SO:
I've been back in america for a week now, and I want to say that's definitely enough time for me to have readjusted. I mean, everyone has their own readjustment period, but I don't really see myself taking any longer to get used to america.
Another child star has gone bat shit insane (ref: Miley Cyrus).
Old white guys still think they know more about girl bodies and than girls do.
California's always got a fire going somewhere. Right now, it's crazy and up in Yosemite.
Fashion is freaky. It's always been freaky. But at the moment, it's exceptionally freaky for dudes. Why are dudes wearing such freaky things? I don't know. It's a thing. But, like twerking, it's pretty dumb and I just have to wait it out.
Is there anything else? I spent 2 years in Peru and coming back to America wasn't that big a deal. I mean, I've heard of RPCVs coming back to discover people now have these new fangled things called cellphones. Like, that would be straight up cray. But I got myself a smart phone. It sucks and I accidentally deleted all my email contacts cause I freaked out by my phone syncing everything without asking me if it was ok. I've decided that there is no such thing as smart phones. There are phones, that make me feel dumb. That doesn't make them smart.
Still, I basically got a hang of that more or less and am really enjoying the swype function. It's fun and fast and everytime I do something weird, I wonder if the function will figure it out. It's surprising when it does, frustrating when it doesn't.
I thought, maybe I'll really miss Peru. But so far? Nothing. I mean, I miss my friends and speaking spanish all the time, of course, but I'm reconnecting with friends here and speaking korean all over the place. I'm debating on what Peruvian dish I should make here to share with my family... but nothing really jumps at me- I just don't really miss anything yet. Maybe it's cause it's only been a week? Part of me feels like I'm on vacation, that any second now I have to go back and get back to work, but another part of me knows for a fact that peace corps life is over and it's time for me to get back into the thick of things.
I've started running again, in preparation for a full marathon sometime next year. I've restarted Insanity cause I never actually finished the program in Peru and part of me is tired of being so unhealthy. My eating is slowly, but surely, calming down. I've had a lot of food that I miss (In n' Out? check. Kimchi? check... slowly but surely, going through the list!) although I can assure that it's not nearly close to being finished, but I don't have those crazed cravings I would have in Peru. I think just knowing that I could have it whenever I feel like it is enough.
What else? I guess the big thing is finding a job. You hear about how awful the economy is, and it's enough to make you consider a 3rd year in the hopes that unemployment rates take another leap down (not because people have given up and are no longer on unemployment, but because people are actually working now). Still, I'm pretty hopeful and ready to start working in a few more weeks.
Basically, I feel like I had an amazing 2 years getting to know a country and myself, and being home just reminds me that I want to keep going with that momentum. I haven't had much of a reverse culture shock, but then again- I never really had much of a culture shock when I got to Peru.
Part of me wonders if I'm dead inside.
But I just really hope that's not true... And really hope that the feelings of hope are actually hope and not simply indifference to it all.
In any case, I'm back in america and 1 week in- I got nothing. Kind of like my trip to Puerto Maldonado. I tried a cup or two of ayahuasca (a hallucinogenic traditional drug used to induce dream states and visions)... all I did was vomit it up, which is totally normal. But I got nothing! Just wasted some cash and was bored/sleepy for a few hours. What a let down. Oh, but my trip to Machu Picchu and Puerto Maldonado as an end and goodbye to my querida Peru were absolutely amazing. Machu Picchu was the first time I traveled by myself and I met some wonderful people on that trip. Plus, you have got to see M.Picchu. So crazy beautiful and mind blowingly built... like, woah. And a trip to P. Maldonado is definitely worth it. Straight up jungle, I went to the reserve on a day hike and saw a gajillion birds and creatures- and even endangered giant sea otter!! Plus night time cayman watching was a blast.
What an amazing trip. Hoping that America's got some stuff to dish up in comparison but right now, just chilling and eating my way through everything is kind of amazeballs.
Basically, everything is awesome and I highly encourage you to call me on my new stupid smart phone and say hi. Next weekend, I'm going up to San Francisco cause my lil brosef has his white coat ceremony. So proud.
Sincerely,
Sue
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Saturday, August 3, 2013
t-minus 6 days: guys, i'm almost done with peace corps. OHMGODHOWDIDTHISHAPPEN.
So.
4 days until I leave site.
6 days until I officially COS (Close Of Service).
27 days until I go back to the US, after more than 2 years of being away.
Part of me is saying, maybe this is too much. Maybe stay a bit longer? Maybe just throw away all this shit you've collected for 2 years and somehow, can't seem to figure out what you need to pick and what you need to give up. Maybe I can't do this. Maybe I want to stay in Peru forever. Maybe there's nothing for me in the states. Maybe all these maybes will kill me.
The other part of me has already packed her bags and returned home.
I really don't know what to do with myself. I know I have 4 more days in site. My calendar, with its days meticulously X'd out, tell me it's soon. But it's like I'm still in denial. I still have to talk to my socia on Tuesday. I still have a radio program I need to write up and get ready for tomorrow. I have a final despedida with the municipality workers. The newbies (21ers) are coming in this monday, so I'll be going to meet them and say hello briefly. My replacement's coming on Tuesday, and I'll see her then. There's still so much to do, so obviously things aren't over... right?
Wrong.
Ugh. I'll get there. I'll get to that point where I realize, I seriously need to pack all this shit away and just forget the rest- give it to my host family, my socios, the beneficencia, anyone. I need to figure out what I need for the 1.5 weeks I'm taking to see Macchu Picchu and Madre de Dios. I need to remember to take my malaria pills.
But I think I'm also focusing on all these things because otherwise, I'd just cry. Cry and cry and cry. It upsets me that I know I'm not going to be able to say goodbye to everyone, no matter how much I try. For whatever reason, things don't always turn out the way I want them to. Gotta roll with it, ya know?
Sigh.
Don't even want to write right now. Gotta finish this radio thing. Gotta pack at least one suitcase. I really need to get my life moving... hopefully forward.
Talk later when my head is in a better place.
Peace.
4 days until I leave site.
6 days until I officially COS (Close Of Service).
27 days until I go back to the US, after more than 2 years of being away.
Part of me is saying, maybe this is too much. Maybe stay a bit longer? Maybe just throw away all this shit you've collected for 2 years and somehow, can't seem to figure out what you need to pick and what you need to give up. Maybe I can't do this. Maybe I want to stay in Peru forever. Maybe there's nothing for me in the states. Maybe all these maybes will kill me.
The other part of me has already packed her bags and returned home.
I really don't know what to do with myself. I know I have 4 more days in site. My calendar, with its days meticulously X'd out, tell me it's soon. But it's like I'm still in denial. I still have to talk to my socia on Tuesday. I still have a radio program I need to write up and get ready for tomorrow. I have a final despedida with the municipality workers. The newbies (21ers) are coming in this monday, so I'll be going to meet them and say hello briefly. My replacement's coming on Tuesday, and I'll see her then. There's still so much to do, so obviously things aren't over... right?
Wrong.
Ugh. I'll get there. I'll get to that point where I realize, I seriously need to pack all this shit away and just forget the rest- give it to my host family, my socios, the beneficencia, anyone. I need to figure out what I need for the 1.5 weeks I'm taking to see Macchu Picchu and Madre de Dios. I need to remember to take my malaria pills.
But I think I'm also focusing on all these things because otherwise, I'd just cry. Cry and cry and cry. It upsets me that I know I'm not going to be able to say goodbye to everyone, no matter how much I try. For whatever reason, things don't always turn out the way I want them to. Gotta roll with it, ya know?
Sigh.
Don't even want to write right now. Gotta finish this radio thing. Gotta pack at least one suitcase. I really need to get my life moving... hopefully forward.
Talk later when my head is in a better place.
Peace.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
T-minus 29 days: things are getting freaky
Hola amigitos,
Ok, so nothing much beyond the norm has been happening in these last few days. Oh, except, you know, saying goodbye to all my friends because they're leaving Peru to go off on their next adventures and I'm still here, trying to frantically finish up my projects, grants, and saying goodbye.
Ugh, saying goodbye is the worst. I mean, we're all leaving and some are going to travel for a bit (some of my friends are going on this amazing trip to Columbia, followed by a sailing trip to Panama and I, for reasons unknown.... kinda, there are good reasons but sometimes I forget... I am not going with them. SAD FACE.) and other are heading back to the states to be with family, friends, and significant others but we're all going to be so much further apart than before.
I mean, when we finished training in Chosica, it felt like I had something in my eye for days. Like a stick. Or a sharp rock. Whatever it was, it was constant tears. And that was when I knew I would be seeing them periodically, or at least it was within my power to easily go visit if I really felt the urge.. Now? I don't know. We'll be in the same country soon enough, but the US is way bigger than Peru.
This basically means I need to plan a road trip to visit as many states as possible, and a year in reunion with my 17ers and la lib favorites.
This also means me lying awake all night, the insomnia having returned, and bolting awake again once I've managed to catch a few hours, with a mild heart attack and literally saying out loud things like "WHY DO I OWN SO MUCH STUFF?" and "THIS WAS A MISTAKE" and "GAAAAAAAAAAAAH."
The end of Peace Corps is really the definition of bittersweet. There's a sadness underlying every day, a sadness underneath a constant denial of what's happening, interrupted by surges of panic. It's terrifying. Especially since on top of all these, like the cream and cherry on top, is me attempting to enjoy every single last second of it.
How messed up is that?
On the other side, I'm so excited to go. I'm like head over heels, puppy dog tail wagging kind of happy every time I think about going to machu picchu and puerto maldonado after COS, going home, getting to be with my family after 2 years of being in another country, starting a life with a job and moving towards a career, and even dating again (and although many PCVs will shake their heads no, I'm a big fan of some Peruvian men- the tall, dark, and handsomes who whisper sweet nothings in Spanish? Sweet nothings that I now understand? Yea. But all fun and no work's gotta end soon, right?)
I still have over a month left in Peru, and until August- it's going to be a series of Chaufas and Te quiero muchos and photographs galore.
Fun fact: Did I ever tell you about that time I lost my camera in Puno? Yea. Not sure if it was stolen or lost, but in any case I reported it. Considering the few months I had left in Peru, I just didn't think it was worth buying another digi cam, especially since another thing I'm really looking forward to in the states is getting me an iphone or some sort of scary smartphone with a small human named Siri locked inside. So instead, I've invested in a series of disposable DIGITAL cameras. Isn't that crazy? We're so technologically up there that we now have digital cameras... that you THROW AWAY after using.
Insane.
Oh! Besides my random musings, I wanted to tell you about the 10k I ran last Sunday. The International pacasmayo marathon is basically and off road masterpiece. It was started by a PCV like 6 years ago and has been going on strong ever since. I think slowly, but surely, it's gaining a foothold in the running world as a pretty intense and fun course to run. Although it's small, it definitely packs a wallop. Last year I ran a half marathon- my very first race ever- and like died.
I was definitely not prepared for the hills, the rocks and dirt, and the sun/wind combo. But you know what? I finished, and that's what counts! Still, my knees were seizing up just thinking about another half this year so I decided to do the 10k. Sadly, not having the motivation I did while training (badly, I might add... my training for the 21k was better suited to run a 10k but whatever) for the half so I basically did zero training for the 10k. I just figured, I'll run it. I'll finish it. I won't do well, but there we go.
I was right. I was aiming for an hour for the 10k but boy oh boy did I underestimate those hills and rocks again. Thankfully, not too much sun or wind this year around but I only managed to finish the 10k in 1hr 8min... But you know what was great? The PCVs who participated. We stayed until the last pcv came in (running the full marathon on some pretty damaged knees) and then we partied afterwards. Last year was intense, but this year was super chill. We made hot wings (sriracha honey hot wings, and tabasco sauce hot wings) and cauliflower for the vegetarians, sweet potato fries, and the beer flowed gently. There was music and singing, ping pong, and wonderful conversation as giant dogs in the hostel gently passed out on top of everyone.
Definitely a day to remember, and a solid last hurrah with other PCVs. The day afterwards, some of my favorites accompanied me to my Pasos Adelante class, where we had one PCV play his guitar and sing the ABCs of Prevention song in front of the school, and then went to my women's nutrition course where we made some plate lickingly delicious gluten free apple crisps!
God. I'm seriously going to miss these guys. And nothing in this 'verse is gonna stop me from seeing them stateside.
So that's all for now. At the mo, I'm waiting to hear back from the TEFL ppl so I can get my password and username, and take my exam to become TEFL certified. Why am I doing this, when I actually have no desire to ever teach english as a second language? I honestly don't know. Peer pressure. Everyone else was doing it, so I got on board. I actually even begged Peace Corps to please please please let me slide into this group's cause I originally forgot to sign up on time. Now, I don't know why I wasted a couple hundred bucks on this.
I'm an idiot. But I'm doing it anyway!
So now I'm eating snacks that I bought to push me through the exam, even though I have no idea when they'll respond and give me my password and things.. hopefully soon : /
I'll try to keep you posted as my days dwindle down... Oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boooooy.
Peace and Love
Sincerely,
Sue.
Ok, so nothing much beyond the norm has been happening in these last few days. Oh, except, you know, saying goodbye to all my friends because they're leaving Peru to go off on their next adventures and I'm still here, trying to frantically finish up my projects, grants, and saying goodbye.
Ugh, saying goodbye is the worst. I mean, we're all leaving and some are going to travel for a bit (some of my friends are going on this amazing trip to Columbia, followed by a sailing trip to Panama and I, for reasons unknown.... kinda, there are good reasons but sometimes I forget... I am not going with them. SAD FACE.) and other are heading back to the states to be with family, friends, and significant others but we're all going to be so much further apart than before.
I mean, when we finished training in Chosica, it felt like I had something in my eye for days. Like a stick. Or a sharp rock. Whatever it was, it was constant tears. And that was when I knew I would be seeing them periodically, or at least it was within my power to easily go visit if I really felt the urge.. Now? I don't know. We'll be in the same country soon enough, but the US is way bigger than Peru.
This basically means I need to plan a road trip to visit as many states as possible, and a year in reunion with my 17ers and la lib favorites.
This also means me lying awake all night, the insomnia having returned, and bolting awake again once I've managed to catch a few hours, with a mild heart attack and literally saying out loud things like "WHY DO I OWN SO MUCH STUFF?" and "THIS WAS A MISTAKE" and "GAAAAAAAAAAAAH."
The end of Peace Corps is really the definition of bittersweet. There's a sadness underlying every day, a sadness underneath a constant denial of what's happening, interrupted by surges of panic. It's terrifying. Especially since on top of all these, like the cream and cherry on top, is me attempting to enjoy every single last second of it.
How messed up is that?
On the other side, I'm so excited to go. I'm like head over heels, puppy dog tail wagging kind of happy every time I think about going to machu picchu and puerto maldonado after COS, going home, getting to be with my family after 2 years of being in another country, starting a life with a job and moving towards a career, and even dating again (and although many PCVs will shake their heads no, I'm a big fan of some Peruvian men- the tall, dark, and handsomes who whisper sweet nothings in Spanish? Sweet nothings that I now understand? Yea. But all fun and no work's gotta end soon, right?)
I still have over a month left in Peru, and until August- it's going to be a series of Chaufas and Te quiero muchos and photographs galore.
Fun fact: Did I ever tell you about that time I lost my camera in Puno? Yea. Not sure if it was stolen or lost, but in any case I reported it. Considering the few months I had left in Peru, I just didn't think it was worth buying another digi cam, especially since another thing I'm really looking forward to in the states is getting me an iphone or some sort of scary smartphone with a small human named Siri locked inside. So instead, I've invested in a series of disposable DIGITAL cameras. Isn't that crazy? We're so technologically up there that we now have digital cameras... that you THROW AWAY after using.
Insane.
Oh! Besides my random musings, I wanted to tell you about the 10k I ran last Sunday. The International pacasmayo marathon is basically and off road masterpiece. It was started by a PCV like 6 years ago and has been going on strong ever since. I think slowly, but surely, it's gaining a foothold in the running world as a pretty intense and fun course to run. Although it's small, it definitely packs a wallop. Last year I ran a half marathon- my very first race ever- and like died.
I was definitely not prepared for the hills, the rocks and dirt, and the sun/wind combo. But you know what? I finished, and that's what counts! Still, my knees were seizing up just thinking about another half this year so I decided to do the 10k. Sadly, not having the motivation I did while training (badly, I might add... my training for the 21k was better suited to run a 10k but whatever) for the half so I basically did zero training for the 10k. I just figured, I'll run it. I'll finish it. I won't do well, but there we go.
I was right. I was aiming for an hour for the 10k but boy oh boy did I underestimate those hills and rocks again. Thankfully, not too much sun or wind this year around but I only managed to finish the 10k in 1hr 8min... But you know what was great? The PCVs who participated. We stayed until the last pcv came in (running the full marathon on some pretty damaged knees) and then we partied afterwards. Last year was intense, but this year was super chill. We made hot wings (sriracha honey hot wings, and tabasco sauce hot wings) and cauliflower for the vegetarians, sweet potato fries, and the beer flowed gently. There was music and singing, ping pong, and wonderful conversation as giant dogs in the hostel gently passed out on top of everyone.
Definitely a day to remember, and a solid last hurrah with other PCVs. The day afterwards, some of my favorites accompanied me to my Pasos Adelante class, where we had one PCV play his guitar and sing the ABCs of Prevention song in front of the school, and then went to my women's nutrition course where we made some plate lickingly delicious gluten free apple crisps!
God. I'm seriously going to miss these guys. And nothing in this 'verse is gonna stop me from seeing them stateside.
So that's all for now. At the mo, I'm waiting to hear back from the TEFL ppl so I can get my password and username, and take my exam to become TEFL certified. Why am I doing this, when I actually have no desire to ever teach english as a second language? I honestly don't know. Peer pressure. Everyone else was doing it, so I got on board. I actually even begged Peace Corps to please please please let me slide into this group's cause I originally forgot to sign up on time. Now, I don't know why I wasted a couple hundred bucks on this.
I'm an idiot. But I'm doing it anyway!
So now I'm eating snacks that I bought to push me through the exam, even though I have no idea when they'll respond and give me my password and things.. hopefully soon : /
I'll try to keep you posted as my days dwindle down... Oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boooooy.
Peace and Love
Sincerely,
Sue.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
T-minus 58 days: Holy Crap, Where Did 2 Years Go?
Hey Friend,
Sorry I haven't written in so long, but I've been having an existential crisis and wasn't really sure what to do about it.
So basically, what's up is that I have officially decided my COS (Close Of Service) date and woah, it's coming up fast. August 9th is my final, official, ultimate day as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Peru, group 17. After 2 years of struggling, achieving, and overall just being, it's all coming to a close and womp womp womp.
But hey, it won't be ending without a bit of hullaballoo. I'll be having a few despedidas (and maybe finally get a chance to have some lizard ceviche!) and visiting Cusco and Madre de Dios before I get on a plane on Aug. 20th to fly back to the states with my little brother, who'll be flying back the same day and starting med school like less than a week later. Crazy kid.
In any case, what am I doing right now? Follow me through the rabbit hole that is my life.
Right now, I'm teaching about 80 or so kids at one of the schools on the theme of Sex Ed. It's super fun and a lot of these kids are fast becoming some of my favorite people ever. Sucks that I don't have much time left with them, but hopefully they learn a little something and don't get pregnant or impregnate anyone until they're ready... Still, we're going to do some fun things. Right now, I'm trying to get the kids organized to make a small music video to the song "Piensa Bien" and we just got funds secured to broadcast said music video on the tv! Yay!
Secondly, I'm still teaching my women's nutrition course and that's basically my most favorite project ever. I love these women and I'm really hoping that we start working to raise some money for them soon with a little mini business project selling healthy food and snacks at the fair, and the market. It should be interesting and we'll see how this little business venture goes down.
Third, I'm teaching Critical Thinking and Creativity with a group of kids that I used to teach English to. Turns out, they really don't want to learn English, they just want to have fun so now I'm taking that want to just hang out and do things, and making it educational! There's a story time, lots of little art projects, and cool "change your point of view" exercises.
Fourth, I'm working with that municipality recognized youth council I was working with the muni on and now that's it's all official and what not, I really want them to actually DO SOMETHING in the community. They've had like 3 meetings and literally, have done nothing. It's driving me crazy. I'm going to do my best for the next 2 months to work with the junta and drill the importance of volunteerism into their heads. Hopefully do a few projects while that's going on with them as well.
Fifth, I have a radio program once a week with another volunteer in Pacasmayo, during which we alternate talks about either youth development things (self esteem, volunteerism, health, etc.) or environmental things (not burning trash, climate change, desertificación, etc.). It's been a pretty interesting experience, and the fact that I get to play music I like is kind of a huge bonus. I have no idea how well this project is going, since I can't figure out how to measure listeners and stuff with my target audience- youth- but from what I hear via word of mouth, people seem to be enjoying it.
Sixth, and finally, I'm working with tourism groups in my site, including an english class to help them produce grammatically correct promotions for tourism. Since the Pacasmayo race is coming up, and I just got contact info for a tour company called keteka that focuses specifically on peace corps volunteers and offering people a more authentic view of countries (i.e. if you come to peru and only see machu picchu, you honestly have no clue what peruvian culture actually is...), I think this will be interesting in as far as I can be a part of it.
So yea, just a small update. More than anything, I'm really excited about my projects and really sad that I know I'm going to have to end them soon and hope for the best that some of them will continue, or at least that my students will have learned something in the end and will be able to make better decisions in the future. Getting on the plane and saying goodbye to Peru, hello to the States is probably going to be one of the most emotionally tough experiences I'm going to have.
I've been thinking of a lot of things about the states, lately, trying to get myself super pumped about the trip back. Family, friends, food, and the luxuries that come from being an american, but I don't know. I love my family and friends here, peruvian food is pretty amazing, and the luxuries of the states seems so stupid, extravagant and excessive now. I know I've changed and I'm really hoping these changes don't result in me judging american life too harshly.
Probably going to happen anyway. I'm already judging you on facebook. I know, I'm sorry, I just can't help it! First world problems are really annoying. At some point I'll probably get used to it again. Do I want to get used to it, though? I don't know, but chances are I will- I realize that I've gotten pretty good at adapting to different places, and quickly. Like, I'm looking forward to a smart phone. I remember when those phones just started to come out. I hated them. Actually, I hate most touch screen things. They freak me out- if that screen breaks (and look at just how many ppl walk around with broken screen touch things), then what? I mean before, it was like your screen broke? Oh well, you can still punch in numbers and use it until it's totally done for. Now it's like, your screen broke? SUCKS FOR YOU GO GET A NEW ONE. And you'd think the fact that the screen is like EVERYTHING now, they'd be indestructible or something but NO, they're just as cheap and flimsy as before.
It makes no sense.
But food, right? Food is something everyone looks forward to. Hell, I've already planned out my first month of meals. But now... well, I'm not really looking forward to it anymore. In Peru, most families eat the same thing day, after day, after day. Chicken. Rice. Potatoes. Soup. That's pretty much standard fair and I remember at first, the lack of diversity made me want to die. Eating the same thing more than 2 days in a row basically made me insane. Now? I don't mind it. I get a plate of chicken, rice, potatoes and you know what I do? I eat it.
When I go to Lima or Trujillo and splurge on different food, american food that's all covered in cheese and meat and sauces and stuff, it's super delicious- sure, I'll give you that. It also means my stomach gets all rumbly and unhappy for the next day or two. American food is too rich. It seriously messes up my stomach. Is this what I'm going to have to look forward to in the states? Eating delicious food, and then curling up into a ball and dealing with the stress to my gastronomical system afterwards?
Not. Cool.
SIGH. So much conflict. Should I have stayed another year? My projects are going so well and there's still so much I want to do here. What if there's nothing for me in the states? Do I want to struggle with America and its culture? Will I ever make money again? What if I get to the states, and all I want to do is leave it again? WHAT DO I DO.
Basically, I guess it's just another point in my life where I'm taking another giant leap of faith, both feet in, eyes close, and hoping that there's a bottom somewhere, and that it's solid.
Fifty eight days, guys, till I'm done. Fifty eight days left in site to inspire, push, pull, wait patiently, and get shit done. Fifty eight days left with what I've now adapted as normal. Fifty eight days.
I got this.
Sorry I haven't written in so long, but I've been having an existential crisis and wasn't really sure what to do about it.
So basically, what's up is that I have officially decided my COS (Close Of Service) date and woah, it's coming up fast. August 9th is my final, official, ultimate day as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Peru, group 17. After 2 years of struggling, achieving, and overall just being, it's all coming to a close and womp womp womp.
But hey, it won't be ending without a bit of hullaballoo. I'll be having a few despedidas (and maybe finally get a chance to have some lizard ceviche!) and visiting Cusco and Madre de Dios before I get on a plane on Aug. 20th to fly back to the states with my little brother, who'll be flying back the same day and starting med school like less than a week later. Crazy kid.
In any case, what am I doing right now? Follow me through the rabbit hole that is my life.
Right now, I'm teaching about 80 or so kids at one of the schools on the theme of Sex Ed. It's super fun and a lot of these kids are fast becoming some of my favorite people ever. Sucks that I don't have much time left with them, but hopefully they learn a little something and don't get pregnant or impregnate anyone until they're ready... Still, we're going to do some fun things. Right now, I'm trying to get the kids organized to make a small music video to the song "Piensa Bien" and we just got funds secured to broadcast said music video on the tv! Yay!
Secondly, I'm still teaching my women's nutrition course and that's basically my most favorite project ever. I love these women and I'm really hoping that we start working to raise some money for them soon with a little mini business project selling healthy food and snacks at the fair, and the market. It should be interesting and we'll see how this little business venture goes down.
Third, I'm teaching Critical Thinking and Creativity with a group of kids that I used to teach English to. Turns out, they really don't want to learn English, they just want to have fun so now I'm taking that want to just hang out and do things, and making it educational! There's a story time, lots of little art projects, and cool "change your point of view" exercises.
Fourth, I'm working with that municipality recognized youth council I was working with the muni on and now that's it's all official and what not, I really want them to actually DO SOMETHING in the community. They've had like 3 meetings and literally, have done nothing. It's driving me crazy. I'm going to do my best for the next 2 months to work with the junta and drill the importance of volunteerism into their heads. Hopefully do a few projects while that's going on with them as well.
Fifth, I have a radio program once a week with another volunteer in Pacasmayo, during which we alternate talks about either youth development things (self esteem, volunteerism, health, etc.) or environmental things (not burning trash, climate change, desertificación, etc.). It's been a pretty interesting experience, and the fact that I get to play music I like is kind of a huge bonus. I have no idea how well this project is going, since I can't figure out how to measure listeners and stuff with my target audience- youth- but from what I hear via word of mouth, people seem to be enjoying it.
Sixth, and finally, I'm working with tourism groups in my site, including an english class to help them produce grammatically correct promotions for tourism. Since the Pacasmayo race is coming up, and I just got contact info for a tour company called keteka that focuses specifically on peace corps volunteers and offering people a more authentic view of countries (i.e. if you come to peru and only see machu picchu, you honestly have no clue what peruvian culture actually is...), I think this will be interesting in as far as I can be a part of it.
So yea, just a small update. More than anything, I'm really excited about my projects and really sad that I know I'm going to have to end them soon and hope for the best that some of them will continue, or at least that my students will have learned something in the end and will be able to make better decisions in the future. Getting on the plane and saying goodbye to Peru, hello to the States is probably going to be one of the most emotionally tough experiences I'm going to have.
I've been thinking of a lot of things about the states, lately, trying to get myself super pumped about the trip back. Family, friends, food, and the luxuries that come from being an american, but I don't know. I love my family and friends here, peruvian food is pretty amazing, and the luxuries of the states seems so stupid, extravagant and excessive now. I know I've changed and I'm really hoping these changes don't result in me judging american life too harshly.
Probably going to happen anyway. I'm already judging you on facebook. I know, I'm sorry, I just can't help it! First world problems are really annoying. At some point I'll probably get used to it again. Do I want to get used to it, though? I don't know, but chances are I will- I realize that I've gotten pretty good at adapting to different places, and quickly. Like, I'm looking forward to a smart phone. I remember when those phones just started to come out. I hated them. Actually, I hate most touch screen things. They freak me out- if that screen breaks (and look at just how many ppl walk around with broken screen touch things), then what? I mean before, it was like your screen broke? Oh well, you can still punch in numbers and use it until it's totally done for. Now it's like, your screen broke? SUCKS FOR YOU GO GET A NEW ONE. And you'd think the fact that the screen is like EVERYTHING now, they'd be indestructible or something but NO, they're just as cheap and flimsy as before.
It makes no sense.
But food, right? Food is something everyone looks forward to. Hell, I've already planned out my first month of meals. But now... well, I'm not really looking forward to it anymore. In Peru, most families eat the same thing day, after day, after day. Chicken. Rice. Potatoes. Soup. That's pretty much standard fair and I remember at first, the lack of diversity made me want to die. Eating the same thing more than 2 days in a row basically made me insane. Now? I don't mind it. I get a plate of chicken, rice, potatoes and you know what I do? I eat it.
When I go to Lima or Trujillo and splurge on different food, american food that's all covered in cheese and meat and sauces and stuff, it's super delicious- sure, I'll give you that. It also means my stomach gets all rumbly and unhappy for the next day or two. American food is too rich. It seriously messes up my stomach. Is this what I'm going to have to look forward to in the states? Eating delicious food, and then curling up into a ball and dealing with the stress to my gastronomical system afterwards?
Not. Cool.
SIGH. So much conflict. Should I have stayed another year? My projects are going so well and there's still so much I want to do here. What if there's nothing for me in the states? Do I want to struggle with America and its culture? Will I ever make money again? What if I get to the states, and all I want to do is leave it again? WHAT DO I DO.
Basically, I guess it's just another point in my life where I'm taking another giant leap of faith, both feet in, eyes close, and hoping that there's a bottom somewhere, and that it's solid.
Fifty eight days, guys, till I'm done. Fifty eight days left in site to inspire, push, pull, wait patiently, and get shit done. Fifty eight days left with what I've now adapted as normal. Fifty eight days.
I got this.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
day 651: holy smokes, long time no blog
Hello boys and girls,
So after my epic blog about spending New Year's in Ecuador (again... best NYE I've ever experienced in my life. I highly suggest it to everyone on earth.), I dropped the ball and haven't posted for what... like 2 months now?
My bad.
In any case, nothing that spectacular has happened since then. My legs are destroyed from the mosquitoes, it's been rainier than ever before (like... floody), and I'm swamped with projects! Thankfully, my "creativity and critical thinking" and my english classes won't be starting until April, but my women's nutrition class is getting pretty fun (I think I'll be including an extra class to be taught in another pueblito next month) and I've been working on camp things!
Speaking of camp, we just had an english camp called Camp ACCESS last weekend and it was so much fun! The embassy gave El Cultural (english learning center) some money to pull of this camp and with the full force of a PCV here in la lib, it was a total success! Lots of US culture, speaking english, american food (peanut butter. nutella. freakin amazing), along with the theme of healthy living. It was super fun and I'm really glad I got the chance to participate :)
I'm working on our own Camp ALMA right now, which is a PC all girls youth camp that we're hoping to pull off in June. It should be fun, and a total headache, but worth it for the experience these girls get to have regarding their health, education, and futures!
Excited.
What else... oh! So there is a PCV living in Pacasmayo, which is just a few minutes out of my town. We've been working on a radio program that gets broadcasted every wednesday. It's tons of fun and I'm really liking the little bit of fame I've been accruing. Not gonna lie, I like being known. It's a weird conflict between my enjoyment of fame and my intense privacy... weird.
But whatever, I'm a weird person and I've always been. I accept this and my life moves on.
In other news, next week is holy week (semana santa) and I'll be travelling to Arequipa/Puno to see the colca canyons and lake titicaca! Really excited about that and it'll be my longest vacation yet (2 whole weeks!). I'm worried that being out of site for so long will be what finally convinces my neighbors and site friends that I've left for america for good. It's like, every time someone sees me with a backpack, they ask me if I'm leaving forever.
I swear, I'm just going to the municipality. I'm on my bike for goodness sakes... do you think I can bike to California?? Cause if you do... thank you.... I'm super out of shape but it's nice to know that people think I can still do crazy fit things!
Alright, I'm being a nuisance in the muni right now. There's a meeting going on and I'm just sitting here, using the internet for no reason... Technically I'm finished with the internet work I need to get done today but... I just really like being connected.
Tragic what this world of internet is turning me into. Zombies, like in The Walking Dead... but not as scary. Those zombies are freaky. Also, that show is AMAZING and I can't stop watching it.
Love and Peace (until next time... I swear, I'll try to post again sooner!)
Sincerely,
Sue
So after my epic blog about spending New Year's in Ecuador (again... best NYE I've ever experienced in my life. I highly suggest it to everyone on earth.), I dropped the ball and haven't posted for what... like 2 months now?
My bad.
In any case, nothing that spectacular has happened since then. My legs are destroyed from the mosquitoes, it's been rainier than ever before (like... floody), and I'm swamped with projects! Thankfully, my "creativity and critical thinking" and my english classes won't be starting until April, but my women's nutrition class is getting pretty fun (I think I'll be including an extra class to be taught in another pueblito next month) and I've been working on camp things!
Speaking of camp, we just had an english camp called Camp ACCESS last weekend and it was so much fun! The embassy gave El Cultural (english learning center) some money to pull of this camp and with the full force of a PCV here in la lib, it was a total success! Lots of US culture, speaking english, american food (peanut butter. nutella. freakin amazing), along with the theme of healthy living. It was super fun and I'm really glad I got the chance to participate :)
I'm working on our own Camp ALMA right now, which is a PC all girls youth camp that we're hoping to pull off in June. It should be fun, and a total headache, but worth it for the experience these girls get to have regarding their health, education, and futures!
Excited.
What else... oh! So there is a PCV living in Pacasmayo, which is just a few minutes out of my town. We've been working on a radio program that gets broadcasted every wednesday. It's tons of fun and I'm really liking the little bit of fame I've been accruing. Not gonna lie, I like being known. It's a weird conflict between my enjoyment of fame and my intense privacy... weird.
But whatever, I'm a weird person and I've always been. I accept this and my life moves on.
In other news, next week is holy week (semana santa) and I'll be travelling to Arequipa/Puno to see the colca canyons and lake titicaca! Really excited about that and it'll be my longest vacation yet (2 whole weeks!). I'm worried that being out of site for so long will be what finally convinces my neighbors and site friends that I've left for america for good. It's like, every time someone sees me with a backpack, they ask me if I'm leaving forever.
I swear, I'm just going to the municipality. I'm on my bike for goodness sakes... do you think I can bike to California?? Cause if you do... thank you.... I'm super out of shape but it's nice to know that people think I can still do crazy fit things!
Alright, I'm being a nuisance in the muni right now. There's a meeting going on and I'm just sitting here, using the internet for no reason... Technically I'm finished with the internet work I need to get done today but... I just really like being connected.
Tragic what this world of internet is turning me into. Zombies, like in The Walking Dead... but not as scary. Those zombies are freaky. Also, that show is AMAZING and I can't stop watching it.
Love and Peace (until next time... I swear, I'll try to post again sooner!)
Sincerely,
Sue
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
day 587: first update of the new year!
Hey boys and girls,
Sorry for this super late update. How've you been? Get through the "end of the world according to that mayan calendar no one seems to actually understand but agrees the 21st is the end of the end" day alright? Yea, me too. How were your holidays? Happy, I hope. Me? Yea, it was pretty great.
So if you remember from my last blog in regards to Christmas... actually, I don't remember if I wrote one. I hope I did. Anyway, on the chance that I wrote one, I would have mentioned that most of Peru is Catholic and therefore, Christmas is celebrated by everyone. There is none of this politically correct happy holidays/christmahannukwanzaka/whatever that happens in the states. It's Merry Christmas, dash it all, and happy new year cause Jesus loves you and God is watching.
But the thing is, Christmas is celebrate as soon as it's Christmas. That is, as the clock strikes 12. Christmas Eve, or "la noche buena," is when all the festivities take place. Not many but a few houses have some lights strung up, a few green and red randoms strung, some may have decorated xmas trees, and there's usually a nativity scene either in the house or set up outside in the street. The plaza de armas usually has lights and xmas trees, many of which are themed for the industries that donated them (last year, tons of "pitufos" or smurfs because it was a thing), and many a vuelta are walked around to admire them.
So we finally set off around 11pm and walk over a whiles away to the house of my host aunt. We bring a panettonne gift and as soon as we walk in, it's a series of greetings and talking and surprise at the korean girl who is now part of the family (I've never met this aunt before, but this is fairly normal- I don't know how many family members I have, and even my host siblings are often surprised to discover that so and so is actually a cousin... family relations in a small town are pretty interesting).
The table is being prepared, stories are being swapped, the women are bustling around in the kitchen (fun fact, there were only 3 males in the entire house- my host day, my little host brother, and my host cousin... the rest just all happened to be female), and the rest of us are pouring wine into little cups when my host cousin shouts, "Dios mio! Está la hora!" Turns out, in the bustle and confusion of it all, we lost track of time and it was 2 minutes until midnight.
Hurriedly, those little wine shots are passed around, words are given and the toast is made. Everyone wishes everyone good health, the wine is tossed back and everyone hugs everyone. Phone calls and text messages are made and received, wishing friends and families the happiest of christmases, and turkey and rice are served with pannettone and hot chocolate.
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| Host dad hugs little host brother at midnight. |
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| Pavo a la brasa- delicious |
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| The fam by the end of the night |
The night ends, we mosey on back home, stuffed and getting chillier as the night goes on, to snuggle back under the covers and sleep until the morning.
On Xmas day, the day goes back to normal and at this point, I am on full vacation mode. My bags have been packed and I'm ready to leave site to head for a week in Ecuador with wonderful friends. Before then, though, I have to figure out how to get to another PCV's site up in Lambayeque. Along the way, I'm muling a suitcase of things for another volunteer to gift to another volunteer in Chiclayo. Many problems arise, predominately with transportation, and by the end, I am cranky as all hell.
Nonetheless, I finally make it to my friend's site and we spend a wonderful few hours making gluten free treats and later, walking her "this dogs needs to be mine but it's my host uncle's or something's" dog. Super cute.
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| Gluten free no bake cookies! |
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| Rodgers and some gluten free spiced marshmallow coated popcorn. Will be making more of this cause omg, so delicious... |
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| PITER! awwwww... |
We pack up the snacks, say goodbye to super cute Piter, and head to Chiclayo to meet up with the rest and head on to Ecuador.
So Ecuador... well, let's just say- if you are ever wondering about where to celebrate New Year's Eve, I ask that you seriously consider Ecuador.
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First night with all the girls together, we had dinner at Cafe "Dios no muere" (God doesn't die) that was this great Ecuadorian/New Orleans mix restaurant. Sadly, restaurants in Quito seem to only make a very specific amount of food in a day and if you show up during regular dinner hours (aka, anytime after 7pm), most of the food is gone. It's seriously annoying but whaddyagonna do.
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| We took a bus from Chiclayo to Guayaquil and a plane from Guayaquil to Quito. Here are those of us who took the bus at the Guayaquil airport, which, by the way, has some seriously delicious smoothies. |
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| In Guayaquil, we climbed up the "Punto Cerro" and got a great view of the city. There's not much to do in Guayaquil, but still, very pretty. |
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