Recently, I described my activities to a friend back home via chat. Reflecting on the text written, I realized that my daily activities seemed boring, hence the lack of blog entries. But later, it occurred to me that those daily activities led to new discoveries: meeting interesting people, making and tasting new foods, learning new trades.
First, what is a usual day for me? At this point, I’d describe it as purely social. It involves playing with school children and answering endless questions. Visiting one household in the morning: introducing myself and Peace Corps, informally interviewing them while they interrogate me on my personal life, family and US culture; drinking coffee and receiving warm welcomes to return. Lunch and nap. Visiting another family in the evenings. Dinner, games, television with host family.
Rereading this, I’m convinced that I’m a lazy bum. :) But I’m playing the role of a learner while integrating myself in the community.
- Making tamales and watching the World Cup
- Reinado, Cabalgatas, y bueys (Town Queen, Cowboys and Bulls)
- Tour of a garden that would put the National Arboretum to shame
- Observe an elderly man make natural baskets while his wife shared the story of their life
- Wine made of water apples : Yumm!!!!!
- Learning to play the guitar : This is by far my favorite new skill. An old many in my community is teaching me to play the guitar and I have blisters on my fingers to prove it.
- Attending two different religious concerts: Catholic and Evangelical
- Beaches!!
- Hiking
- Meeting Colombianas, Hondurans, Cubans and Americans
- Read books
I have a good friend here named Jocelyn. Every day, she likes to ask me “What did you do today?” I respond “I worked hard today. I visited with ______ and spent 3 hours with them. Then I ate lunch and visited with _______. I am exhausted from today’s work.”
Her response “Vaga.” (lazy)
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