Hey!
First blog, sorry it’s late we have been rather busy haha. I guess we should start from the beginning and tell you of the goings on here as you don’t know anything.
Flight to Barbados: 21st June
The flight was LONG. We didn’t mind too much we had on flight entertainment with the TV’s and magazines. We even managed to play fish while sitting on 2 rows of seats haha. Seats were a bit squished so hardly anyone had chance to sleep. Landing was amazing, feeling the wheels hit the ground in a foreign country really made it realistic that we were no longer in England.
On the plane we got a shout out. “Welcome Blackburn College students who are heading to Barbados then on to Dominica to do youth work” which made us feel important and we all cheered.
We got off the plane, MAJOR HEAT. It was really sunny but after 10 minutes of Checking in the sun had gone and it was pitch black. Only one set back in the airport and that was that Matt lost his bag haha. Someone picked it up thinking it was theirs but when we got to the hotel the guy had arrived and Matt was relieved to get his stuff back. What are the chances eh?
Hotel was gorgeous! Sea came up to the hotel doors near enough and the pool was great. We got to the hotel at 9pm after eating some local pizza. All of us headed for the pool in clothes and just loved the cold in contrast to the humid heat.
We were all up for 6am due to our body clocks running on 11am English time. Didn’t want to leave Barbados but so glad we did. The breakfast was good and stayed in the pool till the flight.
Flight to Dominica 22nd June: Pronounced Dom-in-eek-ah, we have been saying it wrong for month’s haha.
The plane was tiny! Expected something bigger but it was great. Riza was our savior as one of the over head panels was rattling and he fixed it with a piece of paper haha. When we saw Dominica it was jaw-dropping with its mountainous land and greenery. Having to land, we couldn’t head straight for the runway as we approached it at the wrong angle so the plane had to go to the other side of the island and fly back through the mountains really low to the ground, it was amazing. Only one mishap on the plane - lets just say Rebecca no longer has white pumps which are sick free, haha.
We were met at the airport by the students and Annie (Manchester Metropolitan University Student). They were very welcoming and even had food and drinks prepared. Then we took a 1:30 hour car journey to Roseau which was shocking. The roads are very uneven and we looked like rag dolls in the car haha. The roads are very narrow and have very steep drops at the side of them so we were very scared about falling off the edge. The mountains were rising up around us and they were so tall they hit the clouds. The sights were astounding and we took so many photos on the drive down.
Got to the youth centre, picked beds and designated roles for the night. Some people went for Chinese as we had no food currently and some went to the shop for bottled water. The accommodation is better than expected. We each have a bunk bed to ourselves so have chosen to sleep on top and use the bottom for storage of clothes.
Showers are FREEZING. No hot water at all. So you wake up in the morning (7AM) and are hit by ice water which I (Emily) LOVE but I (Ashley) don’t like so much.
The students here are so friendly and welcoming as are the people in the community. Everyone says hello and wants to know why we are here. We stand out quite a lot and we are loving the attention we are getting. They say “saka fete” and the response is “mwen la” which means how are you? and I’m good.
23rd June
All got up and got ready. Had bread and jams/marmalades for breakfast (Grapefruit marmalade is amazing). Plans for the day were to go food shopping, Get money converted, Sign up to the library, Put stuff in bank e.g. passports and to get a feel for the town of Roseau.
The library is small but convenient and it is where we are uploading this blog. We are all happy as they have internet access and it isn’t far from where we are staying. In Roseau we were amazed at the colourful houses and scenery.
Unfortunately there happened to be a cruise ship there that day so we were hassled quite a lot for money and to go on tours. We went for our first Caribbean lunch which everyone loved and worked out at 3 pounds a head which for the amount we got was amazing. At teatime we made homemade pizzas and had a dance with the students. This was just a great chance to get to know everyone. We also got to meet a woman named Noreen who was hilarious; she also taught us some Creole words (mix of French, English and local lingo) such as “Mwen Fenn” which means I’m hungry.
Some of us also went and played football and Ashley dived for the ball to everyone’s amusement. We also played time bomb and Lauren cannot play this game, she loses all limbs before we even begin haha.
Riza is doing many Borat impressions and keeping us all in high spirits. Many insect bites going around with Lauren and Annie being the main targets and Emily being bite free haha.
No tans to report as of yet.
24th June
Today we got up and were met by the students at 9am. We went down to the fresh market for lots of vegetables and things for lunch/tea. Riza is getting to know the community and says hello to everyone with his favorite phrase being “wah go wan” which is “what’s going on”.
We then headed to local shops to buy seasonings and herbs.
We got back to the centre and Serish was giving everyone Henna tattoo’s which look great on us all. She even gave it to some of the students which had never seen it before.
For dinner the students made traditional Caribbean food named Bakes which are fried dumplings, which were really delicious when stuffed with tuna and cheese. We then headed out to Youth Quake, the home for children with problems at home/school. The kids were amazing and got a great insight for what we our first task would entail. Really got us motivated to help and loved being around the kids’ energy.
Riza was great with the kids and was teaching them how to be a gangster haha.
Shana got a bit spooked with all of the animals (chickens, rabbits and dogs) but was fine after some water and a sit down.
Went to a local river and we were all really keen to jump in. Serish was the first to jump in, just like in the pool in Barbados. Then we all followed suit and loved being in the cold water. Unfortunately we had to walk back as we couldn’t get in the car wet.
We saw a massive banyan tree with roots standing tall making the trunk. This means we were able to climb inside the tree and take photos.
We also saw a preserved bus that was crushed by a tree in the worst hurricane to hit Dominica (Hurricane David – 1979).
Got back to the centre again and now we are writing this blog. Was just Emily and Ashley but we have been joined by Lauren, Shana and Rebecca. We are all loving being here but are all a little home sick.
Even though it’s only day 2 being here in Dominica we have done so much. We are so happy to have been given the opportunity and are trying to do as much as we can while we are here, wanting to make the most of everything possible. It really is an amazing experience and can’t help but look forward for each day.
A Rota has been drawn up so we all have designated jobs for each day. This way it’s always clean and we always have food ready at the correct times.
We are all getting used to the heat but love when it rains as it’s cool and refreshing. Today was the sunniest day and it was lovely and warm.
Lots of Sunburn today but still no tans to report :[
Bugs are still eating Annie and Lauren. Emily and Ashley still have no major bites to report, WINNER!
Most students bought phone cards to ring home, so keep near your phones haha.
PERSONAL NOTES
Emily: Missing you all but loving being here. Thanks mum for making it possible, LOVE YOUUU xxx
Lauren: Been an amazing experience so far, wish you were all here to share it, Miss you and love you lots xxx
Ashley: Having a great time and missing you all, back soon chickadee x
Rebecca: miss you all, sorry I haven’t rang properly yet will do soon. Love you all xxx
Matt: Missing you lots but having great experience and I look at photos of you sometimes xxx
Riza: I love you so much but I also love Dominica and I also miss all of you very much. I’m very happy so don’t worry, glad to see you soon xxx (I miss you Leanne xxxxxx)
Shana: Missing you all lots, don’t worry about me I’m having fun and I love you so so much xxx
Serish: Heya everyone, I’m missing you all sooo much, having a great time, a new experience, Love you all spesh my fam, and my special ppl, you know who you are xxx
Andy is behaving himself haha. We all just want to say a massive thanks to Barbara, Andy, The Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council, Blackburn College and everyone who helped to make this project possible. It really will change us all for the better and open our eyes to what other people in the world live like :]
First blog, sorry it’s late we have been rather busy haha. I guess we should start from the beginning and tell you of the goings on here as you don’t know anything.
Flight to Barbados: 21st June
The flight was LONG. We didn’t mind too much we had on flight entertainment with the TV’s and magazines. We even managed to play fish while sitting on 2 rows of seats haha. Seats were a bit squished so hardly anyone had chance to sleep. Landing was amazing, feeling the wheels hit the ground in a foreign country really made it realistic that we were no longer in England.
On the plane we got a shout out. “Welcome Blackburn College students who are heading to Barbados then on to Dominica to do youth work” which made us feel important and we all cheered.
We got off the plane, MAJOR HEAT. It was really sunny but after 10 minutes of Checking in the sun had gone and it was pitch black. Only one set back in the airport and that was that Matt lost his bag haha. Someone picked it up thinking it was theirs but when we got to the hotel the guy had arrived and Matt was relieved to get his stuff back. What are the chances eh?
Hotel was gorgeous! Sea came up to the hotel doors near enough and the pool was great. We got to the hotel at 9pm after eating some local pizza. All of us headed for the pool in clothes and just loved the cold in contrast to the humid heat.
We were all up for 6am due to our body clocks running on 11am English time. Didn’t want to leave Barbados but so glad we did. The breakfast was good and stayed in the pool till the flight.
Flight to Dominica 22nd June: Pronounced Dom-in-eek-ah, we have been saying it wrong for month’s haha.
The plane was tiny! Expected something bigger but it was great. Riza was our savior as one of the over head panels was rattling and he fixed it with a piece of paper haha. When we saw Dominica it was jaw-dropping with its mountainous land and greenery. Having to land, we couldn’t head straight for the runway as we approached it at the wrong angle so the plane had to go to the other side of the island and fly back through the mountains really low to the ground, it was amazing. Only one mishap on the plane - lets just say Rebecca no longer has white pumps which are sick free, haha.
We were met at the airport by the students and Annie (Manchester Metropolitan University Student). They were very welcoming and even had food and drinks prepared. Then we took a 1:30 hour car journey to Roseau which was shocking. The roads are very uneven and we looked like rag dolls in the car haha. The roads are very narrow and have very steep drops at the side of them so we were very scared about falling off the edge. The mountains were rising up around us and they were so tall they hit the clouds. The sights were astounding and we took so many photos on the drive down.
Got to the youth centre, picked beds and designated roles for the night. Some people went for Chinese as we had no food currently and some went to the shop for bottled water. The accommodation is better than expected. We each have a bunk bed to ourselves so have chosen to sleep on top and use the bottom for storage of clothes.
Showers are FREEZING. No hot water at all. So you wake up in the morning (7AM) and are hit by ice water which I (Emily) LOVE but I (Ashley) don’t like so much.
The students here are so friendly and welcoming as are the people in the community. Everyone says hello and wants to know why we are here. We stand out quite a lot and we are loving the attention we are getting. They say “saka fete” and the response is “mwen la” which means how are you? and I’m good.
23rd June
All got up and got ready. Had bread and jams/marmalades for breakfast (Grapefruit marmalade is amazing). Plans for the day were to go food shopping, Get money converted, Sign up to the library, Put stuff in bank e.g. passports and to get a feel for the town of Roseau.
The library is small but convenient and it is where we are uploading this blog. We are all happy as they have internet access and it isn’t far from where we are staying. In Roseau we were amazed at the colourful houses and scenery.
Unfortunately there happened to be a cruise ship there that day so we were hassled quite a lot for money and to go on tours. We went for our first Caribbean lunch which everyone loved and worked out at 3 pounds a head which for the amount we got was amazing. At teatime we made homemade pizzas and had a dance with the students. This was just a great chance to get to know everyone. We also got to meet a woman named Noreen who was hilarious; she also taught us some Creole words (mix of French, English and local lingo) such as “Mwen Fenn” which means I’m hungry.
Some of us also went and played football and Ashley dived for the ball to everyone’s amusement. We also played time bomb and Lauren cannot play this game, she loses all limbs before we even begin haha.
Riza is doing many Borat impressions and keeping us all in high spirits. Many insect bites going around with Lauren and Annie being the main targets and Emily being bite free haha.
No tans to report as of yet.
24th June
Today we got up and were met by the students at 9am. We went down to the fresh market for lots of vegetables and things for lunch/tea. Riza is getting to know the community and says hello to everyone with his favorite phrase being “wah go wan” which is “what’s going on”.
We then headed to local shops to buy seasonings and herbs.
We got back to the centre and Serish was giving everyone Henna tattoo’s which look great on us all. She even gave it to some of the students which had never seen it before.
For dinner the students made traditional Caribbean food named Bakes which are fried dumplings, which were really delicious when stuffed with tuna and cheese. We then headed out to Youth Quake, the home for children with problems at home/school. The kids were amazing and got a great insight for what we our first task would entail. Really got us motivated to help and loved being around the kids’ energy.
Riza was great with the kids and was teaching them how to be a gangster haha.
Shana got a bit spooked with all of the animals (chickens, rabbits and dogs) but was fine after some water and a sit down.
Went to a local river and we were all really keen to jump in. Serish was the first to jump in, just like in the pool in Barbados. Then we all followed suit and loved being in the cold water. Unfortunately we had to walk back as we couldn’t get in the car wet.
We saw a massive banyan tree with roots standing tall making the trunk. This means we were able to climb inside the tree and take photos.
We also saw a preserved bus that was crushed by a tree in the worst hurricane to hit Dominica (Hurricane David – 1979).
Got back to the centre again and now we are writing this blog. Was just Emily and Ashley but we have been joined by Lauren, Shana and Rebecca. We are all loving being here but are all a little home sick.
Even though it’s only day 2 being here in Dominica we have done so much. We are so happy to have been given the opportunity and are trying to do as much as we can while we are here, wanting to make the most of everything possible. It really is an amazing experience and can’t help but look forward for each day.
A Rota has been drawn up so we all have designated jobs for each day. This way it’s always clean and we always have food ready at the correct times.
We are all getting used to the heat but love when it rains as it’s cool and refreshing. Today was the sunniest day and it was lovely and warm.
Lots of Sunburn today but still no tans to report :[
Bugs are still eating Annie and Lauren. Emily and Ashley still have no major bites to report, WINNER!
Most students bought phone cards to ring home, so keep near your phones haha.
PERSONAL NOTES
Emily: Missing you all but loving being here. Thanks mum for making it possible, LOVE YOUUU xxx
Lauren: Been an amazing experience so far, wish you were all here to share it, Miss you and love you lots xxx
Ashley: Having a great time and missing you all, back soon chickadee x
Rebecca: miss you all, sorry I haven’t rang properly yet will do soon. Love you all xxx
Matt: Missing you lots but having great experience and I look at photos of you sometimes xxx
Riza: I love you so much but I also love Dominica and I also miss all of you very much. I’m very happy so don’t worry, glad to see you soon xxx (I miss you Leanne xxxxxx)
Shana: Missing you all lots, don’t worry about me I’m having fun and I love you so so much xxx
Serish: Heya everyone, I’m missing you all sooo much, having a great time, a new experience, Love you all spesh my fam, and my special ppl, you know who you are xxx
Andy is behaving himself haha. We all just want to say a massive thanks to Barbara, Andy, The Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council, Blackburn College and everyone who helped to make this project possible. It really will change us all for the better and open our eyes to what other people in the world live like :]
hi emily its hollie an hannah...katie is missing you loads.so am i.cant wait for you to come home mums cooking is rubbish.see you soon xxxxx
ReplyDeletehi matt looks like you are all having a good time, missing you loads but its nice and quiet, georgia is missing you as well,i passed my first year at uni, we heard you on the radio, cant believe you have been gone for nearly a week already. love you loads mum, dad, georgia. xxxxx
ReplyDeleteall just sat round at grandmas drinking we have just read the blog, sounds like you are all hving a great time, 30 degress here lovley sunshine all taned, ha ha, missing you loads, have fun!!! grandma, grandad, andrea, libby, mum, dad. xxxxx
ReplyDeleteHi Bec, Happy 17th Birthday. We all hope your having a good time. All our love and best wishes, missing you loads.
ReplyDeleteDad & Mum, Daniall and Nathan.
Simba xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx