What a whirlwind of a month!😬
On August 1st, I got on a plane with a one-way ticket to the Cayman Islands. I relocated for a new Occupational Therapy job and a new experience abroad. I will be working in a brand new building that has not yet opened, planning programs and activities for the FIRST center on the island for adults with special needs and disabilities.
Anyway, after a long day of traveling, we arrived on Cayman Brac, via Grand Cayman. Brac is only twelve miles long and a mile wide. The island is beautiful, but it's like going back in time; shops don't open on Sundays, and the gas station fills the car for you. The locals are super friendly and have made us feel very welcome, and shopping is eye-wateringly expensive here.
Wild chickens 🐔outnumber the human population in this area. They fled during a hurricane many years ago and can now be found everywhere! Additionally, noteworthy are the iguanas leisurely basking on the roadside, the brown boobie birds, and the endangered Cayman parrots.
Upon arriving, I quickly found out that the apartment I secured was not going to work. 😟 The outside was like a construction site with tools, unfinished concrete, and obstacles around, not suitable for a toddler. The steps were outdated and scary. The inside had not been cleaned, was missing curtains, the oven didn't work, and there were other unpleasantries. We went to the store, grabbed cleaning supplies, and made it doable for a one-night stay. The next day, I took my job's offer of putting us up in a hotel, for up to 2 weeks if needed. After expressing concerns to the gentleman from whom I rented the apartment, he stated that he would keep my deposit and would not return ANY of my money. Wow. I quickly learned that renters in the Cayman Islands don't have many rights, and this happens frequently with places not being up to par and owners keeping individuals' money. My first lesson was learned within 24 hours.
Luckily, I found and secured a new place and was able to move in after a week and a half of being here. The day before we moved into the new place, my iPhone decided to have a tantrum and go out on me. So here I am, literally thousands of miles from home and unable to make calls and get in touch with family and friends. Luckily, I had my iPad for some communication and my mom was with me so I could use her phone. It's been 3 weeks since I placed a claim and ordered a new phone, and I still have not received it. Last update: it is in Grand Cayman, and I'm waiting for customs to release it.😐
The other thing that was a big challenge was getting my personal belongings. When you relocate, clothes, shoes, your favorite mug, your children's toys, can make things feel like home and help make you comfortable. My skid I shipped a week before I left was delivered to the wrong address in Miami. It took a week to figure that out and get it to the right address, so it could get on the ship to come over. My sister and brother-in-law also sent some of my things which got misplaced and added extra time to get to me. After 4 weeks, they finally arrived! It took a lot of back and forth, signing forms, paying duties, but it was finally released from customs.😅
Throughout this period, I continued to attend work while also getting ready for a major opening event. Finally, things are beginning to settle down and come together for me. Having the ocean right in my backyard is definitely a bonus. Whenever I felt the urge to scream, I would head to the water, sit down, and find solace as I gazed out at the waves.💙
As this is becoming quite lengthy, I should go prepare dinner :) Please come back shortly for another update. I will discuss Lani's adjustment to daycare, obtaining an Island car, and more details about my new job! I also have begun documenting this journey if you want to take a look at my youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@floww9533
Remember, breathe when things feel overwhelming and don't forget to go with the FLOWW!
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