Internet Connection is bad...

I haven't given an update in a few days because the internet connection has been so bad. I'll recap quickly and hopefully tomorrow I can deliver a better analysis of my time here.

5. Today I held a $1300 bottle of wine (vintage 1956).

4. Dinner cannot last less than 3 hours during this trip.

3. I could listen to waves all day everyday. The most soothing sound ever. (authentic) Those Sounds of the Ocean CDS would never cut the cake.

2. I ate lunch at the beach bar today. I ate a tuna sandwich with a pineapple coconut coleslaw. Mims "This is Why I'm Hot" played in the background.

1. Me & Bacon = Fatal Attraction

I'm learning so much while being here. I can't wait to further cultivate the relationships that I have developed here. (seriously)

Oh yeah, I have to blog about the near death experience. Don't worry, trust me, I will not forget.

this one thing about my wedding is NON NEGOTIABLE! (yup this is all about food)

I woke up at 7am this morning.

I went to sleep at 3am.

I was not a happy camper.

I went to breakfast at 730am and at ate like the queen that I am. I had a fried egg with fried pumpkin and it was soooooo good.

After that, I waded in the glorious Atlantic Ocean for awhile and then went back to my room for a mid morning nap.

When I woke up, I put on my swimming suit and went straight to the beach with a bag full of school work. The beach was crowded (not with people, its real small, just not a lot of room to keep my stuff dry) to study so I moved my books to the pool. I played in the waves a bit and got my tan started. I accomplished reading two chapters (about 75 pages) of my Local Economic Development text book while I literally baked in the sun. August in Egypt has nothing on October in Tobago. IT IS SO HUMID. I was sweating all day, not moving, not thinking, not doing anything but sitting and dripping in sweat.

For lunch I had a delicious seafood salad. if my internet was working I would upload a pic... just know that it had rock fish, lobster, and shrimp.... soooo delicious.

After my afternoon bake, I went to my room and took a nap (because you know the sun does drain all the living energy out of you). I woke up to news that we were on our way to dinner. We went to a buffet that was absolutely delicious. Sweet potatoes in coconut sauce FTW and spicy coconut chicken... my word! For desert I had pineapple sorbet with honey cake. Undoubtedly, the best desert I have ever eaten. It is an absolute must have on my wedding day. I am not kidding (check my FB status). The future husband has absolutely no say in this matter.

My posts may seem extremely vague but I am trying to limit any information about my job or coworkers, but I most def should talk about it. Ask me sometimes... better yet, I'm sure I'll drop some knowledge on my twitter page when I can.

The last member of our nine person team has just arrived and I have just been invited to the resort bar by my supervisors. Mind you it is 11:30pm, I should take advantage, eh? I guess I might...

It's cold and rainy you say? NOT HERE!

Today was a short work day. We did one site visit and I am beginning to see the inevitable problems working here. Cultural disconnects abound and I wish I was properly trained to handle them. Sometimes (all the time) I wonder what Dr. Carr would do to get the material across in this instant. He has the experience relating in school administration and I just know that he could do this much better in his sleep.

Today was my first day driving on the right side of the car on the left side of the road. Really, I think this makes more sense and the US should just switch all of their streets to do the same. NOW. Please and thank you.

My supervisor left the lights on in the car (in the daytime) and the batter went dead so we had to call for a ride. Poo poo.

For all those who I said I'd email, I'm going to get to it soon.

It's rainy season here, so its been pretty wet out. But the good kind of summer showers that make you wanna.... (in janet jackson voice) well, you know....

I am waiting for my phone(s) to charge so I can head to the mall and see what dey talmbout out dere.

wish I had some homeys here with me....

but alone it makes me feel like How Stella Got Her Groove Back....

oh and I could so work internationally. i dig this.

happy birthday fela & my day 1 in tobago

Right now, I am sitting on the patio of my hotel room at the Bacolet Beach Club Hotel in Tobago, West Indies. It's dark. I'm listening to "watergetnoenemy" by Fela Kuti. I hear the subtle nestling roar of the Atlantic Ocean. It's warm, not humid, very comfortable.

The atmosphere.... is serene.

Today was my first full day on the wonderful island of Tobago. I am not going to talk about my job on this blog, because it just isn't necessary....but trust, I have plenty to say.

1. I got to Philadelphia Airport yesterday and the airline told me that my ticket was voided. 60 minutes before I could get on the plane. *jaw drop* I called my office crying because everyone who could help me was in Tobago...with non working US cell phones. Long story short, they managed to reissue a ticket to me 20 minutes before the plane took off.

2. The airline lost my luggage. My body was in Tobago, my luggage was in New York. I confess, last night I took a shower because of all the grime of the day and had to bareback the next day because I didn't have any luggage. Luckily I threw a dress in my carry-on. I considered it inappropriate for work, but my colleagues who are not LIKE ME said it looked great. Hey, whatever works.

3. I got my luggage.

4. Yall remember this episode of the Cosby show? Part 1 Part 2 Cliff talks about the dinner he and Claire had on their honeymoon at the Callaloo Pot. He sings about it all throughout the episode. "Callalooooooooo!" I take you on that television journey because today I had CALLALOOOOOO with my dinner and it was absolutely delicious. I am sure I will have it again before I leave. Oh and I had the best dinner ever: grilled lobster, grilled shrimp and steamed swordfish with cassava on the side. yuuuuuuum!!!!

5. I got invited to a party in Trinidad by this guy on the plane. His mom works at one of the places my job partners with in Tobago. Small ass world.

6. On first look, people think I am the local escorting the people here from my job. Sorry bruh, I aint from here....but I'll kindly respond to your advances cuz it's only 10 days, its beautiful here, and odds are i'll never see you again.

7. I think I'm from here. I could stay here, no bull.

8. I got someone to buy me lunch. I don't get that kinda play in Delaware. I can't even buy a dude dinner there. #iknowimhotidontneednobodyindelawaretotellme

9. Cable television, local Miami news and local New York news. I don't get it.

10. Best news of all, I havent spent a single dime here. Not a single cent since I was at home Tuesday and ate Olive Garden with the roomie. Loving every minute of this.

11. HAPPY BIRTHDAY FELA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you can call me 868-398-0468 from a UD telephone if you really need me.

much love, admiration, respect to being in this space

Tobago - Day 1

Today I get on the plane and ride into the sunshine that is the wonderful island of Tobago. I will be spending ten days and eleven nights on the island with my job. My plan is to update this blog once a day, God willing. Pray for safe travels.

THIS IS IT!