Gratitude

Well this past week finished with a crescendo that I never expected. We finished our last day of teaching in St. Georges to be moved in the evening to Lance Aux Pines which is roughly two miles west of True Blue campus (where we were housed initially). Apparently True Blue’s food services department would be closed after this weekend for the summer. So, the group and I had understood we were being moved. We understood that we were being moved to an exclusive location. We did not expect the grandeur of the club we were being moved to. The University Club: a very modest name for the luxury we have been treated with.

It’s difficult to describe initial gut reactions. But mine went something like this: “Holy shit”. We had passed the gate fence, around the water fountain, down the driveway lined with tall palms and to the reception area when it struck me; we were living in an upscale resort. We unloaded our luggage and checked in. No, these were not dorms. They weren’t even average apartments. We looked to the north of the main hall and saw villas, those which we would be living in. Curved stone walkways led to each villa’s entrance. A patio diverging left and right led to each half of the villa duplex. In the center of each villa was a shared kitchen, exposed to the outdoors. We are living the dream; a living experience which is 20 feet from a gorgeous beach in the Lance Aux Pines bay. Adjacent to the bay is our swimming pool, shaded by the trees of paradise.

Dining at The University Club leaves me the most spoiled I have ever been. I love food. But the chef here is unbelievable. Yes, a chef, an Italian one at that. He is quite the master of culinary arts and has yet to disappoint. In fact I am 99.999% positive that will not happen. Last night’s dessert, a wine poached pear topped with cinnamon ice cream and a chocolate stick, coated with uniquely flavored glazes (probably prepared by the chef himself) was the most delicious treat I have ever had, hands down. I don’t have much frame of reference, but if this isn’t five star dining I can’t imagine what is.

Currently I’m sitting in my villa, picturesque view of the ocean before my window, trying my best to describe to you my surroundings. It’s really hard to portray in words so I will do my best to put up some photos. If you’re reading this and feeling sorry for yourself, don’t be. I need a reality check. We are leaving for Carriacou in an hour and ten minutes. We’re going to be there all week and by the sounds of it we are going to be living on a deserted island. Hopefully it isn’t as nice as this. I really do hope so. Because this is too good to be true and it’s distorting my perception on how life should be. At least in my opinion (and I’m not trying to sound self-righteous). Regardless, I feel nothing but gratitude.