The Neighborhood

Today is my last day in the neighborhood. I will be moving a little closer to campus tomorrow. I like the area well enough, but it is a little bit of a walk. (Twenty-five minutes really isn't that much, but time is so precious.) Before I leave the area I thought it would be nice to take a stroll along the streets and capture a few shots of the area. Brief as it was, this is what I called home.

Homes next to the soccer field. 

It was this tree that I took a mango from for my first breakfast in Dominica 

There is no freeway in Dominica. Travel between the cities is by this single, very windy road around the island. The coast line jets in and out. If you're a little sensitive to motion sickness, it's recommended to take some anti-nausia medication before you get in the taxi at the airport.

Fishing boats taking a day off.

The first specimen of the wild life of Dominica. This particular species runs wildly about the streets and can be heard at all hours of the day and night.

Some eggs are sold  -some hatch. 

A common site. A cow (or usually a goat) is tied to a tree along the road side.

This wild creature was playfully bounding away.

You can't see it in this frame, but mama is lying peacefully to the left, and the twin is standing on some cinderblock to the right. 

Curious. Where does that trail lead to? An adventure for another day.

The roads I walk daily.

Kids playing soccer in the street.

View down my street.

Home, for one more day. I was often seen sitting on the balcony wall on the days that I studied at home.

Peekaboo

You may be asking yourself, "Exactly why is he taking a picture of himself in the mirror?"

Peekaboo! I see you!
(I promise, I returned him to the wild yesternight, but he returned. And he isn't cute, he's ferocious. Rawr:) 

Barking Dogs

My "dogs" are barking. I hate the phrase, and I curse the name of the person who taught it to me so many years ago (though I don't remember their name, or even their face for that matter). Without fail, when ever I work a long shift, and my feet hurt, I think of my barking dogs. And today they are barking, after 14 hours on them, with little reprieve. The support for the particular shoe that I choose to wear today aren't very good, but at least I was sensible enough to wear shoes for my EMS shift today, instead of the usual flip flops. I think it's only the third time I've worn shoes since I've arrived to the island. My first shift of the semester was uneventful. The second I received a call at midnight to attend to a student who passed out (from intoxication) and as a result needed stitches. My third shift I responded to a broken hand. And today, my fourth shift, I'm returning home at 5 AM after a day of responding to sports injuries, scratches, and to finish off (assuming I don't received any further calls between now and when I hand over the phone in the morning) a combination of vomiting, diarrhea, and sever dehydration. I'm not complaining, just illustrating the real life experience that I'm receiving above and beyond your typical medical student. The young lady tonight was very thankful for the care she received under our watch.

I haven't yet hit my study goals today, so it is back to studying for me (a for the barking dogs, a hot tub of water).

Day Fifty-Four

The river bridge that cross every afternoon. 

I wish you could see the images of my day that I am not able to capture. The photo above really isn't interesting in any particular way. Yet as inartistically as the scene is, there is something to be said for it. Had I shot the scene, some weeks ago it would have show a man bathing along its banks. I've mentioned this before. I see the gentleman often enough, probably 4 or 5 times a week in passing. He hangs around the "Shacks" and the dining tables outside the grocery store. Some days I see him without shoes, some days with. His clothing is nearly aways torn, but not soiled. I wonder if he notices to what degree I observe him. I was discussing his situation with the taxi driver who takes me home nearly every night. He has many children, though none are believed to live here. He took an accident to his face some years ago, disfiguring his lip. It is not exactly known why he chooses to live on the streets. Speculation might say that loss has driven him. I will admit, it's a thought experiment that I've given much thought to: To live homeless, having nothing, having no one. How would I survive? I have spend many hours over the years contemplating the answers to these questions, and more. The scene I would have you see today would be of the gentleman sifting through the rubbish bin out side the grocery, hoping to find his dinner. I just had mine. I feel immense compassion when I look upon his life.

Day Fifty-Two and Fifty-Three

Day Fifty-Two: My view as I was lying on the picnic bench whilst I was read upon the finer points of mononucleosis.

Day Fifty-Three: I was only able to catch the tail end of this sunset. I liked the contrast. 

Day Forty-Nine

Dusk at "The Shacks". The Shacks are the equivalent of most schools cafeteria or food court. Local vendors operate their own little shack, where they offer exotic foods such as pizza, burgers, chicken fingers, grilled chicken, crepes, and curry. Of the various option, only one shack offers a dish or two of traditional Dominican cuisine. There are also a few that offer local juices and fresh fruits and vegetables. Some student's refuse to eat at the shacks, due to the occasional infamous "Shack Attack", or simply mild food poisoning, but others have no qualms. I occasionally patronize the shacks, the food isn't bad, but I prefer healthier options. 

Day Forty-Eight

Clifton Government School

Game of Hopscotch anyone?

Peds clinic.

Because I am an EMT I am given greater responsibilities than your typical first semester student. 

I like to start out by having the kids listen to my lungs and heart.