Money on the Islands

One positive aspect about living on the island, is my cost of living. Yeah the food is a little pricier than the states, but not really THAT much more. For example, I get nachos from Mr. Chipotle - which is about 18EC converted to approximately $7.00. And it lasts me 2 days. I don't think I can get something that cheap in the states, even at fast food restaurants. I also really like the falafel sandwich at NYBagels, which is 10EC, converted to $4. Falafel sandwich for $4 - I'll take it!!

But the BIGGEST most cost saver for living on the island - no retail therapy! I'm generally a bargain shopper, but even the bargain deals add up. During college, I think I spent about $100 each semester in clothes. I don't know if that's expensive/cheap - but when I itemize my costs, I didn't splurge on anything. But yes, surprise surprise, I'm a girl and I enjoy the occasional shopping.

Okay back to studying.

Mount Qua Qua

After finals, my friends and I really wanted to go on a hike of some sort. We really wanted to do 7 Sister's Waterfall, but it was really expensive and we couldn't find a way to set it up. Alas, we went on the Mount Qua Qua hike in Grand Etang National Park. The hike starts out the same way as the hike the school takes you on during orientation week, but it stops at the lookout which is only 20 minutes into the hike. Luckily though, it didn't rain - which made it so much easier. All in all, it was a great hike, and the perfect way to spend some post-finals down time!

About the hike:

• It took us about 90 minutes each way - so it's a 3-hour hike altogether
• Rain is sporadic, we were lucky and it didn't rain. Regardless, you will encounter have many muddy patches
• The hike is not easy, but it's not very difficult either. Gives you a good workout with all the ups, downs, and mud! 

Getting there:

• You can get there via public transportation. 
• First, take the #1 bus into St. Georges ($2.50EC)
• According to Katherine's blog, you then take the #6 bus. We couldn't find one, so our #1 bus driver drove us ($10-$15 EC per person)
• Either bus will drop you in front of "Grandetang House". There you can buy your entry ticket ($5EC), clean up, get refreshments, etc)

Additional Tips:

• You will get muddy, so try to wear older sneakers, old clothes, etc
• You will def need both hands while hiking - so bring something to hold your water bottle, camera, sun screen, etc.