Our Home away from home!
The University of the West Indies, MonaSchool of Nursing
new facility, almost complete!
Christina on campus at the fishpond, The University Chapel in the background
Cindy on one of our afternoon walks in our neighborhood
A view of the University Chapel and aqueduct in the background
Good day from Jamaica!
We arrived safely in Kingston Friday morning to a wonderful, sunny 80 degree day. We have spent our first weekend in Jamaica acclimating to the heat and exploring the gorgeous campus of The University of the West Indies and surrounding areas of Mona. Our hosts, the Nursing Faculty of UWISON have been most welcoming and gracious in making sure we could navigate campus, be “fed and watered,” and our comfort in our home away from home, The Long Mountain House.
Communication has been a little more of a challenge than we had planned. Internet is somewhat limited at our house but should be better on campus. Our phone service is good for incoming calls and text messages but we have had difficulty with out going calls.
Today, Sunday February 1st we attended church service on the UWI campus. The overall service taught progression (personal and professional) during a recession. The ministers and students alike were all happy to greet us and it seems everyone we meet is instantly excited when we tell them it is our first time to Jamaica.
One of the more baffling things about acclimating to Jamaica is the currency exchange rate. Currently the rate is $1 US to $80 Jamaican; we spent a staggering $3100 at the grocery yesterday! Other adventures have included tasting the local culture; highlights which included bamee, jerk chicken, tamarind juice and patties (meat stuffed, deep fried croissant-like crescents).
Tomorrow we will formally meet with the UWISON faculty and plan the details of our nurse educator synthesis experience. We are looking forward to the opportunity to learn from the experienced nurse educators and students, as well as represent Duke University’s School of Nursing here.
We arrived safely in Kingston Friday morning to a wonderful, sunny 80 degree day. We have spent our first weekend in Jamaica acclimating to the heat and exploring the gorgeous campus of The University of the West Indies and surrounding areas of Mona. Our hosts, the Nursing Faculty of UWISON have been most welcoming and gracious in making sure we could navigate campus, be “fed and watered,” and our comfort in our home away from home, The Long Mountain House.
Communication has been a little more of a challenge than we had planned. Internet is somewhat limited at our house but should be better on campus. Our phone service is good for incoming calls and text messages but we have had difficulty with out going calls.
Today, Sunday February 1st we attended church service on the UWI campus. The overall service taught progression (personal and professional) during a recession. The ministers and students alike were all happy to greet us and it seems everyone we meet is instantly excited when we tell them it is our first time to Jamaica.
One of the more baffling things about acclimating to Jamaica is the currency exchange rate. Currently the rate is $1 US to $80 Jamaican; we spent a staggering $3100 at the grocery yesterday! Other adventures have included tasting the local culture; highlights which included bamee, jerk chicken, tamarind juice and patties (meat stuffed, deep fried croissant-like crescents).
Tomorrow we will formally meet with the UWISON faculty and plan the details of our nurse educator synthesis experience. We are looking forward to the opportunity to learn from the experienced nurse educators and students, as well as represent Duke University’s School of Nursing here.
Dear Cindy and Christina. Sounds like you are settling in nicely, finding all the amenities and learning about the culture. I'm happy to hear you have engaged in some cultural activities such as shopping and going to church service. Can't wait to hear how your first days have been. I love this blog and being able to keep in touch! Talk to you soon!
ReplyDeleteSusan Henk
I am so excited for you two!!! It sounds like you are getting settled, be sure to keep us posted!!
ReplyDelete