message did this obnoxious US commercial send about who Americans are? Why do we keep our pets locked up inside? Why not just use water and a rag? I hear many stereotypes about the US here and can begin to see where it is that they are coming from. I hope while I am here I can shatter some of these.

Tomorrow is Emancipation Day (a local holiday celebrating the emancipation of the slaves). I will be getting my vaccinations in the morning and then will be attending events celebrating the day with my family.

8-1-05 Emancipation Day. Today was a very packed day. I awoke to a very cool and heavy rain. My host family and I took care of some Peace Corps business including my medical interview and then returned for a large lunch and a nap. Most people here make their largest meal of the day their lunch. We then drove to the festivities. I listened to music, poetry, and political speakers talk about slavery, freedom, and Rastafarians. Once our backs became soar from the constant standing, we drove to Pigeon Island where there was a beach party. It reminded me of a block party but ten times the size. There where live DJs spinning everything from Caribbean steal drum to American rap. Families had set up tents and sold food and drinks. There was so much joy and laughter in the air you could not help but feel at home. Just a bit down the beach you could see the fancy Sandals resort with an invisible barrier that separated locals from tourists. Even so, I don't think a single St. Lucian would have rather been inside that resort. Walking through those crowds made me realize how lucky I am to have this experience. On the way back we stopped and got ice cream. It was very soft and layered with any two flavors you choose. It was some of the best ice cream I have ever had. Today was an amazing day, today I felt emancipated from knowing only one way of life.

Simplicity. A man began to speak to me about the differences I would soon begin to experience. He began "things are just different here and you must get used to it". "In America you have wealth". I began to say that actually I had very little since college but he quickly interrupted, "no, in America you have wealth- America is wealth. Here we have nothing. You will see, it is just different. Not better or worse, just different". I am beginning to see what it is that he meant. Under the umbrella of computers, cars, and cell phones people have very little. I watched as a fisherman put his hand made hooks into a dirty old peanut butter jar and thought, in America someone would have gone out and bought a twenty dollar hook case with drawers and cup holders. The American wouldn't need more than a dirty can to catch fish but they would have bought it simply because they could. Here, this man knew he didn't need it, nor afford it, and used basic supplies- string tied around old spray cans, spare metal, and some old fish hooks. Its not better or worse, it is just different.

8-2-05 First Day of School. Today was my first day of training. They reviewed a lot of information and went over expectations. We also looked at the idea of development. They want us not to look at it from an economic view but to see it as empowering the communities we work with to help themselves and make their lives better. I like this a lot. The only thing I did not like was the policy on pregnancy. If a PCV gets pregnant she must go home either to have the baby or have an abortion and then return. If the person that got her pregnant was a fellow PCV that man has the possibility of continuing service if it wont affect his work! Kind of sexist for such a noble organization. I really had a good day today. My host father climbed a coconut tree and cut one down for me. He then opened it and taught me to drink from it. It was very refreshing. I really love it here, but continue to be more and more home sick. I love you all and am sending my first round of letters soon!

8-4-05. Learning. Sorry I did not get a chance to write yesterday, but I was busy learning. I learned many fraises in  'Creole' such as bonjure and Muy Bei. I also learned how to hand wash my laundry and line dry in shade and sunshine. It is amazing how much cleaner clothes come out when they are truly hand washed. I also learned about the history of Caribbean and the role of religion within the culture. All very fascinating and eye opening lessons. I have also learned my first lesson about how the United States really effects the economy of the EC (Eastern Caribbean). The WTO made the decision to open up all of the European markets to dollar bananas from South America, eliminating the market for the smaller, organic, sweeter, and in my opinion, better tasting bananas from the Caribbean. This will harm the EC economy greatly even with growing tourism. Personally, I think people are missing out. The best fruits I have ever tasted have been within these last few days. The mangos (now my favorite fruit) are so delicious I could eat one for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. The bananas are a bit sweeter and very tasty, and there are many wonderful tasting and healthy fruits that no one has the pleasure to even try in the U.S. They have green oranges that are perfect for my taste, and a bread fruit that is a healthy and tasty substitute to potatoes. I could go on and on. I do not know how I am going to eat when I return! Everyone should visit just to taste the fruit! That or the U.S. should single handedly improve the economy of the EC and improve the diet and fruit choices of Americans and import these amazing organic fruits. I think I will start a petition when I get back :).

8-6-05 Getting Around. Yesterday I enjoyed my first experience with public transportation. They have buses (locals call them mini-vans) that have three rows with fold down seats in the isle. People stuff in and when one person needs to get out almost everyone else must get out first. It is actually quite fun! We also got around on foot. Our assignment for the day was to explore a neighborhood by foot and learn what assets, opportunities, needs, and threats the community faces. I was assigned to the same neighborhood that I am staying in, which was convenient because I know my way around a bit. Still we explored many areas I had yet to discover. We climbed that steep hill that is in my pictures behind my house. At the top there was a food stand. We stopped for a drink. A man came out of his house and sold us Pitons and water. He talked to us about the area and a past PCV. He also cut down two "limes" for us to eat. They are very similar to an orange but with less taste. It was very refreshing. We then headed down to explore more at the bottom of the hill. When we reached the bottom we noticed many children playing cricket at the primary school. We decided to rest and watch for a bit. As I was about to jump over the "gutter" on the side of the street, my skirt caught and my foot dove into mushy, black, stinky mud. My foot came back out but not my shoe. While the other PCVs stared not knowing what to do the boys stopped their game and ran over, picked the shoe out of the mud and escorted me to the creek across the field. They washed my shoe off while I waded to get the mud off my foot and leg. As soon as I was ok they went back to playing. This experience makes me smile every time I relive it. These kids remind me so much of the kids I worked with in Boston. Their hearts are so enormous, all they want is for everyone to be happy. They loved that we watched them play and showed off quite a bit. Latter, after further walking, we returned to the field to wait for our ride. We sat at the school across from the field. Once they noticed our presence they came over and set up the game in the parking lot so that we could watch. One of the PCVs tried to bat. Then I decided to give it a try. The boys giggled a bit about a girl playing, but when I smacked the ball they all cheered and asked me to continue. I also tried to bowl (pitch) and was told that I am a natural. After we where all sweaty and ready to go they climbed some trees and brought us four coconuts to drink and re-hydrate. I felt more at home yesterday than any other time since I got here! At night we went to two different street parties. The dancing and food was a blast but really wore me out after all of the hiking in the sun. It was strange to see tourists there and I tried not to be put off by their presence, but I was. I don't really know why, but I don't like having them around- they annoy me! One of our trainers told us that this is just proof that the adjustment coming back to the states is harder than coming here.

Market. Today I went to the market and my host family bought the weeks food. It was the largest market I have ever seen with fruit, vegetables, fish, and meat. The butchers hung the carcasses in plain sight. For some reason it did not bother me. For pork, turkey, and chicken we went to an adjacent store where you bought your choice of parts in bulk. We also went to the creamery to pickup ice cream.  Afterwards, I got a tour of one of the area fire stations. The technology is wonderful. The young man that showed me around was very ambitious. He worked as a fireman, in radio, and as a volunteer for the local Red Cross. He was very kind- I wish we could have talked longer. We then returned home and my host family showed me how to prepare a Creole dish as well as season and prepare pork and beef from a butcher. I was stuffed by the end and retired to a nap. When I awoke my host mother and I watched Die Another Day and played Chinese checkers and another game similar to Sorry for many hours. It was a very relaxing and fun day.

8-7-05 Paradise. Today I went to a host family picnic on one of St. Lucia's premier beaches. It was unbelievably beautiful. I swam for hours with other PCVs and host family children. The beach was amazing with soft sand and warm water. Down only about a block was the beginning of the resorts. Some tourists strayed down the beach and seemed very curious as to why so many white and black people where mingling, cooking, eating, and swimming side by side. They seemed confused and even joined in at times. Several of us strayed over to the hotel to use their bathroom to change and blended in perfectly. It was odd to be in that atmosphere with so many tourists. We greeted the St. Lucian workers with the customary- Good Day, how are you- and they seemed thrown back. Many of us talked about how much more comfortable it was to be on the beach and not be a tourist. It was a feeling of owning the land we walked on and the water we swam in. It is kind of amazing to think that the place that those tourists had spent hundreds of dollars to go to is now part of my home and job. It seemed like a dream, until I returned home and hand washed clothes until my knuckles bled. It made me realize that though I will be enjoying the beaches, everything will not be paradise.

8-11-05 Those dang tourists again. So I have not written in a while mainly because I have been so exhausted. We have had a jam packed week between school and giving presentations. The classes have been very interactive. I met with the Red Cross, a HIV/AIDS support group, a mothers and fathers group, youth group, the disaster relief department, and the Ministry of Health. All very interesting. I could write forever about what I learned from each so if you want to know more, just email me! Last night a friends host parents took us out to the hotel that the father helps to run. It was beautiful and very tasty. I had real coffee and baked beans! Who knew these things would be such a treat. There where also performers who played music and did a fire limbo. It was amazing to think that these tourists probably went away thinking that it was part of their true culture. Many mocked the dancing of the St. Lucians, not understanding how much talent went into their dance. Many St. Lucians dance like nothing I have ever seen before. It is very hard to explain except that it is a very sexual and physical dance that takes a lot of emotion- not just humping like in the US. I hope I can have someone teach it to me before I leave. I have taken a dance class on the more classical St. Lucian dances, but nothing contemporary. Well I best go to sleep- tomorrow I will be visiting Solfrie.

8-20-05 I am so excited. It has been a very long time since last I wrote. Things have been picking up and my time for myself is limited. We received our placements on Monday. Myself and several other volunteers will be heading to Dominica! Though I tried not to pick, this was the island I was leaning towards. I am more excited than ever. My assignment includes children and other groups I will truly enjoy working with. I think I am finally truly excited to be here. The first two weeks I was very hesitant and worried about my abilities and comfort being so far from home. Once I received the assignment I wanted to cry with relief. I guess I just need something tangible to think about as far as what I will actually be doing for the next two years. I AM SO EXCITED, I AM SO EXCITED. I will miss St. Lucia and my host family, but I have promised to visit. It is when I am speeding down a hill in a mini-bus, the driver blasting Calypso, the scenery green and lush, and I feel the wind in my hair that I really comprehend where I am and what I am doing. I am so filled with joy. I am so eager to learn. I am so thrilled to be here. I AM SO EXCITED.

Email me at:  whoopsiepower@yahoo.com