Getting Settled

Over the course of the last two weeks here I have had the opportunity to really just get settled into Saipan culture and prepare lessons for my upcoming school year.  Saipan culture is a little different than the one I am use too, everyone is allowed to be late because the Island is so casual and so relaxed(they call this "were on island time NO WORRIES").  This bothers me because I like to be a little early and getting to a place at a planned time rather than LATE.   This is just a little different for me to get used to in certain situations.  I also have to get use to the ants, they are terrible here and you have to put all of your food in the fridge else they chew through bags, boxes and other things.  Other than those things, people have been incredibly gracious and welcoming to me here.  The teachers were invited to a barbeque the other night and I was able to meet other Americans that are on the Island.  All of these Americans are either doctors, lawyers, or teachers because that is what the Island is in need of.  We were given a free car to use on the Island by a lawyer because he left the Island indefinitely, so we are very grateful that we have transportation for the time being.  My dad would probably have a heart attack if he saw this car and saw me driving it!!! It has many dents and is tinted from head to toe to keep the sun light out of it.  It has 3 blinking lights on the dash to get things checked out, but being on an island you only need something to drive you a couple miles so if it would break down we could just walk : ). On the Island you learn patience and to take things as they flow.  On another note we were able to go to the market on Thursday night(a once a week ritual for food and dancing up town).  You have everyone trying to sell you there food and everything is $1 whether you get a can of pop, bowl of rice, or a side of chicken.  This was an experience to see some of the different cultural dances and to taste the different foods of each culture. I have really learned to respect the different cultures and all they stand for.  So far it has been a great experience for me and a great lifestyle change for me.  I have seen so many struggles that people may face and have learned to be very thankful for what I have here and extremely grateful(however feel bad for what I receive at home).  A challenge for everyone reading this to take an important thing away for a couple days such as a TV or even turn off your air conditioning and see how good we really have things!!!!