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A Free Afternoon, A Free Adventure, & A Free Life Lesson

  October 25

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Call me crazy (call me maybe?), but I almost got “used to” living on this Caribbean island.

We go to work and school and make dinner like other couples, except we happen to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. I hate to say it, but there have been times where I’ve gotten accustomed to the view from my office, the frequent rainbows that dash across the sky as I go about my errands, and the never ending bizarre moments that happen in a developing country (singing to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” on the radio while being stuck in a goat traffic jam in the middle of October).

Yet, when the hubs and I take the time to enjoy our surroundings, the result is usually so memorable, and it leaves us wanting more.

Today is Thanksgiving in Grenada. This is the day that the U.S. invaded Grenada back in 1983. It’s a bit different from an American Thanksgiving, given the circumstances of why it’s on this particular day, yet it’s a good reminder to be grateful for this very unique experience.

In some ways, living here in Grenada and being the wife of a medical school student is a lot like the hash we just went on. Hashing is a popular “sport” in many different countries. It’s a hike through the wilderness that experienced hashers set. It ends in a big party with music and in our case, fresh Grenada juices, food, and rum punch. It’s also free, which is right up my alley. We only made a $2EC donation each for the hash (75 cents in U.S. dollars) and then had a great afternoon.

I say hashing is a lot like this medical school experience and living in a foreign country because you start out really excited and really pumped for what’s about to come.

Grenada Hash

Then, you get into some rough patches. You might get a few scrapes, your dog lurches you through the woods faster than you would have liked to go (much like some of the hubs’ classes), but it’s actually kind of fun along the way.

Grenada Hash

Sometimes, it’s just an uphill battle. You feel like you can’t work any harder than you already are. You feel like there is no end in sight. (Plus, your ass and thighs might start to feel like you’ve never worked out in your life. Burn baby burn.)

Grenada Hash

…and then, just like that, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. There’s a good grade on a test or a quiet moment when you actually get to go on a date with your spouse. There might be a huge double rainbow outside that balances on top of an expansive sea, and you remember how lucky you are to be doing what you’re doing.

Grenada Hash

And, the best part is that if you can actually get through everything, you might just make it back in one piece:

Grenada Hash

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. What are you thankful for today?

4 responses to “A Free Afternoon, A Free Adventure, & A Free Life Lesson

  1. You look pretty clean in those pictures compared to some hash end photos that I’ve seen!

    Today was a rough day at work – so after this, I am totally thankful for the reminder that I, too, live in somewhat of a tropical paradise and that I will be sure to enjoy it this weekend.

    Hope you had a good Thanksgiving!

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