After the kids explored Kingstown, we walked to a 'lunch van' that Sam and his group had found during their town adventure. We chose between a chicken and bread fruit dish and a local Pilau dish, which consisted of rice and bean with some chicken. The kids were all psyched to try local food! After everyone got their food we piled into a van and headed to the beach. The van ride was definitely a highlight - there is nothing quite like squishing together and jamming to loud Caribbean music! The beach was absolutely beautiful - clear, aqua water, little colorful fish, and slow calming waves. We relaxed for a while and then packed back into our favorite van to return to the New Montrose. Back at the hotel we had some time to relax - a group went to the supermarket to buy some last minute things for dinner, extra cereal for breakfast, and tomorrow night's dinner supplies; the cooking group (Lee, Ryan, Ariel, Joe) began our meal; the rest of the group read and played cards on the balcony. Dinner was spaghetti with meat and veggie sauce and a big salad - delicious! After dinner was cleaned up we formed a circle on the balcony and Evan lead a very moving Family Crest activity. Everyone shared a lot about themselves and we ended feeling much closer as a group. After the Family Crest we had Evening Discussion and went to bed! A perfect introduction to St. Vincent island life; an amazing first day!!
This morning we woke up around 8:30 and had breakfast by 9am. The kids motivated quickly, knowing we had a full day of activities planned, and we left the hotel by 10am for Kingstown. The leaders of the day, Hannah and Isaiah, led us back into Kingstown where the group split up into groups of 4 and embarked on a Kingstown Magical Mystery Tour, a Windsor Mountain tradition. The groups were instructed to explore the city again, but this time with specific tasks to complete - tasks included finding a copy of the local paper, speaking to members of the community, staging a public performance of Purple Lilacs, and finding lunch. The kids were all excited to spend more time getting to know the city and getting more chances to interact with the local people. We have been so impressed with the group's maturity, their eagerness to take safe risks and step out of their comfort zones, and their family mentality :) Our plan for the rest of the day is to find another beach to swim at and to do a big grocery shop in preparation for going to the Cupids tomorrow. We leave you know with a few words from the kids, themselves, about what they've been enjoying and learning:
Anna: "We traveled in an awesome van that blasted music, we went to the beach for an hour and a half."
Ryan: "The van was the best taxi I have ever been in in my entire life and I learned that cooking for a ton of people can be very challenging."
Calvin: "We went to the beach, met some locals, and had the best taxi ride ever."
Silvana: "I liked walking around town, it reminded me of the city with everyone everywhere doing their own thing."
Joe: "We explored Kingstown and went swimming at a beautiful beach. My favorite part was exploring town, which is filled with friendly people and full of personality."
Hannah: "On the first day we explored the market, went swimming, and met a lot of great people. A highlight was when we got an amazing taxi ride with great music."
Seamus: "My high of yesterday was the taxi ride and meeting some very interesting people, trying new food, and generally surrounding myself with the island culture."
Sophie: "Today we were submerged in the beautiful and vibrant culture of St. Vincent. The highlight of today was getting to swim in the beautiful Caribbean Sea."
Ariel: "Today was a total culture shock - we left the comfortable New Montrose Hotel and entered the world of Kingstown. The city was booming with friendly people and different things to do. After exploring the city we went to the beach and relaxed in the ocean. We headed back to the hotel and were able to bond over experiences and further solidify our family unit."
Francesco: "On the first day we had an awesome time touring Kingstown and chilling on the beach. We hired this taxi that we all piled into and drove to the beach. We jammed to St. Vincent music on the way. I managed to not get sunburned cause I applied enough sunscreen and I tried this food called Pilau that was really tasty - having an awesome time!"
Lee: "Spent time getting to know local people and swam in the crystal clear sea."
Moose: "Met locals in Kingstown, swam at a really awesome beach."
Sam: "Became friends with the locals and had the best taxi ride of my life - I am a monstrosity!"
Isaiah: "Finished my book, swam in the ocean, and explored Kingstown."
Leah: "Walked around Kingstown, took a crazy van ride, swam in the ocean - it was a lot nicer than northern mass - and read my book."
Judah: "Walked around Kingston, meeting people, and tried local foods. Took a great cab ride and swam in the ocean."
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