An Overall Summary

It's finally here! One week left, then my exchange will be over! I really can't wait to leave which is saying a lot considering when I leave I'm going back to see my friends at York.

For poetry class I wrote a poem about some of my time here. Its mostly about my time on hall. Its called "No you, No me, BUT WE!", as I'm sure you all remember is the Hall Motto. It goes:

In the beginning,
There was yelling and screaming.
What was an ordinary meeting,
Turned to grubbing.

“FRESHERS! WHO ARE WE?”
“Worrellights”
“WHAT IS OUR MOTTO?”
“No You, No Me, But We!”
“I CAN’T HEAR YOU FRESHERS,
WHAT ARE YOU, A LION OR A PUSSY…
CAT?
THEN LET ME HEAR YOU ROAR!
WHO ARE WE?”
“WORRELLIGHTS!”
“WHAT IS OUR MOTTO?”
“NO YOU, NO ME, BUT WE!”

Human dignity stripped,
No longer I but ‘it’.
Drills at 9 after the sun has set,
Then at 4 before it rose again.

"Freshet Casino sound off!"
"It am freshet Casino"
"Why Freshet?"
"Because it has many slots."

“It am Freshman helmet, because it likes sucking head.”
“It am Freshman stab, because it always leaves its mark.”
“It am Freshet bicycle, because it am always ready for a ride.”
“It am Freshman sun, for when the night comes it loves to go down.”
“It am Freshman toilet paper, because it am white, soft and disposable.”
“It am Freshman nipples, because it am tired of my playing with my own.”
“It am …”
“It am …”
“It am …”

Sleep deprives and stressed out,
Class a much needed reprieve,
Only to find out, mandatory participation
In Unity Week

“All we do is win, win, win, no matter what!
Nubian Queens, you can never get enough!
When we walk onto the Halls, all the other blocks bow down!”

Like all things, sisterhood dwindles and
After a time there were only angry voices
As frustration rises from work and Exams

“Where is the curry I made?”
“I need to do laundry, anyone have tokens?”
“Shit man, Ya forget ya food on de stove again!
I swear allya wan bun dis place down!”
“Have you seen my plate? I need my plate!”
“Who took my curry?”
“Can you please be quiet, I’m trying to study.”
"Would you please wash your dishes?"
“If de price of yogurt go up, people will buy ice-cream. Its basic economics.”
"Man come on! Got put on some clothes!"
“How do you distinguish criminal wrong from wrongs in the civil law?”
"Where's my chocolate?"
“Aaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, Cockroach.”
“I’m not feeling well…”
“It’s 4am, I want to sleep, SHUT UP!”
“I’m hungry, I want my curry back”
“The drier didn’t dry my clothes”
“Hi, this is security, we’ve gotten some noise complaints.”
“Gato, STOP BARKING!”

At the end of it all
There was only the sound of the plane propellers
That took me far away from that horror.
Only the soft hum of peace returning
As I was finally able to find my center
On heading back to Canada.

That pretty much covers it all unfortunately. The Teaching is really really good over here but I would watch out living on hall!

Like the Nike add campaign, my best advice to students who want to go on exchange is to “JUST DO IT!” There are no words I can use to describe the experience you will have. Each exchange is different but there is a common element of individual growth and understanding that helps you to become a more global citizen. That is what I have strived towards, global citizenship and a deeper understanding of cultural tolerance and acceptance.

An exchange to Barbados will give you a greater appreciation for other Caribbean cultures as well as that of your own, and yes, it’s a very different culture. Also, it will teach you about your home country as well. I learnt a lot about what I did not know about Trinidad and Tobago while travelling and answering questions from others.

Each country has a lot to offer. Each exchange opportunity has a lot to offer. Each experience will open your mind to a world of possibilities that would never have occurred to you ordinarily. The world is a really big place that has a lot of cool thing in it but it’s your choice to step out of your comfort zone and experience it. You cannot be an apathetic learner if you want to go on exchange. You need to take charge and take what you want.

The International Office at St. Augustine is an extremely good facilitator at making things happen and allowing you every opportunity possible. From information about schools, to financial support, from scholarships and even aiding with course approval and any other problems you may have along the way, they will help.

Saving Your Work - Dropbox

Picture it:

Its the Sunday before your midterm exams. You have six essays due over the next week. Two for Monday plus exams, one for Tuesday, etc... You've been working on these since you got them and all you essays are almost done, just the works cited needs to be put it but suddenly there is a power surge and your left with a black screen and a computer that won't start.

You've just lost all your hard work. Its 6pm on Sunday night.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Picture it:

Your living off campus and you've just returned home to find some one has broken into your house and stolen your laptop and with it all you work and important pictures of your exchange that you have not yet posted to facebook. Oh dear!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just to be clear these events have never happened to me but it has happened to two of my friends. Because of this I would like to tell you about Dropbox, a must have for every student. That includes you!!!

Dropbox is a simple easy to use and safe online file storage facility. Basically you create an account and download and install a dropbox folder and then everything you place in the folder is backed up to an online location so that if you computer dies and gets stolen all you work is still safe online. Also, if you have multiple computers you can sync the same files on each computer which is great for group projects and small businesses.


Well, I'll let you read more about it at Dropbox.com but really you should click the link and get it so there are no unfortunate mishaps!

Take A Moment And Just Beathe

There has been so much stress and negative energy going around with some one the things that happened on hall that I would just like to take a moment and remind everyone of the beauty of Barbados.

Go outside right now and look at the sunset, take a deep breathe and relax.




These are the three most beautiful sunset I have ever seen and I am thankful to have been present in Barbados and at FWH to have seen it.

Things do get bad some times, but that could happen anywhere, it all depends on how you deal with a situation. Only you can make it into something awesome.

Don't ever forget to just take a breath.

Preparedness - Things You NEED TO KNOW That They Do Not Tell You!

Prepare for Natural Disasters

The two most common natural disasters that could happen during your stay in Barbados is an Earthquake and a Hurricane.

In the case of an earthquake, these only last for a small period of seconds so don't panic and get under a door way or desks to protect your self just in case anything comes tumbling down.

In the case of hurricanes, your screwed.

This semester, a category 1 hurricane, Thomas, hit Barbados while I was there on exchange. This is the weakest type of hurricane with winds between 74-95 mph. Here are some things to know and do when you are under a storm watch and warning.

A HURRICANE WATCH means a hurricane is possible within 36 hours and you should stay tuned for additional advisories. A HURRICANE WARNING means a hurricane is expected within 24 hours.

You will need to tough out the storm in your hall. Stay inside, however tempting it may be to videotape or take photos of the storm, be sure to shoot from indoors - where it's safe, and dry!

Board up and close all windows. If the doors to your living room are giving trouble to close call security to close them for you but it is important to be safe. I would even recommend moving you bed as far away from the window as possible so you can sleep.

Here are some things to make sure you have: clothes, extra cash, batteries, flash lights, bottled water, toilet paper, non-perishable foods such as cereal or crackers, canned goods, a can opener, candles, prescription medicines and any over-the-counter remedies you use regularly. During the hurricane we had the campus mart remained open so get there early and stock up when you here a storm is coming.

Overall, hurricanes are serious business. Weather forecasters can only predict so much. Educate yourself and stay on top of hurricane updates in your area. There is no harm in being overly cautious. In most cases where a hurricane is concerned, it truly is better to be safe than sorry.

After Thomas, several trees were ripped up all over campus and there was damage to the water main on FWH. This lead to four days of no water to shower, cook, drink, wash clothes or anything else. Students were left in the dark about the situation for the weekend and only tolds about measures to take on the fourth day shortly before water was returned. The news blast went as follows:

"The FWHC wishes pleasant day to all. We the council are well aware of your current concerns regarding the water situation on hall and efforts are ongoing to curb the problem. Please be informed accordingly:

-The hall currently has water shortages because the main pipe to the hall is being fixed. In the event of water shortage, to take a shower either use the security baths by the entrance to the hall or go to Sherlock Hall.

-When the water comes back on let it run for at least 2-3 minutes to alleviate the smell of glue and after that for the next two hours all water should be boiled to reduce the risk of infection. "

So for you the future exchange students, the most important things to remember are: if you ever have no water on FWH, take a shower by security or go to Sherlock Hall. (or fly home till the school fixes the Problem or go to a hotel)


Prepare for Non-Natural Disasters (sometimes due to lack of maintenance and knowledge)

This is probably not funny to the students who are still going through the hardship of having there rooms and personal items damaged but you have to love the irony of the situation. One week after water was returned to FWH, Block 3 got flooded due to a broken pipe in one of the water heaters in the attic rooms above the third floor. Part of the official announcement went as follows:

"This morning at 4:45am the occupants of block 3 had the tragedy of waking up to a flooding block. The situation was truly grave and very disheartening. The flood waters were eventually swept off due to efforts of block 3 residents and others who came to assist from certain blocks."

This could happen to you. to make sure you are not seriously affect by such incidents, keep your important documents in plastic Ziploc bags at all times. You would hate if that got wet and the ink began to run. Also keep your laptop and its charger off the ground. Clothes can be washed so that's not too much of a worry but keep your papers and textbooks off the ground also.

It took over forty minutes to turn off the water main to that block because security did not know where it was. It is difficult to imagine all the water that was they and because the third floor was flooded the water went down to all the floors. Everyone in the block was affected.

The universities response was unsatisfactory as students were left in cold wet clothes as security personnel strolled over to the block and commented "Boy, das alot ah water" while slowly trying to find a solution to the problem. One of the housing administrators comments were more on how much water was wasted rather then on the students left in shock after being woken at 4:45 in the morning with their world under water.

As a student on exchange, you need to be independent, and have the ability to take care of yourself. No one here will do it for you and no one in the university even cares about the stresses that you are facing as an exchange international student. Be confident, know what you need to do in advance, and do it when the time comes because no one is going to help you.

Here are some other things you need to be prepared for when living on hall:

• Some animal may die in the ceiling, maggots will develop and burrow through the gypsum and fall on you face when your sleeping, you've been warned.
• Under the sink in you room might leak and your going to have to put a bucket to catch the water because no matter how many times they come to fix it, it will still leak.
• The kitchen sink will get clogged.
• Depending which block your on, every time it rains the access to your block through the door will be blocked by an inch of mud.
• You will be woken up at 7am during each country club's week which occurs first semester.
• The internet is fastest between 3 - 8 am.
• Someone will steel your food.
• Utensils will go missing along with plates and bowls etc.
• If you hang dry your clothes someone might steel your underwear.
• You may get dengue
• You will not be trained to use the fire extinguisher so if there is a fire your also screwed.
• Although they say there will be a fire drill, there will be none.
• and basically in case of any emergency, your on your own... ... ...
  

How to Relax in Style: Your in Barbados, Go to the Beach!

Today I have discovered the easiest coolest way to de-stress which you can do any day of the week for about $25 and on weekends for about $35.

During the week, take the UWI shuttle to Bridgetown, walk for about five minutes over to the Boat Yard, pay $20 for entrance, collect you free meal, go out on the beach, sit on a chair, and enjoy! When you done simply go back and catch the Shuttle back to UWI and you good.

The same process could be repeated on the weekends but you'll have to take a taxi or ZR to Bridgetown.

This was one of the most relaxing days I have had. I only wish I would have known about the sooner!!!

Birthday Bashes

Sooo, Thursday was my birthday!!

So there is nothing really to do on a Thursday so we got a bottle of wine and a large pizza and went to a random beach and just chilled!

Friday was better, spending the night at Harbor Lights. Great music, good drinks, nice vibe!

This of course was followed by a Saturday night in Taboo and a Sunday on the beach.

Best birthday so far. Can't wait for next year!

Everyone's Gotta Eat! - Grocery Shopping

Grocery Shopping is actually very simple in Barbados for two major reasons.

The first is that getting to the Grocery is very easy to get to just by taking the free UWI shuttle to the area with the store like the Super Centre in Worrens.


Next to the Super Centre there is a PriceSmart (417-6278) and if your a member, that's the best place to stock up for the month. There Hours of Operation are Monday-Friday 10am-8:30pm, Saturday 9am-8:30pm and Sunday 10am-6pm.

If your looking for groceries that are a bit cheaper you will actually have to pay $2 and take a ZR to A one & Carlton Supermarket in Black rock (425-1097). I'm not sure of their times but you can call.

Secondly, almost all the Groceries have free shuttles that will take you back to residence with your stuff. Isn't that great!

There are several alturnative places to also buy groceries in a pinch. Every wednesday and Saturday there is a fruit man who comes to FWH to sell food. You can get things like apples, oranges, pears, grapes, plums, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, etc. Its a bit expensive but fruits are always expensive and its nice door service.

There is also the Campus Mart that has all your basic essentials, but there mark ups are like $2 more. I only recommend going there when you don't really have another option. Its open Monday to Saturday 9am-10pm.

There is also the Esso at the bottom of the hill. Their pizza is super awesome and they have the basics and are open 24hr but the walk can get annoying.

There are other supermarkets around but these are the easiest to get to. If you wanted another one just look it up on the Barbados Yellow Pages.

Laundry Day...Or Night!

Doing your own Laundry every week is important. You never want to end up in a situation when you want to go out but all you clothes are dirty and when you try to wash them all the machines are taken, then you miss the awesome lime and the opportunity to meet your rich future husband, all because you didn't wash your clothes every week.

What I do is start by buying my tokens form the business office on Monday every week. That way I know when I go to do it I have everything I need.


For those of you who have never had to do laundry by your self before here's a quick guide.

Separate you clothes into smaller piles of Whites, Darks and Colours. If your Colours pile is large separate it again into smaller piles of hues of reds (red, pink, yellow, orange, etc) and hues of blue (blue, green, etc).

Get get whites really clean, wash in HOT water, but this is only for whites!

Darks, because of the fabric dyes used need to be washed in COLD water, unless you want everything to come out faded.

Colours can be washed in cold and medium WARM water.

If your using fabric softener, do not ever let it touch your clothes directly. add water to it then add it to your laundry.

I start by inserting my token, adding my soap, then closing the lid of the washing machine and letting it fill with some water. Your clothes should never really come into direct contact with the concentrated soap, its not good for them. Once I have a soap-water mixture, I add my clothes, close the top, set my timer for 30 minutes and leave.

There are really no tricks to drying. Simply transfer your clothes from the washing machine to the dryer, insert token, turn on, set timer for 45 minutes and leave.

Some people have the problem where what they put to dry never dries on the first spin. To prevent this, don't over load the dryer! It should not have more than what can fit into a standard plastic grocery bag packed to capacity and perhaps one towel more. And if your doing laundry every week this should be no problem.

Last tip, do your laundry at night during a study session. When studying you should take breaks every 50 minutes or else your brain gets tired. So every 50 min go check on your clothes. Also during the day, everyone washes because some people need to hang their clothes in the sun. People are mostly sleeping or studying at night to be bothered with laundry so you get everything to yourself.

Well that's all folks! Happy Clean Clothes To Ya!!!!

Culture Shock Much?

What is "Culture Shock"

The definition of culture shock is the trauma you experience when you move into a culture different from your home culture. You will experience this everywhere. It includes a communication problem that involves the frustrations that come with the lack of understanding; the verbal and nonverbal communication of the new culture, it's customs and it's value systems. The differences that people may experience include lack of food, unacceptable standards of cleanliness, different bathroom facilities and fear of personal safety.

Just remember the entire world is not out to get you and you'll be fine. Also make a local friend or some one who has done all this before and can show you around. That helps alot in over cumming culture shock. Once you get past the shock of it all, in comes the home sickness.

According to CNN's Report by Derrick Ho on Home Sickness, its defined as "distress and functional impairment caused by an actual or anticipated separation from home and attachment objects such as parents." Its no so much about home but more about leaving your routines and everything else you know.

Below are some tips mentioned in to article that can help students deal with home sickness.

Here are tips that might help if you're experiencing homesickness:

1. Stay engaged. Take part in college activities or even freshman camps to forget about homesick feelings and make new friends.

2. Establish a personal routine. "If you are someone who goes to bed early and everyone's staying up late, it's OK to go to bed early," says psychologist Josh Klapow.

3. Do something to feel closer to home. Write a letter, look at a family photo.

4. Talk to someone. Seek out people who either understand what you're going through or have similar feelings. Pity parties in this case aren't a bad thing, says Klapow. "It's sort of like a grief support group."

5. Time flies. Think that time is actually pretty short to make time go by faster.



Here is also some advice for parents, here's how not to make matters worse:

1. Avoid expressing anxiety. Your homesick freshman is not your sounding board. Instead of saying how much you miss him, express optimism about the experience your child is going through.

2. Write instead of call. Phone calls can backfire. "Parents hear their children sobbing, children hear their parents sobbing," says psychologist Chris Thurber. "That real-time contact with home exacerbates homesickness."

3. Find a friend. Encourage your child to look for friends and the support of a trusted adult. This can help ease the transition.

4. Don't make a deal. Promising to pick your child up if homesickness sets in only decreases your child's likelihood of success in the new environment.



I also have some tips of my own considering I've been through the whole transitioning thing a couple times.

• First, if possible, have a parent or older sibling come with you to the new environment. I call this my "Welcoming and Settling Committee". This does not mean that they are there to do everything for you. In fact, quite the opposite. They should accompany you with the understanding that their role is moral support ONLY! As the student of the school its your job to meet with all the people you need to meet with, and get all your business done your self. Parents should act like a shadow who is only there to support the student in what ever decision they make and may only step-in in extreme cases where the child cannot express themselves correctly or are being trampled upon by others. (Thank you Mummy everything looks great. Your ability and experience as a mother helped me when I needed it the most. I've gotten everything else covered myself but what you did was amazing and I'm really grateful! ^.^)

• Secondly, I recommend a transitioning period. If possible, arrive a week before Move-in day. Scope out your surrounds. During this period relax and take a break but also visit the University and walk around. get a feel for everything after all this will be you home for a little while. I've always taken three days to move in. The first day I visit, collect my keys, and go shopping for what I need. I move in some of my stuff but continue living in the Hotel. Slowly on the second and third day I spend more time in my room, unpack completely and become familiar with my surrounds, decorate and settle myself. The night of the third or fourth day is when I actually begin staying in my new room. By this time, I like to be the only one left in the country. If my family is still there I think things along the lines of "Why am I here I should be with them!!!!!!!! ARRRHHHHHhhhhhhhhh!" Overall I would drive myself crazy. but when they leave I know I have to do this by my self and that I can. Success!!!

• Another important thing is to always keep in mind why you are there. I have an overall goal that keeps me going, do you? As Martin Carter said "I do not sleep to dream, but dream to change the world."

Lastly, just remember, billions for people have done this before you and have been through it all. Millions more and doing it right now with you. You are not alone. Ask for help if you need it. And Buy a big bag of KitKat and give out free candy to everyone on you floor to make friends quickly.

Peace and Love all!!

How To Pack A Suit Case

Now that you've got all your essentials, you need to get them to Barbados. Here's how to do it.

Packing a suit case is an Art Form. Its all about successfully dispersing the weight of the items over two suit cases. Always start with the heaviest items first followed by the most delicate.

Surround delicate items with clothing to protect them. Add clothes last and shape them around and sometimes under in every free space that the bag has.

Always weigh your bags after packing. You scale may not be exactly accurate but it will give you a general idea as to whether or not your bags are over weight and need to be repacked (or if its under weight and can hold more stuff.)

Anything super heavy just put in your hand luggage like a back pack with text books or clothes. Also Remember your back pack is hand luggage but your purse is not, so take over a big one and put things like text books in them.

Always arrive early. I'm talking about being there 3 1/2 hours in advance. Check in online and arrive early to ensure that they give you a little bligh if your slightly over weight. Remember your a poor student, don't be afraid to milk it a little to make sure all your stuff gets on the plane.

The "Almost Complete" List Of Essentials

For any good adventure there are some essentials that you need to take with you. Going on an exchange to a different country is no different. After talking to some people I've made a complete list of everything needed for this trini (or anyone really) to survive in Barbados for four months.

Here goes.

Clothes

• T-Shirts, Tops, Vests, Tanks, Halters, etc. (something to cover the upper part of your body and enough of them to last you for a minimum of two weeks.)

• Pants, Jeans, Shorts, Rips, Skirts, etc. (something to cover the lower part of your body, again enough of them to last you for a minimum of two weeks cuz when things get stressful you will not want to do laudary every week.)

• Underwear, Thongs, Bras, Boxers, etc. (for three weeks, don't ask questions about this one just do it.)

• Sleep wear

• Swim Suites (at least three, you WILL be going to the beach alot!)
  

• Shoes

1. Flip Flops - About four pairs. If your coming from away Old Navy has really nice pairs for like CAD$3.
2. Sneakers because there will be a day its really muddy or a day you want to go adventuring and need them.
3. Dress shoes and Heals

Toiletries

• Shampoo and Conditioner

• Cream

• Sun tan lotion

• Deodorant

• Shaving cream and razors

• Tooth brush and tooth paste

• Feminine Products (you know what I mean and pack enough for your stay because they are expensive to buy.)

• Soap or shower gels

• And anything else you may use
  

Utensils
If your anything like me and need to cook them I recomend bringing your own stuff. It saves you money and allows you to feel more comfortable cooking in a strange kitchen when you have your own stuff.

• 2 Plates and 2 Knives and Forks in case you want to cook for someone special or your lazy and don't want to wash dishes.

• 1 Large noon-stick frying pan

• 2 Sauce pans

• 1 Baking pan 9"x14" (good for Brownies, Cake, Cookies, Chicken and other baked meats, oven baked potatoes etc. Basically everything you want for dinner can be thrown on this then put in the oven to cook. Use Foil and there is no mess and no work either.)

• 1 Cookie sheet (good for toasting thinks like Ego, Bread, Pizza, Cookies, etc)

• 2 Wooden spoons (or plastic)

• 2 Sharp Knives

• 2 Large Metal spoons, 1 slotted

• 1 Measuring Cup

• Potato Peeler

• Metal Grater

• Oven Mitts

• Kitchen Towels
  

Again there may be some other things you may want to bring, (like I must have a muffin tin, and a hand mixer, and magiC bullet but these are the basics to living alone.)


Food
Bring some to at the very least cover you for the first three days. You will be very busy and may not get to the market for a while.

You can bring ONLY COOKED AND FROZEN food into Barbados. Frozen Lasagne is usually a good idea.


Miscellaneous
Other important things include things that you would never think of, such as:

• Towels (1 for the beach and 1 for the shower)

• Bed sheets and pillow cases

• Curtains if your like me and need pitch black to sleep

• First Aid Kit

• Chocolate to help you get over the shock of it all.

• Posters or Items to decorate your room.
  

That's about it really. Bring along anything else that will make you feel at home and once you got everything on the list your good to go. The major problem is getting it all to fit in two fifty pound suit cases.

The Intro - What's Really Going On Here

When I was little and people asked what I wanted to bee when I got older and my answer would be "a cartoon character". When I got older, and was finally able to differentiate fiction form reality and know that anime was not real I realized I wanted to create it. To share the joy it brought me, that blissful emotional escape, with others.

I realized this when I started high school and since then started planning to make my dreams a reality, but like any good adventure story there were always some struggles along the way.

Some where mid way through high school I realized that I'm not really that artistic. Okie, I can draw kick-ass backgrounds and landscape, and design in general is soo my thing, but when it comes to the actual characters, I know what I want but just can't draw it. *deep longing sigh*

It was around this time that I realized I was so much better in the story department. Not to brag, but my imagination far surpasses even the most unimaginable. Angels and dragons, fairies and demons, memoos and bopbops, and a world so far removed from anything seen that simply and completely radiates peace and joy. Your welcome to join me if you want.

Well back to the original train of thought.

So when I was younger and finishing high school I decided that I wanted to go to university. To me, it seems pretty important to be qualified for something...right? But more importantly learning more about myself and what I want to do.

After seeing my parents pay for my brothers and sister to go to school I really didn't want to be that much of a bother. Lucky for my as the heroine of this story, a mystical wizard called the government gave all the nationals of the country the gift of free tertiary education. So off to the University of the West Indies I went.

Having the strong desire to travel and experience life I applied for an international exchange to York University in Toronto, Canada. It was one of the single most amazing experiences in my life. Being on my own for a year and doing everything a big city like Toronto had to offer was a great growing experience.

I met and made friends with people from all around the world which is great considering I want to continue traveling.The next stop on the list is Barbados.

After reading some fine print and having some excellent lobbyists in the international office who were there for my behalf, I applied to and was accepted as an inter-campus exchange student to the Cave Hill campus of UWI.

That's pretty much where the next part of my story starts.

Two weeks to go and then I'll be off another adventure. I hope it will be just as awesome as all previous excursions.

Here's to life, and a life worth living.



My mantra always in my mind, "I do not sleep to dream, but Dream to change the world." - Martin Carter.