It's been two weeks now since our arrival in Guantanamo and we're still getting adjusted but overall enjoying the transition.
I don't have any pictures to show because the day we arrived, my camera stopped working for good. It's a goner now. But good news is that my new camera will be my Mother's day gift! I can't wait. I've been doing a lot or research on which will be my future camera. Hard decision.
We're still living on temporary furniture and 1 luggage of clothes. We finally got a broom to clean! haha. Our household items from Tampa and our car will be here next month. In the mean time, a co-worker of Henry's is lending us his car. So at least we are able to get around.
Weather here is very hot. But most of the day there is a nice off-shore breeze to keep things cool. You just can't stand in the sun for more than five minutes. It's daylight from 6am to almost 8 at night.
We live in a quiet cul-de-sac neighborhood. We've met most of the neighbors - and they are all civilians (not military) working for government offices or contracting companies out here. They all really enjoy GTMO. Some of them have been here for more than 5 years. Mostly just married couples, younger and older, but not many kids. There is a cool playground just a few houses down that Gio, Luli and I walk to every evening.
Giovanni has been making new pals at a weekly play group on Wednesday mornings and reading hour at the library on Fridays. There are a lot of children his age. Not that they play together but at least they keep each other company :) I've met a lot of the Mom's too. They seem pretty nice. Gio starts swim classes next week. We'll see how we does (again). Last time was pure torture. They have a baby pool here that he loves to swim in. And he has been enjoying the beach too.
Henry's job is good so far. He is still waiting for computer access though so his work is limited. He is going swimming with a group on Sunday mornings in the bay, and playing volleyball on the weekends too. He's anxious to get all his gear so he can skateboard, wind surf, kite surf, etc.
As for me, I am still scoping out my options - work or school or both or none. The jobs here are slim though. And many don't pay much. Guantanamo is filled with Philippinos and Jamaicans (they refer to them as Nationals) who work for pennies a day. They earn from $1.99 to $7 an hour. So many of the jobs are filled by them at cheap rates. We are learning a lot about the job politics here. It's tricky. I applied for a senior bank teller position and for a part-time publicity clerk (Marketing for the military activities department). Bank teller position was already filled. They're review the Marketing apps next week. I'm also applying for a college scholarship and applying to the college for the online Masters program. All is still all up in the air. But soon things will figure themselves out. I just need to do something while I'm here.
I've been taking classes at the gym - spinning, yoga, and pilates taught by some crazy Jamaicans. They don't mess around. These are the most intense classes I have ever taken. I'm still sore from "Pilates" last Tuesday. I think it should be called Pilates 3000 cuz it is beyond any pilate-ness I've ever known. Very popular though. Great workout.
Well, that's all the updates for now. We miss everyone very much and hope to keep in touch at least by internet.
Lots of love!
No comments:
Post a Comment