This week was una locasa. I was super busy on top of finishing up PT and getting over a cold. Since I have so much to do over the next 3 months, this past week and next week are the only times I had available to teach the Career workshop at the local all girls high school in Catacaos. Here are some pics:
HILARIOUS!
of course I am!!
Last Sunday I also went to lunch with some girls that I have taught a few times over the past two years…
Well, after Peru Moda, I took my last vacation days to relax in Lima before my COS conference the following week. May 6 & 7 my group, Peru 11, went to a conference center outside of Lima for our COS(Close of Service) workshop.
There we learned of our benefits as RPCVs in the states as well as the best ways to say goodbye to people at site and how to keep in touch. There was a lot of good advice to be given and I think everyone walked away a bit more prepared for our “readjustment” to the States.
I honestly can’t believe that in less than 3 months I will be back home. This whole experience has impacted me more than I can ever explain. Being in the Peace Corps allows you to re-evaluate yourself, your actions, and your friendships. It makes you realize who is important and most importantly what is important. I now realize that going out on Friday night and claiming that I’m broke is pathetic. Don’t go out, stay home, save 30 dollars. Budgeting was key here and I do admit my parents helped me out more times that I can count, but being poor is something I never want to experience again. Being in that positioning makes you realize the hard work that our parents and grandparents put into their jobs in order for us to be the spoiled, complaining, pampered generation that we are. And I am not exempt from that, I am just stating that it is what we are. We are the “entitled” generation and that feeling of entitlement has become a trait I loathe. And not because of introspection but rather being the person on the other end working with an entitled individual. Working here in Peru where for generations NGOs have been in place, giving and working – the people have a justified sense of entitlement and for them to see the need to work harder, take risks and be motivated – is very hard.
In the future I hope I am not just another entitled 20 something walking around expecting a 6 figure salary. I hope I always remember working with such people and wanting to strangle myself! lol. I want to leave here and always remember the hardships and the struggles physically – through injuries and minor sicknesses – emotionally – being alone, lonely, and most frequently scared and not having my mom or family close – mentally – challenging myself everyday to get up and go to work, create new projects and strive to determine the innovative method to make something work. But more than anything I can preach or say, I hope I never forget the people. These people have changed my life and I am better for it. They have taught me that money isn’t what makes the difference but how you treat someone is, how you spend your savings on a one day party is worth it, live for the day, because tomorrow you might not be here. How the united states has an abundance of resources and everyone takes it for granted. The fact that I am not scared when I go to a doctor in the states – that makes a hell of a difference. The fact that if I get robbed, I can call the police and not fear that they are just as or more corrupt than the man who just robbed me. The fact that I have rights and freedom of speech. And as for being a woman – equality – so many times in this machista society I wanted to shout out loud “I AM COLLEGE EDUCATED WOMAN AND TRUST ME, YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT SIR SO STOP TELLING ME I AM JUST A LITTLE GIRL AND I KNOW NOTHING!” Can you imagine. My parents have taught me though I am a girl I can play as hard and as well as any boy. I am lucky to be from the US where woman are starting to become a man’s equal, not still fighting to be their quarter.
So thank you Peru for all your lovely scenery, generosity, and carinoso, I will be back soon.
Me and Alfredo – My boss.
Me and Bailey (PCVC)
The Piura Crew <3 Glenn, Me Vince, Erin, Marian, Alex
Piura Business! 
Pachamanca!!! This is the food they cook in the ground!
Peru Small Business Group 11
My ladies –Sophie Shannon and Me
1. coffee
2. cell phone
3. motivation and perseverance
4. Family – Naqui and Marilda
5. Invitar-ing (Always asking for advice and company to get the best result)
6. Gilmore Girls – that series is the bomb DOT com :)
We got heart <3 PERU 11!!!!!
This past week has def been a satisfyingly productive one. As I mentioned a few posts ago, I was planning on doing a career workshop in the high school with another volunteer, Glenn. He ended up coming down on Monday and we finalized our plans for the course for that week. Our first class, Tuesday @ 7:45 AM (eek) we did the super fun career test that gives you a certain number and that number corresponds to jobs in a certain field or interest. The second part of the lesson is explaining the importance of short term and long term goals. Then they had to create a list of 3 different short term goals and also had to do a worksheet about their life written by their future selves in 10 years.
Wednesday we went over Monthly budgets and How to create and achieve professional goals. First, I had them write down all the costs the might have for a month and none of the students had less then 1000 monthly budgets (mind you – the minimum wage is 550 a month) yeh. So there is nothing like a monetary reality check to get the wheels turning. Then after we discussed the costs of life, me – being ever so discreet – mentioned to them how much more difficult it would be to have a child to take care of. Hopefully I scared 1 or 2 more away from that path. Then, speaking about careers the first day and the cost of living the second, we made plans for a certain career, touching on what they can do now in high school to get started up and until they are working in that certain field. Sure, it was a bit overwhelming for them, but some of them were so into it! 
(I love the intensity of my face in this foto. Prob during one of my motivational speeches – I did a few.lol PS JAN- That’s my new bday shirt I got on!)
Thursday was the last day and our friend Ryan ended up coming to my site to help out with the last two sessions. The last day we went over what are Resumes, why are they important, and how to write one. I ended up printing out the 3 different templates offered in Word making copies and having each of the students choose one of the designs to work off of. I think it went well, this concept is always the hardest to explain to the kids, resumes are just not something they ever had heard of nor come across. ever.
The second session, we talked about obstacles or more common, excuses, for people from the campo for not working, pursuing higher education – basically getting out. One might think – Why WOULDN’T they WANT to get OUT… its just a cycle and comfort zone. So we handed out one situation per group (10 groups) had them come up with two ways to overcome the obstacle and then present it to the class. Topics included –
-Your family doesn’t have the money.
-Your parents won’t let you study or work because they want you to work in the farm
-Your parents work so you have to take care of your siblings.
-You get pregnant, but you still want to study.
-Your parents won’t let you study because they say that the woman’s place is in the house.
-Your in-laws (yes really) won’t let you work or study because they want help cleaning the house
Those are a few. Then we did my favorite part, evaluations, asking the basics (what was your favorite, what part didn’t you like, what would you recommend) then the best question – Could you understand us? lol . Everyone says yes, but we still like to check. :)
The responses were so uplifting. I mean it was a class of 55 17 yr olds. Intense is an understatement. So, for about 60% to say that they really got something out of it and it made them think of their future is great. A few of them even mentioned that now they know tho there are obstacles, they can overcome them. Which is awesome.
Changed lives – CHECK.
Friday I did nothing because I got deathly sick from the chaufa my sister cooked on Thursday or the apple juice my mom made for the first time ever or the ice cubes we have now. Yes revelation, my house now has ice trays we fill. Who knows. So that brings my tally to about 8 times being sick with vomiting and etc. Which is in the EXTREMELY low percentile. Go me!
Saturday I had a meeting at 10 with the 4 associations to go over solicitudes I wrote on Monday asking the mayor to put signs on the highway (using that word loosely) below the signs for the towns that there are workshops and artisan shops in those towns. Common sense in the states almost every town sign has “FAMOUS HOME OF…” one b.s. thing or another. So figured why not here. We’ll see if they okay it. There in transition of government, so I’m pretty sure it’ll just get lost but who knows.
Then we continued placing minimum prices on all the products of woven straw. A now attainable feat, we have about 100 more products to go and then officially all association will be using fair prices and will not allow people to barter below it. And yes I understand that part of the visit to the 3rd world is the ability to say no not 10 soles, 5. But honestly stop that shit. Half the time they aren’t lying which means they are loosing a shit load of money but have to sell it in order to put food on the table. Greedy Americans. So now we have a system where if the fair trade price is 10 they start the price at 12 and then drop it to 10. “If you can’t beat them – join them.” And also I explained that they HAVE to EXPLAIN to tourists and clients about the price breakdown. Like Iris, my coutnerpart does, she explains sole per sole the price of a product and after, the client is usually happy to except the extremely low price were offering. And honestly the worst are the Germans – they always want 40 sole sombreros for 10 soles. are they on crack and better yet they have the f-ing EURO. Punch.them.in.the.face. oh well…
Help fair trade practices with women entrepreneurs – CHECK.
Saturday night we headed to the plaza de armas of Piura to sell Rifas (Raffle tix) which no one bought though we were (I was) selling our (my) hearts out. Lol but at least now I know that people don’t buy raffles in the plaza for future knowledge.
Sunday I headed to the plaza in Catacaos to sell more we sold a few more and then held the raffle – I won! haha. Well actually Josie,Iris little girl, won with the tix I bought her but she gave it to me, because she obvi has enough lol. Then I came home and my sister ordered a case of the new wheat beer (special edition) As close to blue moon as I’m getting for a few months – so awesome. SO I drank one of those napped then made rice pudding and now I’m writing a blog.
How you like that play by play.
Wednesday Arequipa!!!
Also for those interested I got by grade for my second session of the TEFL/TESL class I’m taking online = 19! woo hoo thats like a 95 for those that don’t understand how the world grades out of 20 except our country.
Chao xoxo
Elizabeth
I absolutely love my birthday. I swear it gives me power over people. Like for instance: Using the PC projector to show the movie on the NGO borrowed screen. Yeh, I did. I went into the NGO and was basically like, “All those FREE courses I teach that make you look good in Lima? Well, pay up.” And Ing. Hernan did. Bless him and his horribly putrid bad breath. So with a screen and projector I headed to my sisters to tackle the cookie cake. I got a great recipe and decided to double it to ensure we had enough left overs. FOR ME. (GD family sent all the leftovers to the neighbors – another custom we don’t have in the states/GIVE ME MY CAKE!) Back to the story we made double the recipe but though I said we should divide into two dishes, Kerry thought it best to make it thick. It turned out fantastic, but for the next one, it will be thin in the respectable and iconic style of the Great American Cookie Cake model. All hail.
Well, like I may have mentioned, my party was in states style. However, lacked one KEY concept: The Cumpleañera does no work. By the time my party officially began at 8, I was already sweating through my clothes and constantly wiping my face off. I was super annoyed about that… but enough complaining
I ended up FINALLY getting to the buffet at about 9:45 when everyone had served 3rds and some I saw ppl going for their 6ths, I had half a nerve to punch that person/ with a shot in me i might have. But the food was phenomenal and Kerry la cocinera did a smashing job.
Besides that, the party was a hit truly I had all the beds made up in the house so everyone stayed over after the movie and even food for the morning, but everyone peaced out at about 7:30/8ish, basically while I was still sleeping, which Mari yelled at me for not saying good-bye, thanking them, and making them eat something. IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY BITCH. RESPECT. So shove it.
After a leisurely breakfast with Erin and Kerry, I headed into the city at around 10:30 to tomar el sol at a local top notch hotel called Portales. Then at 2 P.m. I was overcome with ravenous hunger and headed out but at 2 on a Sunday there is nothing opened so we decided on an extremely overpriced mediocre tasting meal at the food court. After though we headed to the cinema to see Valentine’s Day. Which in my opinion was fabulous minus Ashton Kutcher, wasn’t he cool like 5 years ago, what’s going on in America? Why is he a lead? Seriously, it’s come to actors like Ashton in films? Might as well extend my service…
Anyway without my bitching about the insane amount of work, everything went smoothly and I cumplir-ed 24 anos without a flaw.
Okay to bed, next post more about CITE and the latest turn of events.
Chao xoxo,
Elizabeth
Peace Corps Rep 1 – Peru not caring 2
Oh Peru why must you live a life of disinterest. It is the time in a volunteer’s service that he/she must ask for a site replacement i.e. a person to compare me too. I was asking for 2. One volunteer would continue working with my artisan association and also begin to work with the newly emerging association in La Campina (town next to me). The other volunteer would be from the youth development program. I asked for this volunteer to be placed in Pedregal Grande, where I live now. Reason being that I hardly ever work IN site and not for lack of work, but rather lack of time. The community could really benefit from a youth volunteer, we have a preschool grade school and high school, youth groups and an active health post. It just seems completely compatible to the work prescribed to YD volunteers. Well, after talking to Wilfredo (Regional Coordinator) at my recent monthly meeting, he told me to set up the meetings for the following week. (A huge feat, if you ask me, three meetings in less than 4 days) So I began the task a little hesitant on the inside, but overly positive on the outside, sporting my Peace Corps Official polo shirt around explaining the programs and numbering the benefits of volunteer placement in the community to all the officials and any who would listen. (I mean seriously we all know I can sell it!) So I went around printing official invitations (because no one will come near a meeting without one.. more on this later) At mid-day Tuesday I had it all programmed for a jam-packed Thursday afternoon:
2 P.m. La Campina
4 P.m. Pedregal Chico
6 P.m. Pedregal Grande
Well you can imagine my worries when Thursday rolled around and Wilfredo called to say the PC vehicle broke down, so he’ll be late because he’s taking a taxi. (Actually on the plus side bc when a rather rich looking peruvian rolls into town with a brand-new white toyota SUV…people anticipate $$$) So I get to La Campina about 2:20ish and there are 2 people outside the local. (Humph…) I begin to converse in order to sway the director of the school to stay longer though, he explains, he has an urgent meeting at 3… its peru, yeh right. He lingers about till Wilfredo comes and by that time 2:40 there are a good 10 people… trickles. I opt for Wilfredo to start because we have a tight schedule and as the meeting begins… intro to what is PC who are volunteers. what are the expectations of PC. what are the expectations of the community… etc. We have a peruvian full house (45 people – men included!) Success in La Campina. I was pretty amped esp because I was texting my counterpart in Ped Chico to get ready because we heading out to their local right after. I should mention that right now each community has certain homework bc PC is goign to decide where the new business volunteer will be placed in Ped Chico or in La Campina. So using the competitive stance, I mention that there was 45 ppl at the meeting and tell them to round up some artisans. We get to Pedregal Chico a bit late, so this only adds to my hope of how many people will show. Oh hope, how you let me down. We get to the local its Iris and her baby woo hoo… Wait 1 hr. 4 more ppl…. not getting better, I tell Wilfredo to begin. Not to happy with the turn out he reluctantly begins the whole schpeal again. Well, at the end we had a turn out of about 23. 20 artisans and 3 drunks that were hoping for some swagg. I was completely bummed about the turn out, especially on how it reflects on me. I mean imagine if at yoru office they had the opportunity to receive an equal of you at your job and they had a meeting to talk about the possibility and then only 4 people from your office show up. Really says, “hey, you're doing a great job and OF COURSE we would LOOOOVE another person LIKE YOU who does what YOU DO here with us!” Sufficed to say, I was beginning to get gloomy, with yet another meeting ahead of me. During the previous meeting I made sure to let Iris know we would need a moto or a way of transport at about 5:50 to get to Pedregal Grande on time. I even went up to her at 5:30 and told her to tell them to come now. 6:00…6:10…6:20…. nothing. GRRR I wanted to punch the wall! But keeping my cool I went to a guy eating his dinner and told him to hurry up i needed a ride and there were no other motos, and for 1 sole extra I got my way. I left with Wilfredo and arrived upon a municipality close. woo fricking hoo.
PG was a no go. No one came and just when my boss was getting to ready to leave the incompetent mayor strolls up to my house and was like “oh the meeting, right. muni is closed, pity no one came.” p.u.n.c.h. i.n. t.h.e. f.a.c.e.
At that point I almost broke down to tears and just wanted to shake him! I told him how important it was to get another volunteer and nothing really that’s how much you think of me, nothing?!?! Wilfredo was quite comforting saying that this happens all the time in promising communities, its the culture, and just hope they get their shit together for the next year. Here’s hoping/I don’t care.
So after these disappointing developments to my day, I looked back on the one good meeting and reflected on how well perceived we are in that community and how after 2 years with their volunteer the novelty will have worn off and it will go back to it was before. If that's not the most devastating news in development, I don’t know what is.
That was Thursday, Friday was filled with fantastic-ness. I bought all the fixings for my fiesta on Saturday night and also heading to the new chic eatery la Terraza Suiza. (The Swiss Terrance, or more commonly known among the PCVs, the Sky Bar.) Admit it you, you are intrigued. And a tad jealous. After spending a ludicrous amount at the grocery store we climbed the 4 stories (no elevators) to the rooftop restaurant, settled in the balcony overlooking the Plaza de armas (main plaza) and order two PILY CZSTEKS. Yes, it’s the actual spelling on the menu. And outside of Philly, hands down, the best god-damn philly cheesesteak this side of the equator. To wash it down we had the brand new, limited edition, Cusquena de trigo (A FREAKIN WHEAT BEER!) It just seemed too good to be true. And with my party following the next day, it was.
More on my party in the next post..
Chao xoxo
Elizabeth
Yes it did happen.
This weekend was so jam-packed with events, carnaval, wedding and soccer team anniversaries that an already tamed commercialized holiday (in comparison to the states, of course), Dia de San Valentin, was completely forgotten by yours truly.Which I should add was amazing. Not only does the american holiday make me feel insignificant but also is a constant reminder for 2 months (thanks halmark) that I am alone and do not currently have a boyfriend. Like I need a reminder thank you.
THURSDAY
Well the weekend started on Thursday when I went to get a mani/pedi with the novia (bride to be), Ines. We went to a great salon it was 30 soles (10 dollars) for a mani/pedi complete with exfoliating scrubs and massages (grrrreat price) also makes me question not doing that before!
After a wonderful time at the salon we headed to get ceviche and some other piqueos at a local restuarant, La Habana.
After that excursion the day continued normally with classes in the afternoon followed by a restless night sleeping in the almost bearable heat.
FRIDAY
I didn’t mention this before but I was asked by the novia Ines to be a testiga (witness) for the civil ceremony. In the states (as my mother informed me) you can use the church’s cert to pass for legal documentation, but here you have to get married 2x. Once in the muni and second (if you choose) the religious ceremony. So Friday morning at 10:30 I went to go attend and sign for the happy couple. In true peruvian fashion they ended up not starting the ceremony till 11:45. It was very nice, though if you ask Kerry, I was more excited than the bride. LOL I was so excited to be a testiga in someone’s ceremony. I mean they got married and I signed it CRAZY.
Pedro y Ines
Me signing!!!
Me, los novios and the other testigo.
Kerry, los novios and me!
So after this ceremony I went into Piura and bought the greatest shoes ever for the wedding on Saturday night. I wish I had a photo of them to show you. But honestly its so true when someone is getting married your dress doesn’t need to be better than the brides but damn if you can’t get the cooler shoes :).. plus I had my eye on these shoes for months and was waiting for a sale, alas there wasn’t one but at least I could justify the purchase !!
Friday was followed by English class 5-7, then kerry and I headed to the stadium at Catacaos for the dance competition for Carnavales. We went with my sister, Esther, Iris, Mario, Marisela, and Liche. Also this year we brought a digital camera, not like last year when I brought the disposable and not one foto came out. So not only do I have photos but videos too!! Aren’t you all lucky!! I am not only helping you get through the work day by taking time to read this blog but also helping you procrastinate longer by writing an extra long blog.
So back to carnaval dances. It is a competition amongst the 8 teams each team has a theme and they do a performance its like a town wide spirit day competition.
Below are some photos, most blurry but you can find more on FB videos will be put up if they aren’t already by the time you read this.
Green team came in first, followed by the red and in 3rd, yellow.
SATURDAY
Okay so the weekend just continues with events. Saturday morning I headed over to Narihaula to drop off the gifts that Karrie sent to her host family via my postal box than headed to give my gifts to Iris and her new baby boy (Jose Abel). I am the godmother of this perfectly wonderful baby boy. Usually they do the baptism when the baby is 3 yrs old or so. But since Jose has tumors in him kidney and needs an operation in Lima, they are thinking about doing the baptism sooner, will keep you posted.
HE is soooo little <3
After that wonderful pit stop I had to head into the city to return the wedding gift. Semi-long story here's the cliff notes. Kerry and I decided to buy the same Juego (set) of dishes for the novios to start. Much like we buy Wedding China in the states. There was a great deal in the Macy’s like department store for these awesome plates that they would have never been able to afford. So kerry bought a set of 4 and then I was thinking either Ill buy another one or buy the rice cooker (obvi in high demand considering you eat a lb of rice per person each day). Finally I decided to go with another set of dishes. So when I was in the city the following week (last Thursday to be exact) I ran to Saga (Peruvian Macy’s) and bought another set and I thought I bought the same juego, blue striped. Saturday morning rolls around and Kerry and I are about to wrap the gifts and she opens the box I bought and was like ummm wrong dishes. And I go, noooo you have got to be kidding me! But sure enough, I bought the blue striped dishes and she and I had chosen previously the blue striped dishes with the accent green line. Yes, attention to detail important. So I grabbed the receipt and went back to Piura to exchange the set. Thank goodness there was another set there and we got it gift wrapped for free, similar to the nordstrom’s perk. So then I get back to town and went home to clean my room (translation – procrastinated by watching episodes of “How I met your mother” – great show) And Then I got read put my hair in a wonderful up do and turned heads as I headed into a moto to Narihuala to film the wedding. YUP. I was asked to film the wedding, bc I had my video camera. So I begrudgingly said yes, bc honestly i think “Not saying “NO” to a bride” is a universal rule. I got great footage and have already complied the cd with the film and photos. Here are some photos.
SUNDAY
Sunday we woke up quite late at 10:30 and had to plan for the next big day of the weekend. Yes not even done yet. Can you imagine the exhaustion??
Today was carnaval games in Catacaos and also the wedding lunch at the novias house. We went to pedregal to get ready and then headed to catacaos to drop off our stuff and to figure out what time we would be playing during the day. Then we headed back to Narihuala for an hour or so to eat lunch and then headed back to catacaos to get in on the official parade and beginning ceremony of carnaval. There are photos but on the disposable camera. which I hope this year they’ll come out. (Also if you had by chance picke dup a copy of today’s Correo (newspaper) my friends alex and kerry are on the front page bc they rode on top of the truck) We continued to play, eat and drink until about 9 pm. I bought this SUPER AMAZING water gun. It was the highlight of my day, I have no idea why i didn’t think of that fun last year.
Okay well I have to take another shower bc yesterday the two I took weren’t sufficient to get off all the house paint + clothing dye + shoe polish mixture that was lathered on my body… god help my sneakers and clothes.
Hope you enjoy this.. at least those that read this. :)
<3 chao,
EKH
