I figured that waking up at 5AM to the sound of a pig being slaughtered outside of my bedroom (thanks neighbors) would put a damper on my entire day. Luckily was I was wrong. I spent time working around in the puesto (health clinic) just visiting and getting some more information for my community diagnostic. The promoción for the primaria was supposed to start at noon, but like any good ole event in Peru, it ended up starting around 2:30-3ish. A promoción is like a graduation party, but a lot more extravagant than you are thinking. This one was at the primaria which is like the elementary school, but the girls wear formal dresses (think prom) and the boys wear suits. The kids are between the ages of 10-11 and there is a lot of dancing, drinking and food for all. The long and skinny clown balloons were given out to everyone along with a mask and whistle. There were dance circles and pictures being taken for hours. I have to say, it was a pretty good time for a Wednesday night.
In training we were given warnings about getting caught in drinking circles, which I have learned and experienced. I was asked at least 13 times to join a drinking circle, but this city is small and I plan on being the best role model for these girls that I can. Therefore, I had to tell them each about 8 times that I don’t drink beer and not even a little.
I made friends with a lady named Adea and she owns a store in town. She is super sweet and has invited me to come over before the secondaria promoción, which I have heard is bigger and better. Another friend of my sister and I, Adeta, her mom has invited me to come over as well sometime in the future. I spent a little time yesterday visiting with this older lady, Jesus, who is beyond sweet. I’m enjoying all the invites to people’s house. It makes me feel like they are starting to get to like me!
I left the party around 6:30 because I promised my sister we would secretly decorate the restaurant for Christmas so when her parents came in the next morning they would be surprised. They finally left the place around 8 and we started hanging things all over. It was tons of fun and there was lots of laughing…especially when her dad walked in half awake (he was sleeping in a bedroom in the restaurant and we didn’t know). He looked around confused with a smile on his face and we told him to go away. He laughed and listened.
Another thing I got to help out with was moving and cleaning up our puesto. My site must have received some money in the recent past because they added a second floor to the puesto that has 5 more rooms. It is just now ready to start moving the equipment up there and that’s where I helped. I played in all the medication and vaccinations like I knew what they were and what they do. Rocío tricked me into drinking at 10AM, go figure. I was terribly thirsty and she offered me “Pepsi.” I took a giant gulp of what ended up being ¾ sangria and ¼ Pepsi. Thanks. There was enough dust and dirt after moving things to choke a camel.
I spent most of that day on the phone crying with my mom about how I want to come home. I won’t get into all that right now because it’s mass confusion and I am basically lost…in the middle of a jungle-like area…in Peru…most likely crying as you read this. Let’s just say I want some normalcy in my life right now and I don’t know what to do about it. I just want to a constant flow of water and electricity. I would like a hot bath. I want to feel pretty for one day. I want GOOD food without wondering if I am going to poop my pants later for eating it. I would like internet and cell phone reception in the majority of the places I go. I want to sleep in a bed knowing that most likely I won’t be bite by a giant bug. I don’t want to hear or see animals being slaughtered. I want to wash my clothes in a washing machine, because let’s face it, no matter how hard I scrub them, they will always smell like dirt and sweat. I want to lose the 10-12 pounds I have gained from eating so much rice and potatoes. So those of you who can do or have at least half of that, you are lucky and I envy you. And I am considering joining your would in the next few months…to be continued.
As I typed all of that, the electricity went out. FML.
Anyway, I also watched Eclipse with my girls again. And again we gushed over how cute Edward and Jacob are. I am constantly surprised that my closest friends here are 14 years old, but it’s nice to be around some girls.
Due to this week being full of promocions, the big one was for the secundaria. Little did I know, I should have packed my prom dress here to fit in. All the girls were dressed like they were headed to the red carpet and I was wearing a black skirt, yellow tank top, a black pretty jacket with some black flats. Basically I felt like I was headed to a funeral, my funeral. The party started two hours late which put it starting at 10PM. There was at least an hour full of speeches and then another hour of photo-taking before the music, dancing and drinking started.
I was trying my best to blend in with the crowd because I didn’t want to dance, but being the only white person and not having a prom dress, that didn’t quite work. I ended up dancing with a lot of the students which was fun considering I will most likely be spending time with them. It’s fun how the dancing works at events like this. Everyone dances with everyone. It doesn’t matter the age, sex, if they are married or not. I saw my being asked by the high school boys to dance and I saw the student girls dancing with the mayor of the town. It’s so awesome how much fun these people have out of dancing.
The promocion for the pre-school wasn’t as great because we didn’t have electricity so that meant no music which meant no dancing. There was still good food and it was still a pretty good time seeing all the little kids. There is one boy in particular who cracks me up because he will randomly scream my name when he sees me. His mom is around my age and she is super sweet. Since we were fresh out of water and electricity, that night I spent time with my sister and Anita just hanging out in the plaza and ended up calling it an early night.
I headed to Piura Sunday afternoon after hearing another pig being slaughtered, thank you neighbors. Before I left though, Anita’s mom had me over for tortillas and coffee for breakfast. It was super delicious and afterwards we looked at about 200 pictures of their family. There was some type of festival happening in the plaza when I left, but I headed to Piura for a much needed mental break, which is where I am typing this now.
Just to let those of you who actually read this know, I am in the process of deciding if I should terminate my service early. I love Peru, the food, the people, the cultures and traditions. It’s a beautiful and diverse country that has so much to offer and is headed in the right to direction to becoming an even better country. I love it here, but I am not sure if I can continue living in Pambarumbe for 2 more years. I love the people of Pambarumbe, but again, I am not sure if all of this is for me and I don’t want to spend 2 years here being miserable. I am in the process of trying to get some good sleep and start weighing my pros and cons of coming back to the USA and staying here as a PCV. Please keep me in your prayers because times are rough and I have a lot of decisions to make that aren’t going to be easy.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
There's food...and a white girl!
Leaving Piura to go back to my new home Pambarume was more different than I expected. Usually when I am out and about in Piura, I yet to anticipate running into someone I recognize, much less a Peruvian. I mean after all, I am only working on my second week and I haven’t met that many people. While waiting for the bus to load I catch eyes with a man and then realize it was my bus driver I had to cozy up with! We immediately walk to towards each other and he asks me if I am headed back to Pambarumbe on his bus. I break the news that there weren’t any tickets and that I am on another bus company, but I will be returning to Piura on Saturday again and it would be darling of him to either reserve me a ticket or have me a seat prepared. He claimed he would do so, but part of me thinks it just won’t happen due to Saturday being 4 days away and let’s face it, he is Peruvian.
After that chance encounter I happen to recognize the socios of my friend Brittany. They realize I am a volunteer and we casually talk and catch up. They are headed on the same bus as I am to also help Brittany with her things to Santiago, the town right after Pambarumbe. The bus began its barreling around the mountain and we made a stop in a slightly smaller city to pick up and drop off some more people. I was sitting in the front of the bus to welcome with a smile everyone who left and entered, but my smile became even larger when I noticed my host dad, David, hopping on the bus with bags of food. I explained how I didn’t return yesterday because I bought my bus ticket to late and needless to say, he didn’t seem fazed at all.
Due to the fact that my size 8 jeans are a little tighter than I fancy I explained to my family that all I want for breakfast is fruit or tortillas and let’s just say, they listened. One breakfast I had papaya juice to drink and some coffee and milk. Then to eat they gave me a mango, guava and an apple. Eating all of that after my 30 minute run felt pretty, well, healthy.
I would also like to inform you dear reader that I have officially read 5 books since I have been in Peru and I have started my 6th. When I am not reading or listening to my new music for entertainment, I am probably watching the latest episodes of House or Grey’s Anatomy. I have started season one of How I Met Your Mother because the PC library in our hostel has every so I thought why not start now? They also have The Office which will be next.
Well I finally got to see my one-eyed, two toothed host grandmother naked…well almost naked. I returned from eating breakfast to wash my clothes and she was standing naked behind my house taking a bucket bath. We have a shower, but I guess that’s a little too new age for her. She mumbled something in her cartoon voice and I ran to my room in horror.
Another “first” for me was going to mass. I’m still not sure why we went to mass in the middle of the week, but we did. I sang the hymns and played along like I have done this all my life. It’s interesting the differences between a church here and a church in the US. For example, here, breast-feeding is totally okay in church. Also, wearing mesh belly shirts is also ok. Now all those times I was told by my mother I wasn’t dressy enough for church, who would think it’s totally acceptable in parts of the world to wear a belly shirt. Gosh mom. Soo picky. (Love you).
I have noticed that I am basically making my 14 year old sister, Etel, my best friend. I love doing everything and anything with her and her friends. There are two girls in particular I spend time with that are friends of Etel and they are Sessi and some other girl whose name I can’t remember because it’s so different. They are sweet girls and little do they know I am reeling them in with my American white girl charm to be a part of my future girls youth group.
After talking with Rocío about how I need to be participating in things with the community, I think I was able to get across to her. I have since then gone to a meeting at the school and attended her sessions about health, which are strangely similar to mine. At the pre-school we talked to the kids about nutrition (side note: it took me almost 10 minutes to remember how to say and spell nutrition in English…I could only think of it in Spanish…weird!). I noticed once the charla (lesson) was over, the moms who happen to be there were very interested about proper nutrition for their kids. I see a door opener! I explained to them that after I completed my community diagnostic in February that I wanted to have a charla each month with moms who have children 5 and under. They seemed pretty excited when I threw out some potential themes. It’s things like that, that make me excited to be here and have hope that my work might help. I need more moments like that.
I also need more moments like I had with my sister and her friend A (whose name starts with an A, but I forget because it’s hard to pronounce). Tonight we watched New Moon and gawked at the site of Jacob’s muscular body. My host mom even got involved and then 30 minutes later she walked away laughing and saying she can’t believe she is watching a teenage vampire movie. That’s right folks, I am in Peru converting people to join my Twilight fan club. So far we are all Team Edward and it’s good. That’s what Peace Corps is about right…whether people are Team Jacob or Edward…?
After the movie I talked with my dad and some of his friends. I told them about how I was headed to Tunály tomorrow (city I almost died getting to because it’s stupidly far away) and I mentioned how last time I saw a snake with the girth of a bat and the length of a car. They then busted into laughter saying it would be hilarious to see me with a machete over my shoulder. (FYI, machetes are a thing here…men just walk around with a machete over their shoulder…just in case they need it?). Anyway, there is a possibility a potential horse and machete are in the works for my future trips to Tunály (because I am going each month). I have also decided that there are bugs here so big that they look like they could smash me with a shoe.
We ended up not going to Tunály for a reason I didn’t really understand, but let’s just say I wasn’t that upset not getting to walk numerous hours in a jungle-like forest. We did go to some other city and take a botiquin, which is basically a giant first aid kit. The reason, because during the rainy season (December-February) it’s possible people can’t walk all the way to Pambarumbe for simple medicines so they “train” a random lady on what medicines cure what and they leave the kit with them. I know that it’s easier for people to do things that way, but it’s still a little bizarre in my mind. I don’t even know what amoxicillin can take care of, most likely these women don’t know either, but they have it!
One thing I am going to have to learn how to do is stop speaking in English to people’s faces and saying hateful things. I am really getting sick of my socio, Rocío, laughing at my Spanish. Sometimes when I ask her to repeat something she just starts laughing at my face and then says it like she is talking to a 2 year old. I usually end up responding back when I understand and then I say something terrible in English like, “At least I speak another language,” or, “At least I am not stuck in this hell hole forever like you,” or, “You’re just jealous because I’m white and American and the city responds better to me than you.” I know it’s terrible, but who gets the last laugh? Me. Don’t worry, she can’t understand what I am saying, but it’s really frustrating. Everyone else is super patient with my Spanish and they encourage me so much, but she can treat me like a kid sometimes.
Have you seen Aladdin? I hope so, but anyway, you know Iago, the bird that is friends with Jafar? Well if you recall, Iago is constantly having crackers shoved in his mouth by the Sultan and he hates it. Sometimes I feel like Iago, but it’s rice and potatoes.
Another first for me, watching the cows run through the street in the city. I was sitting in my sweet spot for cell phone service when all of a sudden a bunch of cows got loose from a truck passing by and went running down the street. It was hilarious watching all these men chase these cows and my family found it even funnier how hard I was laughing. After all calmed down and the cows were tied back to their trees because yes, we tie cows up like dogs, the two cows right below me started having angry looking cow sex. Needless to say it was a little distracting while trying to read.
Friday night was pretty amazing. My sister and I watched the two hour season finale of Al Fondo Hay Sitio and screamed in joy and fear. Al Fondo Hay Sitio is my favorite soap opera and it’s local to Peru. It’s overly dramatic and there are around 15 different characters who are all related in one way or another, but it’s so addicting. It not only helps with my Spanish, but learning the slang too! We now have to wait until January or February for the new season and the only good part about that is hopefully by then my Spanish will be even better! Etel doesn’t usually have to explain anything to me because I don’t understand the language…usually it’s because of an event that happened in the past that I don’t know about. Hearing the Spanish and then being able to watch what’s happening allows for me to understand a lot more. Oh and we also drool over the super cute actors. I am torn between Nicolas and Júel on who is the cutest.
My bus ride to Piura on Saturday morning barely happened. My parents had to pretty much yell at the driver that they paid for me a ticket. The driver was not happy about letting me on the bus, but he finally did. Sadly, it wasn’t the bus driver I had to spoon or else I doubt it would have been a problem. What’s crazy is that there was TONS of room for more people, he was just being a lazy hateful..ahem…person. I talked to Glenn (the volunteer who was in Pambarume before me) and he said getting on these buses will be the death of me. His advice: hitchhike to Morropon and then take a bus from there to Piura. Now I know some of your hearts just sank reading that I should hitchhike in a foreign country as a girl, but hitchhiking here is WAY different than in the US. It’s a common way of transportation and usually fairly safe…especially if you know people who know people…which I do now. Glenn said that because I am a girl that people are going to want to take care of me a lot more and help me with things that would be more difficult for a guy and NOT in a dangerous way. Sooo if worse comes to worse I can always stick my genetic hitchhikers thumb out and see what happens!
Last thing: friday night some people dropped by to eat at my parents restaurant and before they came in, their kid came running in and said, "There's food...and a white girl!"
After that chance encounter I happen to recognize the socios of my friend Brittany. They realize I am a volunteer and we casually talk and catch up. They are headed on the same bus as I am to also help Brittany with her things to Santiago, the town right after Pambarumbe. The bus began its barreling around the mountain and we made a stop in a slightly smaller city to pick up and drop off some more people. I was sitting in the front of the bus to welcome with a smile everyone who left and entered, but my smile became even larger when I noticed my host dad, David, hopping on the bus with bags of food. I explained how I didn’t return yesterday because I bought my bus ticket to late and needless to say, he didn’t seem fazed at all.
Due to the fact that my size 8 jeans are a little tighter than I fancy I explained to my family that all I want for breakfast is fruit or tortillas and let’s just say, they listened. One breakfast I had papaya juice to drink and some coffee and milk. Then to eat they gave me a mango, guava and an apple. Eating all of that after my 30 minute run felt pretty, well, healthy.
I would also like to inform you dear reader that I have officially read 5 books since I have been in Peru and I have started my 6th. When I am not reading or listening to my new music for entertainment, I am probably watching the latest episodes of House or Grey’s Anatomy. I have started season one of How I Met Your Mother because the PC library in our hostel has every so I thought why not start now? They also have The Office which will be next.
Well I finally got to see my one-eyed, two toothed host grandmother naked…well almost naked. I returned from eating breakfast to wash my clothes and she was standing naked behind my house taking a bucket bath. We have a shower, but I guess that’s a little too new age for her. She mumbled something in her cartoon voice and I ran to my room in horror.
Another “first” for me was going to mass. I’m still not sure why we went to mass in the middle of the week, but we did. I sang the hymns and played along like I have done this all my life. It’s interesting the differences between a church here and a church in the US. For example, here, breast-feeding is totally okay in church. Also, wearing mesh belly shirts is also ok. Now all those times I was told by my mother I wasn’t dressy enough for church, who would think it’s totally acceptable in parts of the world to wear a belly shirt. Gosh mom. Soo picky. (Love you).
I have noticed that I am basically making my 14 year old sister, Etel, my best friend. I love doing everything and anything with her and her friends. There are two girls in particular I spend time with that are friends of Etel and they are Sessi and some other girl whose name I can’t remember because it’s so different. They are sweet girls and little do they know I am reeling them in with my American white girl charm to be a part of my future girls youth group.
After talking with Rocío about how I need to be participating in things with the community, I think I was able to get across to her. I have since then gone to a meeting at the school and attended her sessions about health, which are strangely similar to mine. At the pre-school we talked to the kids about nutrition (side note: it took me almost 10 minutes to remember how to say and spell nutrition in English…I could only think of it in Spanish…weird!). I noticed once the charla (lesson) was over, the moms who happen to be there were very interested about proper nutrition for their kids. I see a door opener! I explained to them that after I completed my community diagnostic in February that I wanted to have a charla each month with moms who have children 5 and under. They seemed pretty excited when I threw out some potential themes. It’s things like that, that make me excited to be here and have hope that my work might help. I need more moments like that.
I also need more moments like I had with my sister and her friend A (whose name starts with an A, but I forget because it’s hard to pronounce). Tonight we watched New Moon and gawked at the site of Jacob’s muscular body. My host mom even got involved and then 30 minutes later she walked away laughing and saying she can’t believe she is watching a teenage vampire movie. That’s right folks, I am in Peru converting people to join my Twilight fan club. So far we are all Team Edward and it’s good. That’s what Peace Corps is about right…whether people are Team Jacob or Edward…?
After the movie I talked with my dad and some of his friends. I told them about how I was headed to Tunály tomorrow (city I almost died getting to because it’s stupidly far away) and I mentioned how last time I saw a snake with the girth of a bat and the length of a car. They then busted into laughter saying it would be hilarious to see me with a machete over my shoulder. (FYI, machetes are a thing here…men just walk around with a machete over their shoulder…just in case they need it?). Anyway, there is a possibility a potential horse and machete are in the works for my future trips to Tunály (because I am going each month). I have also decided that there are bugs here so big that they look like they could smash me with a shoe.
We ended up not going to Tunály for a reason I didn’t really understand, but let’s just say I wasn’t that upset not getting to walk numerous hours in a jungle-like forest. We did go to some other city and take a botiquin, which is basically a giant first aid kit. The reason, because during the rainy season (December-February) it’s possible people can’t walk all the way to Pambarumbe for simple medicines so they “train” a random lady on what medicines cure what and they leave the kit with them. I know that it’s easier for people to do things that way, but it’s still a little bizarre in my mind. I don’t even know what amoxicillin can take care of, most likely these women don’t know either, but they have it!
One thing I am going to have to learn how to do is stop speaking in English to people’s faces and saying hateful things. I am really getting sick of my socio, Rocío, laughing at my Spanish. Sometimes when I ask her to repeat something she just starts laughing at my face and then says it like she is talking to a 2 year old. I usually end up responding back when I understand and then I say something terrible in English like, “At least I speak another language,” or, “At least I am not stuck in this hell hole forever like you,” or, “You’re just jealous because I’m white and American and the city responds better to me than you.” I know it’s terrible, but who gets the last laugh? Me. Don’t worry, she can’t understand what I am saying, but it’s really frustrating. Everyone else is super patient with my Spanish and they encourage me so much, but she can treat me like a kid sometimes.
Have you seen Aladdin? I hope so, but anyway, you know Iago, the bird that is friends with Jafar? Well if you recall, Iago is constantly having crackers shoved in his mouth by the Sultan and he hates it. Sometimes I feel like Iago, but it’s rice and potatoes.
Another first for me, watching the cows run through the street in the city. I was sitting in my sweet spot for cell phone service when all of a sudden a bunch of cows got loose from a truck passing by and went running down the street. It was hilarious watching all these men chase these cows and my family found it even funnier how hard I was laughing. After all calmed down and the cows were tied back to their trees because yes, we tie cows up like dogs, the two cows right below me started having angry looking cow sex. Needless to say it was a little distracting while trying to read.
Friday night was pretty amazing. My sister and I watched the two hour season finale of Al Fondo Hay Sitio and screamed in joy and fear. Al Fondo Hay Sitio is my favorite soap opera and it’s local to Peru. It’s overly dramatic and there are around 15 different characters who are all related in one way or another, but it’s so addicting. It not only helps with my Spanish, but learning the slang too! We now have to wait until January or February for the new season and the only good part about that is hopefully by then my Spanish will be even better! Etel doesn’t usually have to explain anything to me because I don’t understand the language…usually it’s because of an event that happened in the past that I don’t know about. Hearing the Spanish and then being able to watch what’s happening allows for me to understand a lot more. Oh and we also drool over the super cute actors. I am torn between Nicolas and Júel on who is the cutest.
My bus ride to Piura on Saturday morning barely happened. My parents had to pretty much yell at the driver that they paid for me a ticket. The driver was not happy about letting me on the bus, but he finally did. Sadly, it wasn’t the bus driver I had to spoon or else I doubt it would have been a problem. What’s crazy is that there was TONS of room for more people, he was just being a lazy hateful..ahem…person. I talked to Glenn (the volunteer who was in Pambarume before me) and he said getting on these buses will be the death of me. His advice: hitchhike to Morropon and then take a bus from there to Piura. Now I know some of your hearts just sank reading that I should hitchhike in a foreign country as a girl, but hitchhiking here is WAY different than in the US. It’s a common way of transportation and usually fairly safe…especially if you know people who know people…which I do now. Glenn said that because I am a girl that people are going to want to take care of me a lot more and help me with things that would be more difficult for a guy and NOT in a dangerous way. Sooo if worse comes to worse I can always stick my genetic hitchhikers thumb out and see what happens!
Last thing: friday night some people dropped by to eat at my parents restaurant and before they came in, their kid came running in and said, "There's food...and a white girl!"
Monday, December 6, 2010
Form of meditation: Led Zeppelin
Self Revelation: I would like to take time to point out that I enjoy writing. These blogs are not only to keep my family and friends in the USA updated about my Peace Corps Peru experience, but for my sanity as well…a form of expression. Sometimes I just like to express random feelings/thoughts and sometimes this feels like the place to do it other than in my personal journal.
For my first weekend at site, I actually left site. There was much to get done and it was a successful trip other than the fact I bought my bus ticket too late. Whoopsy. I have to leave a day later than I anticipated. I guess that means I will have one more night of hot showers, tv, internet and a good clean hotel. Don’t you hate it when that happens? Somewhere along the line of this vacation feeling trip I have become the dinner of chicken sized mosquitoes. I don’t know where they came from or when they attacked, but they have left their mark.
My days in Piura were spent shopping, eating and listening to Led Zeppelin. I have always been a Led Zeppelin fan, but for some reason their music really speaks to me in Peru. It makes me feel calm and relaxed. Sometimes I feel like I need to climb aboard my peace sign shaped multi-colored time machine and head back to the early 1970’s to one of their concerts. I want to hold hands with the hippies and just lose myself in their music.
It may sound weird to those who don’t get such feelings from music, but music is my form of meditation and sometimes that’s where I go. I have compiled a list of my favorite quotes from Led Zeppelin songs and maybe they will interest you enough to where you will YouTube them and just maybe you will have that far out, out-of-mind experience too.
"When all are one and one is all
To be a rock and not to roll" - Stairway to Heaven
Oh let the sun beat down upon my face
With stars to fill my dream.
I am a traveler of both time and space
To be where I have been. ---Kashmir
Spend my days with a woman unkind
Smoked my stuff and drank all my wine
Made up my mind, make a new start
Goin' to California with an achin' in my heart
Someone told me there's a girl out there
With love in her eyes and flowers in her hair ----- Going To California
Find a queen without a king
They say she plays guitar and cries and sings, la-la-la-la
Ride a white mare in the footsteps of dawn
Tryin' to find a woman who's never, never, never been born
Standin' on a hill in the mountain of dreams
Tellin' myself it's not as hard, hard, hard as it seems - Going to California
Let the music be your master. Will you heed the master's call? - Houses of the Holy
"Oh, whatever that your days may bring, no use hiding in a corner, cause that won't change a thing."-In the Evening
"Don't it make you feel bad when you're tryin' to find you way home, you don't know which way to go?" -When the Levee Breaks
"Upon us all a little rain must fall." -The Rain Song
"Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run, there's still time to change the road you're on." –Stairway to Heaven
"Everybody I know thinks they know me well, but they're never gonna know, cause I move like hell." -What is and What Should Never Be
Maybe you won’t have the same out of mind experience like me, but I can say that you are missing out. Now don’t worry, I don’t freak all Peruvians out about my love of Led Zeppelin. Rigel is a fan as well and understands all this completely. (He even has a dog named Zeppelin). For my mini going away gift he gave me his favorite Led Zeppelin shirt that I can sport around. Anyway, to top off this post with one more quote, here is a paragraph from the book I am reading that I really like:
“People think a soul mate is your perfect fit and that's what everyone wants, but a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that's holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. A true soul mate is probably the most important person you will ever meet because they tear down your walls and smack you awake, but to live with a soul mate forever? Nah, too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you and then they leave.”
For my first weekend at site, I actually left site. There was much to get done and it was a successful trip other than the fact I bought my bus ticket too late. Whoopsy. I have to leave a day later than I anticipated. I guess that means I will have one more night of hot showers, tv, internet and a good clean hotel. Don’t you hate it when that happens? Somewhere along the line of this vacation feeling trip I have become the dinner of chicken sized mosquitoes. I don’t know where they came from or when they attacked, but they have left their mark.
My days in Piura were spent shopping, eating and listening to Led Zeppelin. I have always been a Led Zeppelin fan, but for some reason their music really speaks to me in Peru. It makes me feel calm and relaxed. Sometimes I feel like I need to climb aboard my peace sign shaped multi-colored time machine and head back to the early 1970’s to one of their concerts. I want to hold hands with the hippies and just lose myself in their music.
It may sound weird to those who don’t get such feelings from music, but music is my form of meditation and sometimes that’s where I go. I have compiled a list of my favorite quotes from Led Zeppelin songs and maybe they will interest you enough to where you will YouTube them and just maybe you will have that far out, out-of-mind experience too.
"When all are one and one is all
To be a rock and not to roll" - Stairway to Heaven
Oh let the sun beat down upon my face
With stars to fill my dream.
I am a traveler of both time and space
To be where I have been. ---Kashmir
Spend my days with a woman unkind
Smoked my stuff and drank all my wine
Made up my mind, make a new start
Goin' to California with an achin' in my heart
Someone told me there's a girl out there
With love in her eyes and flowers in her hair ----- Going To California
Find a queen without a king
They say she plays guitar and cries and sings, la-la-la-la
Ride a white mare in the footsteps of dawn
Tryin' to find a woman who's never, never, never been born
Standin' on a hill in the mountain of dreams
Tellin' myself it's not as hard, hard, hard as it seems - Going to California
Let the music be your master. Will you heed the master's call? - Houses of the Holy
"Oh, whatever that your days may bring, no use hiding in a corner, cause that won't change a thing."-In the Evening
"Don't it make you feel bad when you're tryin' to find you way home, you don't know which way to go?" -When the Levee Breaks
"Upon us all a little rain must fall." -The Rain Song
"Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run, there's still time to change the road you're on." –Stairway to Heaven
"Everybody I know thinks they know me well, but they're never gonna know, cause I move like hell." -What is and What Should Never Be
Maybe you won’t have the same out of mind experience like me, but I can say that you are missing out. Now don’t worry, I don’t freak all Peruvians out about my love of Led Zeppelin. Rigel is a fan as well and understands all this completely. (He even has a dog named Zeppelin). For my mini going away gift he gave me his favorite Led Zeppelin shirt that I can sport around. Anyway, to top off this post with one more quote, here is a paragraph from the book I am reading that I really like:
“People think a soul mate is your perfect fit and that's what everyone wants, but a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that's holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. A true soul mate is probably the most important person you will ever meet because they tear down your walls and smack you awake, but to live with a soul mate forever? Nah, too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you and then they leave.”
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Week One
As many of you know, or should know, I like to write. During my first 10 weeks in training I didn’t have the time to write like I wanted too. I just threw some words into my blog and ran off into my Peruvian sunset skipping and eating Sublimes (the best chocolate candy ever). Since I have more time now than expected, I plan on “flowering” my blogs a little more. Unfortunately for you, this might make them a little lengthier, but due to the fact that I don’t have internet, there will be fewer updates. Ya win some, ya lose some.
To set the scene as I write this, let me explain my surroundings. I am sitting Indian-style on the balcony of my house facing banana trees, bamboo plants, flowers with the most beautiful red blooms I have seen that attract hummingbirds of all sorts and off in the distance is one of the tallest and greenest mountains around. The roads here are dirt so every time a car or bus goes whooshing by, a cloud of dust blows up to “bronze” my skin a little more.
When I have the money and time I plan to buy a hammock for this unused balcony. Well, I take that back. It’s not entirely unused, I share it (yes, I have already claimed it as my own) with a chicken. I have talked with the chicken and I said I would stay at my end if she would stay at hers. That goes for her future chicks too because she laid eggs this morning.
Back to the theme of this particular blog. I am nearing the end of my first week as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Pambarumbe, Piura, Peru. I had written a blog my second day about how things were going, but as I reread it, it seemed more like a pity party, because, well it was. I would rather not make you feel sorry for me because at the time of that blog I was contemplating everything in existence and now I am more tranquilo (relaxed).
My first week didn’t have quite the kick-off like I had wanted and expected. For starters, a few hours before leaving for site I was informed Nannie, my great-grandmother, died. I knew before I left that this was obviously was a possibility being that she was 97 years old, but I tried to keep with the words she left me with, “See you when get back.”
On the way to the bus station to Pambarumbe I was not only distraught, but trying to figure out how to carry 4 bags of luggage that not only weighed more than me, but were bigger than me too, mentally and physically. After cussing some people along the way, sweating like I just ran a marathon and breaking the strap on one backpack, I managed to get there in one piece even though I felt like I was in pieces.
My first night I spent crying and taping pictures to the wall. Having walls of mud with paint slapped on them doesn’t make for an easy hanging process with tape. Every time a picture fell off the wall I cried a little harder like a little piece of me was falling apart. I called it a night by stringing my mosquito net up for security purposes because let’s face it, if any living creature would have crawled in my bed that night, I would already be on a flight back to the States. My mosquito net also gives me a princessy feel too. I mean after all, when I was in 6th grade I had one and little did I know they had actual purposes I would be grateful for 10 years later. Don’t tempt me to die it hot pink. And let’s just say it can be a death trap too…more details on that later.
The next morning wasn’t easy either when I realized even with a new cell phone provider I still didn’t have service. After breakfast I immediately asked where I could get cell phone service and I was told to go to church. I was confused at first because I thought it was more of a command rather than, that’s where the service lies. I don’t have to go directly in the church, but rather a little tree close by.
I have managed to forget another “cherry on top” that I had my first few days at site. This has managed to be the first time I have felt sick. Basically, it feels like someone has a kung-fu like grip on my intestines and at any given moment, they pull them as fast as possible. Now don’t worry, there is no diarrhea or vomiting, but it sure feels like it could happen. Any. Second.
Now you may be thinking, “That poor thing. Why doesn’t she just come home?” Well don’t worry, I thought about it, figured out how I would go about it and then finally decided to sleep on it. I awoke the next morning bound and determined I was going to figure this out and I am happy to say, poco-a-poco (little by little) it’s happening.
I usually don’t like to discuss my religion with other because in my opinion, my personal relationship with God is, well, personal. When questioned, I inform people I have a relationship with God and I am happy with it and that’s all they should be concerned about. But, being as it pertains to the story, I will discuss things a little further so sit back and enjoy this potential one-time event.
Basically God already knows what I need and the question is, do I know? I woke up thinking to myself, “What can I do to get motivated?” and I immediately went to my computer and started watching Joel Osteen. Whether you like him or not, he has been the man to bring sanity to me numerous time when I have trailed off the beaten path. Without going into more details about my history with Joel, let’s just say he gets the job done and well, this time being no different, he got the job done.
I stole this from Eat, Pray, Love because it has the same message. There is an old Italian joke about a poor man who goes church every day and prays before the statue of a great saint, begging, “Dear saint- please, please, please…give me the grace to win the lottery. “ This goes on for months and finally the statue comes to life and looks down at the man with disgust and says, “My son- please, please, please…buy a ticket!”
So I started out my day by buying my ticket. I created my plan, schedule and goal/objectives. For starters this is what I have come up with:
Mission Flaquita: start every morning by going for a run. (not sure if I am spelling flaquita correctly, but it’s what you would call someone who is a teeny tiny person…it comes from flaca which is skinny…add ita to anything and it makes it tinier). A run in the morning not only is healthy, but allows me to be seen in my city to remind them I am their gringa, listen to some music and just enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Mission Shakira: Yes that may sound odd, but I really like her hair, how she dances and her shape. So basically, I am going to have the hair atop my head grow back to its normal color and texture. Being that I haven’t used electrical appliances or had a hair cut in 10-11 weeks, this has already been in the works. For some strange reason now my hair is calm, has golden-like highlights and a little longer. I am hoping to grow it somewhere between the length of not quite a hippie, but riding that fence. It’s also a little curly/wavy these days making me feel more one with Shakira. Also Mission Shakira and Mission Flaquita share the objective of getting into shape. As for the dancing part, well I haven’t figured out how to start that just yet, but I will. I am thinking nighttime dance parties by myself in my bedroom. Laugh if you want, but when I come back to the States dancing and looking like Shakira, you will be jealous. My hips will not lie. (Lee, calm down, I know you hate Skakira, but don’t worry…only the dance moves, body and hair will I have…I can do without the voice and I won’t make you listen to her music…that often. Love you!)
I have gained a tiny bit of weight while in Peru, just to prove a point I guess. Not enough to make a difference with my clothes, but enough to where I find it annoying. Sometimes I think it’s just being bloated from all the rice. I was warned this would happen due to my carbirific diet that includes more rice and potatoes than I can handle. Let’ just say when I return to the Estados Unidos I plan to dance on the grace of Dr. Atkins calling him a liar in as many languages as I can speak.
I have also created a subject to change schedule for each day to help keep my sanity. Around 7-8AM I awake in the morning to my dreaded roosters. Once I roll myself out of bed I work on Project Flaquita by running around the city. I wave and manage to say between strangled breaths buenos días while receiving some very confused looks. I have a feeling their thoughts are something like this, “Why is she doing that if it looks like it’s killing her.” I also received the expected question from a little girl, “What are you running from?” Trying to explain that running is healthy as I look like I could have a heart attack and stroke simultaneously could be a bit confusing to a 3 year old.
After my run I have started welcoming the Peruvian cold showers with a smile on my face and then continuing that smile as I eat breakfast while watching CNN…in Spanish. That’s right folks, CNN rocks it out here and I have told everyone that they have the BEST news in the world and to never ever watch Fox News. (Sorry Republican friends and family, but if you want to change their minds about that you can join the Peace Corps and spread the “word”).
After a breakfast filled with mangos, fresh and boiled bananas and grapes I head to the health post and work a little on preparing for my Community Diagnostic. Other days when the health post was mysteriously closed I went to this darling balcony and read in my book for several hours.
Around 1PM I go to my treasured tree near the church and pray that there is some type of text or message awaiting me. I stay there for an hour making phone calls to friends or just continue my reading. (Take note of this, that if you want to call me, I will do my best to be at my arból favorita waiting to hear a familiar voice with my numerous bars of service)
At 2PM I join my sister for lunch and we watch some type of Mexican TV show called Se Vale. Due to Christmas being in the near future, everyone is wearing Santa hats and there are decorations all around the remind me of the holidays. It’s a strange TV show because there are different types of competitions and people, as the Latin stereotype continues, are overly dramatic. But, I digress because it helps me learn more Spanish.
Thursday’s lunch was a little more special as I spent it eating with my family and my sister’s friends who are around the ages of 13-15. We had that alcoholic mud drink that I had the days I visited and watched American music videos. I was a little thrown off when the 6 year old boy even had the mud alcoholic drink. Oh well, tis life in Peru. After my parents we back to running their restaurant, the girls and I gushed over the Twilight Series and Robert Pattinson. We all cackled and laughed well, like a bunch of 14 year olds. We talked about other shows we liked and many of the girls here enjoy One Tree Hill. I thought I would mention my new addiction to House, expecting they would haven’t a clue and to my surprise it comes on at 7PM and I am going to be on that like a fly on, well you get it.
I should mention that my writing was just interrupted by my sister who just brought me the most giant piece of guava I have seen. Since I live so close to the jungle and the rainy season is upon us, the fruits are plentiful. We have mangos, bananas, guava, granadilla, grapes and more.
Although now I have a schedule and positive thoughts, there are still those negative thoughts I allow to creep in here and there. “You can’t do this for two years! What are you thinking?!” “Why not just go home where the food is good, your bed is comfortable and you have your family, friends and cats?” “All you have to do is pack your bags and call Peace Corps and you are on your way.”Those thoughts are like annoying telemarketers, but I am learning how to hang up the phone as soon as I realize who is calling.
There are two new people who have entered my life since my time in Pambarumbe; my host-grandmother and a dirty little boy.
I don’t want to sound hateful when describing my host-grandmother, but she is a sight to see. She is as tall as a walking stick and weighs about the same. Every day she wears a dirty brown skirt, a white button-up collared shirt and a turquoise sweater over it. Her skin reminds me of wrinkly old dogs, minus the soft looking fur. Her voice sounds like one of those badly dubbed Spanish cartoons and she talks to herself all day. I can hear her outside my window sometimes as early as 6AM, I presume, talking to the chickens. I can’t understand a word she says so when I come into contact with her I manage to spit out, buenos días, tardes or noches (depending on the time of day) and then I runaway as fast as possible. Oh yeah, and she has one eye and approximately 5 teeth.
Today I managed to walk into the bathroom while she was pooping. I panicked not only at the site of such a tiny women basically in the toilet, but at the situation itself. I shouted, lo siento (sorry) and sprinted back to my bedroom. I could hear her in the bathroom from my bedroom, still talking to herself.
The dirty little boy I have encountered I can feel is going to be the dismay of my future. He looks to be about 5 years old and probably hasn’t bathed in the last 2 years. Most likely if we come into close contact from him I will get fleas. He has worn the same clothes every day and never wears shoes. His mom works for my parents at the restaurant and he doesn’t go to school which in return means, he just wonders around all day. The first time we met was when he followed me to my beloved tree when I went to talk with my mom. This was one of those particular bad days where I just needed to talk to my mom in peace. He managed to climb my little tree and shake leaves on me the entire time. He was literally, raining on my parade. One day he splashed water all over me for no reason and almost received a beating from my host dad. I have tried talking to him and asking him questions, but he gives me his mischievous smile and usually runs off. He is going to bring about bad things. I can feel it. Maybe a good bath would make him a little nicer.
After dinner, Etel (my sister) was all about showing me that House played on tv. The best part about it, it was in English AND it was a newer episode. You should know that the verb aprovechar means, “to take advantage of.” We PCV’s always find a way to take advantage of something. We may steal the soap the soap or toilet paper given to us by the hotel or we may make buddy buddy with someone just so we can use their fridge, but it’s aprovecharing. When asked if we aprovechared, the response should always be, “I aprovechared that sh$%.” So when it came to being asked if I wanted to watch house, I aprovechared that.
During this particular episode, Dr. House called someone a jackass. The Spanish subtitles translated it as idiot, which I am sure you know isn’t as strong as jackass. The little dirty boy was in the room and proceeded to run around screaming “Yackass. Yackass. Yackass,” as loud as his lungs would bear. Being that I am the only one who speaks English, I just sat and smiled and reflected on what these two years could bring.
One night, after returning from dinner half asleep I went to crawl into bed and noticed a spider about the size of the heel of my foot. I panicked and didn’t know how to go about killing it since it was so close to my sleeping quarters. I first took a picture and then slammed it with my shoe. When I opened my eyes it was gone. Gone like a magic trick. I searched high and low and all around my bed and nowhere was that freaking spider. Needless to say all ounces of sleepiness were gone and I was left knowing somewhere a giant and now pissed off spider was in my bedroom, most likely very near my bed. I saw the giant sign I made for my bedroom that says “pray” and after laughing at the situation this is how things went: “So yeah, God, um thanks for letting me have my mosquito net up. Thanks for my day and um can you do something about this spider. Preferably prove to me that it’s dead or never let me see it again? Yeah….sorry about cussing the spider earlier…”
God didn’t answer right away, but I presumed we had an agreement of some sort. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, but I am really doubting that with the whole spider situation. I then realized that this mosquito net needs to be lowered so I can tuck it more under my mattress because right now it can be a death trap. I could potentially lock myself in my mosquito net with the bugs I am trying to lock out.
Friday night ended up being somewhat interesting. It started out by my sister, her two friends watching and I watching Twilight. To fast forward a bit, by the end of the movie we had a room full of about 10 people piled in watching in awe. It was pretty cute and it made me feel normal…which is rare here.
Saturday morning I was heading back to civilization…or as others call it, Piura. My family said I didn’t need to buy a ticket I could just hop on in the morning and pay. When the bust finally arrived around 4AM I went to hop on and the guys were motioning me around where the driver was sitting. I had no idea what was happening, but being half asleep I went along with it. My mom pulled out a chair and some guy tossed me up in the air and I landed on the driver…in the bus. The bus was so full of people that the only place for me to fit was front and center by him. Looking at the spot I sat in, for four hours, most people would think it’s the perfect place to sit a bag a fruit. I don’t know the exact width, but according to my apple juice, I can tell you it was a juice box and a half wide. Usually I am in the back and it’s pitch black so I can’t see how close to death I am, but with this seat I could see it coming. I kindly told him he better not kill me because I am very important and those in the USA, Pambarumbe and Chaclacayo would be very upset with him. He said he would do his best and to get comfy because it was going to be a long drive.
Now I am sure I have mentioned that I am reading Eat Pray Love and in the book Liz had a similar moment as to what I was about to experience. Since the book was fresh on my mind, she advised me on how to react. One of the men near the front door muffeled under his breath, “Not too fat for an American.” My response was to blindly stare ahead say to myself, “Not to greasy for a Peruvian man.”
My driver and the other men thought that was the funniest thing ever. My driver replied, “She is already used to dealing with assholes like you!” I smiled and said I had learned a long since living in Peru and I can keep up with the best now. After that I cozyed up to my driver and went to sleep.
To set the scene as I write this, let me explain my surroundings. I am sitting Indian-style on the balcony of my house facing banana trees, bamboo plants, flowers with the most beautiful red blooms I have seen that attract hummingbirds of all sorts and off in the distance is one of the tallest and greenest mountains around. The roads here are dirt so every time a car or bus goes whooshing by, a cloud of dust blows up to “bronze” my skin a little more.
When I have the money and time I plan to buy a hammock for this unused balcony. Well, I take that back. It’s not entirely unused, I share it (yes, I have already claimed it as my own) with a chicken. I have talked with the chicken and I said I would stay at my end if she would stay at hers. That goes for her future chicks too because she laid eggs this morning.
Back to the theme of this particular blog. I am nearing the end of my first week as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Pambarumbe, Piura, Peru. I had written a blog my second day about how things were going, but as I reread it, it seemed more like a pity party, because, well it was. I would rather not make you feel sorry for me because at the time of that blog I was contemplating everything in existence and now I am more tranquilo (relaxed).
My first week didn’t have quite the kick-off like I had wanted and expected. For starters, a few hours before leaving for site I was informed Nannie, my great-grandmother, died. I knew before I left that this was obviously was a possibility being that she was 97 years old, but I tried to keep with the words she left me with, “See you when get back.”
On the way to the bus station to Pambarumbe I was not only distraught, but trying to figure out how to carry 4 bags of luggage that not only weighed more than me, but were bigger than me too, mentally and physically. After cussing some people along the way, sweating like I just ran a marathon and breaking the strap on one backpack, I managed to get there in one piece even though I felt like I was in pieces.
My first night I spent crying and taping pictures to the wall. Having walls of mud with paint slapped on them doesn’t make for an easy hanging process with tape. Every time a picture fell off the wall I cried a little harder like a little piece of me was falling apart. I called it a night by stringing my mosquito net up for security purposes because let’s face it, if any living creature would have crawled in my bed that night, I would already be on a flight back to the States. My mosquito net also gives me a princessy feel too. I mean after all, when I was in 6th grade I had one and little did I know they had actual purposes I would be grateful for 10 years later. Don’t tempt me to die it hot pink. And let’s just say it can be a death trap too…more details on that later.
The next morning wasn’t easy either when I realized even with a new cell phone provider I still didn’t have service. After breakfast I immediately asked where I could get cell phone service and I was told to go to church. I was confused at first because I thought it was more of a command rather than, that’s where the service lies. I don’t have to go directly in the church, but rather a little tree close by.
I have managed to forget another “cherry on top” that I had my first few days at site. This has managed to be the first time I have felt sick. Basically, it feels like someone has a kung-fu like grip on my intestines and at any given moment, they pull them as fast as possible. Now don’t worry, there is no diarrhea or vomiting, but it sure feels like it could happen. Any. Second.
Now you may be thinking, “That poor thing. Why doesn’t she just come home?” Well don’t worry, I thought about it, figured out how I would go about it and then finally decided to sleep on it. I awoke the next morning bound and determined I was going to figure this out and I am happy to say, poco-a-poco (little by little) it’s happening.
I usually don’t like to discuss my religion with other because in my opinion, my personal relationship with God is, well, personal. When questioned, I inform people I have a relationship with God and I am happy with it and that’s all they should be concerned about. But, being as it pertains to the story, I will discuss things a little further so sit back and enjoy this potential one-time event.
Basically God already knows what I need and the question is, do I know? I woke up thinking to myself, “What can I do to get motivated?” and I immediately went to my computer and started watching Joel Osteen. Whether you like him or not, he has been the man to bring sanity to me numerous time when I have trailed off the beaten path. Without going into more details about my history with Joel, let’s just say he gets the job done and well, this time being no different, he got the job done.
I stole this from Eat, Pray, Love because it has the same message. There is an old Italian joke about a poor man who goes church every day and prays before the statue of a great saint, begging, “Dear saint- please, please, please…give me the grace to win the lottery. “ This goes on for months and finally the statue comes to life and looks down at the man with disgust and says, “My son- please, please, please…buy a ticket!”
So I started out my day by buying my ticket. I created my plan, schedule and goal/objectives. For starters this is what I have come up with:
Mission Flaquita: start every morning by going for a run. (not sure if I am spelling flaquita correctly, but it’s what you would call someone who is a teeny tiny person…it comes from flaca which is skinny…add ita to anything and it makes it tinier). A run in the morning not only is healthy, but allows me to be seen in my city to remind them I am their gringa, listen to some music and just enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Mission Shakira: Yes that may sound odd, but I really like her hair, how she dances and her shape. So basically, I am going to have the hair atop my head grow back to its normal color and texture. Being that I haven’t used electrical appliances or had a hair cut in 10-11 weeks, this has already been in the works. For some strange reason now my hair is calm, has golden-like highlights and a little longer. I am hoping to grow it somewhere between the length of not quite a hippie, but riding that fence. It’s also a little curly/wavy these days making me feel more one with Shakira. Also Mission Shakira and Mission Flaquita share the objective of getting into shape. As for the dancing part, well I haven’t figured out how to start that just yet, but I will. I am thinking nighttime dance parties by myself in my bedroom. Laugh if you want, but when I come back to the States dancing and looking like Shakira, you will be jealous. My hips will not lie. (Lee, calm down, I know you hate Skakira, but don’t worry…only the dance moves, body and hair will I have…I can do without the voice and I won’t make you listen to her music…that often. Love you!)
I have gained a tiny bit of weight while in Peru, just to prove a point I guess. Not enough to make a difference with my clothes, but enough to where I find it annoying. Sometimes I think it’s just being bloated from all the rice. I was warned this would happen due to my carbirific diet that includes more rice and potatoes than I can handle. Let’ just say when I return to the Estados Unidos I plan to dance on the grace of Dr. Atkins calling him a liar in as many languages as I can speak.
I have also created a subject to change schedule for each day to help keep my sanity. Around 7-8AM I awake in the morning to my dreaded roosters. Once I roll myself out of bed I work on Project Flaquita by running around the city. I wave and manage to say between strangled breaths buenos días while receiving some very confused looks. I have a feeling their thoughts are something like this, “Why is she doing that if it looks like it’s killing her.” I also received the expected question from a little girl, “What are you running from?” Trying to explain that running is healthy as I look like I could have a heart attack and stroke simultaneously could be a bit confusing to a 3 year old.
After my run I have started welcoming the Peruvian cold showers with a smile on my face and then continuing that smile as I eat breakfast while watching CNN…in Spanish. That’s right folks, CNN rocks it out here and I have told everyone that they have the BEST news in the world and to never ever watch Fox News. (Sorry Republican friends and family, but if you want to change their minds about that you can join the Peace Corps and spread the “word”).
After a breakfast filled with mangos, fresh and boiled bananas and grapes I head to the health post and work a little on preparing for my Community Diagnostic. Other days when the health post was mysteriously closed I went to this darling balcony and read in my book for several hours.
Around 1PM I go to my treasured tree near the church and pray that there is some type of text or message awaiting me. I stay there for an hour making phone calls to friends or just continue my reading. (Take note of this, that if you want to call me, I will do my best to be at my arból favorita waiting to hear a familiar voice with my numerous bars of service)
At 2PM I join my sister for lunch and we watch some type of Mexican TV show called Se Vale. Due to Christmas being in the near future, everyone is wearing Santa hats and there are decorations all around the remind me of the holidays. It’s a strange TV show because there are different types of competitions and people, as the Latin stereotype continues, are overly dramatic. But, I digress because it helps me learn more Spanish.
Thursday’s lunch was a little more special as I spent it eating with my family and my sister’s friends who are around the ages of 13-15. We had that alcoholic mud drink that I had the days I visited and watched American music videos. I was a little thrown off when the 6 year old boy even had the mud alcoholic drink. Oh well, tis life in Peru. After my parents we back to running their restaurant, the girls and I gushed over the Twilight Series and Robert Pattinson. We all cackled and laughed well, like a bunch of 14 year olds. We talked about other shows we liked and many of the girls here enjoy One Tree Hill. I thought I would mention my new addiction to House, expecting they would haven’t a clue and to my surprise it comes on at 7PM and I am going to be on that like a fly on, well you get it.
I should mention that my writing was just interrupted by my sister who just brought me the most giant piece of guava I have seen. Since I live so close to the jungle and the rainy season is upon us, the fruits are plentiful. We have mangos, bananas, guava, granadilla, grapes and more.
Although now I have a schedule and positive thoughts, there are still those negative thoughts I allow to creep in here and there. “You can’t do this for two years! What are you thinking?!” “Why not just go home where the food is good, your bed is comfortable and you have your family, friends and cats?” “All you have to do is pack your bags and call Peace Corps and you are on your way.”Those thoughts are like annoying telemarketers, but I am learning how to hang up the phone as soon as I realize who is calling.
There are two new people who have entered my life since my time in Pambarumbe; my host-grandmother and a dirty little boy.
I don’t want to sound hateful when describing my host-grandmother, but she is a sight to see. She is as tall as a walking stick and weighs about the same. Every day she wears a dirty brown skirt, a white button-up collared shirt and a turquoise sweater over it. Her skin reminds me of wrinkly old dogs, minus the soft looking fur. Her voice sounds like one of those badly dubbed Spanish cartoons and she talks to herself all day. I can hear her outside my window sometimes as early as 6AM, I presume, talking to the chickens. I can’t understand a word she says so when I come into contact with her I manage to spit out, buenos días, tardes or noches (depending on the time of day) and then I runaway as fast as possible. Oh yeah, and she has one eye and approximately 5 teeth.
Today I managed to walk into the bathroom while she was pooping. I panicked not only at the site of such a tiny women basically in the toilet, but at the situation itself. I shouted, lo siento (sorry) and sprinted back to my bedroom. I could hear her in the bathroom from my bedroom, still talking to herself.
The dirty little boy I have encountered I can feel is going to be the dismay of my future. He looks to be about 5 years old and probably hasn’t bathed in the last 2 years. Most likely if we come into close contact from him I will get fleas. He has worn the same clothes every day and never wears shoes. His mom works for my parents at the restaurant and he doesn’t go to school which in return means, he just wonders around all day. The first time we met was when he followed me to my beloved tree when I went to talk with my mom. This was one of those particular bad days where I just needed to talk to my mom in peace. He managed to climb my little tree and shake leaves on me the entire time. He was literally, raining on my parade. One day he splashed water all over me for no reason and almost received a beating from my host dad. I have tried talking to him and asking him questions, but he gives me his mischievous smile and usually runs off. He is going to bring about bad things. I can feel it. Maybe a good bath would make him a little nicer.
After dinner, Etel (my sister) was all about showing me that House played on tv. The best part about it, it was in English AND it was a newer episode. You should know that the verb aprovechar means, “to take advantage of.” We PCV’s always find a way to take advantage of something. We may steal the soap the soap or toilet paper given to us by the hotel or we may make buddy buddy with someone just so we can use their fridge, but it’s aprovecharing. When asked if we aprovechared, the response should always be, “I aprovechared that sh$%.” So when it came to being asked if I wanted to watch house, I aprovechared that.
During this particular episode, Dr. House called someone a jackass. The Spanish subtitles translated it as idiot, which I am sure you know isn’t as strong as jackass. The little dirty boy was in the room and proceeded to run around screaming “Yackass. Yackass. Yackass,” as loud as his lungs would bear. Being that I am the only one who speaks English, I just sat and smiled and reflected on what these two years could bring.
One night, after returning from dinner half asleep I went to crawl into bed and noticed a spider about the size of the heel of my foot. I panicked and didn’t know how to go about killing it since it was so close to my sleeping quarters. I first took a picture and then slammed it with my shoe. When I opened my eyes it was gone. Gone like a magic trick. I searched high and low and all around my bed and nowhere was that freaking spider. Needless to say all ounces of sleepiness were gone and I was left knowing somewhere a giant and now pissed off spider was in my bedroom, most likely very near my bed. I saw the giant sign I made for my bedroom that says “pray” and after laughing at the situation this is how things went: “So yeah, God, um thanks for letting me have my mosquito net up. Thanks for my day and um can you do something about this spider. Preferably prove to me that it’s dead or never let me see it again? Yeah….sorry about cussing the spider earlier…”
God didn’t answer right away, but I presumed we had an agreement of some sort. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, but I am really doubting that with the whole spider situation. I then realized that this mosquito net needs to be lowered so I can tuck it more under my mattress because right now it can be a death trap. I could potentially lock myself in my mosquito net with the bugs I am trying to lock out.
Friday night ended up being somewhat interesting. It started out by my sister, her two friends watching and I watching Twilight. To fast forward a bit, by the end of the movie we had a room full of about 10 people piled in watching in awe. It was pretty cute and it made me feel normal…which is rare here.
Saturday morning I was heading back to civilization…or as others call it, Piura. My family said I didn’t need to buy a ticket I could just hop on in the morning and pay. When the bust finally arrived around 4AM I went to hop on and the guys were motioning me around where the driver was sitting. I had no idea what was happening, but being half asleep I went along with it. My mom pulled out a chair and some guy tossed me up in the air and I landed on the driver…in the bus. The bus was so full of people that the only place for me to fit was front and center by him. Looking at the spot I sat in, for four hours, most people would think it’s the perfect place to sit a bag a fruit. I don’t know the exact width, but according to my apple juice, I can tell you it was a juice box and a half wide. Usually I am in the back and it’s pitch black so I can’t see how close to death I am, but with this seat I could see it coming. I kindly told him he better not kill me because I am very important and those in the USA, Pambarumbe and Chaclacayo would be very upset with him. He said he would do his best and to get comfy because it was going to be a long drive.
Now I am sure I have mentioned that I am reading Eat Pray Love and in the book Liz had a similar moment as to what I was about to experience. Since the book was fresh on my mind, she advised me on how to react. One of the men near the front door muffeled under his breath, “Not too fat for an American.” My response was to blindly stare ahead say to myself, “Not to greasy for a Peruvian man.”
My driver and the other men thought that was the funniest thing ever. My driver replied, “She is already used to dealing with assholes like you!” I smiled and said I had learned a long since living in Peru and I can keep up with the best now. After that I cozyed up to my driver and went to sleep.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Times are already tough
So I have arrived in Piura and I am about to head to site for my first actual day and let’s just say all of this isn’t playing out the way I anticipated.
For starters, my friend Amy has decided to head back to the States so we are one more person less for Piura. The next bit of news is I woke up feeling deathly ill. It feels like my intestines are being ripped into pieces and I am nauseated. I also went to the post office to get my kindle I have been dying to receive and I open the package to find out it’s broken. Then I talk to my mom and she informs me my great grandmother has died. So basically I am a complete mess and I haven’t even made it to site. Please keep me and my family in your prayers because times are super tough right now.
For starters, my friend Amy has decided to head back to the States so we are one more person less for Piura. The next bit of news is I woke up feeling deathly ill. It feels like my intestines are being ripped into pieces and I am nauseated. I also went to the post office to get my kindle I have been dying to receive and I open the package to find out it’s broken. Then I talk to my mom and she informs me my great grandmother has died. So basically I am a complete mess and I haven’t even made it to site. Please keep me and my family in your prayers because times are super tough right now.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Saying goodbye
The time has finally come for me to say goodbye to my family, local friends, trainers and other volunteers. I honestly didn’t think it would be that hard because I have only known them for 10 weeks, but boy was I wrong. Talk about some waterworks.
The first set of goodbyes happened at the swearing-in ceremony and I was fine until the freakin national anthem was sung and then I just cried. I had to say bye to my Spanish teachers and other tech trainers and it was 10X harder than I expected. The second set came at the bar-turned-discotech-by-volunteers place we went to and that was even harder because it’s going to be months if not longer before I see any of these people.
These volunteers and trainers are my family. They are all I have here and saying goodbye to them is like leaving the USA to come to Peru alone again…just this time I am leaving one city in Peru and going to another one. It’s tough!
After all of those goodbyes I had to say goodbye to Rigel. That was SUPER tough because he lives in Chaclacayo and who knows if I will be able to make it back anytime soon to see him. I know I will be seeing the volunteers and most of the trainers again…just a long time from now. I know Rigel and I are going to try to visit each other, but it’s difficult when we both have jobs. He has been so good to me and was the first person outside of PC that I met. He will always hold a special place with me. He helped me with my language, culture things and kept me sane when I needed a break from all things Peace Corps.
I didn’t think I would be that emotional when I said goodbye to my family. I love them dearly, but I didn’t think it would be hard. I basically broke down in sobbing cries and even thinking about it is making me cry. They have been SO good to me and I feel like they are my parents and I don’t want to leave them. They had to put up with my lack of Spanish from day 1, all my culture shock/mass confusion and I just feel like I know them so well. I will most defiantly be back to see them before I leave. I bought them some Panatone (Christmas bread that is disgusting that Peruvians LOVE…except me and Rigel). I also printed out 7 pictures from my times with them for them to have. They were super excited about it and my gift was a can of peaches. I don’t really like peaches that much, but I bet one day when I am lonely sitting in my room, a can of peaches might just do the trick. I can also use the can afterwards too for a pencil thingy.
Anyway, saying goodbye always sucks. If I end up having a strong relationship with the people of Pambarumbe I can’t imagine how hard goodbye will be at the close of my service in two years. Right now I need to focus of my hellos and my Spanish because my world is about to be rocked!
The first set of goodbyes happened at the swearing-in ceremony and I was fine until the freakin national anthem was sung and then I just cried. I had to say bye to my Spanish teachers and other tech trainers and it was 10X harder than I expected. The second set came at the bar-turned-discotech-by-volunteers place we went to and that was even harder because it’s going to be months if not longer before I see any of these people.
These volunteers and trainers are my family. They are all I have here and saying goodbye to them is like leaving the USA to come to Peru alone again…just this time I am leaving one city in Peru and going to another one. It’s tough!
After all of those goodbyes I had to say goodbye to Rigel. That was SUPER tough because he lives in Chaclacayo and who knows if I will be able to make it back anytime soon to see him. I know I will be seeing the volunteers and most of the trainers again…just a long time from now. I know Rigel and I are going to try to visit each other, but it’s difficult when we both have jobs. He has been so good to me and was the first person outside of PC that I met. He will always hold a special place with me. He helped me with my language, culture things and kept me sane when I needed a break from all things Peace Corps.
I didn’t think I would be that emotional when I said goodbye to my family. I love them dearly, but I didn’t think it would be hard. I basically broke down in sobbing cries and even thinking about it is making me cry. They have been SO good to me and I feel like they are my parents and I don’t want to leave them. They had to put up with my lack of Spanish from day 1, all my culture shock/mass confusion and I just feel like I know them so well. I will most defiantly be back to see them before I leave. I bought them some Panatone (Christmas bread that is disgusting that Peruvians LOVE…except me and Rigel). I also printed out 7 pictures from my times with them for them to have. They were super excited about it and my gift was a can of peaches. I don’t really like peaches that much, but I bet one day when I am lonely sitting in my room, a can of peaches might just do the trick. I can also use the can afterwards too for a pencil thingy.
Anyway, saying goodbye always sucks. If I end up having a strong relationship with the people of Pambarumbe I can’t imagine how hard goodbye will be at the close of my service in two years. Right now I need to focus of my hellos and my Spanish because my world is about to be rocked!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Thanking and Swearing
This was definitely a different type of Thanksgiving. I am going to guess that I was thankful for things usually those in America forget to be thankful for.
For example, I am thankful for: knowing cold showers are only temporary in my life, Cracker Barrel, Cipro, a day where I haven’t eaten rice or potatoes, my family and friends in the USA, my family and friends in Peru, chocolate, toilets that flush, cell phone service, washer’s and driers, the moments when I feel clean, for being American, Peace Corps, the culture and people of Peru, not having diarrhea, bananas, nice dogs, wireless (even though I don’t have it), organized traffic, comfortable beds, knowing that roosters will not always destroy my life, rocks, Wal-Mart, mosquito nets and a lot more random things.
For Thanksgiving our trainers had a breakfast for us. We had fruit bowls, bread with cheese and coffee. It was delicious and we all went around and said what we were thankful for. After that we had a cute slideshow of a ton of funny pictures from the last 10 weeks of training. (It’s possible it might make a YouTube appearance…I will let you know). Then we prepared for a dinner and show for our families. All the families were invited to the training center and we served them American and Peruvian food. I made my Reece’s chocolate cake and they devoured it in a second (thank you Grandma)! It was a time trying to make that cake because I had to literally make the sour cream, but since they loved it who cares. After eating we had a show for them. We did dances, songs and all kinds of weird interpretations. I think they enjoyed themselves.
After the show a group of us went to the plaza and celebrated Thanksgiving ourselves. We shared some beverages and just enjoyed what little time we had together. Once people split off I went and spent some time with Rigel. We did the typical Peruvian thing and watched Al Fond Hay Sitio. It was a different kind of Thanksgiving, but I still loved it. I miss my friends and family in the States, but I was able to share it with new friends and family.
My “black Friday” was not spent fighting crowds and shopping…this year it was the most important day of my PC life. I officially was sworn in as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I am not longer a trainee….but a volunteer. FINALLY! The US Ambassador to Peru was there and she gave a nice speech to us. We actually have the same oath as the military. There was tons of food, speeches and people at our ceremony, but it was bittersweet. We said our tearful goodbyes to our trainers and I pretended I knew exactly what to do when I get to site. Lol. Fear not, it was not out last time to say goodbye to everyone. Being it was a Friday night and not just any Friday night, but the last Friday night, we went to celebrate. About 40 out of 70 of us went to Chosica and fled to the roof of a bar that had an awesome jukebox. We danced to American and Peruvian songs until the sun came up. The goodbyes were tearful, but I know that because we are Peru 16 we will always be connected. I said my goodbyes slightly before sunrise and went to spend time in Chaclacayo with my local friends I have made. I feel like those goodbyes were harder because it’s a possibility I won’t being seeing them anytime soon, if at all.
Now the training part of my PCV life has closed and it’s time to put this knowledge to work. I am so thankful for my PC family and everything they do for me. I hate leaving my family and friends in Chaclacayo, but I will always plan to come back and visit. Part of my heart will always stay in Chaclacayo.
I will say I am scared, nervous, anxious, excited, happy and sad about leaving. I want to go to Piura, but I don’t want to leave Chaclacayo. I am sure Pambarumbe will become a nice home to me as well, but I just hate leaving the home I have already made.
I have tried to keep this blog updated as often as possible, but I should warn you that there isn’t internet in my site so therefore; this blog will be updated less and less. Stay tuned though because I will do my best to tell you what’s going on. Say some prayers and wish me luck because now it’s time for the real PCV life!
For example, I am thankful for: knowing cold showers are only temporary in my life, Cracker Barrel, Cipro, a day where I haven’t eaten rice or potatoes, my family and friends in the USA, my family and friends in Peru, chocolate, toilets that flush, cell phone service, washer’s and driers, the moments when I feel clean, for being American, Peace Corps, the culture and people of Peru, not having diarrhea, bananas, nice dogs, wireless (even though I don’t have it), organized traffic, comfortable beds, knowing that roosters will not always destroy my life, rocks, Wal-Mart, mosquito nets and a lot more random things.
For Thanksgiving our trainers had a breakfast for us. We had fruit bowls, bread with cheese and coffee. It was delicious and we all went around and said what we were thankful for. After that we had a cute slideshow of a ton of funny pictures from the last 10 weeks of training. (It’s possible it might make a YouTube appearance…I will let you know). Then we prepared for a dinner and show for our families. All the families were invited to the training center and we served them American and Peruvian food. I made my Reece’s chocolate cake and they devoured it in a second (thank you Grandma)! It was a time trying to make that cake because I had to literally make the sour cream, but since they loved it who cares. After eating we had a show for them. We did dances, songs and all kinds of weird interpretations. I think they enjoyed themselves.
After the show a group of us went to the plaza and celebrated Thanksgiving ourselves. We shared some beverages and just enjoyed what little time we had together. Once people split off I went and spent some time with Rigel. We did the typical Peruvian thing and watched Al Fond Hay Sitio. It was a different kind of Thanksgiving, but I still loved it. I miss my friends and family in the States, but I was able to share it with new friends and family.
My “black Friday” was not spent fighting crowds and shopping…this year it was the most important day of my PC life. I officially was sworn in as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I am not longer a trainee….but a volunteer. FINALLY! The US Ambassador to Peru was there and she gave a nice speech to us. We actually have the same oath as the military. There was tons of food, speeches and people at our ceremony, but it was bittersweet. We said our tearful goodbyes to our trainers and I pretended I knew exactly what to do when I get to site. Lol. Fear not, it was not out last time to say goodbye to everyone. Being it was a Friday night and not just any Friday night, but the last Friday night, we went to celebrate. About 40 out of 70 of us went to Chosica and fled to the roof of a bar that had an awesome jukebox. We danced to American and Peruvian songs until the sun came up. The goodbyes were tearful, but I know that because we are Peru 16 we will always be connected. I said my goodbyes slightly before sunrise and went to spend time in Chaclacayo with my local friends I have made. I feel like those goodbyes were harder because it’s a possibility I won’t being seeing them anytime soon, if at all.
Now the training part of my PCV life has closed and it’s time to put this knowledge to work. I am so thankful for my PC family and everything they do for me. I hate leaving my family and friends in Chaclacayo, but I will always plan to come back and visit. Part of my heart will always stay in Chaclacayo.
I will say I am scared, nervous, anxious, excited, happy and sad about leaving. I want to go to Piura, but I don’t want to leave Chaclacayo. I am sure Pambarumbe will become a nice home to me as well, but I just hate leaving the home I have already made.
I have tried to keep this blog updated as often as possible, but I should warn you that there isn’t internet in my site so therefore; this blog will be updated less and less. Stay tuned though because I will do my best to tell you what’s going on. Say some prayers and wish me luck because now it’s time for the real PCV life!
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