Island of Sun and Rain...
Trip Start
Jan 04, 2006
1
3
Trip End
Feb 04, 2006
Schoelcher, Martinique
Monday, January 29, 2007
I can say that I have really been having a good time here on the wonderful island of Martinique. The culture is so enriching and one day, I will write about it on here. The contrasts between France and Martinique stand out more and more each day. I have a great comparison because my host mother is French and my host father was born here, in Martinique. They share a lot of the same views and I really enjoying talking to them but I can see the contrasts in their lives. Martinique is an island paradise, but it is more than the "tres belle plage" and the Montagne Pelee. It is full of music, tradition, and life. My life at home is completely different than my life here. I wake up at 6:30 or 7 in the morning and am asleep by 11 at night. It is too dangerous to wander the streets after sunset for fear that you might be robbed. Among its daily quirks, the sheer beauty is enthralling on this island. Just last week, I went on a 2 hour hike to see a waterfall that is powered by the rainfall. There is no natural spring on Martinique but so much rain that these waterfalls and rivers are kept flowing year-round! I turned a different direction another day only to find rocks on a beach and I have never questioned myself that I was really in Martinique until then. I felt like I was back on the beach in Norway or even at home at West Beach, staring up at the rocks waiting for the sun to set.
I'm still caught off guard when I walk into a store to buy a drink when asked a simple question; Immediately I am known as the "American" tourist that actually knows how to speak French. Although I am still learning new words everyday, it is easy to say that I am easily falling into speaking this difficult language and I know that one day it will be as easy and no one will question me! (Thinking...please come soon). :)
Right now, I have my last class tomorrow and then my class is going Kayaking in the Mangroves for the afternoon. I am really excited! For the rest of my stay, I will be spending my time either working on my paper (all in French) and at the beach, celebrating a birthday, or sitting in Fort-de-France watching all the tourists! It really is fun here.
I fly home on Saturday, arrive in Seattle on Sunday and will be headed back to my house to spend a day and a half there before heading back to school. I can't wait! Oh yes, I am 20 years old in exactly one week...oh my gosh. :S
My best regards and warmest wishes, especially to those in cold weather..I hope that it warms up soon! A bientot!
