Our Egypt BFFs come to town!

Rob and I have been really lucky to have a lot of friends and family come visit us since we moved to St. Kitts. My cousin Lia and friend Mauri came down in October for my birthday, my cousin JP came in Feb/March, my parents visited the beginning of April, and most recently, our friend Beth and Damian visited from the UK.

Damian and Beth by the river at Wingfield Estate.

We met Beth and Damian in 2010 when we moved to Egypt. Beth, like me, worked in Dr. Zahi's office. The four of us quickly bonded over living abroad in Cairo. We hadn't seen each other in a year; since Rob and I moved back to the states last April. I was really excited when B&D booked their trip to St. Kitts! The best part was they planned a nice long 10 day vacation!

They arrived on Tuesday April 17th, smack in the middle of Rob's finals! Luckily, he only had two finals to go (and yes Rob passed all his classes, is moving up to 3rd semester, and has a 3.0 GPA!), and was able to spend time with our guests for the majority of their trip. The first full day they were here was a beach day- Rob had a final and I had to work. So, I dropped them at the beach at noon and picked them up at 4. Thursday was Rob's last final of the semester, so Beth, Damian, and I met Rob and his fellow students at port from some salted cod johnny cakes and some frozen cocktails. Salted cod johnny cakes is local fare, and Damian was eager to taste one. Beth opted for a chicken johnny cake, I don't blame her (salted cod=
yuck).

Since Rob was done with finals, he had plenty of time to hang out with our guests. We had a beach day and Beth and Damian went snorkeling. Beth had never been before, and I was pleased that they were able to see some cool stuff. Damian found a bunch of sand dollars, and once back on shore he promptly sat on and broke all of them!  Rob also took Beth and Damo on an island tour, driving them completely around the island and giving them a lay of the land. We visited Brimstone Fortress and learned about its history AND saw loads of monkeys! That night we ate at Sprat Net's and watched a beautiful Caribbean sunset. Life is hard in the islands.

Sunset from Sprat Net

On our second trip into town we had more Johnny cakes, and Beth was the victim of an exploding hot sauce bottle. She twisted the top off, and it sounded like a champagne bottle being uncorked. Hot sauce flew all over Beth and the wall next to her. The hot sauce was coming out of the bottle like lava erupting from a volcano. It was gross. Needless to say, no one used THAT hot sauce. After lunch, we visited the National Museum, housed in the old Treasury Building. It was a small museum, only three rooms, but very interesting and educational.

Damian, me, and Rob at the Main Ordnance Store at Brimstone

We also went on two turtle walks. We went out to Keys Beach at 8pm, and met up with the St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network, in the hopes of seeing some Leatherback turtles come on the beach to nest. The first night we were there from 8pm til 1:30am. No turtles. Well, we found out the next day one came up at 2am!!! We tried to go out again on Wednesday night, two days later, we stayed from 8pm-2am, NO turtles!!! We were really bummed out. Apparently, this year has been a very slow nesting season. I guess usually there are 1-3 turtles a night, and this year they will go days with no turtles nesting.

Wednesday during the day Beth and Damian went on a mini hike to the Bat Cave (although, they didn't climb over the boulder). They did enjoy the jungle-y scenery, the petroglyphs, and Beth got a wicked bruise on her thigh (although, I don't think she enjoyed that).  Thursday I took B&D to do some more sightseeing at Wingfield Estate and Romney Manor. They were able to buy a few souvenirs and gifts for people back home at Caribelle Batik. Friday morning we did a bit more gift buying in Port Zante, and then we were headed to Reggae Beach.  Of course, my wonderful island car decided not to start. It seemed the battery had died. I called Ross security, and they sent the mobile unit out to jump the car. Interestingly, it seemed that when the guy pulled the plastic off the terminal the lights came on... weird. But just to be safe we connected and jumped. Success.

Down to Reggae we went! We had some lunch, waited for a small rain shower to pass, then grabbed some beach chairs and lounged away. Well, I lounged away. Beth and Damian did some more snorkeling alone and with Rob. They found some really cool shells, including a small conch that was perched atop a large sponge. They couldn't figure out how it got there, but it looked cool so they grabbed it. Later, as we were packing up to head home, Damian was deciding which shells he should keep. Rob had found the one sitting on the sponge, so Damo handed it to me to hold. All of a sudden the shell jerked in my hand. I, being a huge baby, freaked out and threw it on the chair. Beth peeked inside, and sure enough there was a HUGE hermit crab living in the shell! We decided to set him free, and put him back in the water so he could climb up his sponge to his penthouse apartment in the sea.

Beth and me at Brimstone

Saturday was the day Beth and Damian had to fly back, but first Trevor and I took them over to SNAPPER, where the rehab turtles live. We got a "free" tour since those selfish Leatherbacks refused to show during our night walks! Beth and Damo got to meet some cute little hatchlings, Brimmie and Frodo (my two favorites), and poor two flipper Olivia. No giant, wild, Leatherbacks, but I am glad they got to see some sea turtles nonetheless.

Damian and Rob and a cannon.

Later that afternoon we had to say goodbye and part ways at the airport. It was so great to have Beth and Damian here that it was hard to say goodbye to them. I hope we don't have to go another year before seeing each other again. Maybe next year, Rob and I can make a trip to England... even though it will probably be cold and rainy... ;)

Oh... and if you haven't hear, I'm pregnant! If you are interested, I have created a pregnancy blog, and you can follow it here.

Keep on trucking February

February has been one of those months where I have been too lazy to write many posts. Well, that and I haven't done a ton of awesome stuff like usual.

I have been dying to go snorkeling, but the water has been just a little too cold. Luckily, it's warming up fast, and Catherine and I plan on scoping out some new snorkel spots we've had our eyes on.  I have been going to the beach, but it's not as much fun when you can't get in the water!

My favorite part of Wednesdays? Pirate ship at Shipwreck Beach.

I have been spending loads of time with the other Ladies of Leisure: Wednesday Catherine and I went out to Club 1 for some dancing, Thursday was pool day at Calypso Bay, and Friday the ladies had dinner at Nirvana, and then finished the night at Bamboo Lounge. Rob had two tests, so he was totally fine with me staying out of his hair. Unfortunately, those tests fell on either side of Valentine's day. Fortunately, I had a great valentine anyway! While Rob was studying on campus with his friend Brayton, I went to the movies with Leann (B's wife).  We saw The Vow, a sappy chick flick that we made fun of the whole time. I didn't love the movie, but I do love Leann, so it was a successful Valentine's date in my book.

Me and Leann

The other great part about Valentine's day was my archaeology kids. I decided to teach them about stratigraphy. Now, all my archaeology friends are probably thinking, "Kids, stratigraphy? Why bother?" Uh, cause I taught they all about it with cake!!!  I made a cake with one layer each of chocolate, yellow, and strawberry. Then, I buried "artifacts" in each of the layers.  It was pretty awesome. After we excavated the site we discussed the different layers, and artifacts that they found. It was awesome. When was the last time you taught 10 year olds graduate school concepts so that they understand? Yeah, that's what I though, never. It's cool, maybe one day you can do it too.

Stratigraphy cake! You can even see of of the "artifacts" poking out of the top layer!

Thursday was kind of a big deal too, cause I had a job interview. There is a Hills Pet Food store on campus that caters to the students, faculty, and staff. There are two positions opening at the end of the semester, and I got an interview. I also got the job. Yep, they offered it to me later that day.  The craziest thing is that the next day I got another job offer. When it rains it pours right? It's a far cry from Egyptian Art History, but hey- money is money right?!

My cousin JP!

I'm crazy excited for next week. It's mid-semester break on Monday (and Rob's birthday, so don't forget to call/skype/email him!), and my cousin JP comes to visit on Wednesday for 5 days!!! I spend a lot of time trying to convince everyone I know to come down and visit, so I can't wait for JP to get here. My parents will be here a month after JP, then two weeks later Beth and Damian (our BFFs from England) visit for 10 days, and then a week later my aunt and uncle visit for a week at the beginning of May! I love having guests. So... start planning your trip... now.

Home Sweet Home: Dolphin Style

After a really great trip back home for Christmas and New Years, Rob and I are back on the Rock. We spent two and a half glorious weeks with our family, who we really love, but we were both excited to get back to St. Kitts. It's too cold in the states for me now... All this desert and tropical island living has ruined me for winter! :)

The best part about coming back to the island was NOT having to live on campus anymore! It took a few days of cleaning and organizing (and a little bit of party-throwing) but we are finally settled into our new home- The Dolphin House. If you missed my original post about the DH, it got it's name from the enormous mural painted on the back of our pool. It is a delightful portrayal of a happy mommy and baby orca living in their salty underwater world. Yes, I know orcas are not dolphins (although they are in the dolphin family), but they apparently look like dolphins from the golf course behind our house.

View over our pool out to the Atlantic Ocean

Rob and I are sharing the house with Kate and Trevor. Kate and Rob and both in second semester, and we were all in the same orientation group last year. Our house is pretty awesome. We have a huge kitchen with tons of storage and a gas stove (thank God) and oven (double thank God), a giant tv and comfy couches, and a HUGE deck with a sweet sweet pool. Oh yeah, we also have private balconies of each of our bedrooms.  The awesome-est part of the Dolphin House is the incredible view. I can even see the ocean when I shower! Seriously though, we have a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, completely uninterrupted. Life is good in the Dolphin House.

The pool

Rob's best friend Zack met us in St. Kitts for some island fun before Rob started school. They hiked to the top of Mt. Liamuiga on Wednesday, and they also cut the cast off of Rob's broken arm. Why you ask? "It had to come off Stephanie, it had to come off," was the response I got from my husband. It's strange though, because I don't remember Rob going to medical school or having a osteopathic medical degree...

Thursday was Trevor's 27th birthday, so we invited all our friends to come over for a party. I think everyone had a really great time. I had a lot of fun, minus the part where I was physically assaulted and thrown into the pool against my will. Oh well, I guess that's what happens when you hang out with a bunch of lushes.

Our bedroom

Friday we took a catamaran trip to Nevis. We loaded on the the cat, did a bit of snorkeling in good ol' Shitten Bay, then headed across the Narrows to Nevis. We had lunch on the beach, played in the water, and cruised on home.

Saturday Rob, Zack, and Trevor hiked up to the Bat Cave, while some friends and I went and had brunch at the Marriott and lounged on the beach all day.  I have to ease back into my lifestyle or I might hurt myself. Baby steps... haha just kidding, my life is a piece of cake right now, and I love it!

Sunday was a quiet day... Kate and Rob got ready for school and that was about it. Today they were back to the books, and Trevor and I went to our VIP meeting then grocery shopping. Big day right? Now the groceries are put away and we're waiting for the kids to get out of school at 3. Life has gone back to normal for me here in SK.

To see more pictures of our house and it's view click here!

Oh, and if you haven't heard yet: I got a job offer to go back to Egypt to work on an expedition. My old boss, Dr. Peter Lacovara heads up an dig at Malqata on an 18th Dynasty harem palace that may have been a childhood home to King Tut. As of right now I am planning on going next January and February to work with him.  We will see what the next year holds for Egypt before I book any flights!

Mauri and Lia's visit

Last week two of my friends came to St. Kitts for a visit: my cousin Lia, and my friend Mauri. The arrived last Tuesday and stayed through Sunday. We had tons of fun, but the time flew by!

After picking them up at the airport, we dropped off their luggage at home, and went into town for some lunch at the Circus Grille. Tuesday night we headed to trivia (Rob had a test Friday and the following Monday, so we were trying to stay out of his hair). Most of our team was MIA, and we lost pretty badly! Wednesday we headed to the market here on campus, and then to Shipwreck Beach. The weather was perfect, and we were able to get in about 2 hours of snorkeling. I even saw a hawksbill sea turtle! That was by far the best part for me! Of course, I forgot to grab our camera before getting in the water, so I do not have any pictures to share.  There was a whole lot of monkeys hanging out too; usually you see one or two, but we saw around 8 or 9! They were swinging in the trees, sitting at the restaurant tables, lounging on the grass. They are super cute! Later that night we all headed to the casino at the Marriott for some gambling.  We all lost at the slots (such a waste of money), and then we did reasonably well at roulette for a while!  I am not so good at the whole casino thing, but it was still fun. Thursday we went to the Marriott beach- we just sat our buts on the beach for 6 hours. It was delightful. That evening we went to see the movie In Time.  It was a bit to unbelievable for my tastes, but it was alright. Friday we had an adventure day of sorts. First we went into Port Zante, this is where all the cruise ships dock, and has tons of duty free shopping and a local craft market. Then we headed to Romney Manor at Wingfield Estates. First we went to the Caribelle Batik store, then went ziplining. So much fun! Friday evening Rob, Lia, Mauri, and I went to La Belle Vie for dinner. It is a little French restaurant here on the island, and it was delicious! Saturday was my birthday and another beach day- this time we went down to Reggae and Cockleshell beach. We hung out at Reggae most of the day, then walked over to the Spice Mill, another restaurant. I hadn't been there before, but had wanted to try it, and I was not disappointed! I really liked the atmosphere of Spice Mill too- I plan on going again. When we walked back to our stuff at Reggae after lunch, we noticed the sand had been all rooted through, and our bag of apples, bananas, and cookies were missing. Wilbur the pig ate all of our stuff! Jerk! The best part was all the other people on the beach- they were clearly staring at us to see what our reaction would be! Jerks! They could have shooed Wilbur away, or given us a heads up, "Oh, hey, the giant pig ate your food... we tried to stop him but couldn't." Nope- nothing. Oh well!  Saturday night, Mauri, Lia, Trevor, Candice, Brayton, Leann, and I went out to celebrate my birthday at Nirvana. It is at an old plantation house, and it was another tasty meal! Our waitress was a bit weird, she seemed confused a lot, and none of us could figure out why! It was a really nice night, and I am so glad I had friends to spend it with since my family (besides Rob), is far away. Sunday I dropped Lia and Mauri back at the airport, and just like that it was back to me and Rob and a quiet apartment!

I haven't been able to download pictures to add to this post, but if you click here, you can see all the pictures that Lia took.

I had so much fun with Lia and Mauri; I hope they are able to come back and visit again! Hopefully we will be lucky, and have lots more of our friends and family visit while Rob and I are in St. Kitts!