Happy Holidays

This post is slightly delayed but I hope it finds you all well.

IM OFFICIALLY DONE WITH MY 1ST YEAR OF VET SCHOOL!! 25% a doctor now and it feels good. Term 2 was definitely a bear, but I think it will prepare us well for term 3 which is supposed to be one of the most challenging. 8 Finals in about 2 weeks is quite tiring and requires alot of brainpower...but I passed all my classes and did pretty well so Im happy. We finished on Wednesday the 10th and my iflight wasnt booked until the 18th so I had a significant amount of time to actually enjoy the island. It felt like I hadnt actually stepped foot outside in weeks so it was a nice change of pace to wake up when I wanted and not have to go to class. Most of the days were spent out on the beach trying to get some color before returning to the cold of the US. My roommates left on the 13th but were nice enough to buy my dinner and get a little cheesecake to celebrate my birthday early. They are keepers for sure. The last night they were on the rock we decided to have a "spa" night. I was in charge of eyebrow cleanup, Sam painted nails, and Emily did massages. A nice relaxing way to spend the last night with the roomies.

Grand Anse Beach

Morne Rouge (BBC) Beach          

View from Sweetly Bakery

On my birthday my very good friend/soccer teammate and I decided to try out this new bakery on top of a hill overlooking both Grand Anse/Mornue Rouge Beaches. We split a sugar bomb donut, chocolate brioche, and a peperoni pocket. All of it was delicious ad the views were stunning. We then made our way down to Morne Rouge beach for some sun. I dont know what it was about that day but we had multiple locals come up to us and "chat" then ask for our phone numbers. One was a painter who wore a british flag flask around his neck (definite keeper), another a young man who was actually nice but couldnt take a hint, and the third was Rasta Frank. Now Rasta Frank didnt really hit on us but more gave us an hour long lesson on how to live life and what he does. The social boundaries are definitely different here but we politely listened to what they had to say and then went owth our lives. That night we went to dinner at the Schnitzle Haus which is owned by an adorable German couple. As we sat out on the porch we could hear the wife pounding the pork and chicken for our Schnitzle and smell the spaetzle cooking away. It was a delicious meal and the restaurant was situated overlooking the water so the views were fantastic as well. Topped off with some apple streudel we wobbled our way out to head back to campus. 

The next day we made our way up to Grand Etang Forrest to hike to seven sisters waterfalls. We had never been before andmight have gotten lost getting there but we made it. A young boy named Wayne was our guide up and down the slippery and muddy path to the falls. He had been guiding for 2 years and was a very spirited kid. After falling only a few times we made it to the bottom of the last 2 falls. My friend was brave enough to jump off the top into the pools below, but I didnt want to risk it right before heading home. The first 5 falls can be accesed by contining up a steep path an the only way back down is to jump down the falls. For this you must have a guide because of the rocks but we decided to pass on that portion anyway. After swimming in the cold water for a little Wayne took u to a 3rd fall called Honeymoon falls. It is so named because the surround rocks at the bottom form a heart. Unfortunately we didnt bring our cameras so for now I do nt have pictures. Next time I go Ill be sure to bring a camera.

The flights back were relatively painless, but my first flight was delayed enough to cause me to run through the Miami airport and get through all the lines just in enough time to board the plane. While I didnt have time to stop at Wendys and get my celebratory hamburger, I did make it on t the plane. Priorities I guess. That night I went out to dinner with my mom, grandparents and one of my best friends Sandy. Little did I know that the 6th place setting was for my other best friend Colleen who had just returned home early from Egypt. Such a nice surprise.

My plan over break i to eat as much good food as possible.....sorry stomach you are just gonna have to put on a few pounds. 

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. See you in a month

                                                        Hayley Mae Cant Wait for Santa