Emily’s Musings

We’re DONE. Let me rephrase that, DONE, DONE, DONE with Saba. In fact, we couldn’t stay and live on the island for a few more months even if we wanted to. Something about qualifying for a temporary residency permit or something . . . you know, most countries (minus Mexico) have a problem with foreigners staying without proper documentation . . .

David took a wicked eight hour exam yesterday. The golden ticket off this island is a passing score on that test . . . which THANKFULLY HE GOT! After the grueling exam, there was a “Basic Science Recognition Ceremony” (not to be confused with a graduation ceremony) for completing five semesters of medical school school hell. The ceremony is really just a formality to recognize everyone, and a few students get up and babble about nothing (much like the Grammys) which is mostly a waste of time. If it weren’t for the lady in front of me, who was technically impaired and asked for my help to demonstrate how to use her digital camera, I would have been BORED OUT OF MY BRAINS.

The food and entertainment following the ceremony was “Saba Style” which means: a random array of food, and a local band playing shakers, steel drums, guitars and a banjo.

Here are some highlights:

You may not be able to tell in this photo, but we are EXTREMELY HAPPY. David is COMPLETELY done with the basic science portion of med school, and that means the island is kicking us off. Forever. We can only come back to visit.

This is our next door neighbor Shannon. Hannah affectionately refers to her as “SHAN!” (yes, in all caps, every time she says her name) She also survived five semesters here. As I write this, she is on her way back home to San Francisco. Shannon will secretly kill me for saying this, but since this is my blog, I have to say something; Shannon is famous. Maybe not “People Magazine” famous, but famous as in a Professional Ballerina. She danced with American Ballet Theater for years before starting med school. People followed her career and stuff. She danced all over the world, and then BAM! She ended up on “Planet Saba” like us. See, we’re not the only interesting people on this island. We are going to miss her terribly. Hannah has already gone out to the patio and yelled “SHAN!!!” a few times today. I’ll let David break the news to Hannah that she’s gone. He’s better at that stuff than me.

This was the entertainment for the evening. The speakers worked VERY WELL AND NOBODY COULD CARRY ON A CONVERSATION.

Okay, this photo might seem random, but I specifically took this photo for one reason: To share this “unique outfit” with all of you. This is the island Doc. He has been on Saba for like a century now, but still has a very strong Scottish accent. He spoke briefly at the recognition ceremony and all I could concentrate on was his outfit. He kept my attention is all I’m going to say.

We officially have nothing on our agenda for the next 10 days except swim, sleep, hang out, and swim some more. Depending on my ambition, we might also do some hiking. But, that would require a lot of ambition, and hey . . . we’re in the Caribbean.