Beisbol - Who let the dogsout?

Friday I went to the doctor's office. It was in Chitre, so Grace and I packed our stuff to stay over another volunteer's house and ventured to Chitre to find the dr. Prior to Chitre - I went to the primary school with Grace. SO MUCH FUN. The teacher there killed it. She taught heaps in English and had excellent songs and games to play with the "Kinder" class. Those kids are animals. It's like Lord of the Flies whenever the teacher even slightly turned her back.

They were hilarious. When seated at desks they kept playing this game that I forget what you call but one person has their hand flat on the desk and the other hits it with their fist. It's not mercy.... Bloody knuckles? Ugh I can't remember, but I know it's a game people played at school back home too. Obviously, it's hilarious because guess what? sometimes it really hurts! So it was like a sociological experiment watching the kiddos play and be surprised by the result.
And I wish I had on video this one thing I saw because I just can't portray it as well as I could with a video.

Anyway - one little guy was playing that game with another littlun' :) And then one pulled the finger back of the other one. And then kid two starting weeping quietly at his desk. Big ole crocodile tears. And kid one was just ignoring him and acting like nothing happened. So the teacher kept teaching and periodically the little nuggets in the class would come over and cradle boy two's hand in theirs and put their head on his shoulder and kind of caress his shoulder and emulate the motion over and over again, like they're trying to sort out how this could've ever happened. AND THEN - best part - they would look over to boy one together and point and kind of shake their heads, although they didn't actually shake their heads. It was more of a "you monster! how could you?" sort of look. I loved it. Boy one played it cool. But he knew he was in the wrong - you could tell. Definitely pre-face paint "mask" if we go back to the Lord of the Flies analogy. So this happened over and over again. And each one did the same sort of thing. It was sweet, but also horrible? I liked how the teacher kept teaching, since it's Kindergarten - I mean people are going to cry all the time I imagine. One kid cried because he didn't get called on. I really loved being in that classroom. So much energy, but so much fun! And the upside is that since she's essentially a specialty teacher - she travels and doesn't stay with the same class all day, which of course can be a blessing and a curse, but I liked it because you can use the same lesson over and over again.

Then we went to the doctor. It was kind of hilarious how it went down because I was told where to go but I didn't have any other idea of how to do this, and Grace had never been sick! So, I walked up to the front and said - Soy de Cuerpo de Paz. And she sort of stared at me, and then I said because I didn't know what else to say.."Estoy enferma." ahhaha classic. So then she told me where to go. We sort of had the waiting room to ourselves and eventually the nurse came for me and took my blood pressure and asked me if I'd rather wait in waiting room or the exam room, but I had no idea what she said, so I said si. And then she turned the a/c on the in the exam room, so I was like ohhh I get it.
And after like 20 minutes, in walked the telenovela version of a doctor. Now I want to call him Dr. Drake Remore', but he was better looking than Joey from Friends (Matt LeBlanc?) but you get the idea. Too bad I'm not gonna live in Herrera! ha! But that was comical because when you're sick you barely speak your first language, much less a second! I definitely have new empathy for immigrants.Then we went and filled the Rx and it was interesting because they literally tell you what each pill costs before you buy it, and it's way faster than at home. Then after some time we went to a pizza place and then to a baseball game. Baseball game was just like home. Tons of fun. Good food. Good baseball! Maybe only major difference - we're likely to end up on the TV here. hahaha.

Then we stayed over a different girl's house and it was cramped but fun. Not ideal when not feeling well, but it's tricky because buses stop after a certain point, and taxis are surprisingly more expensive than you'd think. Each area has different prices for taxis - it's weird. We visited another volunteer Saturday and I headed back to Santa Rita Sunday. I went to Saturday night mass (7PM) in Los Pozos. Interesante. Lots of praise and worship music. It was different. I wasn't sure it was mass at first since the priest wasn't around, and I was like, ohhh I'm not trying to attend some singing event - but eventually the priest was there and mass started. I'm gonna need to learn some new phrases! That's for sure. But it was nice.

St. Patty's & Los Pozos (Volunteer visits)

So, I left Tuesday (aka St. Pat's) for a week in Los Pozos visiting a current volunteer- Grace. 

The goal is to see what life is like - real life is like for a PCV. Day one we walked the small town of Los Pozos. Basically to do the whole loop slowly, it's 15 min walking? It's cute. I think I'd like a bigger site than this but I do like it. It's hard to know exactly what I'd like? Day two we met up with 2 other current TE PCVs and we discussed the upcoming meeting at the university. They want to start a seminar course and wanted to find out if it was possible to get credit for the course or if MEDUCA would give points to those who attended. It seems like it won't work out for credit or points, but it sounds like a cool seminar.

I feel like someone just needs to get with MEDUCA and create a course that is available for points and then PCV can just copy and teach that already approved course. But I realize it's not easy. I loved the university setting. The teacher there was excellent and enthusiastic, and she seemed like a dream to work with. She's definitely the exception to the rule in life. She was so quality.
Grace has been helpful in telling me tools for the trade and how things really work here. It's cool to have a "big sister" of sorts, even though I'm older than her.
Today we visited a secondary school, and I could begin to understand how the process unfolds - very very slowly. Verrrrrrry slowly. Basically we spent the majority of the day in the teacher's lounge. There's a German guy at her school that is there to help as well from a different program. Kind of neat. It's essentially a service gap year. He of course spoke like 5 languages and in his spare time was teaching himself computer coding before university. Ahh Germany.

But I now kind of get how people here need to really communicate and try to find your niche because it's exhausting when you have nothing to do. Also, I'm sick. I have a sinus infection - of course! I'm so annoyed since I'm here, but I guess at least Grace can help me get to the doctor. It's def awkward though.... I was at her school and about fell asleep from exhaustion. Then I got back to her house and just slept for like 3 hours straight. I think it's awkward for her, but what else can I do? I emailed the medical office and tomorrow I'll go to the Dr. I thought they could just call something in, but I guess not.

Tomorrow is a new day, so fingers crossed the Dr. is helpful and everything goes okay! I'll be going to a baseball game tomorrow and seeing a new parts of the city tomorrow too. Yay.
For St. Pat's, I ate a green doughnut. No green beer, but at least I remembered!!

Panama City Adventure!

Today we went into Panama City to see where certain things are and learn how to navigate the city. For instance, where would we go for lab work and where would we go to the hospital. So we did a lot of walking, which was a nice contrast to days of sitting, but man PC is still hot. I think I feel it's hotter than Santa Rita because in SR, I sit under shade and in PC, there's limited shade as you walk about the big city. Things have developed even more since I was here 2? years ago. They have a metro now. Very nice! Only one line on it but it's great. Reminds me of NYC and DC but better Bc it's so smooth. No jolting! We also rode a metro bus, which was like exactly the same as dc metro buses. Same stop system and everything. And the buses and metros use the same cards - similar to a smart trip! Only difference - you can also use the card to pay the .25 to use the bathroom.
So we did our tasks, stopped at the mall, and we went to a nice grocery store. I'm pleased because they sold various things that I could want to buy eventually. So many Americans there, so that was funny. Then once it all was completed, we stopped near Casco Viejo and we drank and ate at a brewery. I got a mojto. Tom Flynn would approve of it. It was good.
I'm trying my best not to share drinks with people but geez, it's tough since everyone is like - can I try it? It's just a matter of time until we all catch the same illness! I am going to have to get serious on saying no to people asking to share drinks. I'm not trying to get sick!
After the brewery restaurant, I went home with a group around 7. I knew the buses ran til like 10, but we live far from the city so I didn't want to risk not getting home.
During our scavenger hunt - I was in charge of calling in the answers and then I was told by our safety lady that I should be home by 5..... And that I had to text when I got home with my group..... It was nuts. Our curfew on weekends is 11 to our host families and we were never told we had to return earlier. You can't just decide that oh and by the way- you must leave the city immediately.... When that was never told to us in advance. Plus, it's Panama City, not like idk? Tijuana? It's safe and nice and the only concern is transportation,  and we all sorted it out. I actually texted mi mama to tell her I was on my way home and her reaction was "ok." Aka why are you telling me? Ha hilarious.
My host family's daughter is visiting today. My mama's birthday is Monday so I think that's why. She's pregnant! It's exciting! Looking forward to r&r tomorrow!

Body Snatchers Among Us...

Saw this Wild American action during my walk up la loma. Apparently there's a insect that stings and body snatches tarantulas for their larvae. Ugh. I actually pitied the tarantula.
This is what I saw during the hike up the path... So... If this is on the actual path- what is off the path??????

What Wikipedia has to say...


Here's my friend's video to see it in action: Thanks, Erin O'Leary TE 76.

Bachata & Una Escuela Real

12 de Marzo.
Class was good. We made houses out of construction paper, and we are to describe them tomorrow using the new vocab words.
After class I ate a quick lunch, which mi mama had ready! Woo! And then we met at the tech class location and walked to the school to observe 2 classes.
Basically, it was a good experience, but it was sad seeing students without books and having to spend so much time transcribing and not actually applying information. It was interesting hearing the other aspirantes dissect the experience because they all seemed to note negative things and I really saw some positives. The teachers are the ones who travel from class to class (can you imagine?) while the kids stay still. And they keep the same seating chart, and sometimes they never learn the kids names.
So a note about the educational system: they def have their own issues. First instance - teachers are never guaranteed a spot in their former schools until they have earned enough points from MEDUCA (their educational system). Teachers are normally required to change schools each year, and sometimes their sites are HOURS (like 6) from their homes. So imagine a world where teachers have literally no time during the week with their families or any additional time for their students because they're always traveling. I just pity these teachers; of course they don't grade well! Of course they are feeling overwhelmed - who can work under those conditions and succeed? So once a teacher earns enough points - they are essentially tenured for life and never - I repeat never - are required to attend additional trainings and are permitted to stay at their school indefinitely. At that point they may be observed but the observations are entirely for show, since el director (principal) can't change that teacher's teaching or change his/her placement without a really serious reason. I mean- I know we have some major issues in our educational system- and some of them are similar to those in Panamá- but seriously? That's just nuts for teachers and students alike. It should be noted that I am learning about the Panamanian education system from varied sources, and I know I am far from an expert. I also have at this point, only seen one classroom in one school in Panamá.
I actually thought the teacher did an okay job considering, and the other aspirantes need to realize that sometimes school isn't fun? I only saw 2 separate small portions of one teacher's life! Who is to say what is normal or bad with such a tiny snapshot?
After that I had my Spanish class, and I told my teacher about my concerns in my language skills. It went well. I think she gets me a bit more now. After that I went to a dance class led by Jody and Dina. (Two aspirantes that I really like.) Jody led Zumba Tuesday. She's killing it. Tomorrow is la loma day. Huzzah. Mas ejercisio. Meanwhile - the rice and chicken marches on. A little fried food here, a little fried food there, no veggies in days. (Except for the smoothie I bought yesterday.) But no veggies from mi mama!
Tomorrow we're going to a school in Chorrera. Same process probably. Yawn. Observing is just plain boring for me. I did a ton of this in grad school, and sure, sometimes it's entertaining, overall - if I don't feel like I'm being utilized, it feels dull.
 Tonight I hung out w Randee a bit. That was good fun, and then Natalie joined in. Overall, good day.

And then I peed behind a bus stop...

So, I realize I may have a varied audience at times, soooo I'm forewarning that while I'm def aware this is online, I've gotta keep it real and tell it like it is.

This morning my alarm was going off but was silent. Who knows how that happened? Yesterday was a tough day for me, so maybe that's why I wasn't thinking straight, but anyway - I woke up and looked at my watch and it was 6:00 (aka 5:58 because I set it early 2 min.). I jumped out of bed cursing and threw off my pjs (which I later found on my concrete floor) and threw on the clothes I laid out already. Luckily, I had packed my backpack the night before. I hustled out of my room and my poor mama was in the kitchen with a cup of coffee ready for me. I tell her I'm very late and attempt to open the front door which was like 4 locks on it- and it's dark out - ah so funny. (Luckily I grabbed my toothbrush and paste in route out the door). I run to the bus stop (like 2 min) Bc we are supposed to BE AT THE STOP AT SIX OR "FIND YOUR OWN WAY THERE." Ahhhhhhhhhh!
So I made it on time, and the bus wasn't there yet.
I had to think. I knew I had a 2 hour bus ride ahead of me, and I still hadn't peed. I asked my other buddies in my 'hood (3 of them at the stop) what they thought and I did it - I just popped a squat right behind the bus stop. All I got to say is, NO REGRETS! Lucky it was still dark and no one is out walking then:) Muhahaahaha.
The rest of the bus was unaware and magically, Randee had deodorant - since I had no time for that either, so really - all was golden! What a helluva way to start the day.

I stopped by the Dr. today at Cuidad del Saber (aka PC HQ) where we have our lessons to ask about the malaria meds and my eyes, and she said she'll be in touch after she researched it more, so that's good.

And I bought a yummy kale smoothie for the way home, so that was kind of awesome! Yesterday we had Zumba and tomorrow I think it's like Latin dance class. Que suerte hay muchas profesoras de ejercicio aquí!

Tomorrow we have our first observation at a local school. Should be interesting.

On a different note: I really feel lucky to have this family! I really see them having my back. The distance is kind of crap (from the rest of Santa Rita - specifically where my tech class is) but I care for them. The worst part about the distance is how limited I am in my freedom... I can't go anywhere alone at night and night starts at like 7:00. I'm not used to having to wait for others and not be independent. I now see this as a huge concern... But there's not much to be done about it. I guess I just have to hope that I'll feel more independent in my actual site.

Oh and random- one of the PCV helpers is from Columbia, MD! Shout out to Dre/Howie! He's going home this summer and I was like- oh yeah? Gonna go to Victoria's Gastro pub? (local restaurant with awesome beer selection for those not in the know) And he tells me he's never heard of it. What? Not sure how that's possible  since it's literally the only place I eat at in Columbia! Ha!

Oh and yeah - It has been confirmed I am the oldest Aspirante. And I'm older than my leader, Isabel. Ha. Mis padres say I'm young though, so I'll take it! And I did know that I would likely be oldest. One girl is about to turn 30, and one guy is 30 in December, so it's not a shockingly young group. I'm looking forward to meeting more EH and SAS, since I think they tend to be a bit older.

Okay enough rambling... For now.

Dog tricks

During my private only 30 min :( Spanish lesson today I saw a dog jump over a 5 ft? fence, then creep around the house and sneak into the house through a tiny window. Whatttttt? I asked my teacher if that was their dog, and she was like uhh idk?
Is this a cartoon?

At tech class I successfully guessed all the ages of the leaders. Woot! Then I threw a ball during a game and somehow it magically went right through a tiny crack and soared right to the guy- aka- good luck ever recreating that! I'm good at guessing ages- it'd be my carnie act. Although my real gift is celeb ages, but I was gifted today! After class we walked la loma. Tough march but man is it gorgeous!

So yeah- good day. I love getting the exercise after sitting all day & eating all this rice and meat. That's def a struggle. SO MANY CARBS. But it's tricky living with a host family. They act like Grandmas here- trying to get people to eat todos! Mi mama is good because she usually just says, feel free to get more if you want it. And veggies are expensive. I've had rice like every day though. Good thing I actually love rice! Haha. But I would like some veggies... What happened to the broccoli?? Did I not eat enough? Por qué?!? POR QUÉ?!?
Chao for now!

That rooster will die.

Today is Randee's birthday. (She's my "cousin" aka neighbor here in the boonies 'hood.) I shared my bday button with her. Luckily we celebrated Saturday better, so today should be a little less fun, but hopefully it will still be a little fun? We did a trust game in Spanish class where we commanded eachother on how to walk with a blindfold on. It was fun! Poor Kenia (my teacher) is not well, so we had a sub, Melissa. I like her too, but Kenia is the bee's knees. You know me-loyal!

It's lunch break and I'm enjoying a moment of rest before the walk to class. I washed my sheets today. Exciting stuff here. I am hopeful that the rooster will go missing from the pen someday soon... Possibly from my own hand. I threatened his life today during Spanish class when he wouldn't shut up. He didn't get the picture. Apparently today I get a tutorial lesson one on one with a Spanish teacher! How lucky! Plus I don't have to be a the tech class the whole time! Wooooooohoooooo! That's enough of a reason for me to screw up my Spanish for a while! 

I'm not sure what's up with lunch... It's weird- I kind of become a 1950's man here- after class I really want lunch ready so I can do other stuff after but apparently mi mama does stuff when she's ready. It's only annoying because I live 15 min from class so I have to plan my time a bit better than others. 

I really shouldn't update the blog so much because I really need to practice Spanish more, but maybe I'll just write short blips. Over the weekend it took forever updating using my journal because wifi isn't perfect and pics take a while - but now that you can see my house and room, I shouldn't have heaps more pics - I don't think? 

Chao!

Ps- Panamá doesn't do daylight's saving time.

I may have peaked?

Reasons why today is the greatest of days: 

      1.     Slept in. Heck yes.

      2.     Breakfast was fruit salad: papaya and cantaloupe. I’m not sure mi Mama understands the depth of love I have for papaya, but I’ve attempted to convey it, and today she gave it to me and I wanted to cry with joy. Café con leche, fruit salad, and eating at my slow pace. (There’s a little neighbor girl that Miriam (mi Mama) watches on the week days, and she always thinks it’s so funny that I eat so slow. She tells me I lost all the time, which I can def appreciate, since I too am competitive.  :)

3.     I cleaned my room. Perhaps a bit stupid, but I do like that I know my floors are mostly dirt free. To have concrete totally dirt free is unlikely, but mostly is achievable!

4.     Mi Mama took me to the neighbor’s house to meet their monkey. Yes. True life-pet monkey. And I got to pet it. The guy didn’t realize just how crap my Spanish skills are, so he talked his face off about the monkey’s likes and dislikes, and I THINK he said that the monkey was attacked by their dog, but that the other dog and she are friends. I think the bad dog is actually a pit bull, so I guess I’m not so shocked, but I am a little sad about it. And my heart broke that he had a leash on, but they seem to love the monkey and give it space to do her thing. Mixed feelings: 1. I love that I got to pet a monkey. 2. Should I be able to pet a monkey? Also, if monkeys ever take over – I hope she remembers I was nice to her…

5.     No school. No class. No nada. Please and thank you. I’m wondering if mass is on the agenda today? How funny would it be that the one Catholic girl (I think at least – idk) in my group gets a family that doesn’t go to mass.

6.     As I sat down to type on my computer, mi mama brought me a delicious smoothie type thing. Literally after typing, “why today is the greatest day,” she delivers me a delicious fruit smoothie thing. Probably has some icecream or something unhealthy in it, but still – cold and delicious? Mmm hmm. Today's lunch is below. It's only 2:30, so fingers crossed this day just keeps getting better!  :)

Chorrera. City of Dreams.

Ha. Not really. It's kind of a dump, but it was fun to go to Chorrera today with the other volunteers.

We had some tasks, but mostly I really loved chilling out with Dana, Luiz and Tim. I didn't talk to Dana much at Cuidad del Saber, and she's very nice, so it was great to get to know her better.

Then after a great day of chit chat and browsing - we actually all met up for drinks at this great little place with an awesome patio area. It was covered and had tons of space. Balboa beer is where it's at. It's like a lager, I'd say. We're not allowed to drink in our host sites, so it was so nice to be able to have a few with the other folks. I can actually say I had genuine fun yesterday. I'm still getting to know people, and I'm still a bit shy, but overall, it was a great fun day!

We took a chiva there and then a diablo rojo home and then a taxi. Overall - woohoo.

Some pics of new friends:

Tupac- I found you! 

Here he's been - hiding out on a diablo rojo all this time.

I'm an Aunt! (again!)

So, Connor is here! I am so excited to have my little nephew! What a little cutie pie he is. Apparently they induced and it just took forever. So, like his aunt, he's a little late - but cute as can be. Ha! I already love him so much. And of course, I'm homesick to hold the chiquito. I'm excited for Danny & Christie. Yay!

Today I went to la loma (hill) with Victoria (14 yr old host sister). I was supposed to meet the group, but they left without me. Lost in communication... again. But it was fun with Victoria. The walk was incredible and beautiful. Victoria had never seen the view, so it was special that she joined us. I just love her. Then once we got there, the other Aspirantes were there, so that was nice. I want Victoria to ask for help with her English, but I definitely don't want to force it. Today she said she does want to learn, so she can visit the US one day, and I was like, great! You'll have to stay with me!

My mama is excited about Connor, too. What a great host family. 

Aragog's grandson in my room...

No Connor just yet.

I got to facetime a little bit with Dre & Howie tonight, which was very nice, since Dre has some experience living with a host family, etc.

I was supposed to hang out with a group of folks tonight, and one girl forgot to tell me, so that was a little annoying, but it's also kind of the pitfall of living so far away as a girl, ie. being told not to walk alone at night.

First wildlife spotting in my room... GIANT spider. Of course it happened while face timing with Dre, and it got away. Ahhhhhhh! Where are you?? Please be outside or possibly dying inside the stomach of a lizard. I will take a picture of the lizards here later. They're so cool, and they eat bugs... love love. They hang out by the lights at night to stay warm (I presume?) and to catch bugs!

It's weird.. tonight I saw some mystery cat try to run into my room... So naturally I was like WTF is in there??? And later I saw the spider? Is that possible? Please not a rodent... Maybe a lizard had been following the spider? Idk. Out of sight is better though...

At least animals can escape easily from my room, but that also means they can enter easily!

Silver lining!

Broccoli. Me amor.

3 de Marzo

Firstly, miracle of miracles - my eyes are better? Hmmm, maybe my mama is right about the pills? I'll find out for shizzle next week.

I was given broccoli for dinner. Apparently my family is not typical. Vegetables are not common here, so that's pretty awesome. Next time I'll eat every single one... I ate the ones on my plate, but next time I'll eat even more now that I know what I know about lack of veggies. Sidenote: I mean, I was given broccoli as a side dish, not as the whole meal.
Also, I see little machismo things in my family here, but it's actually quite similar to things from home, so it's not toooooo upsetting. Only upsetting because I see the same nonsense in the US, too.

I also had cucumber and tomato salad yesterday for lunch. Mmmm.

I'm trying to write about a minor conflict I had today with another Aspirante, but meh. Basically, I told him to stop talking badly about someone because it defeats the purpose of what we're doing here. He didn't agree with me, but at least I got my 2 cents in. Since ya know, no one likes to be reprimanded - I may have wounded that potential relationship, but I also still feel I would've said the same thing again, so yeah - esta bien.

But seriously, if we can't be a cohesive group of people - how can be possibly be effective? And if we can't find the good in the people we're with - how will we find good with others we're serving? That just seems to be my point of view.

Me and my big defensive mouth! 

First "Real" Day! (of Training)

 <--- Toyo the loro. I'm trying to win him over...





We have 2 parakeets and 2 dogs: Osito (L) and Rockie (R).  I swear they're alive.

2 de Marzo 

Daily schedule: 

Wake up and shower (we are actually told to shower at least 2x here....)

Classes start at 8 - literally about 5 steps away from where I sleep, which is funny & convenient. Funny b/c if I ever "stay home from school," I'll actually be able to hear and talk to the other students at school. Side note: Classes are divided by skills and I am in the lowest level, and we all live over here in the boonies. But we are intermediate low and CEC has people in even lower classes. Language class ends at 11:45. After that I have lunch at home and then I walk to tech classes. It's like a 15 minute walk in the hot hot hot sun. Luckily, it's all under cover once you get there. They are from 1-5. Yeah. 1-5. It's nuts. After that, I have a little bit of time for myself, but we basically have to be near our house before it's dark, unless we're in a group. Dinner is served whenever I get home, so it's kind of nice.

 

So last night I took my first malaria pill. My eyes burned so bad, and I thought it was from the freakish amount of animals at my house: like 10 chickens/roosters, 2 parakeets, 1 parrot (named Toya), 2 rabbits, 2 dogs, and 2 "agoutis." Anyway, I'm not sure about the eyes, but I will be confident next week, after I take them again. If it's the pills, obviously, I'll ask for different ones. I just want to be educated before I make such a request. Agoutis is the English name - Their name is different in Spanish, but I can barely say it, much less spell it yet. My host sister repeated the name to me like 10 times, and still I was like uhhhh?

                                        Agoutis are below. Cute! But poss will be our meal...?

Today I met Grace. She’s the girl I will spend a few days with during site visits. She seems very nice, but I’m still nervous. I’m really lucky to meet her prior to the site visit though, since she gave me some tid bits about the journey. And hopefully it will be a little less awk to spend time with her since she sort of knows me now me & I her.

Today was also my first language class with Kenia (mi profesora) y los otros aspirantes: Dillon, Randee y Natalie.

It was pretty good. Yes, we are the lowest of TE volunteers, but we’re speaking, so that’s good! I like my family. They’re Catholic, too. We chatted about saints that we like tonight. I brought two cards with me: Therese of Lisieux and Our Lady of Perpetual Help. I don’t think Therese is big here, because she had never heard of “the little flower”.  I guess I could look it up later. I’m understanding them better but not that well. It’s definitely a different accent than in Costa Rica and when my Papa talks – he doesn’t open his mouth fully, and I find myself like uhhhhh what? The words: “No entiendo” y “Que?” could drinking game if my life were a reality show. I can’t help but muse about my final placement, and I’m starting to think about my wants/must haves:

1.     electricity

2.     shower/toilet inside. Yes, I am a princess.

3.     Isn’t too HOTTTTT. Apparently there are “cool” places here… so hell yeah – I’m gonna see what’s up with that!The heat def scares me. But it  hasn't been so bad here in Santa Rita? Let's hope it's not a fluke!

 Below: 4 AM nemesis

Primer Dia con mi Familia de Panama

Santa Rita
1st of March

I'm writing from inside a mosquito net. I asked if it was necessary, and I was told - if I want, and since I had just received it, yeah - of course I wanna break it out! So I attempted to hang it up. I showed my host parents and they did not approve, so they helped me rehang it. It was our first real bonding moment, and it was very sweet how both of them helped. So, let's back it up a bit - today I arrived to my host family's house with much fear and apprehension - mostly because AHHHH! It's getting real! Adios warm showers! Adios sweet wifi! Hello intense schedule and getting to know people better and having to live in a strange house with no privacy. I was dropped off with Randee (another volunteer) who lives with my host dad's sister. So, she's now my cousin. :) So I entered my house with apprehension, mostly because of the language barrier. I literally dropped my bags in my room and went outside to chat. I figured there's no time like the present to shoot the breeze! So, I got to meet mi Mama y host sister, Victoria (14). Mi Papa was at work, so I didn't meet him until night time. I can't explain how great Victoria is. I mean - c'mon seriously? 14 year old Panamanian sweetheart. I loved her from the get go. She was patient and sweet with my crazy Spanglish.


When it was lunch time mi mama made chicken with white rice and plantains (comida tipica) and for dinner, pasta and meat. You will probably begin to notice the white rice as a common theme henceforth. I have my own room and it's fine. Hardly the ritz, ha, but also, it just kind of reminds me of Camp Dovewood - except that Malaria is an actual fear?

I'm excited to get to know Randee better, because she and I didn't chat much at the Cuidad del Saber stuff. She is a yoga teacher (and former ESOL teacher, too).

It seems like we live farther away from other people, which could be a little troublesome. I wanted to take a nap, and my family put a huge fan in my room. SOOOO - yeah - this ain't so bad folks! 

Day Four: Site visit & Lord of the Flies

Site Visit:Today we TE folks visited Chelsea in her school and home communities. It's Saturday, so school was not in session, but for some reason we still were told to dress up, and then it was weird because we sort of hiked around and my dress shoes were not appropriate. Mixed messages! Chelsea and other volunteers were super helpful and kind. Everyone seems to really try to ensure we're understanding stuff. It's almost too much hand holding but since I prefer that to none, it's okay. Joel and Isabel (the TE directors) joined us today, and I really enjoyed seeing them out of the office. Chelsea's mama prepared an exceptional meal of chicken, rice, and plantains. I ate it with a spoon. The chicken was so fresh that it wasn't a big issue! The host family was preparing some pork to sell? at an upcoming dance. Not sure I got that but I did see this guy - yes, that's exactly what you think it is... a dead pig's head hung by it's ear.
And of course the chicken's family wasn't too far away, either. Overall, a good day, but I'm excited to experience life out of the dorms and in my own room, even without wifi.  So begins the real training! Spanish, skills, etc. Ahhhhh! Buenas Noches!
Also, here's our outrageously good looking TE G76 group in all our glory. (24 of us total + Joel, Isabel, and Tyler)