The next decade....what's in store?
Musings of a yamfooted traveller still trying to shake off those last 20 pounds as she treks across the Caribbean
What good fortune that I flicked the channels and came upon a Sex and the City episode which had Blair Underwood in it!
In fact, it was this episode that signalled my introduction to this show which my sister used to rave about and I just couldn't understand why. I still can't understand why everbody thought it was 'to die for', but certainly those with Blair could be described as such.
The man is fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnne cyan done! So I have to watch it next week 9pm to see if it follows in sequence like it did when I watched it late last year. Go search the blog archives, around September or October 2003 and you will see what I talking about.
Maybe I should just be content with the size that I am. The weight is just not budging. I don't think I am eating excessively. But then again, who knows unless you measure it and work out the calories.
Why is it so easy for some people to lose weight and it's so hard for the rest of us?
Every year I set these bloody goals, and something always happens to sabotage them. Well I guess I am my worst enemy. So why bother complain.
When I came back on Monday, I slept with the air conditioner on. It wasn't the first time I was doing that. But for some reason, I got up on Tuesday with cold symptoms.
So I'm taking Benadryl Allergy & Cold, which I find really works well. But the tablets make me so tired. A couple hours after I take them, I get comatose. This afternoon I crashed out on the couch while the TV watched me!
Couple that with iron deficiency, and you know I'm a walking ZZzzzzzz-ball. Sure, I have iron tablets, but I don't take them as often as I should.
Why?
Because certain foods block the absorption of iron, and it seems like I'm always eating those foods. Caffeine is one, so I can't take it after breakfast because I have tea most mornings. When I don't have tea, I have oats porridge.....bad, because milk also blocks the absorption of iron. If I don't have porridge, I will have an omelette......Yup, eggs is one of them blockers too.
So the taking of the iron tablets is sporadic. I know, I won't blame my sleepyness on anything other than myself!
They arrived by Fedex today. What service. They are the same shape as the ones I have before, but instead of being burgundy, they are green! I haven't seen myself ina mirror yet, to know how they look on me. They sure feel strange.
The doctor actually lowered my prescription, after I had made the doctor in England increase it cause I wasn't seeing well. Let's see if this move by the opthalmologist in Jamaica helps my vision. I guess I will get headaches for a day or so, until my eyes adjust to the new lenses.
The politicians were doing their last minute rallies to get people to vote for them. The incumbent Labour Party of Prime Minister Denzil Douglas was returned, but they lost ground. Last time they won all 8 seats, this time they won 7. The one they lost, that seat was won by a guy I know because he works in the company that I'm associated with. Not sure how that will work, if he has to resign or what.
No violence associated with the election. What a strange thing!
Hi blog readers,
Thanks for your birthday wishes. The day has gone excellently with Jamaica pulling off an upset victory over Barbados out in rural Guyana where we had to drive over the fourth longest floating bridge in the world.
Smashing, just smashing. About to go and bathe, after posting a story for the website CaribbeanCricket.com. Go check it out nuh? Going to have dinner now and do the Karaoke thing. You know I'm a Gladys, ent? Most people think Karaoke is naff, but I think it's a great way to spend a birthday.
More tomorrow. I have an off day, so will spend longer. Promise.
Time is short so cant do a long blog, but just wanted to say....
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR YAMMIE
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME.
I am still young,
I am still young,
I am still young,
I am still young.
You remember this dress?
That will be the chosen attire for the day time (cricket match...I've only worn a dress to a match one other time), and then some form of black for the evening.
It's cloudy and rainy here in the Mudland today, but that won't damper my spirits the day before MY BIRTHDAY, MY BIRTHDAY, MY BIRTHDAY, MY BIRTHDAY, MY BIRTHDAY.
I'm really a 'Gladys' aren't I? Mi nuh care!
How have I been spending my time here in Guyana? Well, after sleeping the first night, it became Wednesday. Surprised? Yeah, things work the same in Guyana as everywhere else. Mini buses, people walking in the streets, fast driving. It's all here.
Children begging, that was painful to see cause they were real young. But that was just in one spot so maybe it's not a feature.
Went to the museum, that was great. Guyana is so LARGE and VAST. Lots to discover. Unfortunately I won't have time to do that this trip, but I'll definitely be back to do one of them group tours into the rainforest and jungle, rough it to see strange animals and the Amerindians and ting. Oh, and the Kaiteur Falls discovered by Barrington Brown.
Had lunch in a food court type place in town. Food pretty much like at home. Have to find the good chinese restaurant, well I hear there are many.
Did the tourist thing and bought a few small items. You have to realize that when they quote you thousands of dollars for some small items, it really isn't much. The exchange rate is US$1 = GY$198. Jamaica will get there one day probably.
Bought some Guyanese curry powder in the supermarket along with some applies and pholourie mix (split peas powder that you fry up into a ball).
In the afternoon, went by the hotel that the Jamaica team is staying at. Told the captain that it's my birthday tomorrow so he was to arrange a victory against Barbados as a gift! A couple of the players not 100% but they are determined. They all get along so well, ribbing each other, using the Manager as a punching bag, behaving generally like boys. Quite refreshing to see. That's one of the reasons I decided to come all this way.
Ok, time for brekki. Do you know what I did? I carried some sardines with me from Sugar Island and peanut butter, and bought some local guava jam yesterday. I am looking at the black 'scandal' bag that I have them in right in front of me. They give you continental breakfast here but the choice is limited. I am therefore going to take their bread and put my sardine and my peanut butter and jam on it. Right there in full view of everybody.
Mi nuh care! Oh Yamfoot. You're something else.
Wooden buildings and more wooden buildings. Bridges and more bridges.
This is going to be a good experience. Already you can feel that you are not on an island. Really. I'm not just saying that because I know I am not on on island.
It sure was good to see a familiar face at the airport to collect me (larr's). By then, several men had descended on me with a variety of greetings "Mummy....you want a taxi?" I guess it's no different than a tourist would feel in Jamaica.
Cricket, cricket and more cricket.
And of course THE birthday of the year.
Yes folks, I have to sleep 4 times before my birthday arrives.
Can you feel it? Can you feel it? Can you feel it?
I'm mostly packed, did that yesterday and did the finishing touches tonight, well what I could pack. Of course have to wait until I bathe tomorrow before heading to the airport.
This evening after the session, I drove to the airport and paid for my ticket. Tomorrow, I will call them and remind them to pre-check me in because it will be a mad dash to catch the flight at 1:55pm after the session finishes around 12:15pm. Thankfully, this is not Jamdown where the airport is relatively far. I can get there in about 10 minutes.
I go to Antigua on Caribbean Star (they better be on time!) and then connect on the familiar BW414 to Bimshire, where I wait for BW431 to take me into the undiscovered jewel of the Caribbean, Guyana.
Good ole Larr will be there to meet me, so will see a familiar face.
I am picturing Guyana to be very sparsely populated, with wide open fields, very few mountains and looking like it would swallow you up with its vastness.
Of course there is the gold. I'm not a jewellry person, but I guess I will have to pick up an item or two.
Jamaica doesn't play a match until the Friday, so not sure what I will do on Wednesday and Thursday. Hmmm, maybe hunt out places to have the birthday celebration.
You know, that's the strange thing about me. I could easily go somewhere by myself on Friday night, maybe a night club or so, and still have a relatively good time. But yes, it's nicer with company, especially in the 'Jungle'....that's what some people refer to Guyana as.
Ok, I'm outta here.
I has asked one of the male employees which barber to go to. Can't go to foreign country looking so, I thought. He told me to go to Chris in town next to the Shell Gas Station.
I eventually found it after going to another Shell Gas Station that I knew, and got directions.
Bad luck.....no electricity! The island has been having a spate of power cuts. Really bad.
I went to do my toes in the meantime (bloody expensive....EC$70. US$ = EC$2.70. In Jamaica I pay US$10 and it lasts a month usually....this one better last 3!).
It had been about 2pm when I left the Barbers after hearing of no electricity. After the pedicure, which took about an hour, went to the supermarket, then went back to the Barber Shop about 4. Still none so I parked up and read a Living Fit magazine I had just bought. I saw when the power came back....how?....I noticed when everybody went off the sidewalk back inside.
Walked in to see many many faces. Young, younger and then there was me!
The barber, not Chris for he wasn't there, started his work. I was noticing how calm he was, even as he looked around and saw that he had about a dozen heads waiting on him. It was about 4:45pm when he started.
I noticed that he took about 15 minutes for each head. That meant that by the time he got to me, it would be about 8pm. Eeek! Not good. But for some reason, after he had done about the 4th head, he said to everybody in the room but to no one in particular that "that lady was here before you know, but she left and came back". I was quite content to wait, even though I was holding in a wee.
He cut another guy's head, then he beckoned to me.
I warned him not to go too low. In another scenario, 'low' would be expected! But "I'm trying to grow my hair" was what I said. I sat back and let him do his thing. In addition to the cut, I got it "cut", which meant he neatened up the hairline, so now I have to get my forehead a tan!
I was keenly observing him before I got in the chair. He sanitized the shears, brushed the hair out after each usage, so I was very assured.
I'll be back.
Sometimes when we used to get delayed passengers at the hotel in Jamaica, the staff used to grumble and figure they were all bhutoos (Dr D or any of the Jamaican crew please explain that to our non-jamaican readers!).
But that's a generalization we shouldnt make. Because a flight to England for example, is made up of all types. I had 4 of them sitting beside me at dinner and heard them talking about how nice the hotel was. They seemed to be of Caribbean origin living in England.
Now if they know of people coming here, they can say to them stay at this hotel.
Generally, the food here is quite nice and nicely presented too. Dr D just asked what happened to the pictures of my meals, like what I used to do from Grenada. Well internet connection here is from the business centre, so no possibility for pictures.
Sometimes I have Room Service, and sometimes, like tonight, I go up to the main restaurant, or I go to the one by the sea.
Ordered Kittitian Conch Chowder.....delish. Tasted like it was just made. The conch was cut up in tiny tiny bits, so no rubbery feeling. Next was the Pork Wellington. It started out good, then when I got to the middle (it's the loin of the pork, not a chop), it was icy cold. So I guess it wasn't warmed up properly.
The waitress was very pleasant, she apologized immediately and asked if there was something else I would like. Decided you can't go wrong with Chicken Breast.
So that's what I ordered, and I asked if the chef would do some fry plantains for me. Of course he would.
It was lovely. The chicken was cooked to perfection, and the sauce was a mushroom glaze. I don't like mushrooms, but it was just the flavour in the sauce and it really don't have too much of a strong taste. I wonder why I don't like mushroom? Oh, it's because it reminds me of a slug. The texture. And the colour.
I liked the plate clean. With my fork. Nothing was left on the plate I swear. The chef must feel good about that plate when him see it.
Decided to have dessert. This was only the second time that I have had dessert since I've been here (came on October 5th). Oops...third time. I forgot the ice cream!
So after a complaint I became a satisfied customer. All because of how the employees handled it, and I guess the chef took extra special care to make sure the replacement meal was just right.
Too much exercise. Or too much of the wrong type maybe?
I did some lunges the other day....I think that's what's affecting my left knee. And then there is the muscle in my lower back on the left hand side which always hurts, but is doing so more than ever.
I need a yoga class. Went to a gym on the island which advertised yoga, only to find out they do classes from 9am MONDAY TO FRIDAY!!!!! I asked the instructor if they intend the classes to be for people who don't work!
So that's a lost cause. I felt so much better when I was doing the yoga in Jamaica. And my teacher was very very good. From talking to this one here, she sounds very 'rough', so not sure how her classes would go.
See now, if I were rich, I would fly Susan in!
And is not even like it has seen any 'action' why!
I think it's being on my feet for sometimes 8 hours a day during training. I need to be stretched out I think. Maybe I'll try some yoga poses over the weekend to try and sort this out cause it really uncomfortable.
It rained here today for the first time since I have been here. Quite steady rain, but not thunderous. Apparently when it rains, some roads in town are impassable, because the "gut" come down.
No, it's not like my gut. Apparently is like a river course which starts up in the mountains and runs down to the town and into the sea. Apparently too, you can hear it coming down, in which case you say "di gut coming!) and you make sure you get out of the way because the force of the water is mighty strong.
It's also Friday. That means lots of liming in town. And worse like how it's election season, you'll have more people out.
Well my back hurting, so I staying put. Lying down. Maybe I need to get somebody to walk on it like you see being done in the movies!
I'm so excited. I'm going to Guyana. Have never been and it was on my list but not so soon.
Anyway, I'm going on 19th and returning on the 25th. Yes, cricket. Have to do some writing you know.
It will also be pre election week here in Sugar Island so nobody is going to be paying me any mind. Perfect timing.
Of course you'll think I'm mad. Don't I want the exercise? Don't I NEED the exercise? Of course. But what happens is that you put on your nice clothes, then by the time you walk up the 75 steps you are sweating like a pig. Make that a cow. Actually make that a whale, since that is closer to my size.
Do whales sweat? Well they're always wet, init. (Har har)
At the restaurant by the sea (it's called Fisherman's Wharf), they have a buffet everynight. You order your meat or fish, then go to the buffet. They have plantains every night, and when they don't have, I ask. Last night they did some specially and sent it down from the other restaurant.
I'm supposed to be remembering that plantain is carbohydrate and therefore I should have in moderation! But it nice cyant done.
They announced election date here in Sugar Island. So I'll definitely get to see how another island runs their political campaign. Imagine a day has gone by and you haven't heard of anybody being shot or killed.
What bliss.
Spotted at the political rally where Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas "rang the bell" last night, was Ricky Skerritt, former manager of the West Indies cricket team.
That's how many I have to climb to get from my room to the lobby. Aint that great? Have to try going up and down more often.
Like a roller coaster.
My weight is like a roller coaster. Let's see if it can keep on a downward trend while here.
A friend of mine flew down last weekend and wrote about the devastation. One of the things he said was this....
There is no more "Rain Forest" in Grand Etang and the wild life, what survived, is roaming and are totally disoriented as their habitat has been destroyed, Monkeys are roaming in packs of 40's. Very few Nutmeg trees are standing as they discovered the roots spread out but do not go very deep in the soil,so the hills are littered with fallen nutmeg trees.
I've driven to Grand Etang many times, and can't imagine this really. Would love to see the monkeys though....
Peaceful, clean and serene....just like how I left it in July. People are still friendly and helpful too. Lovely.
Hotel is well manicured....I have a view of the lawn and swimming pool and the ocean. Imagine that all rolled in one. I am looking forward to the time here and will be concentrating on doing a good job, so oonu will get plenty posts one night (like tonight!) then none for a few days.
Please...oonu nuh cus me nah!
Oh, it is possible that they could be having an election here while I'm here. Kewl....I will get to see how an election campaign is run without violence! Unheard of!
Bits and pieces of information you'll see posted here as I spend the next 9 weeks or so out of Jamaica....
SPOTTED ON BWIA...
Professor Harris, new Vice Chancellor of UWI, Curtly Ambrose (for Dr D only....he's a retired West Indies fast bowler dear), Earl Moore, President of Guardian Life, Dr Nigel Clarke, formerly of NCB and Professor Carrington, head of UWI Continuing Education School in Jamaica.
EATEN ON BWIA....
Dry chicken breast, supposedly in Thai Sauce with veggies. 1/2 of a creme caramel (once I was finished the half I called the Purser and asked her to take away the temptation)
MISHAP ON BWIA....
Drink fell on the floor! Imagine that eh. I pressed down on the tray you take out from the handle to cut the dry chicken breast, when pashy....di tray give way and clunked into my lap! Both the glass of water and glass of Guava Pineapple juice fell.
WHAT SERVICE ON BWIA!....
We got a salad for a starter (yes, in case you wondering...I was 'up front') but it was very dry. I asked the purser Joan, if there was any salad dressing. She said that it's usually mixed into the salad. I turned over the leaves but only found dew. You know what I mean though. Next thing I see she go into a overhead bin and take down she bag and gimme a bottle of Caesar Dressing. Now that's service!!!
Leaving for St Kitts today on an 8-week assignment. Will let you know how I getting on....
I like St Kitts, so I will be very happy there I know.
More anon.
This is an experiment. I am trying to upload an Excel document with scores and stats.
The celebrations start today folks. Mark your calendar. Friday 22 October is the special day. I think I will be in Guyana on that date.
More anon....
Oh Stu, I'm "30 buff".....lemme translate for you. That's the 35 - 39 age bracket. "30 mash" is 30 - 34. So yes, I'm young.....and only getting younger day by day.
....I was at the UWI Bowl....that's the playing field area of the University of which I am an Alumni. In all my two years on that campus however, I visited the Bowl maybe twice. Just wasn't into campus activities really.
After taking half of a sleeping pill last night to try and make up for lost sleep in two nights, I got up at 5:15 this morning (went to bed at 9pm) and had decided to go and do some exercise. UWI Bowl was the chosen place.
On my way down there, I passed throngs of students with numbers written in paper on their backs. I stopped and asked one of them what was happening. Irvine Hall Cross Country race. Hey, that was my hall! Had some good times hanging out there "on the spine"....the long corridor running up and down the middle of the hall.
So the gals and guys were off, running around the football and cricket fields, then up the hill and on to the road and heaven knows where they went. There was this girl who was the first one back, she was ahead by a mile and was runing at a good clip too.
Hear this nuh...I pass one of the girls on her way back, while I was walking up the hill and says her to me "Run the rest of the race for me nuh?". Hah! "I can't run" I replied.
Did one hour of exercise, including running up and down some steps. Now because of the dew, my new brand brand new Asics Gel-Kayano has grass on it. Will have to clean it when I go out to look after the mutties.