Monday, February 13, 2012

Better Late Than Never (Ehem.)

Ok. So back in January of last year and before embarking on this journey called Peace Corps Paraguay, I was teetering with the decision of whether or not to start a blog. I told myself if I do, I have to do it right—-meaning on top of writing only detail-driven posts, I would also do so consistently. I was determined to not start off on fire recording every crucial happening, only to have it all fizzle away due to forgetfulness or worse, lack of motivation. And when reminded of the difficulty of keeping up such a task I simply shrugged, internally convinced “Ensene en Otro País” would be an exception. Fast forward to the present and over 7 months since my latest entry (ehem, lol). It is now that I realize how very high I set the bar for myself. True, in part I have failed my goal, but in my defense I was naïve in thinking my adventures here would be few and therefore oh-so-easy to document. In reality, it has been quite the opposite and I simply became overwhelmed and yes I’ll admit, overambitious. Somewhere along the way, I believe I also made a mistake when electing to write down only the “grand” events I come across, while the daily encounters matter just as much and are equally as comical/thrilling. (For the moment, just take my word for it, lol). With all of this being said, I want to start by thanking those who have supported me through and through to continue on this extraordinary experience. As a result, you all have encouraged me to seek more stories and inspired me to share them all the more. Next, I want to apologize for suspending the specifics of the “bueno”, the “malo”, and the “feo” (the good, the bad, and the ugly) that have occurred since last April up until recently. It was not intentional and from now on, I vow to do better. Lastly, and to prove just how remorseful I really am, I’ve compiled an outline of all that has been withheld. I hope you all will find my apology to be acceptable and although I plan not to (for real this time) feel free to send me fussy reminders, complaints, and criticisms if I happen to fall off the wagon, again. I will both embrace and appreciate the comments and will promptly snap back into it. So, until next (summer) time (Ha, just kidding), enjoy what you’ve missed below, but don’t fret I do plan to write again soon (before the end of my service, ha. Again, kidding). Seriously, catch up and enjoy! J   

May 2011
-(2nd) Moving On: Paola D. and her family took me into their home where I felt happier (and much more welcome). I am forever grateful that they allowed me to do so and am very close with the family til this day. I consider Paola to be a dear friend and look to her mother Gladys for advice often. She is still the one of the funniest Paraguayans I know. Just so you have an idea, here is one of my favorite stories: I was having terrible stomach issues one day and was basically on and off the toilet all morning (hey, it happens). Around lunchtime, Gladys asked me how I was feeling. I think I mumbled something about being alright and not being very hungry with which she replied “Are you sure you don’t want to eat something? We could set up a table by the bathroom for you, so you could eat something and not have to run as far”. Ha, and all I could do was laugh, what choice did I have?

-(13th-14th) Bicentenario: Paraguayan Independence Day—this year marked 200 years of freedom! HUGE celebration held across all of Paraguay. Cities exploded with red, white, and blue decorations. Schools painted murals, fireworks were set off (more than usual), and the parades were endless.


-(14th) Mariel’s Quince: I promised I would return, plus it would be my first Quince experience ever, so I went to Caacupe where the eldest daughter of the carpenter family was turning 15. The festivities were supposed to begin at 8pm but started around 11pm (it is Paraguay, after all) and included strong strobe lights, 2 mariachi bands, a wardrobe change and a father-daughter dance. Oh, and the opening of presents was post guest departure so I believe the party officially ended at the stroke of dawn, lol. (But seriously).

June 2011
(1st) Site Presentation: Not knowing what to expect from Peace Corps nor how “formal” the set-up needed to be, I stressed and stressed over organizing the invites, the snacks, the invitees, my speech, etc. (Paola and her mom were both nice enough to help me). The whole thing turned out to be very simple: A representative from Peace Corps came to Isla to explain to community members more about the program, as well as, my field of expertise and my job description as a volunteer and to my relief and surprise it was all over in an hour.

(June 5th-19th) Home Improvements: I started the long process of making my future house a home. I painted, bought furniture and appliances, and got permission to move in early (despite the 3-month with a host family rule).

(June 20th) Homeowner (sort-of): I officially moved out and into my first (rented) home. One of Paola’s cousins came over to help me deep clean and a hummingbird flew inside to christen things (which is considered very good luck here). J

(June 26th-July 2nd) Learn Serve: consisted of a group of high-school students from Washington D.C. who came to Paraguay (Isla included) to do volunteer work. It is because of them that I got to move in early, as I had to find host families for each of them (my own home was offered and used as well). By the end of the week we painted a world map at the local soup kitchen, completed better hygiene demos with kids, and made library books for one of the schools. It was a tiresome, yet rewarding week.

July 2011
(July 4th Weekend) Went to the movies and found Oreo cheesecake!


(July 19th) Sorpresa!: My Caacupe family surprised me with a visit. Everyone but ”Dad” came. I made them homemade pizza for lunch and afterwards we went to relax and check out the big plaza in the Centro of Isla.

August 2011


(August 15th) Picnic: Since I deemed it perfect “picnic” weather, I convinced Paola, David, and Nacho to join me in an American-style picnic (different from a Paraguayan one which consists of dancing and limited foods you have to buy if you’re hungry!). We layed out a blanket underneath a giant tree and had sandwiches and finger foods. We also played cards and charades while a baby cow looked on. There were even some boys flying a kite nearby!









(August 27th) Frutillas: I met up with Rose and Nana in Capiata where their friend’s sister provided us with lunch and an amazing chocolate cake for dessert. Our gracious host then drove us to the next city over called Aregua where a strawberry expo is held every year. I sampled strawberry cake and wine, along with a chocolate-covered 

strawberry and not to mention the best strawberry ice cream of my life! 

September 2011
(Sept.12th-15th) IST/PDM: My G-mates and I were required to go through some training along with a contact from our communities. I invited Bernarda the Librarian/Support teacher from the Escuelita and the Directora (Principal) decided she wanted to tag along as well. It was nice to see everyone and I was happy to have the spur-of-the-moment discussion on diversity as a group, but as for the extra clarity of our job descriptions I was hoping for, it didn’t happen. :/

(September 21st) USA: David, one of my faithful English students got the opportunity to go to the other America for 3 weeks since he applied to the Youth Ambassadors program and got in! It was a very exciting time for him and I was happy to be a part of it. We spent an entire session before he left making a list of foods he could NOT leave America without trying, lol. Also, the very same day my other good friend and man of many tricks, Jose called me from the airport telling me he was also headed to the U.S. The two were on the same flight and I had to stifle my slight jealousy of them going to my country, while I stayed behind in theirs, ha.

October 2011
-(October 7th-9th) Pilar: I made my first trip to visit Rose in Pilar. Rosa, my host mom from Guarambare had never been either and insisted on going too. I couldn’t argue. We had a chill (and rainy) weekend cooking good food, napping, and going for ice cream. We also wanted to tour the famous Pilar Fabric Factory, but it was closed.

-(October 13th) Back Again: David returned from his journey bearing pictures and gifts (Rice Krispies and cranberry sauce from him, and a bottle of maple syrup from Learn Serve). He was also full of stories, which I thoroughly enjoyed hearing and found comical. He got to touch snow for the first time, see an American football and baseball game, and witness a few Americans gag drinking terere, ha.


-(October 22nd) Ziplining: Rose (being the super-planner she is) heard about this place called Mbatovi and organized a trip for us all. About 15 of us, paid 130mil (roughly 35 bucks) to walk a tightrope course, zipline through a jungle, and repel down the side of a rock wall. It was thrilling and terrifying at the same time, but we all had a blast!

November 2011
(November 18th) Team Edward: So if you didn’t know already I am a HUGE Twilight fan (thanks to Coco J). So, when I found out Breaking Dawn was coming here back in August, I not only announced it to the world, I also told Rose I was going to go see it-with or without her, lol. We went to see it opening night and it was well worth the wait. It was also interesting to see how Paraguayans reacted. I think it’s safe to say Jacob (Taylor Lautner) got just as many cries of “Marry me!” and “Oh My God!” as he would have if I’d seen the movie in U.S. theaters, ha.

(November 24th) Thanksgiving: Rose and I planned out a kick-butt menu back in September and brought it to life on my favorite holiday! We invited fellow volunteers, as well as, some local friends to join us. It ended up being an intimate event with just 5 of us in all, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. We laughed, shared memories, and were 
thankful for each others’ company (and the food, of course!) 

(November 30th) Fin: School ended officially for the year. I wrapped up my projects, said goodbye to the students, and said hello to a very long (and well deserved) vacation!

December 2011
(December 7th) Walk This Way: For religious beliefs on this day Paraguayans leave their homes (some as early as December 1st) and begin what's called the "Walk to Caacupe". I decided to make the journey myself for the experience beginning in neighboring town Eusebio Ayala. One thunderstorm, 2 bathroom breaks, 4 hours, and 15 miles later I made it. Talk about an exhausting adventure!

(December 17th) Paola’s Colacion: Post-Graduation, it is tradition here (naturally) to have a big party to end on. Tables at the event space have to be selected and guarded beginning at 5am and later loaded with food for all the guests (I contributed a small dessert). A very formal dress has to be selected for all the girls with the guys in their best suits. And of course, there has to be multiple DJs’ for a fiesta that has no end, right? Think Quince meets Prom and you get the picture.

(December 21st-Jan. 3rd) ATL: I took a taxi with fellow volunteer Jaime (who also happens to be my neighbor) to the airport where we waited to board the plane to Panama. From there, we had a small lay over and almost fainted at the sight of a Cinnabon (followed by a temporary comatose from devouring one lol). We boarded again headed to Miami where we hugged before parting ways. After 15 hours of flying total, I finally arrived in home sweet home. I shrieked and called my youngest sister a “giant” upon seeing a much taller version of her than I remembered in baggage claim. I also gave my grandfather the biggest bear hug imaginable. I was then whisked off to my homecoming and first meal: pizza and wings. It was a glorious and much needed vacation and re-energizer. I shopped, spent coveted quality time with family and friends, showed them how to drink mate, gained 10 pounds and was exhausted by the end of it all, but I don’t regret a single minute. J

January 2012

(January 13th) Cumpleaños Feliz: Rose and I met up in the city where we went for an awesome lunch at one of our favorite places called Bolsi Bar. Afterwards, we went and walked around the mall and decided to catch “New Year’s Eve” at the movies. We ended the night with our all-time favorite Mexican place, Ajua! Where I was serenated in Spanish (birthday) song and given a slice of free dessert. It was a sophisticated and relaxing day for the occasion of my 25th J