Weekends are some of the best times here – they give us time to relax, bond, get some homework done, and try new things. After a long exercise track, we headed off to a morning of classes, followed by an afternoon in our settlements. I rode in a van over to Tarpum Bay, where I spent the afternoon talking to fisherman, eating conch salad, and spending time with my settlement mother. It was sad to leave from our final settlement Saturday, but I’m so glad I got the chance to go to Tarpum Bay. I’ve learned new things about Bahamian culture, like saying  “Good day” every time I pass anybody in the street, and the history of Eleuthera from the days I spent there.

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Saturday night was our first coffeehouse. I had a ton of fun emceeing the show with Max Spencer, and we had performances from students and faculty ranging from singing in Italian, guitar, lip-syncing, push-up contests, and spinning poy! It was so much fun and everybody spent the night cheering for each other. I’m so glad to be part of a community that is supportive and loving. It’s hard to believe we’ve only known each other for a few weeks.

Finally, Sunday rolled around. Everyone was glad to have a sleep-in and biked to the beach after brunch. The sun was scalding so we all hit the water. The ocean sparkled while we floated through the waves. I think the best times at The Island School are when we step back and breathe in what is happening in the moment. When all the stress of run-swims and homework passes, I realize that almost everyday, I get to bike to Bahamian beaches with people I love in one of the most beautiful places in the world. How many people can say that?