Brace yourself...

See that lovely crafted wooden desk in the corner...that is where I spent my weekend. See that charming blue quilt, there is a bed there... I am lucky to enjoy shut-eye for more than 6 hours in a night...

Hitting the books...

After my first set of exams, I am definitely in the groove of studying. Right now, I am studying the Cranial Nerves, their pathway, what they innervate and their function. I am also learning about the birth and life of Red Blood Cells and the "Central Dogma"- DNA, RNA and Protein manufacturing. Oh yes, and the muscles of the face...it is time to review those...chau!

Study Breaks do not get any better than this...

From top: @ Jimbo's for Seema's Birthday, @ Fathom's Tavern on a Friday night outing, Mullet Bay Beach- this is a five minute walk from school (study breaks are heavenly here), @ Where's Ivan- a little Gelatoria in Simson Bay- a great place to study and grab a bite to eat

Life in Sint. Maarten

From the top: the painted trees and rocks to match the speed bump, the local MRI Center (for my Cottage buddies, I am not sure if it works), 7- Alive in Simpson Bay, and a pit stop for lunch at a roadside shack (a kind family owns this place and they have amazing pita sandwiches!)

Cupecoy Beach

Weekend before First Block Exams

I am sure most of you back home are wondering what exactly are"Block exams." Block exams are a of set exams comprising of all the classes of first semester. Tomorrow all first semester students will be taking exams in Molecular and Cell Biology, Anatomy and Embryology, Histology and Anatomy Lab. Welcome to medical school!!! Although studying endless hours in a day can be quite exhausting, I have a beautiful landscape to give me some peace of mind. Myself, as well as many other AUC students will be enjoying the landscape Monday afternoon!

Quirky Little Island

Here are some interesting tidbits about St.Martin/Sint. Maarten
1. There are only 2 stoplights on the island (one on the Dutch side and one on the French side)
2. The speed bumps near school were painted by a man who rents/leases cars to students (he preceded to paint the rocks and trees near one big bump down the road. I will have pictures soon.)
3. The "7- Alive" here is the "7-11" like the US
4. All the cars are tiny here (a few SUVs on the road)
5. The gas stations are full service
6. Very ethnically diverse. There is food from all over the world- Thai, Italian, French, Mexican, Japanese, Dutch and American foods.
7. You run into the same people everywhere!!! You see your waiters, professors and classmates at restaurants, nightclubs...you name it!
8. The airport food here is great! It is a beautiful airport with a nice food court. There is even a hair salon and spa in the airport. I have gone out to eat there more times than anywhere else.
9. The beaches are very "European" if you know what I mean!
10. There are not too many Mexicans on the island...
There is definitely more interesting things about this island but it is 1:30 am and that is all I can think of right now.

After our first full week of classes, it was time to be "inducted into the medical community." Our White Coat Ceremony was held in our main lecture hall and was followed by a catered dinner. Our Class of 2011 shared what the white coat truly symbolizes as well as our purpose in the medical community. Later that evening, many AUC students went to a nightclub called Bliss to celebrate together. I must say...I had the time of my life! Every week, I am am falling more in love with this island and what AUC has given me. Although I am up in ears in classwork, there will always be time to enjoy the uniqueness of Sint. Maarten. Okay, it is time to go to bed...

White Coat Ceremony After Party

White Coat Ceremony

Ocean View from Cafeteria

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Island Pictures

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Getting acquainted with island life

I know I am an island girl when sand and bugs have become a staple in my life. It is absolutely amazing to wake up to a scenic view of Simpson Bay everyday. Now that I have started to hit the books, I realize how much I will have to balance the studying and exploring the island. Although we are doing a lot of review in my classes, there is a wealth of new information. I am fascinated with all of the clinical correlations we cover in class. I feel to lucky to live in such a beautiful place where I can go to the beach to have some solace when times will get tough.