September 1st, 2009 - DOMINICA

Still not sure how to pronounce it... We drove around the island, relished a Tarzan moment by swinging on tree branches, hung out with some locals, saw some waterfalls, and bathed in sulfur. Nothing out of the ordinary.

August 31st, 2009 - ST. THOMAS

We relaxed on the beach.

Williamson Family Reunion 2009

Just kidding... we didn't have t-shirts or anything like that. First family vacation that I've made in awhile. Good times!

Just because I can't seem to get enough of islands, we went on an island hopping cruise. I have to admit I had a little island envy since all the stops were lush and GREENER THAN GREEN.

We left from Puerto Rico and headed first to St. Thomas.

I'd endure multiple subway transfers to be with you.

Then I went home to good old Long Island, land of the deviated septum and amazing bagels.

Being my OCD self, I spent the first couple of days ransacking my room in an attempt to de-clutter my life. My sister got very lucky this trip around.

Not to state the obvious, but I got to spend a good amount (but never quite enough) time with my family and friends. Hoepfully my Mom will stop worrying now that she's seen that I am in fact still alive and kicking.

I didn't realize how much I missed the city until I was back in it, but after driving through it I was somewhat intimidated by it.

I can't believe how swanky the new Yankees Stadium is, but the highlight might have been Paul McCartney bopping along to his own music. Of course being their with their biggest fan, Courtney Shea, made even greater (and not getting lost driving, that was a miracle).

The house that Jim built...

August - Upstate

My parents picked me up and we headed upstate for the weekend. It's the best place to catch up on some sleep. The highlights of the weekend were my neighbor helping me with my ear problems and seeing a groundhog. The house looks incredible. What my Dad is capable of just amazes me.

August - 2009

I left for the States on August 17th.
Spent a few days in Boston with my favorite Fountain Place ladies. Enjoyed a late night calzone, and canolis. All was right in my world.

August - 2009

I went to Praia and Assomada for a week to help with the new training.
Tuga's new volunteer, Sarah, and I share the same b-day so she threw a surprise b-day party for the two of us.
We went to the Senora Nossa festa in Tchan de Tanque, which was very different than the same festa last year.
I finally saw Andrew's site out in Pedro Badejo. It's incredible and reminded me of Santo Antao.

I could have sworn I took some pictures, but apparently not.

I should have taken a video of Dacia completely rocking out to Thriller and nailing every single move. I'm rhythmically challenged, so Dacia is my idol.

The trainees seem really nice, and it was a great excuse to see all of my old trainers. A great week to kick off summer vacation.

August - 2009

I guess it's been awhile since I last updated the blog, so here goes

School officially ended at the end of July, but I continued working until I left for Praia on August 10th.
From August 7-9th we had Baias das Gatas music festival.

First night when we got there my favorite local group were playing on the stage. Kudos to them. Also got to see Cesaria live. Pretty amazing, even though she kind of just stands there while singing.

I didn't want to risk getting my camera stolen so I don't have any pictures...