I am my own Hairdresser!

Me with the braids

Result of my labour!

And it came to pass that the days of braids were accomplished... I mean they just simply had to come out! So it was, that I embarked on the ambitious task of making my lovely natural tresses beautiful here in the motherland. But alas! It took over 3 hours to remove the braids and then came the arduous task of detangling and washing...another 2 hours. Well, to cut a long story short I finally did something, so take a look. What you guys think? I can help myself right? But boy, how I wish I was at Yashays! How many more months is it until this course finish again? This is just another thing that I have learnt to be grateful for ....being able to go to the hairdressers for a reasonable cost and great results.

Be thankful for the good things that you've got

Now people, I have to share my (not so nice) experience with the British health system. Unlucky for me I have had to interact with it since my arrival. Now, firstly you have to be 'registered' with a general practitioner in order to get any service. Having done that there is the 'appointment system'. If you are anything like me, you will have no reason to go to the doctors unless you are ill... that would be to have your issues addressed, right? Wrong! you have to navigate the billowing waters of getting that illusive appointment. It took me 3 weeks to get one.... and another week to see the phlebotomist for a blood test. Having come that far, you are informed that an appointment slot is for 10 minutes... if you need more time you have to state that when you are making the appointment. I kid you not! Having entered the 'holy of holies' of the doctor's office you now must hope that he or she is confident enough to treat you. I have been asked if I need a chaparone or what I thought was my malady with a view I suppose to being treated. If I knew what was wrong would I have needed the doctor? And it appears that the panacea is Ibroprophine... every complaint can thus be remedied.

The Dentist was no better. I found myself having to do a dental procedure of some magnitude and was told thereafter to take... you guessed it.... Ibroprophine. Needless to say, some 4 days later I was back in that office needing antibiotics for an infection.

The moral of the story? Be thankful for our 'Third World' doctors. The concept of a medical emergency seems unknown in this jurisdiction as well as having a clue as to how to properly diagnose, if at all. I will never take the health system at home for granted again. I know that it is nowhere close to being perfect but this experience was something else!

Happy Valentine's Day

This is maybe the 2nd Valentine's day that I have been away from Paul, my husband and friend of nearly 9 years. It is difficult. I miss him very much, as well as the kids. Just being in his presence strengthens me daily. The fact that we can now talk via Messenger and Skype on regular basis at minimal cost, has made it a little easier. I recognise the distance between Jamaica and the UK is quite far and as such I was content to dwell on my memories of happy times in the past... but Paul was not having that. I was pleasantly shocked and surprised when I got a call from the University post room that I had a package there to be collected. I thought nothing of it... until I realised that the package was in fact a vase with 12 long stemmed red roses!!! I am amazed and appreciative of the love this action has showed for me and I will never take it for granted. I don't know how he did it...and it doesn't matter. It must have taken a lot of effort and planning on his part and therefore I feel so humbled and loved.

Hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day!!

Campus Dinners

My peppered steak with a bit of Africa (Ugali and Okra)

Janielle's Fish and Bammy


Fritz's Jerk Chicken Delight

You know how we Jamiacans love our food? When I first got here it was quite a challenge. For those of us who are studying in London, things are not so bad...there is always Brixton and Harlsden... and a multiplicity of other places to get the tastes of home. Here in Norwich there is the occasional Tesco with some "foods of the world" (HA!) and of course Magdalen Street where we can get a bit of 'ethnic' foods. But we survive nonetheless with what we have ... and we do have good times. The right food really helps to keep me going... so don't you just love this!!

IT REALLY SNOWED!!!

These are the falling snowflakes

Me in the middle of the falling snow
It was February 1st, 2008... It really snowed this time not just frost. It was about 7pm and when I looked outside in the darkness I saw what looked like rain but upon closer examination I discovered that it was really snowflakes. Just about that time it would appear that other 'gladiss' people like myself who never saw it before went outside to investigate the phenomenon. Needless to say, there were many a picture taken, and many a snowball flung. As for me, since I was nigh on the other side of campus I had to take that dreaded 15 minute walk to my room ... in the falling snow. I was totally unprepared (footwarewise) and thus claimed the dubious honour of having the melting snow soak right through my shoes and socks. I tell you guys, it was real pretty to look at, but not so nice to be in. I will leave my snowy experiences to the world of TV ... and continue to long for the warmth of my homeland.