Day 5 - Soufriere, Saint Lucia

Day 5 (December 5, 2013) Another amazing – but long – day! The internet went out last night, makes for a stressful evening when trying to communicate with friends, family, and the boyfriend back home. The other students were also unable to research for the project they are going to complete while on the island; very, very stressful evening. Thankful the internet has been working since our return from our adventure today. Firstly, we met Lisa at the Health Ministry, and then traveled by van to Soufriere, about an hour and a half journey by extremely winding roads. It was at bit nauseating at times, but the views of the island were fantastic, such lush, green hillsides. The Caribbean Sea is mesmerizing – waters so blue. Cannot wait to go to the beach! It’s such a tease to see the sea while driving and not get to experience it. I would like to come back to the states with some color  When we arrived in Soufriere, we went to the local hospital. We met two of Lisa’s staff, Francillia and Nisa; Lisa’s staff were educating the patients about the 6 food groups and healthy eating, as well as the importance of daily exercise. After the staff spoke, each of us took a turn talking with the patients about a designated topic. Amelia spoke about Dengue Fever; Ursula spoke about exercise and physical activity; Lekei spoke about diabetes; and I spoke about water safety. I talked about how people can get very ill from drinking contaminated water; also, the two ways to purify water to drink: heat and sunlight. The locals were very attentive and asked questions. It was a great experience, interacting with the patients. After visiting the hospital we walked to the old Health Ministry office, attempting to pick up items but we could not get it. We then got back in the van and the driver took us to lunch at Beacon; the restaurant was built on the hill before driving down into Soufriere, the building is very colorful and fully open, exposing the exquisite view of the Pitons. The Pitons are two very distinct mountains along the coast. Lisa had her wedding reception at the restaurant so she negotiated a flat rate for our meal – plus we got a “better” desert than the rest of the customers. Our meal was buffet style; I had rice with carrots, coleslaw, salad, roasted potatoes, and breaded fish. The meal, like the others, was delicious. We enjoyed golden apple juice and had vanilla ice cream and cheesecake (my favorite) for dessert. It rained on and off during lunch but the coolness was refreshing. After lunch the driver drove us to a waterfall and botanical garden. We dipped our toes in the water – it was freezing – and walked through the gardens looking at the various flowers and fruit trees. We then went to the Sulphur Springs – the smell was so strong, but the sight was worth it. The stream rises from the springs and the water flows down to an area where it has cooled down enough you can get in. The sulphur water is supposed to be therapeutic. After visiting the springs we headed back into Soufriere to drop off Lisa’s staff and headed back to Castries. We stopped at a few bakeries along the way, and also at our driver’s house. He has an amazing view of Castries – can see the cruise ships that pull into the harbor. The roads are very, very narrow; the islands drainage system is open 2 feet by 2 feet troughs along the roads. On our way back to the Health Ministry, the front left wheel went off the road and got stuck in the drain. Thankfully, a few locals stopped to help push the vehicle’s tire out of the trough. It was quite the experience and a great ending to another amazing day. Once we made it back to the Health Ministry we took a taxi to our residence for the week. The internet was working but has stopped once again. We may be heading to a café so the others can research for their project and finish up homework. To end, we really have got the royal treatment while on the island. Our drivers and Dr. Hansen’s connections have been so helpful and accommodating. Providing trusty taxi service and bargaining with the drivers. I am so thankful to Dr. Hansen and her contacts for making this trip memorable so far. Tomorrow we are going to the local market in the morning to shop for souvenirs and then to lunch with Lisa. After lunch, we will be traveling with Lisa to watch her give a presentation. Friday night (tomorrow), Lisa is going to take us to experience the Saint Lucian night life and may spend the night with us – sleepover! Expecting another fantastic day on the island; hopefully, the internet keeps working. I’m exhausted. Peace, love, Saint Lucia. Things to know about Saint Lucia: • The Caribbean Sea borders the island on the West, and the Atlantic Ocean borders the island on the East. • Ground provisions (one of the six food groups) include: yams, sweet potato, dasheens, the more starchy vegetables, whereas, the vegetable food group includes: carrots, lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc.