sabaspouse2006
01-25-2006, 08:59 AM
I know that some of you are bringing significant others. I thought I'd give my perspective briefly. Please know that it is only my opinion. I think Saba is such a unique environment that each person has their own reaction depending on their personality and needs.
Saba itself has been a wonderful study of contrasts. The vegetation is amazing, especially against all the stone work. When we first arrived I felt like we were in some movie set. Stone walls, concrete roads and all the little houses looking very similar.
Our housing is really great. I think that makes a world of difference. As Nate has said, housing is truly difficult to find sometimes. Start looking 3-4 months before you get here. Although you can hitchhike anywhere on the island, this would be difficult for a woman with small children in tow. We live in windwardside so most things are very convenient. If we lived in another village we would find it very hard to grocery shop or get to the park without a car. A car becomes almost a necessity.
When you call for housing you may wish to ask about the cistern size and whether it leaks or not. It will make the difference in your water supply. You can also ask about bugs although almost all of even the really suitable housing has some sort of bugs at some point.
The SOS has been really fantastic at reaching out and trying to make people feel welcome. It helps to get to know people quickly. It isn't so lonely.
The grocery stores have most of everything that you may need as long as you are not loyal to a particular brand. I have been able to find everything I've needed right on the island, even if it is a touch more expensive. There is some lack of availability of food sometimes (ie. the boats haven't been able to dock so fresh fruits and veggies and milk were in short supply last week) but there are things here to make do with.
If you have a formula drinking baby, ship it in. Ship lots and lots of it in!! There is very little choice here.
The only other thing that I think would be imperative for a spouse/SO is for them to bring *something* to do. I have two small children to keep me very busy but without them or without a job, there isn't much to do on the island. It is well worth while to ship in whatever it is that might help keep them busy. The students are gone most days often until 10 or 11 at night. It helps to pass the time if they get involved in the SOS activities and have something of their own to do.
Any questions, ask away.
R/
Saba itself has been a wonderful study of contrasts. The vegetation is amazing, especially against all the stone work. When we first arrived I felt like we were in some movie set. Stone walls, concrete roads and all the little houses looking very similar.
Our housing is really great. I think that makes a world of difference. As Nate has said, housing is truly difficult to find sometimes. Start looking 3-4 months before you get here. Although you can hitchhike anywhere on the island, this would be difficult for a woman with small children in tow. We live in windwardside so most things are very convenient. If we lived in another village we would find it very hard to grocery shop or get to the park without a car. A car becomes almost a necessity.
When you call for housing you may wish to ask about the cistern size and whether it leaks or not. It will make the difference in your water supply. You can also ask about bugs although almost all of even the really suitable housing has some sort of bugs at some point.
The SOS has been really fantastic at reaching out and trying to make people feel welcome. It helps to get to know people quickly. It isn't so lonely.
The grocery stores have most of everything that you may need as long as you are not loyal to a particular brand. I have been able to find everything I've needed right on the island, even if it is a touch more expensive. There is some lack of availability of food sometimes (ie. the boats haven't been able to dock so fresh fruits and veggies and milk were in short supply last week) but there are things here to make do with.
If you have a formula drinking baby, ship it in. Ship lots and lots of it in!! There is very little choice here.
The only other thing that I think would be imperative for a spouse/SO is for them to bring *something* to do. I have two small children to keep me very busy but without them or without a job, there isn't much to do on the island. It is well worth while to ship in whatever it is that might help keep them busy. The students are gone most days often until 10 or 11 at night. It helps to pass the time if they get involved in the SOS activities and have something of their own to do.
Any questions, ask away.
R/