Saying Goodbye

This will serve as the last entry for our time in GTMO.  The weeks leading up to our departure were FULL! After presenting a student recital, directing a youth choir performance, and packing up our house shortly before Thanksgiving, I didn't have much time to shed tears over leaving GTMO. But then November 27th arrived and there we were waiting for the ferry at Ferry Landing and the tears came out.  After several trips to this same spot to say goodbye to other friends who had gone before me, it was finally my turn.  Some people avoid this moment and stay on Leeward side the night before.  I understand why some would do this, but it's not really fair to your friends who want that last opportunity to say 'goodbye.'  My advice is to suck it up and allow yourself that cathartic moment to feel the love from all of your friends.

We were blessed to have an opportunity to live in GTMO as long as we did.  I enjoyed it very much, and recommend the island life to everyone.  It's a great family base and an opportunity to get to know your strengths and weaknesses on a deeper level.

Now I we begin a new adventure on a different island...JAPAN! Our adventure in Sasebo, Japan began Saturday 12:00a on Dec. 8th.  That was the moment we arrived in our Navy Lodge room completely exhausted! Now I'm off to design a new blog. :)

Preparing for Departure

About a week after Hurricane Sandy hit GTMO, we finally received orders for our next duty station: Sasebo, Japan!  After spending almost two years watching good friends come and go, it is our turn to say goodbye to "Summer Camp."  Yesterday our household goods were packed and moved out by a courteous Jamaican staff.  They finished in 8 hours after which our temporary (aka "Flintstone") furniture was brought in to last us until our departure date of 11/27.  Now the house is too quiet and begging to be thoroughly cleaned. :)  We've spent the past three weeks slowly saying goodbye to friends at various parties, lunches, and musical performances.  I'm glad we get to have one more Thanksgiving in GTMO.  This year we'll spend it with the Rau family.  The only thing I'm missing is a TV to watch the Macy's parade.  Our last GTMO event will be the Tree Lighting at the NEX where I will direct the Youth Choir I've been working with for the past couple of months.  

We will definitely miss this island.  It is a unique experience that I recommend to everyone.  However, we are ready to move on and have new adventures on the other side of the world!  I'll write more after we've made the sad float from Ferry Landing to Leeward side.  For those of you who've been there, you know what I'm talking about.

Thursday, Nov. 22 Thanksgiving Day
How silly of me to think we would not have to endure horrendous karaoke from the neighbors on this fine holiday.  Thank goodness our dinner will be eaten at someone else's house. 

Hurricane Sandy Hits GTMO

Last week was the first time in at least 14 years (according to someone who has lived here that long) that a hurricane as made a direct hit in GTMO.  Unbelievable? Yes, I'd say so considering where we are located in the Caribbean.  However, most storms that come our way during hurricane season either miss the base completely or are weakened by surrounding islands before they get here.  Hurricane Sandy was a Category 2 when it hit on Thursday October 25th.  We didn't have to go to a "shelter" since our home is designed to withstand up to a CAT 3 storm.  It was hard to stay informed about the details of the storm.  My least favorite weather man on One Caribbean News spent several minutes Wednesday night talking about the weather everywhere else in the world, and when the subject of Sandy came up he said "that's all the weather for tonight, and that tropical storm Sandy...we'll update you on that tomorrow as it evolves."  What?!

We were without power for almost 12 hours.  Wind and rain were very loud overnight.  There was no serious damage to our neighborhood and our house didn't flood. Praise the Lord!  Overall, the GTMO community as a whole were blessed that no lives were lost and no catastrophic damage occurred.  That doesn't mean that clean up has been a breeze.  The following pictures show that our beaches suffered the most.  Thoughts and prayers are with those in the U.S. who are now staring down this "Frankenstorm."  
(Photos by Andrew Voshell)

View from our house before the storm

Fallen trees at the end of our cul de sac

Waves at Windmill Beach the morning after

This used to be a sand volleyball court

The site of many a cookout.  The new construction in the background remained intact.

The Marina

Big mess at Ferry Landing

We had lunch here the previous Sunday with friends. There used to be a picnic table in there.

Another view of Windmill Beach

Labor Day Weekend

Three day weekends in GTMO are always a good excuse to have more fun than usual.  I ran/walked my first 5K race and I didn't come in last! Here's a picture to prove it.  My time was 43 minutes. The time on the display was for the 15K runners.

I went straight from the race to the pool for my son's Swim Meet.  He came in 2nd in the Freestyle and 1st in Breaststroke.  It was a neck-and-neck race with his buddy from school.









From there I went to a productive choir practice at the chapel and then took a much needed nap.  The day wrapped up with the first ever Ladies Night at the Windjammer Ballroom followed by a viewing of Magic Mike at the Lyceum.  Great ending to a fun day!

Sunday we went to church, volleyball practice and the movies. Monday we grilled out (of course) for our neighborhood since we had several new families move in recently. Andrew's cooking did not disappoint.  Now it's Tuesday, Sept. 4th.  My Fantasy Football team has been drafted and I'm ready for the fall season to officially begin!

The Storm That Wasn't

Before AND After Isaac.  The only difference is the the green awning in the background came off due to the storm.

Tropical Storm Isaac wasn't very tropical and a joke of a storm.  I suppose you could say we lucked out here in GTMO.  Thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by the storm and still looking it in the eye in Florida.  The mountains that surround us really do a good job of keeping out serious weather. The worst part of the day (Saturday, 8/25) was the fact that we were not allowed on the roads until given the "All Clear."  So we waited patiently for rain to come around 2:00 pm as forecasted...but, no rain.  There were threatening clouds and wind gusts, however nothing out of the ordinary.  Several Words With Friends games, two meals, and a completely built Lego set later, we were given the "all clear" at 5:00p.  The galley was scheduled to open at 5:30, so to celebrate we decided to get dinner there.  You can imagine the mass Exodus to the galley and the sighs of relief from those who have just spent an entire Saturday indoors.  This is not what we do on the weekends in GTMO!  Weekends are for outdoor recreation!  After dinner we exit the galley to find....wait for it........................a deluge of rain falling mercilessly from the sky!  Obviously, the joke's on us.  It rained on and off the rest of the evening, and Sunday was sunny skies as usual.  I suppose we'll keep the stash of water, batteries and pavers we collected for Isaac.  It is only September after all.

Summer 2012

I am not a huge fan of summer vacation.  The lack of structure and departing friends from the island bother me.  However, the summer months didn't crawl along like they normally have in the past except for this very week!  Maybe it's the fact that the first day of school is scheduled for this following Monday or maybe it's because the previous week was filled with rehearsals for "Robin Hood" presented by the students of GTMO led by the Missoula Children's Theater (and accompanied on piano by "yours truly").  Either way we are looking at a weekend filled with the effects of Tropical Storm Isaac.  But, more on that later.

We were able to leave the island for a week in July.  Two days at Disney, then two days at my sister's place, retirement dinner for my father, and car shopping for my mother-in-law made GTMO look like a welcome "staycation."

We said goodbye to several families this summer.  Each passing year here gets harder in that respect because your relationships deepen with those who have made the island experience special for you. But here's the funny part: Usually within 2-3 days after good friends leave, I end up meeting someone new who helps to ease the friend-shaped hole in my heart.  They don't replace my old friends, mind you, but it's nice to know that the friendship turnaround here is a quick one.

In August I decided to start something I NEVER thought I would do...run.  I've taken up many new physical activities since moving here over a year and a half ago (yoga, weight training, step class...heck, working out in general!), but running was always one of those things I found boring unless I was running to or from something.  Thanks to two of my friends, they managed to inspire me to try it (Thanks, Itzpa and Chanh!).  But wait! There's more! I've also joined an Ultimate Frisbee team!  What a fun game, but exhausting!  I've got the proof right here in photographic form! I'm the third one from the right (wearing green) in the end zone getting ready to catch the frisbee for 2 points. (Yeah, it's TWO points if a girl catches it, only 1 for guys. :)

This strenuous activity has a price though.  My knees hurt and I've got sore upper body muscles since I went back to the gym this week after being out of the weight training routine for about a month.  It's all good.  I'll suck it up.

Tomorrow we will be making our final preparations for Tropical Storm Isaac.  So far it's been a great excuse to clean out the garage and storage shed.  I found four angry crabs who had made snuggly homes in some of my boxes.  We'll see what other critters the storm will bring.  There is a silver lining though...it's FOOTBALL SEASON!

May (An attempt at poetry)

May in GTMO
a month of celebrations
reminders
vows
Salsa dance sensations


Talent abounds in all forms and ages
drama
rehearsals
Success on two stages


Mothers are honored
breakfast is calling
from the grill
out of doors
The Chef, well, you know him!


Camping at Phillips
Cub Scouts promote
retiring a Flag
honoring the Fallen


A Storyteller
Baseball
Memorial Day gatherings
Fun? Yes it is....until...until


Orders
PCS
Hail and Farewell
inevitable goodbyes
we wish our friends well.

A Musical Week

Today marks the end of a week full of great music.  On Tuesday, February 21st, half of my "studio" of students performed in a Student Recital in the NAVSTA Chapel.  We had an audience turnout of approximately 60 people, which exceeded my expectations.  All of my students (both young and older) performed well and showed great stage presence.  It confirmed my belief that I have found the perfect niche for myself in GTMO.  MUSIC--what else?? :)  Our recital made it into the GTMO Gazette complete with article and photo!

Over the weekend MCSFCO (Marine Corps Security Forces Company) hosted The Bart Walker Band to make up for their unfortunate absence during the Marine Corps Ball in November.  Best concert I've heard in GTMO since we've been here!!  Their first performance was Saturday at Marine Hill.  Great weather and excellent blues music.  All four of the musicians in the band have amazing technique.  Will was able to get an autographed CD from Bart and we also had the pleasure of meeting his wife who is a flutist/music therapist!
On Sunday the band gave a guitar/drum clinic at the high school and Will was able to play what he'd been learning in his guitar lessons for Bart.  Later that afternoon we grilled out and then headed over to O'Kelly's for another BWB performance.  Another fun show!

Between the recital and the blues concert, this is about as much culture as this island has had in over a year.  Looking forward to more!!
MV

6-Month Catch Up

I suppose I've put this off long enough considering the blog hasn't been updated since June!! The last six months of our first year in GTMO proved to be as busy as the first.  All three of us were able to participate in activities we never had the time or opportunity to do back in the States.  Andy joined a softball team composed of co-workers from PWD (Public Works Dept.) and JTF (Joint Task Force) members.  They had a winning season, but lost the championship game.  People are very serious about their softball leagues around here.  The dedication to practice, focus and winning was amusing to me.  Some players viewed it as coming as close as they ever will be to playing in the Majors which included wearing knee high socks in various colors.  Andy became the team's third base coach and overall "cheerleader" at each game.  You could hear his voice booming morale-boosting one-liners all the way across the field.

Will has played every sport offered by the CYP (Children/Youth Program)--basketball, soccer, flag football, baseball.  And, I have had the pleasure of joining an all-female dodgeball team (Chicks with Balls).  We've played in two tournaments so far and haven't won one game yet. :)  Our best asset is our uniforms!  Each time we face all-male or co-ed teams made up of extremely fit active duty guys who throw bullets that are almost impossible to catch.  Despite our many defeats, we have a great time!

The fall season in GTMO is quite fun. Seasonal activities provided by MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) are non-stop.  We took a trip to Disney World in October with our nephew, Garrett.  In November we attended the Marine Corps Ball on Veterans Day.  It was nice to be so close to the ceremonial aspect of the national holiday as well as the rituals of the Marine Corps Ball itself.  Thanksgiving and Christmas were the highlights since we had both holiday dinners out at the beach.  Christmas activities included a parade in early December, a holiday church concert, school performances, tree lightings, and various parties.  We don't miss the snow.  We are perfectly fine wearing shorts and tank tops through the Christmas season.  We are just now getting a "cold front" in January where the highs are in the low to mid-70's! 

My private teaching load has increased considerably in the past couple of weeks.  Teaching at Columbia College has dwindled since the Academic Director left GTMO in November.  I had applied for the position, but it was not meant to be.  I've turned my focus to teaching private flute and piano lessons to all age groups.  I started out with 6-8 students in the summer, and I'm close to 25 now.  I enjoy it, and our first Student Recital is coming up in February.

That about sums up our first year in GTMO.  Stay tuned...

Cardboard Boat Regatta

This is one of the more unique events here in GTMO.  The Cardboard Boat Regatta takes place once a year in May and is open to anyone who wants to build a boat completely out of cardboard.  The idea is to row your boat around the buoys without sinking.  However, the audience usually hopes to see one or two boats fail just for the entertainment value.  The entries this year included a pirate ship with a working cannon, a "love boat", and some boats that were only big enough for two people.  The races are run out at Ferry Landing Beach.  The winner from each preliminary race advances to the final race.  This year the pirate ship was the big winner.

Thinking about working in Gitmo? Read this!

I was inspired by a comment on my first blog post to write to those who might be thinking of working in GTMO as a civilian or active duty.  Here is a list of things to consider.  This is not complete by any means, but it should help with the decision making process:

1.  It is at least 80 degrees here year round.  Leave all of your winter gear in the States, you will never use it here (unless you're from the northeast and need something to visit home).
2.  Earthquakes do happen, but I haven't experienced one yet since I've only been here a little over three months.  I hear they haven't been a big deal in recent years.
3.  You will save money here.
4.  There are job and volunteer opportunities.
5.  There is no decent hair salon for women.  Seek a stylist out amongst the Gitmo community.
6.  It takes 4-6 weeks for your household goods and cars to arrive.
7.  Forget about streaming video over the internet.
8.  Bring a VCR and tapes (no DVRs here from local cable provider).  That's right, you heard me. :)
9. Bring small furniture.  Unless you or your spouse is a high ranking officer/GS (GS 12 or above) of some sort, your housing will be on the small side.
10.  Appliances are provided.  Our high efficiency front loading washer and dryer was a great surprise!
11.  There is always something to do here. MWR rocks!
12.  The community is very welcoming and supportive.  You should be able to make friends fast.
13.  The beaches are not surfing friendly. However, the exchange sells surfboards for CHEAP (i.e. 7' board $40), so if you want to put one away for when you go back to the States, then get a board here.
14.  The clothes and shoe shopping is mediocre.
15. This is a GREAT place to raise kids, especially if they're not in their teens yet.

16.Dining out is par at best with a few exceptions.
17. There are fast food chains here.
18. We have bowling, boating/sailing, kayaking, and scuba diving.
19. The fishing is awesome!
20. Schools are good, both K-12 and college.
21. Gossip runs rampant at GTMO so never tell what you do not want everyone to know.
22. Sea glass is everywhere!
23. We have a great baby sitter.
24. We get first run movies free everyday including double features on Fridays and Saturdays.
25.  Keep reading blogs like this and do as much research on GTMO as you can on the internet before you get here.  That's what we did, and we were well prepared.

Overall, it is what you make of it. Embrace it or be miserable. Either way it is up to you.

First Impressions

I should have started this blog about a month ago, but how did I know how busy I would be upon arrival in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba?

Most people's views of the base here are based on what they've seen in A Few Good Men and televised news stories about the prison camps.  The truth is that the majority of the residential part of the base is very family-friendly, mountainous, and conducive to a laid back lifestyle.  We were smart and did extensive research on the daily living conditions in Gitmo before we arrived, and were pleased to find that our expectations were met, and often exceeded. Imagine time traveling back to the early 1990's, and you will have a pretty good idea of how life operates around here--basic cable (no DVR unless you're willing to pay $$$ for it), slow internet, limited to no cell phone use (unless you're employed here on base), no texting, VCR's for sale in the thrift store, paying bills in person instead of online, etc.  The weather is always warm during the day, and pleasant in the evenings (low 70's).  We have free first run movies available to us daily in the outdoor theater with double features on Fridays and Saturdays, and cheap concessions!

We have the pleasure of sharing this space with active duty men and women from all branches of the US military.  We witness how much they are giving to our country and the positive attitudes they display while doing their job.  I like being surrounded by certain military rituals (i.e., public broadcast of the National Anthem at 0800 and Colors at 1900 everyday).  If you are outdoors during either of these rituals, you are expected to stop your car if you're on the road, or stop walking if you're outdoors, and face the nearest American flag.

When we arrived on January 29, 2011, our "sponsor" (a co-worker of Andrew's) was waiting for us at the check-in gate.  He drove us to our house pointing out important places of interest along the way.   We were also able to borrow his car until our cars were delivered off the barge (that took approx. 6 weeks!). Our house is a two-story 950 sq. ft townhouse in a cul-de-sac neighborhood.  Will has plenty of kids to play with near the house, and it's comforting to know that he can run around outside and play all day like we used to do "back in the day." The following weekend we were invited to a "Hail and Farewell" get-together at the Dock of the Bay (basically a boat dock).  From then on, we've been to more social events, including the SeaBee Ball, than we've ever been to while living in Massachusetts the past two years .

The schools here are great and Will is enjoying the experience having only 12 kids in his first grade class.  I've started teaching for Columbia College and Andrew is now overseeing construction projects on base. I've started attending fitness classes on a regular basis for the first time in my life, and I'm liking it so far.

After being here for 2 1/2 months, we have no complaints.  I will post our adventures and pics to prove them in future posts.  Stay tuned, and thanks for reading!

Melissa