my other host brother, ricky, who lives foreign just arrived last week and will be here for a few weeks. it has been a long awaited arrival, as the dates kept changing and everyone was bracing for his homecoming. he has since moved in to the other room up at my yard, as marie’s place is packed and i don’t mind the company. it’s like having your sometimes obnoxious, but kind-hearted older brother around. my brother is nothing like him, but in fact he reminds me of a jamaican version of my friend luis. he has nicknamed me veggie-chunks and lucky for me this name has spread and stuck hard. my once yard name of pinky has been changed over to veggie-chunks. there have been road trips and catching-ups with everybody, it has been a well enjoyed week or so of summer freedom. every night my house has bustling with people, food, music, … we’ve been cooking a lot outdoor and with the flux of people coming in and out it’s been a nice community feeling. the kids have been up every day to help out with things and just hang out on the veranda, passing time, watching the afternoon showers, playing cards, … i’m heading foreign next week, so i won’t be here when he leaves, but i’m looking forward to see my brother and parents and friends.