Mini No More

So Mini 1 is over and so too is the aura of pessimism on the campus of Ross. The classes were pretty empty and there was a lot of partying in the days after the mini. I took the time off to sleep and rest as much as possible before it started all over again.

This past weekend was our first weekend where we were not in mini mode. Mini mode can be described as an increased physiological state of arousal brought on by excessive acute stress. Though the jury is out, I am pretty sure it is detrimental to one’s health and psyche. More of this to come in a month when mini 2 rolls around. For now, however, the roommates and I enjoyed a three day weekend. Now to those of you sitting back home reading this, this means “oh yay! No work.” To us, this extra day is an eternity (even more so because it is Dominican time). Melissa and I vowed we would not so much as open a book on one of three days and we didn’t. I thought that this lack of concern would put us in a precarious situation but in my opinion it enhanced my ability to learn on Sunday when I actually decided to sit down and learn. Besides, by the looks of it most student’s were enjoying every day of their three day weekend, I figured I could take at least one.

Melissa and I would reserve Saturday as our “No-studying day” and we figured we would catch a bus to Roseau and fetch ourselves some American, albeit unwholesome cuisine. By now you probably realized I am referring to KFC, Dominica’s only American fast food restaurant. After several attempts to make it to the bus stop we gave up and decided we would go to Portsmouth instead. For just one EC we were taken to Portsmouth in a bus packed with locals who were sharing cooking recipes with Melissa, who has yet to cook one meal since living here. I’ll let her defend her position on this but there is a hell of a lot of Vienna Sausage cans missing. Anywho, there was very little to purchase in Portsmouth despite a local telling us they had a “SUPERmarket”. Melissa bought a couple of trinkets and we had some really good ice cream at Douglas Restaurant. We came home and treated ourselves to a Dane Cook standup comedy show.

Later that night we had plans to eat at one of Dominica’s best restaurants (so we had heard) Sunset Bay Restaurant. The event was supposed to involve the usual 4 roommates (Melissa, Gabe, Derrick and I) as well as one of our neighbors who is an upper semester and has been particularly helpful and supportive, Karen. Karen called and told us she had slacked off all day and canceled dinner with us for time spent at the library [Yes, I know there is a reason she is in third semester and we may never get there (laughs)]. Next, Derrick would cancel by not picking up his phone and “mysteriously” disappearing for the whole day. In the end it was Melissa, Gabe and myself (third wheeling, I know). We fetched a cab and after a 30 minute roller coaster ride, in the dark, we arrived at Sunset bay. Sunset bay is a hotel and restaurant overlooking the water. Right away, we were greeted by the owner, Roger, who was at our table the whole entire night sharing stories, food and even a shot of vodka. Our dinner was very good and we called a taxi to head back home. On the long ride home we told stories of Christmas mornings as children and how Melissa feels it is unethical to lie to her children about Santa Claus. I, too was perplexed. Melissa thought it was funny that my dad would make my sister and I not only put milk and cookies for Santa, but pick out blades of grass for his reindeers.

After the same roller coaster ride back home, we arrived at our “tree house” and decided to watch a movie. So we popped in “the Godfather”, and I was out within an hour. I have yet to see the rest.

As I write I am in the library neglecting my duties as a student. I have one more lecture to go before I can go home and review all the day’s material. With that, I will leave you.

Until next time,
Michael