Friday, June 13, 2008
12 Junio 2008
12 Junio 2008
Hello to all!!
Mom, I got your email and don’t worry I am fine! I hope the past two entries held you all over for a tad. I thought it was a bit extensive (and really self-centered) but I figured I owed many of you at least some description of my day-to-day activity. It is 8:15 on Thursday night and believe it or not, I am tired againn. I swear it just won’t stop. We had Mission Impossible today in Chosica. (A near-by city to where I live) We had to identify the differences between formal and informal markets (mercados abiertos y cerrados). After determining the main differences, my partner and I had to come up with a business combining the best of all and most importantly ensure that the business was self-sustainable. This is a key word or the main theme in the PCT language. SELF SUSTAINABILITY. Que mas…
When I came home, I tried to call a few people but the lines in my town are broken. Therefore when I head to el centro tomorrow (Today by the time I post this) I will call a few ppl. Oh lol, when I was leaving the internet café on my street I had the little kids running at me yelling GRINGA GRINGA (kinda cute bc it was in a sing-songy way) For all you ppl who don’t know… Americans are gringos. This stems from when Americans had green uniforms and would go into different countries in Latin/South America the people would yell Green Go! Meaning- Go Home! Therefore, we now have the fond reference of gringo. (Gringa for las mujeres)
Oh, I really want to show you where I live, like my town and my house, but I don’t know whether or not it is rude to walk around my house videotaping. I’m trying to find a time where no one is home, but they’re always home when I am. Que Lastima! I do have a few pics of my room and my town that I have figured out how to DL onto my external hard drive (thanks Geo and Brent). Now, the mission is to find an internet café with enough speed to DL my pics and not take an hour.
Hasta Manana… Descanse Bien.
E
Hello to all!!
Mom, I got your email and don’t worry I am fine! I hope the past two entries held you all over for a tad. I thought it was a bit extensive (and really self-centered) but I figured I owed many of you at least some description of my day-to-day activity. It is 8:15 on Thursday night and believe it or not, I am tired againn. I swear it just won’t stop. We had Mission Impossible today in Chosica. (A near-by city to where I live) We had to identify the differences between formal and informal markets (mercados abiertos y cerrados). After determining the main differences, my partner and I had to come up with a business combining the best of all and most importantly ensure that the business was self-sustainable. This is a key word or the main theme in the PCT language. SELF SUSTAINABILITY. Que mas…
When I came home, I tried to call a few people but the lines in my town are broken. Therefore when I head to el centro tomorrow (Today by the time I post this) I will call a few ppl. Oh lol, when I was leaving the internet café on my street I had the little kids running at me yelling GRINGA GRINGA (kinda cute bc it was in a sing-songy way) For all you ppl who don’t know… Americans are gringos. This stems from when Americans had green uniforms and would go into different countries in Latin/South America the people would yell Green Go! Meaning- Go Home! Therefore, we now have the fond reference of gringo. (Gringa for las mujeres)
Oh, I really want to show you where I live, like my town and my house, but I don’t know whether or not it is rude to walk around my house videotaping. I’m trying to find a time where no one is home, but they’re always home when I am. Que Lastima! I do have a few pics of my room and my town that I have figured out how to DL onto my external hard drive (thanks Geo and Brent). Now, the mission is to find an internet café with enough speed to DL my pics and not take an hour.
Hasta Manana… Descanse Bien.
E
Thursday, June 12, 2008
11 Junio
11 June 2008
So, I guess I will pick up where I left off. The second day of training began exactly like the previous, except after we first met, we were separated into our language groups. My placement along with many other people was a huge shock. All of us thought we were better than we were. This was however to be expected, I only had a minor and haven’t taken a class in 2 years. Still, my advice to future generations, don’t take a language unless you plan on pursuing it your whole life and becoming fluent. And, to become fluent you must live in a different country, with the language, for at least 6 months. It is a waste of money and time for people to receive a minor. This is my view only.
Okay so after language, we met with our business trainers, Denny and Alfredo. This was exciting, but again we always learn about what we are going to learn about. Entiendes? Yes, so it’s just understanding more and more about the system. We also did FODA which is basically SWOT in Spanish. And I felt really proud because they asked about Matrices and I knew about them and was asked to explain them. (Sometimes I just feel with all the talent and experience in the room, I am almost not worthy, however these little moments may seem like nothing for others, but ensures me that I am here for a reason) After the session, I received 5 books and 2 folders that I will eventually have to memorize…ridic.. So after class we all decided to go to a local bar to share a drink for Matt because it was his birthday. We were supposed to go to a near by town at Matt’s house for his party, but after I had dinner, I passed out for 2 hours. (Not from drinking, from exhaustion) When I woke up, my friends Alex and Sophie were here, waiting to leave, talking to my mom. We all had an intense discussion about the politics and Peru, many of you know it has been shaky in the past. And by the past, I mean 7 years ago. It’s just amazing the spirit of Peru although they’ve been through so much. Okay so back to the night, since I passed out, obviously I didn’t go and neither did the people in my town. I then went straight to bed. The next day, when I woke up, was the first day I felt like I wasn’t about to die from exhaustion. I finally had energy. This day each person had to go to the town of a person in their language group. Mine was in a town 5 minutes away in a combi (mini-bus).
The hill I had to walk up was absurd. No really, awful. I thought I was going to fall backwards at one point. And this may sound gross, but I sweat more than I thought one person could for simply walking up a hill. I have those pictures too, that I took at the top of the hill, once downloaded I will share with you! Class was good, I feel so smart because I know the answers. So, I think I got my wish to be in a lower class to build up my Spanish. However, I don’t think the people in my group like that the teacher always asks me and I answer all the time. Oh well. Then I ate my lunch; rice (always a staple in lunch), more rice, green beans, carrots, more rice, and carne. Not to sure what kind… After lunch I jumped on the combi to al centro. There I met up with all the other business volunteers and talked about the 3 objectivos of small business as well as the differences between formal and informal business structures. This would help us see the differences and capitalize on the benefits of being either or. Then since we were done early headed outside and taught everyone to play leapfrog…we did that for a bit. Also, I played a little futbol during break, yours truly scored 2 goals. (In your face Brenton) So after a nice game of leapfrog... my team won, we were given our next assignment, Mission Impossible, we have to go to a different town and find certain things (My group is about mercados) and answer questions about our specific tema. Then we have to formulate a business plan and the pair who comes up with the best idea gets a metal. I will let you know.
After this I headed to a nice internet café. It was much nicer than in my pueblo, however this place was more expensive. (Therefore, mine’s better) After this I came home to do my homework with my mom and talk with her. Three of the guys in my town came to get me for futbol. (Tom, I decided I am a la U. fan) I played for about an hour and then came home for dinner….Brace yourself… spaghetti and meatballs. Que chevere?! But, wait for it….my meatball had a bone…and something that looked like it wasn’t supposed to be there as well. But it was delicious. Now I am sitting watching television, which is family time here. I need to film my house so you all can see how cozy it is. Okay well, I need to do a few other ejerciscios (Mom, I am strengthening my knees and no they have not been bothering me and no, I don’t know what type of meat that was and would rather not know)
Que mas….. nada
Buenas noches, Descansan bien.
So, I guess I will pick up where I left off. The second day of training began exactly like the previous, except after we first met, we were separated into our language groups. My placement along with many other people was a huge shock. All of us thought we were better than we were. This was however to be expected, I only had a minor and haven’t taken a class in 2 years. Still, my advice to future generations, don’t take a language unless you plan on pursuing it your whole life and becoming fluent. And, to become fluent you must live in a different country, with the language, for at least 6 months. It is a waste of money and time for people to receive a minor. This is my view only.
Okay so after language, we met with our business trainers, Denny and Alfredo. This was exciting, but again we always learn about what we are going to learn about. Entiendes? Yes, so it’s just understanding more and more about the system. We also did FODA which is basically SWOT in Spanish. And I felt really proud because they asked about Matrices and I knew about them and was asked to explain them. (Sometimes I just feel with all the talent and experience in the room, I am almost not worthy, however these little moments may seem like nothing for others, but ensures me that I am here for a reason) After the session, I received 5 books and 2 folders that I will eventually have to memorize…ridic.. So after class we all decided to go to a local bar to share a drink for Matt because it was his birthday. We were supposed to go to a near by town at Matt’s house for his party, but after I had dinner, I passed out for 2 hours. (Not from drinking, from exhaustion) When I woke up, my friends Alex and Sophie were here, waiting to leave, talking to my mom. We all had an intense discussion about the politics and Peru, many of you know it has been shaky in the past. And by the past, I mean 7 years ago. It’s just amazing the spirit of Peru although they’ve been through so much. Okay so back to the night, since I passed out, obviously I didn’t go and neither did the people in my town. I then went straight to bed. The next day, when I woke up, was the first day I felt like I wasn’t about to die from exhaustion. I finally had energy. This day each person had to go to the town of a person in their language group. Mine was in a town 5 minutes away in a combi (mini-bus).
The hill I had to walk up was absurd. No really, awful. I thought I was going to fall backwards at one point. And this may sound gross, but I sweat more than I thought one person could for simply walking up a hill. I have those pictures too, that I took at the top of the hill, once downloaded I will share with you! Class was good, I feel so smart because I know the answers. So, I think I got my wish to be in a lower class to build up my Spanish. However, I don’t think the people in my group like that the teacher always asks me and I answer all the time. Oh well. Then I ate my lunch; rice (always a staple in lunch), more rice, green beans, carrots, more rice, and carne. Not to sure what kind… After lunch I jumped on the combi to al centro. There I met up with all the other business volunteers and talked about the 3 objectivos of small business as well as the differences between formal and informal business structures. This would help us see the differences and capitalize on the benefits of being either or. Then since we were done early headed outside and taught everyone to play leapfrog…we did that for a bit. Also, I played a little futbol during break, yours truly scored 2 goals. (In your face Brenton) So after a nice game of leapfrog... my team won, we were given our next assignment, Mission Impossible, we have to go to a different town and find certain things (My group is about mercados) and answer questions about our specific tema. Then we have to formulate a business plan and the pair who comes up with the best idea gets a metal. I will let you know.
After this I headed to a nice internet café. It was much nicer than in my pueblo, however this place was more expensive. (Therefore, mine’s better) After this I came home to do my homework with my mom and talk with her. Three of the guys in my town came to get me for futbol. (Tom, I decided I am a la U. fan) I played for about an hour and then came home for dinner….Brace yourself… spaghetti and meatballs. Que chevere?! But, wait for it….my meatball had a bone…and something that looked like it wasn’t supposed to be there as well. But it was delicious. Now I am sitting watching television, which is family time here. I need to film my house so you all can see how cozy it is. Okay well, I need to do a few other ejerciscios (Mom, I am strengthening my knees and no they have not been bothering me and no, I don’t know what type of meat that was and would rather not know)
Que mas….. nada
Buenas noches, Descansan bien.
9 Junio 2008
9 June 2008
It’s around 11 o’clock and I just returned home from a party next door. Two Canadian girls came back to see a host mom they stayed with for 10 days, 5 years ago. They were here to help paint a school in my barrio. It is amazing that within 2 hours the entire community managed to stop by, sip on a pisco, and dance a bit. This is one of the many differences between here and the states.
Okay, so I will begin my journey, not in Miami, but in Chacalacaya. Here we stayed in what the other PCTs and I call the “compound.” The “compound” had very nice rooms, hot water, and good food. We all laughed at how we were being slowly immersed into the way we would be living for the next couple of years. (Miami, the compound, nice house, el campo) We had a lot of fun/bonding there as well as got to meet all the people who will be our “bosses.” One of the kids even got spit on by a llama.
On the second day, we left and headed to the PCT headquarters. Here we were briefed about health and language before they introduced us to our host families. I was told about my family a mom and 2 children 19 and 17. However, when “my family” showed up, I had a mom 2 little siblings and a dad. So me, being a recent student, didn’t think twice about questioning my professors. Turns out, my inclinations were right, I was sent home with the wrong family. Luckily, the two families lived close to each other and knew other (another great thing about their culture). I eventually met my family and all was forgotten. I didn’t have a moment to breathe, because right away mi mama wanted to take me to her neighbors where a fellow PCT, Mark was. We found 2 other PCTs, Alex and Vince there with their families! So up the street we walked (my house is in the middle of the hill, but closer than others to the bottom) gathering more PCTs and their families as we went! They took us up a hill (large hill, I live in the mountains) and at the top was a futbol field. Their field is about 9 squares of concrete with goalposts, no nets. Here we all played together for a bit, with a water bottle and eventually a ball, then on the way back they showed up their water purifying system, which everyone in town is really proud of. After this, though I felt like it was 9, it was only 4!! We decided to go to Chosica to the carnival. The carnival had all sorts of different rides, games, food, and small trinkets. I also saw el Cristo Blanco, which has underneath a Cathedral. Oh, my family is Catholic and I will be attending mass at 8 on Sundays. However, if I understood mi mama correctly we walked outside onto the street and watch the procession… Que chevere?! At around 7ish we came home and had dinner, (arroz con pollo) rice and chicken. I tried to stay up in the living room to watch Peru versus Mexico futbol game (Mexico dominated) but was too tired. I went to bed and passed out. The next morning my mom took me to the bus to meet the rest of my group. We all took the bus to the center together. The rest of this day is boring, besides meeting another volunteer who talked about diarrhea and how we all will get it. Surprisingly enough (or not) one of the volunteers already did. He ate food from the carnival en la noche pasada. (Which we are strictly told not to do) Also, we did have one girl pass out from the vaccinations we received. Also, we did receive our medkits, which are loaded to the brim… I’m still not quite sure how I’m fitting it with my things… yet to be determined. When I got home, I headed to the Lovandoria (I don’t think that’s quite how you spell it) where I could call home and go on the internet. But when I say this place has 3 phone booths and 6 computers, do not think spacious. I’m talking like half the size of a small bedroom in the states. I can’t compare anything exactly, but I will measure it next time! The town here is beautiful, la vista is beautiful. Hopefully, I will get my pics up soon so you all can see for yourself. The people here are so nice and so grateful for us to come to Peru, it’s remarkable.
I also should mention, I am one of the 2 PCTs that live in a house with running hot water. Yay me! However, this can only mean bad things for my future house, no?
Okay, well I need to sleep.
I hope this was enough details for you to hold you off for a little bit!!
It’s around 11 o’clock and I just returned home from a party next door. Two Canadian girls came back to see a host mom they stayed with for 10 days, 5 years ago. They were here to help paint a school in my barrio. It is amazing that within 2 hours the entire community managed to stop by, sip on a pisco, and dance a bit. This is one of the many differences between here and the states.
Okay, so I will begin my journey, not in Miami, but in Chacalacaya. Here we stayed in what the other PCTs and I call the “compound.” The “compound” had very nice rooms, hot water, and good food. We all laughed at how we were being slowly immersed into the way we would be living for the next couple of years. (Miami, the compound, nice house, el campo) We had a lot of fun/bonding there as well as got to meet all the people who will be our “bosses.” One of the kids even got spit on by a llama.
On the second day, we left and headed to the PCT headquarters. Here we were briefed about health and language before they introduced us to our host families. I was told about my family a mom and 2 children 19 and 17. However, when “my family” showed up, I had a mom 2 little siblings and a dad. So me, being a recent student, didn’t think twice about questioning my professors. Turns out, my inclinations were right, I was sent home with the wrong family. Luckily, the two families lived close to each other and knew other (another great thing about their culture). I eventually met my family and all was forgotten. I didn’t have a moment to breathe, because right away mi mama wanted to take me to her neighbors where a fellow PCT, Mark was. We found 2 other PCTs, Alex and Vince there with their families! So up the street we walked (my house is in the middle of the hill, but closer than others to the bottom) gathering more PCTs and their families as we went! They took us up a hill (large hill, I live in the mountains) and at the top was a futbol field. Their field is about 9 squares of concrete with goalposts, no nets. Here we all played together for a bit, with a water bottle and eventually a ball, then on the way back they showed up their water purifying system, which everyone in town is really proud of. After this, though I felt like it was 9, it was only 4!! We decided to go to Chosica to the carnival. The carnival had all sorts of different rides, games, food, and small trinkets. I also saw el Cristo Blanco, which has underneath a Cathedral. Oh, my family is Catholic and I will be attending mass at 8 on Sundays. However, if I understood mi mama correctly we walked outside onto the street and watch the procession… Que chevere?! At around 7ish we came home and had dinner, (arroz con pollo) rice and chicken. I tried to stay up in the living room to watch Peru versus Mexico futbol game (Mexico dominated) but was too tired. I went to bed and passed out. The next morning my mom took me to the bus to meet the rest of my group. We all took the bus to the center together. The rest of this day is boring, besides meeting another volunteer who talked about diarrhea and how we all will get it. Surprisingly enough (or not) one of the volunteers already did. He ate food from the carnival en la noche pasada. (Which we are strictly told not to do) Also, we did have one girl pass out from the vaccinations we received. Also, we did receive our medkits, which are loaded to the brim… I’m still not quite sure how I’m fitting it with my things… yet to be determined. When I got home, I headed to the Lovandoria (I don’t think that’s quite how you spell it) where I could call home and go on the internet. But when I say this place has 3 phone booths and 6 computers, do not think spacious. I’m talking like half the size of a small bedroom in the states. I can’t compare anything exactly, but I will measure it next time! The town here is beautiful, la vista is beautiful. Hopefully, I will get my pics up soon so you all can see for yourself. The people here are so nice and so grateful for us to come to Peru, it’s remarkable.
I also should mention, I am one of the 2 PCTs that live in a house with running hot water. Yay me! However, this can only mean bad things for my future house, no?
Okay, well I need to sleep.
I hope this was enough details for you to hold you off for a little bit!!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Training Day 3, 1st in Peru
Hola mi familia y mis amigos!
Everything an everyone is great. No none of us are hippies and what som of you call tree huggers, we are all intelligent individuals hoping to make a difference. I move into my host family"s house toay. Forgot to tell the lady that I did not want a dog in my house/around my stuff... Bet I get the biggst and smelliest dog ever.
What is new, everything!!! But thats the best part!! I have taken a few pics but i can"t download them onto the internet till I get Wireless service... which is consideably hard to come by right now at this complex. I"m assuming I will get to an internet cafe sometime this week as well as a place to get a phone card.
Also, the whole staff here makes you feel like you can and will achieve so much. (that calms any worries I have had) They asked me where I wanted I sai that I didn{t knwo specifically but def not where it rains 90% of the time. Perferably the northern part of Peru and either coastal or sierra... I will not know for 7 more weeks. Okay I have to go, I sent some of you an email to let you know I"m safe, happy, and healthy. And miss you all!!
xoxo ekh
PS I"v been using quotation marks for the apostrophe bc I have not figured it out yet on thes keyboards lol
PEACE
Everything an everyone is great. No none of us are hippies and what som of you call tree huggers, we are all intelligent individuals hoping to make a difference. I move into my host family"s house toay. Forgot to tell the lady that I did not want a dog in my house/around my stuff... Bet I get the biggst and smelliest dog ever.
What is new, everything!!! But thats the best part!! I have taken a few pics but i can"t download them onto the internet till I get Wireless service... which is consideably hard to come by right now at this complex. I"m assuming I will get to an internet cafe sometime this week as well as a place to get a phone card.
Also, the whole staff here makes you feel like you can and will achieve so much. (that calms any worries I have had) They asked me where I wanted I sai that I didn{t knwo specifically but def not where it rains 90% of the time. Perferably the northern part of Peru and either coastal or sierra... I will not know for 7 more weeks. Okay I have to go, I sent some of you an email to let you know I"m safe, happy, and healthy. And miss you all!!
xoxo ekh
PS I"v been using quotation marks for the apostrophe bc I have not figured it out yet on thes keyboards lol
PEACE
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Second Dayy
Hey everyone,
I had a great day, long, but great.
Mom said goodbye early this afternoon and I went out to lunch with a bunch of volunteers. We had work shops all day so im basically exhausted and am looking forward to sleep.. Guess I have to come back another time to experience the whole Miami South Beach scene. So tomorrow I'm off at noonish. I'll talk as soon as I can to all of you. Also, I will try to post some pics within the next few days. Okay, I'm tired and trying to do 100 things :)
xoxo
I had a great day, long, but great.
Mom said goodbye early this afternoon and I went out to lunch with a bunch of volunteers. We had work shops all day so im basically exhausted and am looking forward to sleep.. Guess I have to come back another time to experience the whole Miami South Beach scene. So tomorrow I'm off at noonish. I'll talk as soon as I can to all of you. Also, I will try to post some pics within the next few days. Okay, I'm tired and trying to do 100 things :)
xoxo
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Bienvenido a Miami
Hola!! Ya llegamos a Miami! El tiempo es perfecto! Mucho de sol y calor.
Mom and I went out to this amazing Italia (GEORGE HENRY) restaurante this evening. It was quite fascinating, because in Miami English is the second language. Us north easterners are so used to hearing Spanish spoken, to avoid being understood, that now hearing solamente espanol in order to be understood is amazing. When we walked into Caffe Abbretuccci, the host asked us (in Spanish) the name our reservation was under, and immediately (being so brilliant) I understood answered Hutchinson. Mom was like, "What Elizabeth, did he speak English, because I missed that." Pretty cool. So by the end of la noche mama was truly convinced that instead of Peru I should hang out in Miami for 2 years.
The flight was awful, hence the fact that I never fly AA. It took from 11:30 till 3:30 for the flight to take off and land, on a supposed 2 hour flight. grrr! However, since it's my first time I'll let it slide. As Grandma B just said on Tuesday, the first time it happens you don't know better, the second time, beat them. (Though she was talking about something completely different.) I'll let you all (the 5 ppl reading this) determine that.
I want to say thank you for all the love and the support all of you have shown me via text, calls, and emails. Thank you:
First and foremost my family; Dad, Mom, Georgie, Brenton, and Grant
Also of course: Grandma H & Grandma B, Aunt Ba, Uncle Col, Aunt Marge, Aunt Kathy, Aunt Sue, Aunt Mo, Aunt Fran, Uncle Doug
Meggggers 4L, Maaaac, JLo, Mei Martin, and Lisey for stopping by <333
Roomies; Dana, Nique, Kep and Chlo (DKEC)
Frankie, Johnny & Holly, Meg McLaughlin, AJ, Aunt Diane
y por supuesto Tom my Peruvian guide
Sorry I'm naming ppl, I just went through the list of the past few days. I know there are 100 more of you that have been there for me and supported me, know that I love and appreciate all of you!!
Okay loves, buenas noches! (I have to get up at 6:30)
PS: Hopefully, by the end of this you all will learn at unas pocas palabras en espanol.
Mom and I went out to this amazing Italia (GEORGE HENRY) restaurante this evening. It was quite fascinating, because in Miami English is the second language. Us north easterners are so used to hearing Spanish spoken, to avoid being understood, that now hearing solamente espanol in order to be understood is amazing. When we walked into Caffe Abbretuccci, the host asked us (in Spanish) the name our reservation was under, and immediately (being so brilliant) I understood answered Hutchinson. Mom was like, "What Elizabeth, did he speak English, because I missed that." Pretty cool. So by the end of la noche mama was truly convinced that instead of Peru I should hang out in Miami for 2 years.
The flight was awful, hence the fact that I never fly AA. It took from 11:30 till 3:30 for the flight to take off and land, on a supposed 2 hour flight. grrr! However, since it's my first time I'll let it slide. As Grandma B just said on Tuesday, the first time it happens you don't know better, the second time, beat them. (Though she was talking about something completely different.) I'll let you all (the 5 ppl reading this) determine that.
I want to say thank you for all the love and the support all of you have shown me via text, calls, and emails. Thank you:
First and foremost my family; Dad, Mom, Georgie, Brenton, and Grant
Also of course: Grandma H & Grandma B, Aunt Ba, Uncle Col, Aunt Marge, Aunt Kathy, Aunt Sue, Aunt Mo, Aunt Fran, Uncle Doug
Meggggers 4L, Maaaac, JLo, Mei Martin, and Lisey for stopping by <333
Roomies; Dana, Nique, Kep and Chlo (DKEC)
Frankie, Johnny & Holly, Meg McLaughlin, AJ, Aunt Diane
y por supuesto Tom my Peruvian guide
Sorry I'm naming ppl, I just went through the list of the past few days. I know there are 100 more of you that have been there for me and supported me, know that I love and appreciate all of you!!
Okay loves, buenas noches! (I have to get up at 6:30)
PS: Hopefully, by the end of this you all will learn at unas pocas palabras en espanol.
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