Another action packed day! Woke up early this morning in order to catch my flight to Miami. Flight was great, slept most of the way. I was happy to hear one of the flight attendants say that tropical storm Erika, the storm that was supposed to be the one to hit florida had died! So I wasn't so worried about the connection through Miami anymore:) Once I landed, it was a quick hop to the gate for St. Kitts. I was surprised at the an abundance of people my age, who seemed as lost as me. People unsure of the next step yet excited at the same time. Once on the airplane I started to hear the chatter of all the med students! There were quite a few! I was surrounded by what seemed like 5 conversations about med school and St. Kitts between existed students and interested vacationers. I actually met an ophthalmologist from Florida who was traveling to St. Kitts for vacation who had wonderful things to say about the program:)
As for the actual flight, I was anxious to see the view flying through the Caribbean. I was not let down as some of the islands we flew over looked amazingly beautiful. Once we got closer to St. Kitts, I couldn't knock the smile off my face. It was the first time that it seemed so real. As the island first came into view, I was amazed at how "hilly" it was! All the other islands I passed seemed to be so flat. When I saw SK it was a whole different story.
As for the actual flight, I was anxious to see the view flying through the Caribbean. I was not let down as some of the islands we flew over looked amazingly beautiful. Once we got closer to St. Kitts, I couldn't knock the smile off my face. It was the first time that it seemed so real. As the island first came into view, I was amazed at how "hilly" it was! All the other islands I passed seemed to be so flat. When I saw SK it was a whole different story.
These are two pictures from the airplane. First one being some island in the Turks and Caicos, the other on final approach into SK. I was blow away by some of the views coming into St. Kitts. I knew then and there that is was going to be a very neat place to call home. When I first got off the plane I was hit by a welcomed warmth. Very much expected to be honest. Going through customs was a breeze. Out of all the documents that the school said you would need to present, the only document they actually cared about was my enrolment letter. I would still highly recommend having all the paper work they suggest as you never know what kind of customs officer you will be dealing with. The airport itself is quite small. Once clearing customs you immediately enter into the baggage collection where you will find many local Kittitians looking to help you with your bags. I was quick to find my luggage and after showing my documents one last time, was free to walk through the door into my new home. Once the doors opened I was immediately greeted by the UMHS welcoming committee who helped me with my bags and ushered me into a AC controlled van. After a quite some time all the students going to similar locations were guided onto busses and taken to their new homes. Once there, a quick drop off of the bags and acquisition of keys then we were off to the grocery store. the people who were part of the welcoming committee were amazing. They were filled with helpful knowledge of island life, as well as useful tips and tricks only acquired through time on the island. After a quick shop we were taken back to our houses for some well needed unpacking time. As for my house, I was surprised to walk into a place much nicer then I was expecting. The view out of my room is amazing. From my front porch I can hear the waves crashing on the shore. From my room where I sit now, I hear a few local dogs, crickets, the odd cow, and cool birds I've never heard before. I've also been told about the potential for rather large moneys in the area:) On the trip from the airport we were all told that there would be a gathering at 8PM at the Marriott hotel in Frigate bay, the touristy area of SK. I live very close to campus, but the downside is that I live a few miles away from frigate bay. There was a cab arranged to pick me and my new neighbour up at 745, but he was a bit late because someone else held him up. This meant that we arrived to the meeting place at about 830, just late enough that nobody else was still there:P So me and two other guys from the program decided instead to do a little exploring. It was lots of fun in the end as we got to experience a few local spots and local eats we would have never knows about if not for the adventure away from the group. We stayed out for a while and eventually caught a ride back to our neighbourhood. I was informed that we were going home quite early as the bars in SK are open till 2/3 am. On a Sunday.... It didn't make us too upset because we were all so tired. All in all, a good first day. The one downside to today however was not receiving my new SK phone. I was told that upon arrival you receive a small package where one of the articles is a simple old school cellphone and sim card that can be used on the island. We did not revive these today as the storms earlier in the week delayed the process. When there is an impending hurricane I guess the people of SK take the day off. So I can look forwards to communication on Tuesday, the first day or orientation. Until then, my iPhone on wifi will have to do. If tomorrow is anything like today, I will learn a lot more about SK and continue to experience how wonderful the people here are. Thats all for tonight.
Things learned today:
-Groceries are quite expensive
-Banking on the island is complicated. Especially Canadians so do your research before arriving...
-The Marriott bar operates in US$ and only accepts Visa. Also very expensive when you think the price might be EC...
-There may be additional costs that were not made aware to you such as transportation, utility start up fees etc. So make sure you have a few extra dollars until you can figure out how you want to work your finances.
-The cars all have different coloured licence plates depending on what they are. Black (personal), Red (rental), Yellow (Taxi), Green (vehicles for hire). The green ones are the cool ones. I can hop on pretty much from my house and get down town (not frigate bay) for around 2EC.
-This place is hot!
-The staff and students at UMHS are amazing
I will continue to update you as I learn new things. I will also keep you informed as orientation happens. Thanks for reading!
Cheers,
Mike
Things learned today:
-Groceries are quite expensive
-Banking on the island is complicated. Especially Canadians so do your research before arriving...
-The Marriott bar operates in US$ and only accepts Visa. Also very expensive when you think the price might be EC...
-There may be additional costs that were not made aware to you such as transportation, utility start up fees etc. So make sure you have a few extra dollars until you can figure out how you want to work your finances.
-The cars all have different coloured licence plates depending on what they are. Black (personal), Red (rental), Yellow (Taxi), Green (vehicles for hire). The green ones are the cool ones. I can hop on pretty much from my house and get down town (not frigate bay) for around 2EC.
-This place is hot!
-The staff and students at UMHS are amazing
I will continue to update you as I learn new things. I will also keep you informed as orientation happens. Thanks for reading!
Cheers,
Mike