I’ve loved my time on Saba and feel really blessed to have had so much time here. When Susan left Toronto in September 2008 to begin her 20 months of study here, we didn’t know how much time we would have together. We knew that I would be doing my MA over the calendar year, but after that was somewhat of a mystery. The other day, I sat down and figured out how much time I’ve spent in Saba since Susan arrived. Here it is:
- December 2008 – January 2009 = 1 month
- May 2008 – July 2009 = 2 months
- October 2009 – October 2009 = 2 weeks
- November 2009 – December 2009 = 1 month
- January 2010 – February 2010 = 1 month
- Total: 5.5 months
So, five and half months isn't too bad considering we didn't know how much time we would have together.
Leaving Saba is fine, we knew it was inevitable, but there are some people here that I will miss. Cletus, the head immigration officer on Saba, who graciously allowed me to do my MA practicum with him, will be missed. Every morning he would pick me up and have a freshly baked “Johnny Cake” for me. He also introduced me to “Ting,” the best pop t
his side of Orange Fanta. I will miss our landlords Lynne and Will, who were so kind to us. I volunteered with the grade one class on the island, so I will miss the kids and their hugs. I will miss Teacher Camille and Coach Derrick too. Bussy Bussy, the bus driver, who doesn’t have a real name and talks so quickly that he sold me an ’85 Camero and I didn’t even know it. Melvin, the Rasta gardener, who taught me the fertile differences between chicken and goat manure, and was always willing to dole out fist bumps will be missed. Patrich and Sofie from the Cottage Club always greeted us with warm smiles when we passed them on the street. Although I barely got to know Paul and Chris from Shearwater, I have a feeling there would've been some good times. The Colombian ladies at the “Snack Bar” and their milkshakes, which come the closest to my grandma’s, will be missed. The ladies at SOS, who I could relate to and taught me how to sew, will also be missed. Many of Susan’s classmates have become friends of mine that I hope to cross paths with them in the future. I’ll miss the Sabans who greet you in the street and give you 2 quick beeps of their car horns. I’ll miss the +30 temperature everyday. Of course, I’ll miss Susan too, but she will be leaving in the island in two short months.
When Susan, first applied to Saba we didn’t even know where this little island was located on the map. Now it will be etched in our memories forever. We can’t wait to come back years from now and see how it has changed. However, we hope that it remains “The Unspoiled Queen.”
Here is a link to a Wall Street Journal write up on Saba so you can get a better idea of the island:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704876804574628282220273324.html
