tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46459262076947413912024-02-19T00:30:55.471-08:00Chicken Buses and Chorro Water24 months in the Guatemalan AltiplanoAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-91425554203948195152012-02-27T07:10:00.000-08:002012-02-27T07:10:41.134-08:00Close-of Service: Part 1<em>Writing from my parents' kitchen in quaint little Clayton, California while sipping the fresh ground Guatemalan coffee I brought back with me...</em><br />
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So the last two and a half weeks went by in a whirlwind of tearful goodbyes, cheerful story swapping, self-congratulatory speeches, too much traveling, souvenir shopping, and nervous glances into our respective futures. It was as much of an experience as the rest of my Peace Corps service put together. And I didn't want to just leave this blog without giving it at least an attempt to address ending service and readjusting to life back at home. <br />
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About a month ago, after so much eager anticipation and countdown ("Only four months until I go home...! " "Only 3 months and 17 days until I go home....!"), I started to feel strange. I started viewing the normal daily activities (walking through the streets; buying produce at the market; engaging in idle chit chat with <em>tienda</em> owners and co-workers; practicing English with townsfolk) with a growing sense of nostalgia. And I started to get sad and a little panicky at the thought of leaving. I'd never really left a place before with such finality-it may be many years before I would visit Sija (if ever), and even then only for an afternoon or a couple of days before rushing on to a (let's be honest) more exciting/beautiful/warm destination. <br />
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The sadness and anxiety at the prospect of COS'ing (stands for Close of Service or finishing your commitment to Peace Corps after 27 months-Peace Corps LOVES acronyms, like any good government organization) was surprising. I had been looking forward to:<br />
<br />
a) finishing my commitment with Peace Corps in good standing and <br />
b) re-uniting with friends, family, and boyfriend <br />
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for so long that I didn't expect this dichotomy of emotions that popped up. I didn't know it was possible to feel such a sense of loss and feel so sad to leave, and also so excited and happy to return home, at the same time. And so I bounced back and forth between the two extremes as the day to leave once and for all approached rapidly. <br />
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<em>to be continued.... </em><br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-57347250213785873212012-02-09T02:37:00.000-08:002012-02-09T02:37:27.856-08:00Closure...You're doing it rightIt's 4:30 am and I can't sleep so I'm going to write about my day instead =) <br />
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I think I can't sleep because I'm SO freaking EXCITED that my favorite cousin ( with no offense to the rest of my cousins) Kerry is going to be here on FRIDAY! One last chance to show off my Spanish and travel-savvy in Guatemala before I leave. <br />
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Oh, yeah-that's probably the other reason I can't sleep. This is the real, honest-to-god, can't-pretend-its-not-happening-anymore, COUNTDOWN to my much anticipated return to the US of A. (sorry for the extreme use of capital letters, like i said I haven't been sleeping much. at all.) In 15 days. I'll be home. <br />
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OMG. <br />
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In other news, my program director Flavio was here to 'close out' my service officialy with my counterparts and groups that I have worked with over the past two years. The Park Admin group had a lunch banquet in my honor. People went around and gave really, really nice speeches thanking me for my work efforts and friendship before begging Flavio to send another Volunteer to replace me. That made me feel... good. Sometimes we PCV's don't realize how much we're appreciated and recognized until, well, it's time to go! But now that I got my ego massaged a bit, I leave with the verbal assurance that I've made a small impact here in the lives of the people I've worked with. Then it was my turn to try to give a nice flowery speech expressing my profound gratitude to have lived here, made friends, gotten work done, and become a part of the community. Words really fell short, but i felt a lot of good vibes flying around the room as we fell quiet to demolish the huge plates of carne asada, longaniza, chorizo, grilled green onions, refried beans, and lots of tamalitos, tortillas, and salsa. <br />
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In the afternoon, I showed Planet Earth on the projector while we (somewhat) patiently waited for the new mayor to meet with us. The whole room fell silent as panoramic views of the arctic tundra, a mother polar bear and her cubs, the drama of a wolf hunting a caribou calf played out on the screen. This was accompanied by gasps, sighs and a scattered commentary as I tried to translate some of David Attenborough's narrative. It was cool to see that the impact of a documentary like Planet Earth is universal. <br />
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Finally, the mayor came (about 2 minutes into us deciding to go ahead with my presentation, naturally) and I had some pictures of the different projects and activities I've organized and participated in during my service. I followed this up with challenges-mainly the county not having enough employees for the Park to reach its full potential-and ended with a list of recommendation to continue working in the future. God Only Knows what they will accomplish in the future but I wish them the best of luck and remain hopeful. <br />
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So that was my day...in a couple of hours I'm heading down the mountain to run some errands in Xela, drop Bella off with a friend, and head towards the city so I can meet Kerry Bright and Early on Friday. Then it's off to Lake Atitlan for some relaxing, hiking, kayaking, botanical gardens........whatever we feel like doing, really! <br />
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TTFN<br />
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AmberAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-12363350451396884372012-02-06T07:17:00.000-08:002012-02-06T07:17:24.143-08:00Ultimas Dias en GuatemalaI've been very neglectful of this blog as of late, partly because I'm unwilling to process the swiftly approaching Life Change and partly because the days and weeks are whipping by me with breakneck speed. Trying to keep up with the laundry to-do list that keeps lengthening as my time here gets shorter, and instead staying up most of the night <em>thinking</em> about it all while having extended Grey's Anatomy marathons..... <br />
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As much as I've tried to deny it, the time has Come to say my goodbyes, be grateful for the time and experiences that I've been given, the people and places that I've come to know. My counterpart, realizing I had <em>no </em>weekends left here (ack!), invited me to Xocomil, the water park a short drive towards the coast from here. It's been depressingly cold in Sija, having the effect of keeping me indoors to contemplate my imminent departure and preventing me from enjoying my site, project, and friends in my last days here. So I accepted his generous invite, and we fled the cold at 8 am yesterday. <br />
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So while you all were watching the Super Bowl and eating nachos and wings..... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysnZicnfvA-gl90BYkptvyIiHQ_O_FYzF_T70NGcTmxCFQkhYItb6UIV0Wfi8947QX-gDH1v2359g_KtpgtBYfXSamakd_LrQaBIA8GXbN_4i63hNUCmpbwuzzow8PJWG2AcXUFx-OoA/s1600/slide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysnZicnfvA-gl90BYkptvyIiHQ_O_FYzF_T70NGcTmxCFQkhYItb6UIV0Wfi8947QX-gDH1v2359g_KtpgtBYfXSamakd_LrQaBIA8GXbN_4i63hNUCmpbwuzzow8PJWG2AcXUFx-OoA/s320/slide.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barely any people at the park, no lines on the rides-we rode everything at least twice! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5X-uw8O2LvzAgVNVckOvfQu0fzKwxcoJkAIqdGxTHerZ88PRpLr-UksjSu5z78LHvECGQK_4qFFfSMBzo6wlGof14q9d4ehLgSbiIdNJtPgosb1gf5MzvbJyzHlZBt5NEDP5bpzWyok/s1600/lazyrver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5X-uw8O2LvzAgVNVckOvfQu0fzKwxcoJkAIqdGxTHerZ88PRpLr-UksjSu5z78LHvECGQK_4qFFfSMBzo6wlGof14q9d4ehLgSbiIdNJtPgosb1gf5MzvbJyzHlZBt5NEDP5bpzWyok/s320/lazyrver.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lazy River with Mayan themed facades </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7P9kyoSh8TGbU-ZYd1go7XKowU0YYZPMmdOhGTD5DGKq19CRGBtOboWrhWVr7An3ZExPvM1dlwlhAoApr_tYpgSrK5O0VSv-jE5wAEcNN0BLajYDgyGnQ_30dzrv4uHyqiCwwN6PhRqI/s1600/river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7P9kyoSh8TGbU-ZYd1go7XKowU0YYZPMmdOhGTD5DGKq19CRGBtOboWrhWVr7An3ZExPvM1dlwlhAoApr_tYpgSrK5O0VSv-jE5wAEcNN0BLajYDgyGnQ_30dzrv4uHyqiCwwN6PhRqI/s320/river.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My awesome counterpart relaxing on the Lazy River</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qgt8gpmVKINpHYFkGckt-Gog0fxA1AfuGqY0-08FO6j8Wz2vKMaZKzbCHvZOIr5qQoEJzowFlK_DkR6USPFahjhd4KqGBo8Wb4aeYCq0iwTCGEplQg3Ma_oo8lzTeKysUbH5gUIhG7A/s1600/net.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qgt8gpmVKINpHYFkGckt-Gog0fxA1AfuGqY0-08FO6j8Wz2vKMaZKzbCHvZOIr5qQoEJzowFlK_DkR6USPFahjhd4KqGBo8Wb4aeYCq0iwTCGEplQg3Ma_oo8lzTeKysUbH5gUIhG7A/s320/net.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Workin it out on the lily pads </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiGsb2AV5lh2h7AlFjzZHLEGZ0t0kIzM-vzEuKS56wmKFmBghuyv7c_Ycn9Qb1_1hw69g8Da1pWPRrVgMBgq6vwOf8cmH07cHmnf-hnnrJssqp3_9365NcrLMAubhcIajB7G_frZFyEM/s1600/food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiGsb2AV5lh2h7AlFjzZHLEGZ0t0kIzM-vzEuKS56wmKFmBghuyv7c_Ycn9Qb1_1hw69g8Da1pWPRrVgMBgq6vwOf8cmH07cHmnf-hnnrJssqp3_9365NcrLMAubhcIajB7G_frZFyEM/s320/food.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Full day at the water park, partaking in some huge prawns and calamari</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYXeN0FXX1JE02hIFf3_60rmVLVir43ZjclWHoIh3onYZRZV-MXvDbqwX9wW8VAc1TAza0_I3Ez_FacoSXxTvpet6zCN0K_fB87N-bUMX1_axxVgOLCdECXqs2IndNh6UXcCBrp_qHuU/s1600/fruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYXeN0FXX1JE02hIFf3_60rmVLVir43ZjclWHoIh3onYZRZV-MXvDbqwX9wW8VAc1TAza0_I3Ez_FacoSXxTvpet6zCN0K_fB87N-bUMX1_axxVgOLCdECXqs2IndNh6UXcCBrp_qHuU/s320/fruit.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopping off at the fruit stand on our way home </td></tr>
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After an exhausting day in the sun and awesome seafood, I came home and still layed awake until 3 am-during which time I could've been doing any number of things (writing reports, making a Power Point for my program director's visit on Wednesday, packing, writing <em>this </em>blog, cleaning.....the list goes on) but I felt entitled to a good slumber and sure that I would doze off at any moment. <br />
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So now I'm up again after a powernap between the hours of 4 and 8 am. Anxiety levels at an all time high, ambivalence about finishing Peace Corps, leaving my first real job and a life All my own without friends from high school or family close by. But I have faith that the future holds many more amazing opportunities, and I assure myself that I will never forget the transcendent experiences that Guatemala has given me. <br />
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The next (less than) two weeks<em>-despedidas</em> or farewell events that I (mistakenly) tried to guide towards outdoors, hiking, admiring the work we've accomplished in the last two years, as opposed to sitting awkwardly around, eating exorbitant amounts of (delicious) food and making small talk. But Mother Nature laughed in my face on that one, with downright miserable cold drizzly weather since I planned those outings. Exorbitant amounts of food and long winded speeches it is, then. <br />
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A last hurrah at Lake Atitlan (in my top three favorite places in Guatemala) with my cousin Kerry of the San Luis Obispo County Moore clan (lol) coming down to visit me in a trip planned months ago before I knew I was leaving the next week. Fun will be had regardless, new ground will be covered, and I always love playing tour guide for a couple days! <br />
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The next 18 days, much like one of the water slides at the park yesterday, will be a rush of adrenaline and endorphins and over way too quickly. I'm just going to hang on and enjoy the ride!Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-2865788802960017302012-01-09T16:01:00.000-08:002012-01-09T16:01:57.572-08:00Random thoughtsI hate writing "post titles" more and more as time goes on... it may be a contributing factor to my less-than-impressive 75 posts during my two years here. Really?! Only 75??? Why does it feel like so much more? Maybe because it is more than I have written about myself and my daily thoughts, feelings, activities since that super-introspective phase I went through in high school. I was really into the whole 'teenage angst' thing back then and felt that I was best expressed by moping a lot, dying my hair weird colors and wearing a lot of black, torn, mismatched clothes....... <br />
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.... On an unrelated note, if you notice my blog turning super introspective, its probably due to the fact that I'm approaching another Huge transition in my life. Gah! Again! I'll probably be shocked about the impending end to my PC service every time I write until it happens. Sorry. <br />
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Anyways. I've been busy cooking super amazing meals (chopping vegetables is like a zen thing for me. apparently.), discovering Adele (where have I <em>been??),</em> running, and slowly writing my <em>informe tecnico</em> reviewing the last year workwise for Peace Corps. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcKL_HCuctH0n1osUfGUfU5acFlG3aWRqeyq3AIhIfqSgOREBhVvIIWIcAw3SyLc564M6DZ7cnw8p9NbWdx6vc_RqBUeIo06uobJlhRFMnXPfyJD7Ih_dia2ggrY2u2XyZDZwJt2tmhU/s1600/DSCF3678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcKL_HCuctH0n1osUfGUfU5acFlG3aWRqeyq3AIhIfqSgOREBhVvIIWIcAw3SyLc564M6DZ7cnw8p9NbWdx6vc_RqBUeIo06uobJlhRFMnXPfyJD7Ih_dia2ggrY2u2XyZDZwJt2tmhU/s320/DSCF3678.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was unreasonably, ridiculously cold last Tuesday. I could see my breath <em>inside</em> my house. Not. OK. So I opted to stay in and made Roasted Carrot and Cheese Gnocchi with Herbed Butter. They were AMAZING... </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIvqadJp4RiV626kyLoVNi6Py9SA7fIllbk-xtW-lq6A1mhaJ_3fuDDk8kqmVKvdHJJ3XbVXbXzxYaBxpCANvbLwT_ghkp6eiacPUxzixSlOlL9aVU8os4-58Qu3D_dglRyiLYDvWSgk/s1600/DSCF3686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIvqadJp4RiV626kyLoVNi6Py9SA7fIllbk-xtW-lq6A1mhaJ_3fuDDk8kqmVKvdHJJ3XbVXbXzxYaBxpCANvbLwT_ghkp6eiacPUxzixSlOlL9aVU8os4-58Qu3D_dglRyiLYDvWSgk/s320/DSCF3686.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bought a ton of veggies in the market down in Xela over the weekend so I was looking for a different way to use them up. I landed on Spinach/Tuna/Bell Pepper/Black Bean "burgers". Basically a catch all patty of vegetables and tuna but turned out pretty good. Never eating a frozen veggie patty again, its pretty simple to make your own. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygY2umdhL7KDsuDwywhxf1eMHgvPKZ5Lols0idtlWbuNa7IQyodZVK5hXyo023eQq7WzPT-9IAdZ8bqrJGP0aaQoPx4MF7EP1-pqWSQmXcayKUxLWktHoyrt1tZSrAZ_4o8bOd_5zjlE/s1600/mango.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygY2umdhL7KDsuDwywhxf1eMHgvPKZ5Lols0idtlWbuNa7IQyodZVK5hXyo023eQq7WzPT-9IAdZ8bqrJGP0aaQoPx4MF7EP1-pqWSQmXcayKUxLWktHoyrt1tZSrAZ_4o8bOd_5zjlE/s320/mango.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first mangoes of the season are trickling into the market so I indulged (at Q3 or about .40 cents) and It Was Worth It. Delicious. Look, this variety you can peel like a banana, forgoing the nightmare that is peeling and slicing those big mangos you buy in the grocery store back home. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjpJBC-TsLIzkUy7OKgtRKIwc_lQeJSrDlqnSAisI0kdmAoT9JbrOBpwEfe84IUL2l0DIkGEx_o-DnCBkrljX_xcZDVkcVF7-WC2cfFKCsw2jezN5Q6OfO3yYCfVFkF7yzHTVOSlJ2w2Y/s1600/bella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjpJBC-TsLIzkUy7OKgtRKIwc_lQeJSrDlqnSAisI0kdmAoT9JbrOBpwEfe84IUL2l0DIkGEx_o-DnCBkrljX_xcZDVkcVF7-WC2cfFKCsw2jezN5Q6OfO3yYCfVFkF7yzHTVOSlJ2w2Y/s320/bella.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, we received late Xmas presents last week-Bella was remembered by Grandma and Grandpa, and Mom and Dad. She's sporting her new collar and cuddling with her stuffed worm (?) that Grandma sent... </td></tr>
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In other news, Guatemala's new president will take the reins on Sunday, along with the new mayors, etc all over the country. I guess it's going to be a big deal. Will keep everyone posted. <br />
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Hope everyone is getting 2012 off to a great start. <br />
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xoxo's <br />
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amberAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-59476416407493501612012-01-05T13:38:00.000-08:002012-01-05T13:38:07.327-08:00Bring it OnThat was a fast - two weeks?!? I've heard Peace Corps compared to a Roller Coaster so many times...but that's because it's the perfect analogy. And now, with 88% (24 months/27 months) completed, I feel like I'm about to drop off that big final drop, carried along as the weeks whizz by on that momentum of medical clearance, COS (close-of-service) conference, final reports, wrapping up projects, etc. and it will be over before I know it, truly, the last sprint to the finish. <br />
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That is a lot to take in. After all the aspiration and anticipation for years before finally getting on a plane and being dropped into a completely new and unfamiliar territory, adjusting and struggling to make headway in my assigned work, meeting new people, making new friends and family, and finally feeling comfortable in that once unfamiliar vocation and location *phew* Now, in a blink of an eye, all of that will be...over. <br />
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How do I feel? People around me are starting to realize that I'll be gone soon, to which they generally ask, "Y tu, estas feliz?" or "Am I happy?" to be returning home. The short answer-of course I am! I can't wait to see my friends and family, drive a car, flush a toilet, drink water from the tap, turn on a damn heater when it's cold outside.... But I'm sad too. Sad at the end of an era, to live a block from the wonderful open air market with fresh fruits and vegetables, to hang out with my host mom, to head to xela to go thrift store shopping with my peace corps friends and commiserate on the quirks of Guatemalan life, the conversations in broken english with total strangers who are so pleased to run into an American girl in the middle of the Gutaemalan campo.... <br />
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I can't believe I'm about to be catapulted back into the hurried, consumeristic US culture in a couple of short months-its enough to give a girl a slight panic attack. <br />
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But I'm not gone yet. That's important. So I'll try to drink it all in in the short time I have remaining. Enjoy the people and places that surround me, and try not to worry about it too much. That feeling rising in my chest as the unknown approaches yet again is a good thing-it signals a new adventure on the horizon. <br />
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<em>Bring it on</em>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-41607938094366400272011-12-24T16:36:00.001-08:002011-12-24T16:46:55.663-08:00Christmas Tamales Day Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This morning I returned to help with wrapping up the tamales to steam, less complicated and more labor intensive, while chatting with Dona Reina and Flopi, Lidelia's daughter. |We wrapped the rice tamales that I helped prepare, then potato tamales that used the same sauce mixed in with mashed potatoes. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIPNVNmJyVVr-TKCFqh9QnGbwUny7BrOPsyYEzaBrKE_2q79V7yV-pSfJD2Pg9TR7D1jvRsSgyKvhS8G9hfn8quYFSfGx5J4yiJM1tUPYwahGeV1KtbcLW9ecC0L9iN1yuIE-hoDmTuo/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIPNVNmJyVVr-TKCFqh9QnGbwUny7BrOPsyYEzaBrKE_2q79V7yV-pSfJD2Pg9TR7D1jvRsSgyKvhS8G9hfn8quYFSfGx5J4yiJM1tUPYwahGeV1KtbcLW9ecC0L9iN1yuIE-hoDmTuo/s320/14.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A spoonful of cooked rice, a chunk of chicken, a slice of bell pepper, and raisins are wrapped in banana leaves</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50omF2c7w67SlfeSyi5dotCUAz_OqwZIxOToWzjw-rNhzO5Aaua2Fqq00SIuH4XwXWkh7nUrhgKTsut33Ok2ORlznVaIxfvG2kXk5yijBypmKjvn-ALxUFPwRNZ_drBBCRhE58QO-rvs/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50omF2c7w67SlfeSyi5dotCUAz_OqwZIxOToWzjw-rNhzO5Aaua2Fqq00SIuH4XwXWkh7nUrhgKTsut33Ok2ORlznVaIxfvG2kXk5yijBypmKjvn-ALxUFPwRNZ_drBBCRhE58QO-rvs/s320/15.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmAwAMWj5iYasZ9cEqlwmuctsIfmpKaB9szRW2BkuPjTLHNgjouPsTfeLW-QBRmaK1z6GARK4siBCCoiHqE_DTNggYfBdsqibS-u2kLXBMutokpg2iJ303j6DLXfz_Znk9Rn-lHxJCHs/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmAwAMWj5iYasZ9cEqlwmuctsIfmpKaB9szRW2BkuPjTLHNgjouPsTfeLW-QBRmaK1z6GARK4siBCCoiHqE_DTNggYfBdsqibS-u2kLXBMutokpg2iJ303j6DLXfz_Znk9Rn-lHxJCHs/s320/17.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the <em>masa</em> for the potato <em>paches</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LmvLTra3Odgo0ahDAww_EXp3Ju4XIRdUHVqRNiiQKTVf0m00ZRKxlb2iwYaBAjnGedsp2plqazMbbLd-pBWKsWl5QCPQaD6hMyaYQcsCOhuRcxt1calvTk1G9f7mk5quRAwy-b8ebds/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LmvLTra3Odgo0ahDAww_EXp3Ju4XIRdUHVqRNiiQKTVf0m00ZRKxlb2iwYaBAjnGedsp2plqazMbbLd-pBWKsWl5QCPQaD6hMyaYQcsCOhuRcxt1calvTk1G9f7mk5quRAwy-b8ebds/s320/18.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dona Reina with <em>paches</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodaleX-8AwmaWH49U3oeq3tPtyVsnhGGlWrHY1ZLrFnpodKpcMC1befA0sgEEMHcESWvfKSeWiQgxzfq_r4vSU8vPloqKvsCzOEdj7YkwMWhVUD_JTvlykWlJEvcbe9QsFbeV6IaE2cM/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodaleX-8AwmaWH49U3oeq3tPtyVsnhGGlWrHY1ZLrFnpodKpcMC1befA0sgEEMHcESWvfKSeWiQgxzfq_r4vSU8vPloqKvsCzOEdj7YkwMWhVUD_JTvlykWlJEvcbe9QsFbeV6IaE2cM/s320/19.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potato <em>paches</em> with chicken and a whole chili</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcH3CXwB53O0NnO-B9xozzseZIxjicU2nR8XMJOZkca4buk51z31k3br0jYHBzWWUN1sDmtwFxnS5ql0Vu9DDOp4PC2DsgROA_nlz6v1feXHmAftkOMY1h_1JooS4LGdiS7C2ZpF1UCvc/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcH3CXwB53O0NnO-B9xozzseZIxjicU2nR8XMJOZkca4buk51z31k3br0jYHBzWWUN1sDmtwFxnS5ql0Vu9DDOp4PC2DsgROA_nlz6v1feXHmAftkOMY1h_1JooS4LGdiS7C2ZpF1UCvc/s320/16.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for steaming! </td></tr>
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And so concludes my adventure in tamale making. I hope to share the tradition with some of you when I get back! <br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-37837915108777615972011-12-24T15:33:00.000-08:002011-12-24T16:35:33.675-08:00Christmas Tamales Day OneMy host sister's mother in law was gracious enough to let me invade her kitchen, snap lots of photos, and 'help' with tamale-making yesterday and this morning. Here is an exhaustive photo journal of the process. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoo8pwLSyiMe8qjIlHOf0rNB9iTB5MqZd04a3OFXgdr2QNDjzvHpj9K3diPlTa5YI7Vm6FbpH-yAfiXOxEGVFkELgn0IwBAJt0AC_Zo6ef3sLvVYbvH4hmKtLqxsVJhz7XSziBs9vOV38/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoo8pwLSyiMe8qjIlHOf0rNB9iTB5MqZd04a3OFXgdr2QNDjzvHpj9K3diPlTa5YI7Vm6FbpH-yAfiXOxEGVFkELgn0IwBAJt0AC_Zo6ef3sLvVYbvH4hmKtLqxsVJhz7XSziBs9vOV38/s320/01.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day One involved making the sauce and filling for the <em>paches</em></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ssGRf_i3kL1KdCZ4KM8erMkoImjksvTSycjdjL-5Lg2hCoJp3tv6X2BAZy14euH0_5x9MFM4wK-bSjeWgtPDv3jF1EFx7AzELz6zzzq_CAd8x-DanCm48ZQ1BKvVzMIDwQvs2fktOnA/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ssGRf_i3kL1KdCZ4KM8erMkoImjksvTSycjdjL-5Lg2hCoJp3tv6X2BAZy14euH0_5x9MFM4wK-bSjeWgtPDv3jF1EFx7AzELz6zzzq_CAd8x-DanCm48ZQ1BKvVzMIDwQvs2fktOnA/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing the sauce involved roasting all the ingredients. Tomatoes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZPDSLEwjozusJZOIS_C-WIVjFl6qx8cFEzS8uyBbUzjdpczYiKCb4BQmxqFDZunP2D84KMufH9A-DGzccLqOZqtWupF6l6Feeps20WpiTMtgukevWCicD7LIjYiED-TMrYKLl1cIAqU/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZPDSLEwjozusJZOIS_C-WIVjFl6qx8cFEzS8uyBbUzjdpczYiKCb4BQmxqFDZunP2D84KMufH9A-DGzccLqOZqtWupF6l6Feeps20WpiTMtgukevWCicD7LIjYiED-TMrYKLl1cIAqU/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin and sesame seeds</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKb1dOfgbk9QbHs_09MUnF0Ua8GKrSUQUIA4sM2_j1giQO99Un0_sRa98wQrTCEjQZ6RoG5kNji-aSiPtYzG_tyD01DfRqJk90EMzlc3F3MwuknOZeTkDv8-01qOmTR-E2Rgf5CdClsI/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKb1dOfgbk9QbHs_09MUnF0Ua8GKrSUQUIA4sM2_j1giQO99Un0_sRa98wQrTCEjQZ6RoG5kNji-aSiPtYzG_tyD01DfRqJk90EMzlc3F3MwuknOZeTkDv8-01qOmTR-E2Rgf5CdClsI/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White bread, toasted and then moistened</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieuOlmgD9-YAqyaSpm8QpSZSfFKfn4Mth0lnqJLmHNKoalvbqki9ONhmrMjP68iehaqsWdzRwxZYgBG9MlYcGtUpfoLCqM42E3tZTim1oPXeNontssfTe5C4B4pxE2TAhDoLuJOm-dpc/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieuOlmgD9-YAqyaSpm8QpSZSfFKfn4Mth0lnqJLmHNKoalvbqki9ONhmrMjP68iehaqsWdzRwxZYgBG9MlYcGtUpfoLCqM42E3tZTim1oPXeNontssfTe5C4B4pxE2TAhDoLuJOm-dpc/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roasted bell peppers plus two different kinds of dried chiles simmering</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQMM8TcpmoXpUC0vktfcnqDucjqO6yJPH9JL10gPRmgkDVjz2ICrouDkzzkDj_eWH6HFIX1OiiOvQQ4Zj8VfG_fGhmgTaGMhvOFYkIctVaQ6J-2hmNneg4EN3qWaywSUCx20p75FP8I4/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQMM8TcpmoXpUC0vktfcnqDucjqO6yJPH9JL10gPRmgkDVjz2ICrouDkzzkDj_eWH6HFIX1OiiOvQQ4Zj8VfG_fGhmgTaGMhvOFYkIctVaQ6J-2hmNneg4EN3qWaywSUCx20p75FP8I4/s320/6.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin and sesame seeds and cinnamon sticks get ground with a coffee grinder,<br />
then added to the chiles, tomatoes, and onions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiob-rSNmkFcPprXcF0Tx5dS0pcHKf2nbVyH8yMYakgUKYawsAiB6J-7DMMYu7p2pTftcQYIjPBueCsja5FV32XffQ1UORezXy-RvDnNgT9UCUxgqpSV7RKfirAjTxsRGUc5t38iAjHUCQ/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiob-rSNmkFcPprXcF0Tx5dS0pcHKf2nbVyH8yMYakgUKYawsAiB6J-7DMMYu7p2pTftcQYIjPBueCsja5FV32XffQ1UORezXy-RvDnNgT9UCUxgqpSV7RKfirAjTxsRGUc5t38iAjHUCQ/s320/7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the bread, for thickening </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5I4zYNzkWf3L9PHgRMUlHEVuukzujdOk1r00LelLigUcKZl08FVcSMJ26JpxGbhVfSDUl4O5cyulwdHC8gIPGadDOCEJKYoIQMI7hjZlX4KRhHrPDbPHC5rthuICocpfdXSxFs-ukHA/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5I4zYNzkWf3L9PHgRMUlHEVuukzujdOk1r00LelLigUcKZl08FVcSMJ26JpxGbhVfSDUl4O5cyulwdHC8gIPGadDOCEJKYoIQMI7hjZlX4KRhHrPDbPHC5rthuICocpfdXSxFs-ukHA/s320/8.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blend it all together</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkWOWHY0-CHoK6aw3-lUx1XIbs5XVeetyr9FzM2cGY74TF-1O-Tj8s8T6TQlsQWjPhf1QMmj1fuOXVveIyxZzLdRbiH_N01XuEsSE1h6S55FrCeiF9LLGwveyvxvm3axEzlkAEJVMVsQ/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkWOWHY0-CHoK6aw3-lUx1XIbs5XVeetyr9FzM2cGY74TF-1O-Tj8s8T6TQlsQWjPhf1QMmj1fuOXVveIyxZzLdRbiH_N01XuEsSE1h6S55FrCeiF9LLGwveyvxvm3axEzlkAEJVMVsQ/s320/9.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with Dona Reina, my host sister's mother-in-law and master <em>pache</em> chef</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEodogmATyFz6lb630HOOvQJftSG0olwlZ0V6H904tOFYer6_UYlTfq_COiirrdspNOXeyA4GYgrCBZTdcI8xWd7JnZYNtOf0MXSU9h91pPllaEH8o1Q1k0Qy6btQ4GSEIPICqUEHiupI/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEodogmATyFz6lb630HOOvQJftSG0olwlZ0V6H904tOFYer6_UYlTfq_COiirrdspNOXeyA4GYgrCBZTdcI8xWd7JnZYNtOf0MXSU9h91pPllaEH8o1Q1k0Qy6btQ4GSEIPICqUEHiupI/s320/10.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heat up sauce until it simmers, then cook another ten minutes </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6HN_SG9J9tL4j2po59wGt7raM_vCnvxKV9d_Txu7zV7LhckOuD2K6SLAPMN_1_1OIOKz8lacNC2zjknZL8mw12OO1Ha_eAAlJeolRP5I4MfzxKfKI-79foVYQsRLQtqtOmfOHS2l40o/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6HN_SG9J9tL4j2po59wGt7raM_vCnvxKV9d_Txu7zV7LhckOuD2K6SLAPMN_1_1OIOKz8lacNC2zjknZL8mw12OO1Ha_eAAlJeolRP5I4MfzxKfKI-79foVYQsRLQtqtOmfOHS2l40o/s320/11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To make the <em>masa</em> or filling, add ground white rice to boiling water in a ginormous pot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over a wood fire </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stir constantly! </td></tr>
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After the <em>masa</em> of ground rice boils for five minutes, we took it off the fire to cool for the next day. Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-52012260060302769922011-12-24T14:24:00.000-08:002011-12-24T14:24:50.352-08:00Feliz NavidadIt donned on me sunday that Christmas Eve was only six short days away, which meant only six short days of guilt free Christmas music and movies...I started listening to Michael Buble and a Glee Christmas immediately. I guess it worked because I was shortly thereafter overcome with a desire to bake, a passtime that I had put on the shelf about a year ago after realizing that living alone and baking was hazardous to my health. <br />
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In the spirit of goals 2 and 3 of Peace Corps (Sharing US culture with Guatemalans and vice versa), I arranged to borrow my host mom's stove and invited a friend over to make some Christmas cookies.<br />
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Using an old wine bottle as a rolling pin = resourcefulness typical of a Peace Corps Volunteer ;)<br />
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We made Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, and Peppermint Biscotti that all turned out yummy. I'd never made biscotti before but guess what? Not that difficult! Now I want to try savory biscotti, like...garlic, cheese, rosemary, etc. I actually don't have much of a sweet tooth and gave most of the cookies away. <br />
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Last year I was here as well, but never really got into feeling Christmas-y and although I did spend it here with the family, didn't learn much about the holiday. Here, the tradition is to make and eat tamales called <em>paches</em>, made with rice or potatoes and a chunk of chicken, raisins, and chiles. My host mom decided not to make <em>paches</em> this year, however, so I got an invitation to go to her older daugher's house and learn from her mother in law. <br />
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I took about a gazillion pictures of the whole process over the course of two days. I think I'm going to include them in a separate post to follow. Christmas 2012,authentic Guatemalan <em>paches</em> at my parents' house, anyone?<br />
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Anywho.... Oh yes, Guatemalan Christmas traditions. Along with delicious <em>paches</em>, we will be making <em>ponche</em>, an amped up traditional cider type hot drink with chopped up pineapple, apple, papaya, coconut, and raisins in it. We eat a late dinner and wait for midnight, when everyone celebrates the birth of Christ with fireworks. Lots of fireworks. In an attempt to get the whole Navedad experience, I bought a few fireworks to join along in the fun. <br />
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And there you have it. A little food, a little fireworks, and lots of good company and conversation. I hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas as well. <br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-26281222714779236662011-12-18T10:31:00.000-08:002011-12-18T10:31:57.529-08:00So feria "ended" but the street vendors, for the most part, are sticking around. As is the video arcade, and unreasonably loud music, apparently. I will be going back to work tomorrow, trying to make some headway on my ambitious December list, along with writing an end of the year report on my service. <br />
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We in Peace Corps Guatemala received some upsetting news on Friday that I have been postponing writing about because it is super disappointing. I want to preface the news by asking you all to please not worry about me; the admin here has done and continues to do everything possible to keep us Volunteers safe. Despite their efforts, however, Peace Corps Washington handed down the decision on Friday to suspend arrival of any new Volunteers to Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras due to the declining security situation in our countries. <br />
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What does this mean for me, personally? I think the news most directly affects those of us leaving in March who were expecting to be replaced because, for the time being at least, we will NOT be replaced. This leaves most of us disappointed and worried about the projects and the work that we have done here. Not to mention all of people who thought they were leaving to begin their Peace Corps missions in a short two weeks. It hurts my heart to put myself in their shoes. I hope Peace Corps will find them new posts in a timely manner. <br />
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In short, I don't know exactly what to think about this news, except to grieve for the wonderful work that Peace Corps does down here and the thought of the loss to both potential Peace Corps Volunteers and potential host communities. Also the sadness I feel that a new Volunteer won't be replacing me and continuing to support Environmental Conservation and Education work in my community. It is up to the people of the community to follow through with it. I hope I've planted seeds that will grow in the absence of another volunteer and fear that it wasn't enough. <br />
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So uncertainty and disappointment abound in the Volunteer community for the time being. I think that this week we will receive more updates about what this bombshell means for those of us still in country. Will they evacuate? Adopt a gradual phase-out that allows those of us here to finish up our service? Or is this a temporary measure that will be repealed in the future? =/ <br />
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More news to follow<br />
<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-88129388810888850102011-12-15T06:28:00.000-08:002011-12-15T06:28:56.420-08:00Photo UpdatePhotographing fireworks is hard-at least with my little camera that didn't have a 'fireworks' mode.. I took about a hundred pictures of the fireworks show last night. Most of them came out like this:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Luckily, though, a few of them came out like this:</div>
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Win.Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-47847961907720012162011-12-14T08:01:00.000-08:002011-12-14T08:01:53.430-08:00The Tradition of FeriaYesterday I woke up to a foggy, grey morning, ruining my plans to pump up the new Kanye/Jay-Z album and do laundry. So I did the next best thing, and put in some time reading Omnivore's Dilemma. If you haven't read it yet, I recommend it highly. Michael Pollan puts forth a very compelling case for a cause that I was already behind, although now I'm even <em>more</em> convinced-eating local and sustainable and overall being a responsible consumer. And it's a good read, although I have to read only a little at a time-there is a lot of information to digest... <br />
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<em>Anyways, </em>yesterday was good day at the feria! I was on the phone with a friend around 3 pm when I was inundated with the echoes of horns and percussion-live music coming from the plaza that I had been warned about. I grumbled to my friend about the seeming chaos of ranchera music, "They just put as many people on stage as will fit, hand them all drums or horns, and see what happens! How can anyone listen to this by choice??" <br />
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But after about 45 minutes of wall-shaking ranchera music, I felt compelled to go see what was going on out there. This was what I found: <br />
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The culprit guilty of shattering my peaceful afternoon-enough amplification for a stadium of 100,000 people...Because in latino culture, everything sounds better turned up so loud it hurts. And as predicted, a band with at least 16 people hammering away at drums and wailing on trumpets, trombones, and a tuba. <br />
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Once I was there, however, I could see the merit in it all. The band was <em>good</em>. And, in contrast to the distorted assault on my ears that reached my patio three blocks away, the music took on a whole different form <em>en vivo</em>. The band leaders were charismatic, the melody and rhythm blending together to, at least, make sense and even become dance-able... <br />
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I was joined by my counterpart, at which point I begged him to go get some good pictures of the band-I was too embarrassed.. He suggested we go up to the top floor of the market building to get a better view.<br />
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And, yes, those are more Convite dancers down below. Chatting with Verney (my counterpart) I got a little more insight on the origins of the feria and convite tradition. This is what he told me. The feria, celebrating a town's patron saint, is a tradition introduced by the (Catholic) Spanish conquistadors. They assigned each town a patron saint and mandated that the town put on a week long festival honoring that saint every year. And thus began Feria. <br />
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But the costumed dancers shuffling back and forth in the plaza for two hours?.... Apparently, this tradition has its origins in the Spanish custom of the Dance of the Conquistador and Dance of the Moors, where participants don elaborate costumes and re-enact the Conquest of the Americas and the Crusades, respectively. Over the years, it evolved to include the inexplicable latino enthusiasm for our cartoon characters, in what can only be described as a marathon dance session to popular latino music. Verney was the first person that was able to make the connection and attempt to explain the origins of a custom that has baffled me since I first saw it during training two years ago. <br />
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So customs and traditions introduced by foreign conquerors evolve to incorporate the local interests and ideas, evolving into something almost unrecognizable. Even the food offered is a hodgepodge of traditional and foreign influences. <br />
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Pizza, hot dogs, french fries, and even burritos (Mexico) and pupusas (El Salvador) alongside the <em>dulce tipico</em>, churrasco, fresh corn tortillas, roscas and roasted peanuts. In front of me in the plaza I could see so many different cultures, I began to wonder-<em>what, then, is Guatemalan culture</em>? Not unlike the US, Guatemala has been exposed to and influenced by so many different cultures that identifying authentic traditions and culture in a place like Sija proves difficult.<br />
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I shared my thoughts with Verney, who agreed that his culture has become obscure and lost in the face of conquest, injections of US culture, and the rampant racism between ladinos and indigenous, or Mayan, people. In some parts of Guatemala, the Mayan culture and tradition continue in a less-altered manner, although still representing a hybrid of Spanish and Guatemalan culture. <br />
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Interesting questions, contemplated as I watch the shuffling costumed dancers take their places again, then start a lively choreographed number to the wailing trumpets and pounding bass. As we change and are changed by the experiences and cultures that we encounter, our traditions evolve to reflect it. Maintaining any cultural identity in this rapidly globalizing world is a challenge, so I am impressed by the vibrant culture still alive here. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQZr9bnSR_6WFXUMAxU3lT_69D8zC0DNfpbdnIT2RqtEefrkQvR6AI_HBUMspbkEePOIfq_xIgMgUQf2e0vAfIOcamBx880mrlJ4O7I4kmm7Paf54o9bq3F_PVxYQl0ooHiGHuzJLFz0/s1600/convite1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQZr9bnSR_6WFXUMAxU3lT_69D8zC0DNfpbdnIT2RqtEefrkQvR6AI_HBUMspbkEePOIfq_xIgMgUQf2e0vAfIOcamBx880mrlJ4O7I4kmm7Paf54o9bq3F_PVxYQl0ooHiGHuzJLFz0/s320/convite1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-39429420092852083982011-12-12T07:43:00.000-08:002011-12-12T07:43:16.109-08:00More thoughts on going homeOkay, so I'll admit it. I've got the Senioritis. Feria doesn't help. I've given in to the temptation of checking my calendar and counting down the next mile-marker to me being done-Christmas, then New Year's; our COS (Close of Service) conference; cousin Kerry coming to visit in February (!); meeting the replacement volunteer; then getting on that plane... <br />
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In between, stuff like gleaning my possessions and getting rid of accumulated clothes, books, DVD's, which I'm pretty good at. I would even go so far as to say I'm the opposite of a packrat, whatever that is. But I think that despite my cold heartedness at throwing out/getting rid of most stuff, I can assure you all I'll be bringing my teddy bear back with me.<br />
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I think it's natural that, so close to the end, we start to get the senioritis. Some friends are looking forward to grad school, others to weddings, new business ventures, travels, reuniting with friends and family back home, or just the simple things of US life like driving, hot water, washing machines, draft beer. Whatever it is, the looking forward, or anticipation, is sweet and terrifying at the same time. At least for those of us hoping to find employment upon returning, crossing our fingers that that Peace Corps line on our CV will open some doors or raise some eyebrows. Reading the news reports about the economy and the polarization of the political parties, I feel like we're on the edge of a precipice with nothing holding us back. *shivers* <br />
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But all I can do is have faith that things will work out. And meanwhile.... work on that to do list. <br />
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In feria news, nothing too special happened yesterday. I cleaned house and washed clothes. I had lunch with my host family. Watched Sex and the City in the afternoon (does she really break Aiden's heart TWICE?? i could just kill her every time I watch that...) then basketball games for a short while in the evening. Got to Skype with my folks, and my boyfriend, then fell asleep watching Empire Strikes Back. It was a pretty good Sunday. <br />
<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-22632510601382089222011-12-11T08:04:00.001-08:002011-12-12T07:17:42.306-08:00Childhood Memories of Disneyland RevisitedFriday was the much-anticipated "Convite." My host brother was participating so I dutifully accompanied my host sister and aunt to the parade and debut in the plaza. What, you ask, is a Convite? It is the time-honored Guatemalan tradition of donning elaborate costumes of everything from Disney characters to blatantly racist charicatures of Mexicans.... (?????) I have, as yet, found no answer as to why, where, or when this 'tradition' began. But it sure is fun to watch. <br />
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In my time here, I have seen various Convite performances and I have to say that this year's performance took the cake. I thought the costumes and dances were better (and actually choreographed!) and the performers were enthusiastic and well rehearsed. Call me crazy, but feria is turning out to be more enjoyable all around this year. I may even get up the gumption to go to Ranchera Night tonight (gah...) Maybe I'll put a bandana on Bella and drag her along-a girl needs a Partner in Crime, after all. <br />
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Ah, so anyways-a group of young guys from town get together and perform this Convite thing-the kicker is that you don't know who is behind the masks and costumes-we have to wait until the 15th, "El Descubrimiento" or "The Discovery" when they take off their masks at the end of their encore performance. Ooooh, the anticipation! <br />
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And now, if you're having trouble picturing it, the photos from this year's Convite<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWDPsFj2vz61CsTKwXlBzcWqQgxbfk4Z5mksXacHJuLBZKWhwXscSkp_i93oszZT8HBqIB-L-56bxV07hyvDtKoh4mNuC7cKOsZoQY4Ki9O6gP42UcnDF4IH1jD5koND4EeiwA1FgxIk/s1600/convite1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWDPsFj2vz61CsTKwXlBzcWqQgxbfk4Z5mksXacHJuLBZKWhwXscSkp_i93oszZT8HBqIB-L-56bxV07hyvDtKoh4mNuC7cKOsZoQY4Ki9O6gP42UcnDF4IH1jD5koND4EeiwA1FgxIk/s320/convite1.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My host brother was the chipmunk! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbohvL1tlYhPcIm1qkGhjlDwQk-EeANiLFRiWf48lul7orAwgq0Wm9Xf077U1MMR8DBmYn73Ogb18deU-bS-WmexVOE1DG1-WbTsdq7e1bQla45dn0GjCmE-dwb5IRtQhbbiRQZdSJIY/s1600/convite2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbohvL1tlYhPcIm1qkGhjlDwQk-EeANiLFRiWf48lul7orAwgq0Wm9Xf077U1MMR8DBmYn73Ogb18deU-bS-WmexVOE1DG1-WbTsdq7e1bQla45dn0GjCmE-dwb5IRtQhbbiRQZdSJIY/s320/convite2.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here they are, all manner of characters in no particular order-the Red Queen and Mad Hatter were my favorites</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7tKQylBIJ30YEOQ5kwoJE8IyN0BT9-ns6ZmOgKZ2D7OYulyzkNRQZ9KsZBLAM95GyBwXWgnO0zZmiBmd42p7czBYX8gRY7NoMlgSe1GwZ9f95OoWa1PwQsSa_9-A3E8xpL0hO7jiQJw/s1600/convite5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7tKQylBIJ30YEOQ5kwoJE8IyN0BT9-ns6ZmOgKZ2D7OYulyzkNRQZ9KsZBLAM95GyBwXWgnO0zZmiBmd42p7czBYX8gRY7NoMlgSe1GwZ9f95OoWa1PwQsSa_9-A3E8xpL0hO7jiQJw/s320/convite5.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cesy and I showing off our merch-they sold cute t-shirts as a fundraiser</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MPyCulr9omdo1L67Nehwjl-S3XRQv-oh8aSQMYkt-jiwNInWjoSPq5U5s3JrHV2SmCruHiWQ1olyrXT0yqN5XpIsOBRjIPM26o924J5urTduZneyzRpyQMknvLo8Mldk5ftR5x8uUTA/s1600/convite4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MPyCulr9omdo1L67Nehwjl-S3XRQv-oh8aSQMYkt-jiwNInWjoSPq5U5s3JrHV2SmCruHiWQ1olyrXT0yqN5XpIsOBRjIPM26o924J5urTduZneyzRpyQMknvLo8Mldk5ftR5x8uUTA/s320/convite4.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Main Event in the Plaza</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrwLJP-KllbeH86VvaiNIDseJPpSbY7lrS84NDnAoIB8M0PHrhiK1nthWyPByasMMOalsofcvX-zq1ERZDRrOmo_vCSSlAGyL5LoZkTTRu2IZQH1UI8GVt6-T71xH9cMDIIemwCF1YB4/s1600/convite6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrwLJP-KllbeH86VvaiNIDseJPpSbY7lrS84NDnAoIB8M0PHrhiK1nthWyPByasMMOalsofcvX-zq1ERZDRrOmo_vCSSlAGyL5LoZkTTRu2IZQH1UI8GVt6-T71xH9cMDIIemwCF1YB4/s320/convite6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakin it Down..</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoudS24dpUO1GhsCQ3jurGueiH-jR9CNS5gLfQF6S5J_FK2duua6CIeLU1juifOLv4icmN4l12daKzNJYONZAtV5t2QVoFrLMGnJ2bnyMrbsidrXLNAvSrucmTo9wj8LrFsk6rYcayVz4/s1600/convite3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoudS24dpUO1GhsCQ3jurGueiH-jR9CNS5gLfQF6S5J_FK2duua6CIeLU1juifOLv4icmN4l12daKzNJYONZAtV5t2QVoFrLMGnJ2bnyMrbsidrXLNAvSrucmTo9wj8LrFsk6rYcayVz4/s320/convite3.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Bundled Up</td></tr>
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There you have it, another weird but true tradition of Feria in Guatemala-stay tuned for the exciting Descubrimiento on Thursday. <br />
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And I have a confession to make. Yesterday there were no big events going on so I skipped town and therefore have no photos for Saturday's Feria :( Even worse, I skipped town to go see Breaking Dawn. Again. And it was just as good the second time. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-d3T6TMsOrUWGDlz0kerizhYC3f6l2ImddsVH8ZNIbMLPYG0XWCp8W_oLpOFTloaer0JnmRaUMh0JAodaufLzPXSIWehr6hZtQfUUSDlbAB-0gsz-_6Sq98tBCQJQ6yDOT-b_Fjb4RAM/s1600/breaking-dawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-d3T6TMsOrUWGDlz0kerizhYC3f6l2ImddsVH8ZNIbMLPYG0XWCp8W_oLpOFTloaer0JnmRaUMh0JAodaufLzPXSIWehr6hZtQfUUSDlbAB-0gsz-_6Sq98tBCQJQ6yDOT-b_Fjb4RAM/s320/breaking-dawn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-76871427749460265822011-12-09T07:52:00.001-08:002011-12-09T08:49:10.455-08:00Day 2 of Feria FunOvernight, my blog reached 2,000 page views (total)...not very impressive in the wide world of blogging, but I'm still psyched. Thank YOU for reading =)<br />
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At any rate, my cold came back with a vengeance yesterday =( in the form of an awful, brain rattling cough. I was hoping it would go away by nighttime and therefore didn't buy ANY cold medicine during the day. Also went to see my host brother and sister play basketball-they both killed it, btw. Since nothing cures the cold (or at least makes it bearable) like great movies. Therefore I watched A New Hope (again), a movie that never gets old and leaves me happy and in awe <em>every time</em>. I also watched that episode of The Walking Dead where (spoiler alert) Shane shoots the fat guy in the foot so he can escape the zombies.... oh man, he's so hard core. <br />
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This morning I headed to the pharmacy and picked up an assortment of nyquil and other cold and flu medicines-including Tabcin, an effervescing tablet that Guatemalans swear by for the common cold. And I was skeptical until I tried it-I'm not sure if its helping my <em>symptoms</em> or not, but dropping the tablet in my hot lemon water and watching it fizz is pretty fun! Also, super exciting, I got a little tin of Vicks VapoRub for only Q5-thats like 60 cents! Silver linings to my trip to the pharmacy. <br />
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Since all the feria hoopla has brought work to a bit of a standstill, I've had (more) time to daydream about coming home. Coming Home, for Peace Corps Volunteers that have made it through their service, surprisingly fills us with the same heebie jeebies (or maybe worse) that we had two years ago, preparing to get on a plane and having no idea what awaited us on the other side. Now, I could not be happier to be reunited with my boyfriend, friends and family, my beloved Central Coast, driving, going out after dark. I have finally felt 'at home' here in my town, but there's no place like home, as they say. And despite the doubts that I've been trying to articulate now for a few weeks, I recognize them now for the feeling you get whenever confronted with a major transition in life. And although uncomfortable, I love it-the not knowing, the endless possibilities, the anticipation. I'll be riding this high until it comes time to step foot on that plane. <br />
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That being said, ready for Day 2 of Feria?! All I managed to to do was drag my butt to the basketball games but I think I got some cute ones of my host family. Enjoy... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQAkypyKc4geEj9ihTDJbHZIGDQHIoOqLL_ZuCkFEOg4HFWmeL1kFkDgKbC65bUs6Bhf5E_MYMKmCzsPNoi5QGirlppRhP5zx9qN-aPT6pFBg_AgmnzlGrdQnpH8FrcbOyOU7tuOIL3k/s1600/cgroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQAkypyKc4geEj9ihTDJbHZIGDQHIoOqLL_ZuCkFEOg4HFWmeL1kFkDgKbC65bUs6Bhf5E_MYMKmCzsPNoi5QGirlppRhP5zx9qN-aPT6pFBg_AgmnzlGrdQnpH8FrcbOyOU7tuOIL3k/s320/cgroup.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the basketball game with Lidelia and her granddaughter Rachel (Why am I sticking out my tongue??)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCgfuUC7hwmqvHIId3MBXMYaN7OZ4vAZjIZYOX_koIKQxr9uCACCIgwdT-oh8s4Im9HzUFUmTB2QjCbetc6dRoqsNX0MiCzwW-1qT4ysc3CfxPCiBH7iFooFxTbQm49_ef-IgAmh7SfA/s1600/passoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCgfuUC7hwmqvHIId3MBXMYaN7OZ4vAZjIZYOX_koIKQxr9uCACCIgwdT-oh8s4Im9HzUFUmTB2QjCbetc6dRoqsNX0MiCzwW-1qT4ysc3CfxPCiBH7iFooFxTbQm49_ef-IgAmh7SfA/s320/passoff.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found out that my camera sucks at taking action/sport shots but i got this one with both my host sisters in it<br />
-and they're even smiling! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnplPDATVUl8bl7nG-jK1U-byMJh-AZruNyLYRhlc46nxP2v2sqzVeRU-n5DJgA9V4eR-iymdGBJmsAwGnbXtdPtvuNfW69i_WshC8i6r5MZoOck3m6M2DRQLw3qNPmdimC8Etf_zTwII/s1600/licuados.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnplPDATVUl8bl7nG-jK1U-byMJh-AZruNyLYRhlc46nxP2v2sqzVeRU-n5DJgA9V4eR-iymdGBJmsAwGnbXtdPtvuNfW69i_WshC8i6r5MZoOck3m6M2DRQLw3qNPmdimC8Etf_zTwII/s320/licuados.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the <em>licuado</em> stand-basically a smoothie, but since the fruit is fresh, they are Delicious, beating the pants off of any pineapple blended drink you could hope to get in the States. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_d-8nIOvL3vXEr0MEJU59Ybvh0yR0MK11XSNXL8N-Fn1EyjRoGkNwF2i8EsFkNAF2ah4nAocNYoLRDzKAA0-GwM0G0p-mDBzzSTMsVEsCz7lviIeujdjF_OGYLZULza0qataEwc7xfvY/s1600/churros.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_d-8nIOvL3vXEr0MEJU59Ybvh0yR0MK11XSNXL8N-Fn1EyjRoGkNwF2i8EsFkNAF2ah4nAocNYoLRDzKAA0-GwM0G0p-mDBzzSTMsVEsCz7lviIeujdjF_OGYLZULza0qataEwc7xfvY/s320/churros.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guatemalan version of <em>churros</em>. You can even get them doused in chocolate or caramel sauce. This is one of the things I fall prey to-thinking they are going to magically taste like Mexican churros suddenly (they never do)... </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiWDnAMadryXVAgfQCB0RbNyBDPRUad4_Qe4ZqdYBycsmnRhZ7xNPbWmZ_FNy0DX_LtWW6myddQvv2Z6Dviw8d2V6v8o2GXU4U6IqEL1502JiqFy-is1TTAgSaNirG2H_DMJRnNdv4ks/s1600/rachel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiWDnAMadryXVAgfQCB0RbNyBDPRUad4_Qe4ZqdYBycsmnRhZ7xNPbWmZ_FNy0DX_LtWW6myddQvv2Z6Dviw8d2V6v8o2GXU4U6IqEL1502JiqFy-is1TTAgSaNirG2H_DMJRnNdv4ks/s320/rachel.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It got COLD-luckily I brought my trusty Cal Poly mug to keep our cider warm</td></tr>
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Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-56549785271112198512011-12-08T08:00:00.001-08:002011-12-08T08:25:32.721-08:007 Days of FeriaI realize that I may have poo-pooed the rich tradition of the feria here, and now I'd like to repent. I was talking with a friend on the phone last night and she urged me to try to enjoy it-it is, after all, my <em>last</em> feria here. And while in the future I'll surely happen upon another feria, I will never again live a block away from the action. <br />
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In an attempt to deliver to you the culture of the feria, I now give you the Seven Days of Feria. Last night, I was cozy in my room, skyping with my boyfriend, surfing the internet, and surely would have let my laziness and the freezing cold winds keep me inside-except for my self assigned homework to report to you, readers ;) Feel good to rescue me from my homebody self? <br />
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Without further ado, I give you Day 1 of Feria...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6ueSyAZOW5Z29YzropABBoo17cGYF0k27F2_BFpp0G6hXODDgYex6EZUDU3YbI2YM3xX5QeMPSMzPZ9xfqKmpgQ8HAFx50CNwedpA7bkq5Kwz1kNfusWIhhyJ89ceUKSKuzBmSIzEcI/s1600/DSCF3417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6ueSyAZOW5Z29YzropABBoo17cGYF0k27F2_BFpp0G6hXODDgYex6EZUDU3YbI2YM3xX5QeMPSMzPZ9xfqKmpgQ8HAFx50CNwedpA7bkq5Kwz1kNfusWIhhyJ89ceUKSKuzBmSIzEcI/s320/DSCF3417.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tail end of a parade showcasing the newly elected <em>reinas, </em>or queens, of the Feria</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg691pbcisIfeiAFgyQbA_uM3KD2nukcI-As49aBMYteflqSRx95NWk7pQzYcKAn6iPDse9SbgL0qFL4G-j5rvJDdbw-sBM1wdXkmeGSE4tPoSPii-RzGBiiwb0bFEL2U2iKMLXtVZsBoA/s1600/DSCF3422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg691pbcisIfeiAFgyQbA_uM3KD2nukcI-As49aBMYteflqSRx95NWk7pQzYcKAn6iPDse9SbgL0qFL4G-j5rvJDdbw-sBM1wdXkmeGSE4tPoSPii-RzGBiiwb0bFEL2U2iKMLXtVZsBoA/s320/DSCF3422.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird's eye view of the shantytown constructed by street vendors</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-wZQH-jPD41cPKHiblir6NiveYOhJa1r_7pmQTCedAnbs4zcWvFRRfG2q08IKE4stMd2BRdiks5lOQz0jCulh_4t8N4QmliWD8Jjj8gL9OCXGcd_ZXSaIzCkxNQ-d2cwE_G68LfZO5s/s1600/DSCF3423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-wZQH-jPD41cPKHiblir6NiveYOhJa1r_7pmQTCedAnbs4zcWvFRRfG2q08IKE4stMd2BRdiks5lOQz0jCulh_4t8N4QmliWD8Jjj8gL9OCXGcd_ZXSaIzCkxNQ-d2cwE_G68LfZO5s/s320/DSCF3423.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the historic clock tower and new muni building-and yes, that does say <em>Palacio,</em> or 'palace'..... </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhQHdKd6XFJ-RBpZ4LZFgeWS2AWuqiZgTemi6KOwk2GA0boZiW6mCSKlhcVJW_Eocn21_wxxOUWNEMpHpHt4s9muO3jWZbejp-lbrLLA3oazHTKYkMK2jKCGbIOfXJVhhrojih1vzN-M/s1600/DSCF3424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhQHdKd6XFJ-RBpZ4LZFgeWS2AWuqiZgTemi6KOwk2GA0boZiW6mCSKlhcVJW_Eocn21_wxxOUWNEMpHpHt4s9muO3jWZbejp-lbrLLA3oazHTKYkMK2jKCGbIOfXJVhhrojih1vzN-M/s320/DSCF3424.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful sunset last night over the plaza</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
So, in short, Feria is a lot cooler this year-I know <em>way</em> more people...making it much more enjoyable to wander through the stalls, watch the basketball game a little, sample the street fare. I told Tony that this may be the most famous I'll ever be-to which he responded "I doubt it." Such a sweetheart. But I guess that living somewhere for two years and being the only white girl, it'd be hard not to wind up 'famous' or at least 'recognized.' <br />
<br />
And maybe that's part of the secret to enjoying feria-in a place with few social gatherings, and even fewer (ok none) after dark, feria gives the people here an excuse to leave the house at night, run into acquaintances, friends, and family, and reconnect over a hot <em>pupusa.</em> <br />
<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-69666924501134688962011-12-07T07:38:00.001-08:002011-12-07T11:42:18.985-08:00Attack of the pollen..<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYH7BcYdkGZ2PCRybadHlwlty6IOFJNZEt-Jt-UOm4q5I4TfQ0d5EWQhKNGsNLHGo3zzTJ65AbWpKtiqYwYPL-G8dQmBGZ4H4JC7_EtjqNhxKTbKyPxhbLVBMaFHBYMR41lQb1jxVDyKI/s1600/DSCF3415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYH7BcYdkGZ2PCRybadHlwlty6IOFJNZEt-Jt-UOm4q5I4TfQ0d5EWQhKNGsNLHGo3zzTJ65AbWpKtiqYwYPL-G8dQmBGZ4H4JC7_EtjqNhxKTbKyPxhbLVBMaFHBYMR41lQb1jxVDyKI/s320/DSCF3415.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pollen City...</td></tr>
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<br />
After laying low this weekend with the cold, I woke up yesterday feeling good enough to caffeinate and put on my running shoes... Being a total beginner, and trying to start running, well, missing five days isn't good. Especially when the last time I went out, I ran for 8 minutes straight.....! Those of you who would consider yourself runners probably find this laughable, but consider: I haven't run for 8 minutes straight like...ever. Or at least since sophomore year of high school. <br />
<br />
So anyways, yesterday I put my running shoes on, leashed up my dog, and set out to sweat a little bit. All was going alright, although I definitely felt the days of bedrest with a cold. They just cut the cornstalks down, and it was a pretty windy day, both of which I think contributed to what happened next. I was overcome by a violent sneezing fit, with the kind of sneeze that almost knocks you over. Still about 15 minutes from my house, I tried to recover and (somewhat) gracefully return home-but the sneezes continued! And continues....<br />
<br />
It feels like someone shoved a tiny nail up my left nostril, and no amount of nose blowing, or hot saltwater snorting, or itching or sniffeling will get rid of it =/ I guess some pollen got up there and is trying to procreate inside my nostril and its just painful/annoying enough to make me want to cry. Instead, I'm continuing to blow my nose, sniffel, flush it out with water-all of which is starting to hurt too. Argh... <br />
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Just hoping it will go away sooner than later, but it is <em>maddening</em> for sure. <br />
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It continues to be Cold up here, Volcano hike is Postponed until next week. I am making headway on a Bird Guide for the park =) and daydreaming about coming home more often than not. I've been gone for two years, long enough for my friends to start careers, move across the country, fall in love, make babies-<em>gah</em>, but time has flown by. When I was saying goodbye, it felt like I would be gone forever. And while it has gone by fast, it seems it has also been long enough for <em>everything</em> to change... <br />
<br /><em>Update: Killed it at P90X Yoga, which I decided to do instead of running due to high wind and freezing cold...Also knocked loose whatever was stuck in my nose. Musta been all that deep breathing. </em>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-82983509048177864502011-12-04T14:40:00.001-08:002011-12-04T14:55:57.288-08:00Feria!...It's that time of year again-feria. Each Guatemalan town has a different patron saint, which they celebrate with a week long festival called Feria each year. Vendors come to town and build a shanty town out of 2x4's and corrugated tin roofing, selling <em>roscas </em>(like pretzels), <em>dulce tipicos</em> (an assortment of sweets), really terrible pizza, hot dogs, churros that are nothing like mexican churros, and also clothes, kitchen items, etc etc. <br />
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I couldn't write anything nice about feria-all it translates to for me is annoyingly loud music, annoyingly drunk men stumbling through the streets of my town, and events that people expect me to get excited about but I can't (like beauty pageants and grown men dancing in cartoon character costumes), most of which happen in the late afternoon and night time-you know, when it falls below 40 degrees out. <br />
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I also got a sore throat and runny nose yesterday so I had a rather sedentary weekend. Tried to lay low to get over it quickly. I watched half a season of Grey's Anatomy yesterday. <br />
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Back to Feria, it isn't officially starting until Wednesday so maybe more thrilling updates as the week progresses =0 <br />
<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-31044467153983170482011-12-02T13:58:00.001-08:002011-12-02T14:18:21.443-08:00I hate you Tigo, so much...So my mother thinks my list for December is a little ambitious...perhaps she's right. But it's good to push yourself every now and then-otherwise you'll never know what you might be capable of. ....right? (love ya, mom)<br />
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My counterpart Verney and I got started on one of my goals -trail work and improvement- yesterday with a grueling 5 hours of trail maintenance-re cutting in trail edges, cleaning off the leaf litter, putting signs back in their appropriate places, re-leveling picnic areas after the rainy season. Wow, it was just really difficult to think of those words in English, since all the trail stuff is conducted in Spanish generally. <br />
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I returned to find that my internet service provider, Tigo, is completely incompetent at figuring out one minor issue I had with billing 2 months ago. They gave me the wrong acct number to pay my account in September, and I have talked to at least 6 or 7 different customer service reps on the phone and in person who have assured me they would fix the problem. When my internet modem was disactivated again yesterday, I almost lost it. <br />
<br />
I realize this seems unreasonable but i use the internet to stay in touch with friends and family on skype, read the news (ok i'm joking, i don't really read the news), work, ... ok i've become admittedly attached to my internet connection to pass the long lonely nights (sob). So when Tigo hasn't been able to fix the problem and keeps toying with my emotions by temporarily re-activating my modem and then turning it off unexpectedly in the middle of the week, it makes me a little upset. <br />
<br />
Ok, enough ranting about that. The good news is that I had to come into the office to use the internet here, and got to show and tell the CUTEST salamanders that we found yesterday in the park. Also took measurements and lots of photos with the muni's high res camera hoping to ID it (or not, they find new species here all the time). I also took one of them around to the different offices doing a little informal education about amphibians-everyone is afraid of creepy crawly type creatures here so every opportunity for them to see and touch them is a step in the right direction.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvjS5OA9D8robIu7ZX2EkfCyFcdsvaXMfqzy-S2AKXEleLv3gSkzOktUmPvNkwCOd26Kv7VSrXW5VpZmJyNdWhh1QVGw9FjYeGkHN9vxyFLxsWWDQdYuo7k0H5EcgIx331LWNmOqqrJ8/s1600/clarnce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvjS5OA9D8robIu7ZX2EkfCyFcdsvaXMfqzy-S2AKXEleLv3gSkzOktUmPvNkwCOd26Kv7VSrXW5VpZmJyNdWhh1QVGw9FjYeGkHN9vxyFLxsWWDQdYuo7k0H5EcgIx331LWNmOqqrJ8/s320/clarnce.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't he the <em>cutest</em> thing you've ever seen?? </td></tr>
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Today the Swiss NGO Helvetas ProBosque, who helped start our park project and ended their involvement last December, came to see how the project is progressing. They were pleased by the follow through by the local community, as well as the growing enthusiasm and support in the town for the trail and outdoor recreation opportunity. They had the same concerns that I do about a lack of local guides and personnel in the park and suggested we look harder for funds to pay a few more people to be dedicated full time to the educational programming, guest services, and vigilance of the park and its installations. My counterpart and I are advocating and looking for funding for additional personnel, hoping for a change with the change of government in January. <br />
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In other news..... Planning to hike Tajumulco one day next week, ran 3 kilometers without stopping on Wednesday, saw Breaking Dawn (no spoilers but it was pretty awesome) with my host sister, and thought of another thing to add to my personal goals list-drink 2 liters of water a day. I'm reading Omnivore's Dilemma and it is super depressing, at the same time making me not want to return to the proximity of processed foods and high fructose corn syrup in the US and appreciating the availability and affordability of 'whole foods' here in Guatemala. It makes me want to boycott food altogether-but is motivating me to be more adamant about buying at farmers markets, etc. once I get back to the States. <br />
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This has been sort of a random mishmash of thoughts and updates today but I realized that even though it felt like I blogged a lot in November I only had 8 or 9 posts..... I am working harder to bring you the news and the weather (or something) in the life of this Peace Corps Volunteer. <br />
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Ciao <br />
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<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-48750727583237615662011-11-30T11:14:00.001-08:002011-11-30T11:34:44.479-08:00Turn around those December Doldrums..I got back from vacation on Sunday, and after a day of recuperation from the grueling bus ride on Monday I woke up on Tuesday and asked myself <em>What now?</em> <br />
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Rejuvenated from a couple of days in the Caribbean, I was full of energy and ready to throw myself into changing the world with a new passion-only one problem. December may be the worst month to be a PCV-if you're like me and elected to spend your meager Peace Corps stipend on seeing the sights in and around your host country instead of flying home for the holidays. |Because Guatemalans do celebrate Christmas, along with a host of traditions and festivities in the weeks leading up to Christmas, and New Years, and in my site the feria, or carnival to celebrate the patron saint of Sija, occurs from the 7th to the 14th of December <em>officially.</em> Unofficially, what all of this boils down to is a general spirit of festivity and vacation for the <em>entire </em>month of December.....or, to put it more simply, no one really does any work for the next 30 days. <br />
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*sigh* <br />
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Having already frivolously spent all my vacation days <em>and</em> all my money (anybody <em>surprised</em> by this?), I run the risk of going absolutely insane playing the waiting game this December. In order to avoid, or at least quell, this dilemma, I sat down and made a list of goals for December-things I can do by myself, or nearly by myself, that don't cost a lot of money, can be done in or around my site, improve my physical and mental well being, and are constructive. In an attempt to cement my commitment to these goals, I've decided to share them with you all. Here goes..... <br />
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<strong>Work Goals for December:</strong><br />
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1. First draft of Flora and Fauna Guide for the park <br />
2. Trail Work (got a lofty list that I won't share here)<br />
3. Request Letter of Recommendation from my Peace Corps boss<br />
4. Information Booth for our Park during Feria<br />
5. Make headway on Recycling efforts<br />
6. Mural in Community Library<br />
7. Get involved in Peace Corps training and support activities<br />
8. Make flyers to publicize our trail in Spanish Schools in Xela<br />
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<strong>Personal Goals for December:</strong><br />
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1. Run 5k (not even an official race, just be able to run that far without stopping) <br />
2. Buy kennel for Bella<br />
3. Climb Volcan Tajumulco<br />
4. Start cleaning out apartment<br />
5. Take my own recyclables to Recycling Center in Xela<br />
6. Spend time with host family <br />
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For all my fellow PCV's that aren't traveling home for the holidays, I know how tough it can be. Hope I've motivated you to turn December into a transformative month in your service-a time to catch your breath, make personal changes and improvements, and get ready to work hard again in January =) I love marathons of Grey's Anatomy as much as the next PCV, don't get me wrong- but here's a chance to break up the movie watching and baking.<br />
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Wish me luck! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAejBFyTK7jpUdhA-Wpk8cKkJm6W_PoPQPBy4M_CMCuX1ZK59iVrpjCyYzwtZN42L3FcTd0LSZeIptxPqf4-15pP914mA7fyElGey5aaKMsHnEHvjOH1jKRImrtlACfwTWBDW3VYJRrI/s1600/beachbabe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAejBFyTK7jpUdhA-Wpk8cKkJm6W_PoPQPBy4M_CMCuX1ZK59iVrpjCyYzwtZN42L3FcTd0LSZeIptxPqf4-15pP914mA7fyElGey5aaKMsHnEHvjOH1jKRImrtlACfwTWBDW3VYJRrI/s320/beachbabe.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-63412072955612552052011-11-28T16:01:00.001-08:002011-11-28T16:45:16.903-08:00Turkey Day in the CaribbeanJust got back last night from a wonderful Thanksgiving vacation to the Caribbean. Traveling ALL DAY (Guatemala has made me into a marathon traveler-13 hours to get from home to our hotel in Livingston), we woke up on Turkey Day feeling like a hike to stretch out after the bus ride. We hiked to Siete Altares, or Seven Altars, a cascading set of pools leading out to the ocean. After the hour and a half long walk, jumping in the cool springwater felt amazing. Surrounded by jungle, the 7 Altares pools were a beautiful way to start our vacay. <br />
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We returned from our afternoon of hiking, swimming, and drinking on the beach Hungry! Thanks to Rusty, owner of Casa de la Iguana hostel in Livingston, Guatemala, we had a traditional turkey meal attended by lots of Peace Corps Volunteers and other travelers. I ate the best turkey I'd ever had and actually managed to say no to the mountains of mashed potatoes and gravy so's not to stuff myself beyond capacity. I defintely missed the leftovers though =( <br />
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The day after we left Livingston to enjoy another hotel called Finca Tatin. It's a little place in the jungle upriver on Rio Dulce. I like it because they have lots of hammocks and several docks for sunning and swimming, t he food is great, and the rooms are in the jungle. Lights go out at 10 b/c the whole place runs on a generator so you can enjoy a quiet night surround by jungle sound s and complete darkness. <br />
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We got to spend one afternoon sunning, swimming, and enjoying a few cold ones. In the morning, we took kayaks out on Rio Dulce and paddled along the shores for a few hours. I forgot how stunning every turn around the river is. I was also excited to see a few green iguanas in the trees. Unfortunately, its obvious that they are hunted because as soon as they saw me (from pretty far away) they headed up high into the trees. <br />
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All too soon it was time to head home =( but not before meeting two couples that are living my dreams-one cute young Australian couple who travel "professionally," traveling and picking up odd jobs in between with no real home base-and an older couple who bought a 36' sailboat 16 years ago in Louisiana and have been sailing around the Caribbean since then. Both (hopefully) kind of a look into my future. <br />
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Anyways, like i was saying, the time to leave the Caribbean came all too quickly. It always does. Which is why I think more and more about someday <em>never</em> having to leave =) <br />
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Hope everyone had a Great Thanksgiving with family and friends and too much food!Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-76633235436148969162011-11-22T07:20:00.001-08:002011-11-22T07:55:20.324-08:00Where did November go?It's been a week and a half since I wrote?? Is it just me-or is this November just <em>flying</em> by? Which leads me to wonder what the <em>hell</em> I've been up to since then-glancing at my calendar, scratching my head.. Peace Corps brought a group of ecotourism volunteers here for their in-service training-An opportunity for Volunteers at their 1 year mark to learn new technical skills that apply to the projects they are working on. We were able to go up to our park and talk about trail design and maintenance. I'm happy to say that the previous Volunteer and the NGO Helvetas ProBosque, together with the local park committee, did a pretty good job constructing the trail here to begin with, so it served as a great example for the group that came. <br />
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Wednesday I was supposed to take my group of kids hiking, but was struck with a case of food poisoning that kept me in bed clutching my stomach all day. Just when I thought I had developed that Iron Stomach so coveted in the PCV population-I hadn't been sick in <em>months</em>-there's nothing like a good stomach flu to keep you humble. <br />
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Luckily, that only lasted one long, painful day. Unluckily, the rainy, grey skies persisted on Thursday and Friday..and right now I've about had it with the grey cold drearies since they prevent me from working in the park =/ <br />
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Saturday my friend Steph and I made a happy discovery in Xela-the existence of a delicious microbrew, served in pitcher form no less, right next to our bus stops! AND, in a town devoid of outdoor seating because Guatemalans just aren't into it, an outdoor patio to sip our brews and chat. You have to understand, there is NO beer on tap here, and the national beers are terrible, so this is a huge windfall. <br />
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After a typical Sunday (laundry, dishes, cleaning the apartment, run) I headed up to the trail yesterday to do a little honest work. I'm fortunate to have the opportunity and ability to do some manual labor in the park when I want to, and our trail maintenance seminar inspired me to grab a hoe and get a little dirty. Sometimes you just need to put effort into something that gives you results you can see-the Holy Grail of Peace Corps life. <br />
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And that brings us to today, Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Peace Corps was gracious in giving us Wednesday through Sunday off, and so I am taking a much needed trip to the Caribbean Coast with Tara. While part of me wishes I were sharing Turkey Day with all of you back in the States, another part of me can already taste the grilled lobster and rum-filled coconut. I love the day before a trip-the anxiety and excitement, something that I have truly come to enjoy here. <br />
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Happy Turkey Day everyone! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adventure on our trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They got me to play soccer-Bella helped too</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bellá and my host family's husky, Gold </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeping warm with Bella and Pia, another Volunteer's dog</td></tr>
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OK, I just realized 3/4 pictures with and of my puppy =/ I can't help it! Hopefully you think she's as cute as I do. <br />
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Eat a slice of pumpkin pie for me and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! <br />
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xoxo<br />
AmberAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-86957637999807609182011-11-11T07:45:00.001-08:002011-11-11T08:21:44.459-08:00Murphy's LawDo you ever have those days where things just go horribly, comically awry? Yesterday was one of those days for me. I woke up way before necessary and stumbled out to get the coffee going in my french press. When I put the lid on with the hot water and ground coffee in, the filter came off and sunk down to bottom of the jar.... =/ It took me like 5 minutes to get the filter out of the hot water and screwed back on properly. I was cursing and thinking "I can't deal with this, I haven't had my coffee yet!".... Little did I know this was an indication of the rest of my day. <br />
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At the risk of sounding like an old country song... My internet stopped working, I got catcalled by long-haired, greasy teenagers, and my bus broke down halfway up the mountain. And I bought a mexican torta from the new restaurant in town that was so bad, I fed it to my dog after one bite.<br />
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However, there is always a silver lining-I was so worked up that I went for a run to burn off some frustration before heading to the Tigo (internet provider) store. Yes, I've started running after many years of proclaiming that "I don't run." The nice weather got me feeling antsy with a lot of pent up energy. I've been hiking and walking my dog so much that it doesn't really get me winded anymore. I live at over 9,000 ft and all the roads I walk on have big, steep hills. I decided to try running or jogging. I actually googled "how to start running," having no idea, and feeling that I would probably hate it and go back to power walking after one try. <br />
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But I really enjoyed it. I started three weeks ago and have been increasing my run intervals and decreasing walking time-yesterday i ran for like 4 minutes without feeling like keeling over. Progress. Maybe at this point in my service, I feel like I need to do something that produces tangible, rapid results. Not a whole lot of that in development work. I was concerned that I would get catcalled or feel uncomfortable in my sweatpants, sweating and huffing and pufffing along. But I'm known well enough in my community that I usually see people I know, or that know me, and greet me and wave as I go by. So, while I won't be running a Marathon anytime soon, I can measure in minutes and meters an improvement in myself. <br />
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And my Comedy of Errors sort of day? It ended the only way one of those days can end-with a good movie and a big glass of red wine. <br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-43932835894148401582011-11-04T08:27:00.000-07:002011-11-11T08:22:31.017-08:00Drizzly FridayI woke up this morning to a familiar sound. Rat tat tat a tat....the lovely sound of rain on a tin roof. I thought, no, that's not right-but upon peeking out my window I saw the familiar drizzly scene and sighed. At least I'm prepared for a rainy day-new dvds, yummy snacks, and bella got to play with her buddy Gold (my host brother's hugemongous husky dog) All Day yesterday so she's not too disappointed about not going out today. But I had planned to work in the park today-I can see that plan going down the drain with the drip drip drip of this drizzly rain. <br />
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The town is mourning the tragic death of one of their own-a young guy who was a close friend of many, including my counterparts and my host brother. He attempted suicide by grabbing onto the electrical wires and was brought to the hospital in xela, where he died three days later. His friends and family were further upset by graphic photos published in the paper yesterday of the firemen taking his body down from the electrical pole, along with accusations that he was up there trying to steal electrical cables. <br />
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Don't think I've mentioned before that there is a newspaper published here, of the tabloid variety, called Nuestro Diario that publishes uncensored pictures of dead bodies after accidents, gunfights, etc. I've always been a little shocked and disturbed by this paper, and its popularity, but until yesterday hadn't thought about how the friends and family of the deceased would feel about such photos being published for entertainment and shock value. <br />
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People here were upset by the article, but the paper sold out anyways. My host family looked up the article online last night and were looking at the pictures, I turned away. Even the grandkids were in the room and saw the photos too. I dont know why this rubbernecking behavior is so prevalent here, the attraction to gore and death... Are they desensitized? Are we too sheltered from it? <br />
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Right on time, the marching band is starting to play outside to start off the fanfare and funeral procession that I hear will last most of the day. Uniting to mourn the loss of a beloved member of the community, coming together to ease their pain and share the burden with each other. They are reminded that life is short and precious as they try to make sense of one of their own ending his own life. Despite all the hardships of life in Guatemala, suicide is rare-making this loss even harder to understand. <br />
<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-23225619267814770602011-11-04T08:25:00.000-07:002011-11-04T08:25:18.494-07:00A Week in Review<br />
<strong>Some Highlights from this week</strong><br />
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-Saw a Mountain Trogon for the first time in our park (in the quetzal family) <br />
-Started putting out coverboards to survey herpetofauna (a little late but <em>better late than never</em>, an emerging mantra for my last few months here)<br />
-Went all the way down to xela for lap swimming to find that the pool is closed until january for swim lessons =/<br />
-Bought two boxes of Turtle Brownies because they were on sale Q3 each (like 40 cents!) <br />
-Made Turtle Brownies to share with my host family, eating only two myself (success!)<br />
-Downloaded new How I Met Your Mother, Sex and the City (old), Glee, and True Blood thanks to randomly (lightning) fast internet <br />
-Skyped with Gina DeVecchio over on the east coast, and with my little brother in LA (west hollywood to be exact) and can't believe how grown up everyone is..... or that almost two years have gone by already<br />
-Guided a group of kids and women from my library groups up in our park, and had such a good time we're doing it again next week<br />
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</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645926207694741391.post-2863632793091436032011-11-02T07:23:00.000-07:002011-11-11T08:22:53.467-08:00Leaning on TechnologyMy computer got sick about two weeks ago. The screen flashed black and white while I was working on it in the office and I held my breath while it lasted -about 30 seconds-and then it went back to normal. I tried to deny that it had happened-perhaps I imagined it?<br />
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Later in the week, it happened over and over again after varying periods of normal function and I had to admit I had a problem. I googled the symptoms and the general consensus was that it was unsalvageable. I felt sick to my stomach. I took it to the repair shop, not even daring to hope that it could be fixed-but was assured that replacing the screen would fix the problem. <br />
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Does all this sound akin to the stress level that would accompany-oh i don't know - a sick <em>child</em>, not a piece of replaceable machinery?? While I am happy to report that after a week in the shop, all that was wrong was a loose connection that they fixed for about $10, the event brought to light my concerning dependence on this piece of machinery. <br />
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With it, its easy to keep tabs on friends and family, talk to my boyfriend <em>daily</em> on Skype, read the news, surf the internet mindlessly, watch movies and tv shows at night.... not to mention work related functions. <br />
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What the hell do peace corps volunteers do where there is no electricity and no internet? And Why aren't I one of them? I certainly hadn't pictured myself plugged into my email and facebook and blog Daily while down here in a <em>third world country</em>. *frowns* I feel guilty, uncomfortable with how much my computer occupies my daily life, but unable to stop. My computer is back,a nd here I am, surfing the net while I drink my coffee. I wish my service had been back in the 60's, before laptops and mobile internet and skype. Or do I?<br />
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The mini-crisis brought about by my computer getting sick forced me to ask these difficult questions today, and I hope will motivate me to reduce my computer time and increase time spent doing other activities and getting creative about doing so. Today for example (and actually have to cut this short now to do so) taking our Girl's Group from the Library to hike on the mountain. Yay physical activity, nature, sunshine.... !<br />
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In other news, we are being STANDFASTED again this weekend for the second round of elections. We dont expect any violence here in Sija, but thats probably why they want me to stay here. I'll try to avoid reading your FB status updates in real time. Promise.<br />
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<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16845349456672174602noreply@blogger.com0