Dare to Believe It?

We're finally on the spice isle of Grenada!  After a grueling move to Chicago and a few close calls with sporadic snow storms in Nebraska and Indiana, we are in the perpetually balmy Eastern Caribbean (though now I have to wear a jacket inside because people just blast the air).  There are times I have to pinch myself.  Yes, I am starting medical school on Monday.  No, I have not just smoked a very strong native drug.  It is actually happening.  To those of you whom medical school may be something you have thought about for years, maybe even applied for once or twice, now is your chance.  I thought having a family and a stable career would calm my medical aspirations to a dim nagging, but to no avail.  So, just do it.  It's not too late.  

I think I may need to write a guidebook for students going to SGU with a spouse or children.  It is a whole different animal living off campus for the first term.  Students are required to live on campus unless they have a dog, a significant other, and/or children.  Gazing around campus during orientation, it was pretty obvious who lives there - calm, laughing, walking in groups - and who does not - frazzled, confused, trailed by screaming kids... I think there are some misconceptions, especially in what to bring and what to do before you come down.

#1 Pack enough diapers and wipes (insanely expensive) - we packed 300 diapers in a duffel.  The stores do not have all the brands and very little quantity.

#2 Rent a car long-term (expensive but really worth it if you have kids) - this place is hot and cars can randomly swerve off the road, so waiting at the curb in the hot sun with groceries and keeping the kids away from encroaching traffic is very nerve wracking.

#3 Come down beforehand to find housing or go through a realtor.  We found landlords have issues with lease signing overseas - though realtors seem to be able to swing it.  While it may cost you in the extra plane tickets, it can save a term of living in a dump and paying a lot for it.  Note:  The realtor usually gets a months rent commission, so the rent is probably just raised that amount.  Also, always mention kids on the phone.  Landlords are picky about kids (liability, noise, more apt to damage things)

#4 Bring sheets, towels, snacks, enough sunscreen, pillows, pillowcases, tear-free kid shampoo, first-aid items and medications (Braden got pink eye the second day here), batteries, water filters (the water is safe, but it doesn't taste very good straight from the tap), hand sanitizer, and any other favorite item that you need a certain brand for.

#5 Prepare to go over budget for some things:  orange/fruit juice is $19- 25 EC (Eastern Caribbean dollars equivalent to ~$7-9 USD), fresh milk is not readily available (though Lactaid, UHT shelf milk, and powdered milk is) and costs around $20 EC, bread is also gone within a day (alternative:  tortillas) and is around $10- 15 EC.

  

For all the fleeting headaches, we are getting to know the rhythm of the place a little bit and the characters that are on our route.  From the guy at the gas station that proudly shows off his cut-up "goat in a bucket" (literally), to the ladies at the market that call the boys "pretty," to the insanely crazy bus drivers that will nonchalantly run you off the road if you are going too slow, but will screech to a stop to say hi to the guy on the other side of the street.  

One of the locals mentioned that a lot of students think the nearest tourist area close to SGU is "town"and that a lot of them weren't even aware that the whole city of St. George's is just a little farther north - it is a sad thought - we've been through the city 3 times now, and it is very scenic and lively.  Now that the place has grown on me in my whole 1.5 weeks I have been here, I hope the insights continue.