The Beach

So for our break- we get three wonderful days off- the only bummer is that it has been overcast each and every day so far. Therefore, we are limited to our activities and have just wandered around the island trying to find things to do. On this exploration we found a beach ( I know, I know.... how strange is that?) with hermit crabs everywhere...so Eli, this one's for you buddy.

So this is Hell?

Crispin, Cristin & Kathleen

Plotting on how to scare some tourists.

Not too impressed- but whatever:)

After we attended our last staff development on Tuesday, a couple of us decided to go through the little part of grand Cayman called Hell. It was interesting to say the least...and instead of me trying to write what it's all about- I decided to cut and paste info:

There are certainly several versions to the story of how Hell got its name. Yet, most variations involve a local official seeing this strange limestone field for the first time and saying, "This is what Hell must look like." Scientists have recognized a large formation of such ancient coral - known as ironshore - covering most of the western half of Grand Cayman. Unfortunately, you won't be able to walk among the limestone formations. However, the viewing platforms grant you a bird's eye view of the sharp, blackened ironshore.

Small island Living

It says : Built Like A Fortress..12 Feet above sea level

The island of Grand Cayman has a population of around 40,000 people - total land mass is around 20 square miles. So what does that mean? Well for one - houses aren't piled on top of each other and it can take a few minutes to get from one house to another. Another great thing about living on a small island is that most properties are ocean front-which leads to the next best thing....the highest point on the island we have now figured out is fifteen feet high ( Cristin's dad filled us in on that little fact) and here is a picture of probably the second highest point on the island:

Sea Adventures

A scone with your tea?

From tea and crumpets to putt putt....there's always something to do on the island. I started the weekend with a dive on Friday. I will post pics at a later time, but it was incredible to head out and start my weekend in the water. I saw a sting ray, two sea turtles and a crab the size of Montana. Following that we headed to out Saturday morning for another dive and I actually got down to 70 feet before I saw tarpon(?), and another fish that reminded me of Dory from Finding Nemo...

It was a colleagues birthday and she wanted to celebrate it with a tea date at Every Blooming Thing. So we had tea and scones in a fun little set up with crafts and candles lining the walls. It was nice to sit and chat over carbs.

Then there was the putt putt and once again I was in the company of strong competitors. Cristin and I had a lot of fun goofing off and just being girls.

Had to laugh at this...

I thought this was funny... I had my students draw out a risk map of the United States today. The assignment was to label the map with the natural disasters and after we were done, one of my students asked why anybody would want to live in the states. He stated (while moving his hands around in wide circles), "There's too much going in the states, is that why everyone comes down here?" I walked over to his paper and I was looking carefully and noticed the Star of David all over "Tornado Alley." I had to ask him, " When did the Nation of Israel move to the United States?" "Those are stars for my tornadoes." "Ok" was all I could respond with as I was holding in my laughter.






We have had some vistors lately...crabs, scorpions, spiders. You know you are in the tropics when there is a crab hanging out by your door. My immediate response was "crapola" to which Cristin replied, "Crabola!"

My phone finally works!

My phone works....yes! It has the area code for Alabama, so it's not an international call-205-341-2047.Call, leave a message and I'll call you back for free:)

Welcome to our new place!

Please forgive the silliness of our homemade video...but here it is on a rainy night.

Snorkeling

After having spent some time in the classroom on Saturday, both Cristin and myself felt that time in the water was the best way to unwind. We attended the Church of God early morning service ( which was great by the way), grabbed her snorkel kits ( thank you Newhalls!!!)and headed out to Smith Cove and Cemetery Beach. We have had some storms roll on by which makes snorkeling an experience simply b/c the sound rain makes underwater is truly a unique one. We were cracking up however b/c as we were swimming out, we were immediately greeted by fish who wanted food and followed us out and swam right up in our faces almost the entire time. It was freaky at first, but then we adjusted. I couldn't help but laugh as the fish would swim up to my mask and wait like a puppy waiting for a bone. I would my my head in one direction and the fish would swim to stay right in my line of vision. I can't wait for Cristin to get certified so we can go deeper and see more of these colorful creatures. It was the perfect way for us to relax before we hit the classrooms again and get things settled her first day of school. She's excited and I am excited that she's excited. I can't wait to hear how her first day goes..five more hours and it all begins:)

Busy week

Cristin is finally here and we are happy to have her join the Triple C Team. We have finally moved into our apartment where we are conveniently located right between the beach and the school. It is SO nice to have a familiar face from home here on the island. We can't help but talk about our love of coffee and coming home to a snowy Christmas. While she has been getting use to "island life" I have been enjoying teacher appreciation week and scuba diving. I wasn't able to get pics underwater, but maybe next week:) Tonight it's Settlers of Catan where I am sure to be defeated once again, but I love the challenge of playing with serious game players.

Oh yes--- and the picture of the week comes from a student from Triple C...this is me scuba diving in the sea:)

Underwater fun!

So I have decided to try something new...and even though it is a little more of a challenge than previous learning experiences, having a great diving buddy makes things so much more fun. We just finished the theory part of it today and did a quick fun dive. Next weekend will be the "adventurous part" of the certification where we go out and see God's amazing creation. It is so incredible down there..it's crazy.