a few of my favorite things

I never thought I would say this, but I'm going to say it now - even though I will probably relapse a few times this semester - Dominica is starting to feel like home.

I was watching the Sound of Music this morning, a great movie for a pick-me-up, and starting to think about my favorite things, I want to share a few of my favorite things that I love about it here:

*We have a family here now, consisting of our wonderful neighbors, Crystal, Broc, Crew and Jack on the middle floor, Paul and Kristen on the top floor, and our landlords, Marcus and Gemy.

starting at the left, going around the table: Crew, Cheryl (Kristen's mom),
Crystal and Jack, Kristen, Paul, Blake, me, Marcus, Gemy)

*I am convinced that this is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Sunsets are my favorite:

*Fresh fruits and vegetables. Although I am NOT a morning person, once I am up and get myself to the Saturday morning market, I love picking out my produce and chatting with the locals. A favorite is passion fruit, I make juice out of them by cutting them open, scooping out the seeds, straining it, and add sugar and water.

*scuba. Blake and I got open water certified during the break between his first and second semester. There is so much to see out here, I can't wait to go again. If you think its amazing here above ground, just image what its like under water. I don't have pictures yet, but I will share some once we get them developed.

*Most importantly, my favorite thing about here is that Blake loves what he is doing and where he is in life. I've never seen him happier.

Of course I miss the states, our family, friends, and our dogs, but for now we can call Dominica home.