I should have known better! It’s been about 2 weeks since I’ve written an entry and soo much has happened since then. I was sick last weekend and had to begin and finish a lesson plan during that weekend so I didn’t have much time for myself.
I can’t believe only 3 more weeks until I am back in Zarrabanda. I called Lourdes last night to catch up; she is excited to have me home again. : ) Who wouldn’t?! jk
*Side note*
“Excited” reminds me of a Spanish mishap I had the first day I was here in Honduras. - I was talking to Javier, this really nice bi-lingual trainer at our site, about how happy I was to meet my family and start this new adventure in my life- but in Spanish (you know trying to show off my Spanish speaking skills, haha) I told him “Si, estoy muy umm muy EXITADA para conocer my familia!” after an awkard pause and stare from Javier I asked… “Is that the right word?” He just looked at me, laughed, and replied, “no no no you shouldn’t say that, I know you are trying to translate “excited” in Spanish but it’s emocionada… “exitada” is a different type of excitement!” We both just laughed it off.
Darn tricky Spanish words!
Anywho
These past couple weeks I have been busy working on some independent projects. At first the “independent projects” were a little ambiguous but after about a week I was well aware of some needs in the community.
I am working with la Escuela and Coloegio de Ojojona and Colegio de Santa Ana (the next town by us). The initial contact with the principals was a little intimidating as all the information I was told was who to talk to and that they were expecting a Cuerpo de Paz trainee. My first week trying to meet with them was actually very interesting and made me realize the differences in American vs. Honduran culture. One of the differences being that working hours aren’t exactly 8am – 4pm Monday thru Friday… especially schools. Things are more laid back here; when I was able to talk to the principals and professors the meetings were not solely about work, most of the conversation was about life in Honduras, politics, “los un-I-staes”… anything but work, and they lasted for about an hour, not once looking at their watch; they are all very interesting, nice, welcoming people to talk to. Well anywho, after a week of tracking people down and looking for work to do, I finally was able to get an idea of how my next few weeks would progress.
***
This past week I finished working with girls ages 14 – 17 attending trade school (taller de Hogar). These girls are learning how to knit and sew so that in the future they are able to sell the articles of clothing they have made and in a sense have them start thinking about methods to begin their own micro- business in whatever skills they possess. As Profesora Lesbia and I were looking over the syllabus for the class, one of their assignments in the next couple weeks was to have the students begin their own micro- empresa with the product being the things they have made in class. Seeing as my background is in business we figured that this was a great opportunity for me to teach about the basics of starting their own micro- empresa. I taught 2 classes last week and I truly feel they learned a little something… even if it was the definition of a couple terms or the first couple things to think about when starting a micro- empresa… I had a great sense of fulfillment after teaching and not to mention I have earned the title “profe” from students! : ) Next week I will be working with la Escuela de Ojojona and revising the inventory system they are using for their school supply store, I have a feeling this will be a little more challenging.
As for our technical classes, they have also kept me pretty busy, but very interesting. The week before my charla with las chicas, I as well as the other trainees were assigned to shadow a local businesses in the community. I was assigned to a local pulperia (the Honduran equivalent of a convenient store) to shadow their business and develop a business plan. I really liked this activity as I learned a lot about local businesses and I feel more confident in my writing business plan abilities. : )
As far as my host family goes… it’s been going pretty well. It’s Berta and I now, and she has definitely warmed up to me, she’s more talkative now. In my prior entries I may have made it seem as if I really disliked my family and was just terribly unhappy with them but that’s not the case. It’s just taken some getting used to, they are really nice people. Berta takes care of me really well too; last weekend when I was really sick, her mom senses kicked in and she tried her best to make me feel better. Also, last week I kinda gave a little hint that I was missing fried plantains with my dinner/ beans because I had that in Zarabanda, well a couple days later I found them on my plate along with my beans and they were delicious. Yes, fried plantains for dinner! They are actually quite delectable, I thought it was a little weird and too sweet at first but it’s not bad at all.
Also, Berta has been a little more adventurous now and leaves the house to go the market alone. Actually she kinda peeved me off last time she went, because she said she couldn’t find anything to make for lunch so we had leftovers. Now, don’t get me wrong I don’t mind the leftovers; I ate them at home and wouldn’t mind them now, what I do mind is that she doesn’t buy good healthy food. I know, you may be thinking: but Vanessa they are poor, you have to understand if that’s all they have to eat that is all they have! Well I’m here to tell you, that the host families get reimbursed pretty well for having us in their house, actually they may be making a nice little profit off me since I don’t think I eat that much…. Yes folks, I have been cutting down on the food intake. : P
Anyhow, life is great. I’m glad to be here. Some days are a little more challenging then others but that’s what I was looking for… a challenge. I find out in about 2 weeks where I will be placed for the next 2 years of my life!! Aaahhh
Hope everyone is doing well. Keep on showing me love please! besos
P.S. Amor y Frijoles takes place in Ojojona! It´s a must see vid... just cause you get to see where I live. jk. it´s not such a bad movie...
Friday, April 30, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Munchers 4.6.10
Oh yeah, one more thing I miss! Going to sleep peacefully without a worry that a pesky bug might attack me!!! Last night I stayed up for about an hour listening to cockroaches stumbling around my garbage bag and eating my trash. Talk about paranoid! I haven’t felt really uneasy going to sleep but last night I was certainly missing my own bed. I guess I kind of deserve that little scare. Before I knew about my little mango incident I had ordered delicious homemade doughnuts for my host family to share as well, but after I found out about my mangos I decided to have the doughnuts all for myself. Haha, I know evil Vanessa! Well I left the package in the garbage for awhile and have a feeling that’s what the cockroaches were munching on last night!
Lights out! 4.2.10
It is 9 o’clock on a Friday night and I’m in bed. The electricity has been out for about 30 min now and before then went out 2 more times. It’s also raining for the first time since I have been here… a little eerie. This makes me think of the – what I considered- simple things in life or what I took for granted in the states, for example, reliable electricity or running water. Here, in Ojojona, the town gets running water about every 3 days; this means conserving water is essential around here. Typically Berta and I talk about rationing water at least once a day: how many more days till the water comes, if the water came today, are we running out of water, will we need to use the sisterna, is there any water in the pila… on and on.
Texting and calling in the states were also taken for granted. Here, I have to consciously use my saldo (prepaid amount) to communicate.
Texting and calling in the states were also taken for granted. Here, I have to consciously use my saldo (prepaid amount) to communicate.
Sardines and Mangos 3.31.10
Just going on a little rant today… it’s pretty funny, I was a little peeved at first but I can only laugh now!
As I mentioned in my previous blog my intake of vegetables and fruits has become practically non- existent. I loved getting my daily intake of healthy food groups and now it has come to a complete halt… no, I lie, the only fruits I do consume are the ones made in juice that are loaded with sugar.
Fyi, everything is 10x sweeter here, including coffee. I’m starting to like it now, just took some getting used to.
I digress
It’s been a week now since I have been craving some delicious juicy sweet mangos and have been tempted to purchase some from the street vendors conveniently located everywhere in Ojojona. Monday I gave in and decided that I, as well as my host family were in need of some delicious fruit, specifically, mangos! So after class I took a stroll to the nearest street vendor and asked him kindly to give me 5 of his best mangos for my host family and I (surprisingly sold at 1 lempira each... about 10 cents). Well I get home and tell them I bought mangos for us and Berta graciously says thank you and sets them on the table.
***
Tuesday comes along and it’s time for lunch. Lunch is always a nice little surprise because rarely do I find a meal that is disappointing. As usual I setup the table and was helping prepare when suddenly a faint fishy smell hits me… I look at the stove a little worried and what do I see… sardines! Now I have heard some bad stories about sardines, so I automatically think the worst. I have never actually had sardines, and I am a firm believer in “you can’t knock it till you try it” attitude, so my host mom went ahead and prepared my plate with 2 sardines, an egg, and rice. Well, let’s just say I politely declined the second sardine… I tried and certainly knocked it! BLAH
Well after the disappointment I thought, what better time to eat my delicious mango then now. I went to the kitchen searching for my mango and just couldn’t find it, so I asked Berta where she had placed the mangos because I wanted to take one to school. She gasps, looks at me in shock and says, “awww, I ate the last one this morning!”… I was furious!!!! Couldn’t believe it, after I was served sardines for lunch I was robbed from my delicious sweet mango! Sooo upset!
I’m sure it wasn’t done in a malicious intent just a simple miscommunication or someone mistakenly didn’t do their math and forgot they had eaten two... whatever the case funny story now.
As I mentioned in my previous blog my intake of vegetables and fruits has become practically non- existent. I loved getting my daily intake of healthy food groups and now it has come to a complete halt… no, I lie, the only fruits I do consume are the ones made in juice that are loaded with sugar.
Fyi, everything is 10x sweeter here, including coffee. I’m starting to like it now, just took some getting used to.
I digress
It’s been a week now since I have been craving some delicious juicy sweet mangos and have been tempted to purchase some from the street vendors conveniently located everywhere in Ojojona. Monday I gave in and decided that I, as well as my host family were in need of some delicious fruit, specifically, mangos! So after class I took a stroll to the nearest street vendor and asked him kindly to give me 5 of his best mangos for my host family and I (surprisingly sold at 1 lempira each... about 10 cents). Well I get home and tell them I bought mangos for us and Berta graciously says thank you and sets them on the table.
***
Tuesday comes along and it’s time for lunch. Lunch is always a nice little surprise because rarely do I find a meal that is disappointing. As usual I setup the table and was helping prepare when suddenly a faint fishy smell hits me… I look at the stove a little worried and what do I see… sardines! Now I have heard some bad stories about sardines, so I automatically think the worst. I have never actually had sardines, and I am a firm believer in “you can’t knock it till you try it” attitude, so my host mom went ahead and prepared my plate with 2 sardines, an egg, and rice. Well, let’s just say I politely declined the second sardine… I tried and certainly knocked it! BLAH
Well after the disappointment I thought, what better time to eat my delicious mango then now. I went to the kitchen searching for my mango and just couldn’t find it, so I asked Berta where she had placed the mangos because I wanted to take one to school. She gasps, looks at me in shock and says, “awww, I ate the last one this morning!”… I was furious!!!! Couldn’t believe it, after I was served sardines for lunch I was robbed from my delicious sweet mango! Sooo upset!
I’m sure it wasn’t done in a malicious intent just a simple miscommunication or someone mistakenly didn’t do their math and forgot they had eaten two... whatever the case funny story now.
Week ONE Ojojona/ FBT 3.28.10
Soooooo this has been an interesting week, where do I start? Host family? They have certainly have been interesting! : /
To begin, my host mother’s name is Berta, she is 53 years old and ama de casa, I live with her and her dad, Don Tego, whom is 80 something years old and mute. Berta also has a 26 year old son named Nori who visits with his girlfriend… Mari? Marti?... Whenever I say her name I just say it quick and mumble…it’s too late in the game to ask now. Haha
The first day we met our conservation was the usual “getting to know one another” convo. It’s always interesting getting to know people and their background, but in my case there wasn’t a connection… and there still isn’t. I know I shouldn’t be comparing my previous host family with my current host family but it’s so hard not to. The first day Lourdes and I met sparks flew, a connection was made. Haha Just kidding, but really, I truly felt comfortable with Lourdes, they made me feel apart of the family. There were little hints of things in their family that reminded me of my own family. For instance, Lourdes would always blast Latin music in the house, whether we were cleaning, making lunch, or it was early in the morning getting ready for the day, one of us would turn on the radio and belt out the tunes. Also, as I mentioned before Lourdes had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh much like my own family.
Anywho,
My current host mother stays at home 24/7, she rarely leaves the house, and if she does find a need to leave the house she is always accompanied. The last time she told me she left the house she said she paid her nephew to go with her to the market because she was afraid to leave the house alone! She always says she is afraid to do things and I truly feel sorry for her, yesterday I went to the pulperia (2 min walk) to purchase saldo for her phone because she was too scarred to walk alone; this is in contrast to superwomen Lourdes who commuted to Teguc by herself everyday till wee hours of the night. I try to make conversation when I come back from school, but when I ask her how her day was or what she did, her response is always, “oh, you know, the same”, or some variation of that. As you can imagine there isn’t much we can talk about and she tends to repeat herself constantly (really annoying). 6 more weeks…
On the upside, since my life is a lot more boring without tons of kids surrounding me… and Lourdes I have taken this time as a blessing in disguise and used it to focus on myself. For instance after class I jog everyday at the soccer field, I read more (currently reading 3 Cups of Tea), and not to mention will have more time to devote to my blogs.
Life here in Ojojona is definitely a lot slower then what I am used to; I think this is an adjustment I will need to make if I want to survive in Honduras. Saturday, after a couple hours of T.V. we spent about 2 hours outside just looking at the chickens walk around the lawn, we talked a couple times but the time was mostly filled with silence, the chickens talked more amongst each other perhaps. Most other trainees and their families went out to the beach, to another town, shopping… did something! I’m not asking for much; just take me out for a walk to get to know the town and people. You know? Well since I wasn’t looking forward to Sunday becoming the same ol’ story I decided to spend most of the day with a couple of trainees, which ended up being a great time.
Food is not as great as Lourdes’ either, I don’t get enough vegetables and any fruit! Breakfast is the usual warm milk and cereal, which I thought I could get used to, but it’s not happening. Also, (I know I am being nit picky) Berta as well as Lourdes always fill the cereal bowl with milk FIRST then add the cereal, 1) I can make my own cereal! 2) Who starts a bowl of cereal with milk 3) Why drown the cereal? And 4) If I had leftover milk the first time wouldn’t you give me less the second time around, especially since I said, “prodia tener menos leche?” ….I digress
Lunch… ehh mas o menos
Dinner… I think I am beaned out! Good thing beans aren’t affecting me here like they did in the states! … yeah you know what I’m talking about familia! With a plate of beans it’s typical to have mantequilla, which is a kind of like a sour cream substance. The first night she just added it on my beans without asking, I had to ask her to please place it on the side next time.
Berta really needs to step up her game!
On a more positive note, I can say that her homemade tortillas are the bombdiggity! Although they are made with mazeca they are still delicious.
As for technical classes, two other trainees (Brett and Allysun) and I are in the advanced Spanish class and will be participating in an independent project instead of having Spanish classes five days out of the week. This means a lot more flexibility and time management on out part. I’m still not sure of logistics, but I will be working with youth on subjects regarding business and computer basics, development topics, etc. Brett and Allysun are in charge of working with a local vocational school for young adults which is a very interesting opportunity as well. I think these next couple weeks will definitely be a challenge, but I am really excited!
Well this is my update so far! I have limited access to internet now, so I will only be able to answer emails during the weekend.
Next week, is Semana Santa so we have Thursday and Friday off! Woohoo
To begin, my host mother’s name is Berta, she is 53 years old and ama de casa, I live with her and her dad, Don Tego, whom is 80 something years old and mute. Berta also has a 26 year old son named Nori who visits with his girlfriend… Mari? Marti?... Whenever I say her name I just say it quick and mumble…it’s too late in the game to ask now. Haha
The first day we met our conservation was the usual “getting to know one another” convo. It’s always interesting getting to know people and their background, but in my case there wasn’t a connection… and there still isn’t. I know I shouldn’t be comparing my previous host family with my current host family but it’s so hard not to. The first day Lourdes and I met sparks flew, a connection was made. Haha Just kidding, but really, I truly felt comfortable with Lourdes, they made me feel apart of the family. There were little hints of things in their family that reminded me of my own family. For instance, Lourdes would always blast Latin music in the house, whether we were cleaning, making lunch, or it was early in the morning getting ready for the day, one of us would turn on the radio and belt out the tunes. Also, as I mentioned before Lourdes had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh much like my own family.
Anywho,
My current host mother stays at home 24/7, she rarely leaves the house, and if she does find a need to leave the house she is always accompanied. The last time she told me she left the house she said she paid her nephew to go with her to the market because she was afraid to leave the house alone! She always says she is afraid to do things and I truly feel sorry for her, yesterday I went to the pulperia (2 min walk) to purchase saldo for her phone because she was too scarred to walk alone; this is in contrast to superwomen Lourdes who commuted to Teguc by herself everyday till wee hours of the night. I try to make conversation when I come back from school, but when I ask her how her day was or what she did, her response is always, “oh, you know, the same”, or some variation of that. As you can imagine there isn’t much we can talk about and she tends to repeat herself constantly (really annoying). 6 more weeks…
On the upside, since my life is a lot more boring without tons of kids surrounding me… and Lourdes I have taken this time as a blessing in disguise and used it to focus on myself. For instance after class I jog everyday at the soccer field, I read more (currently reading 3 Cups of Tea), and not to mention will have more time to devote to my blogs.
Life here in Ojojona is definitely a lot slower then what I am used to; I think this is an adjustment I will need to make if I want to survive in Honduras. Saturday, after a couple hours of T.V. we spent about 2 hours outside just looking at the chickens walk around the lawn, we talked a couple times but the time was mostly filled with silence, the chickens talked more amongst each other perhaps. Most other trainees and their families went out to the beach, to another town, shopping… did something! I’m not asking for much; just take me out for a walk to get to know the town and people. You know? Well since I wasn’t looking forward to Sunday becoming the same ol’ story I decided to spend most of the day with a couple of trainees, which ended up being a great time.
Food is not as great as Lourdes’ either, I don’t get enough vegetables and any fruit! Breakfast is the usual warm milk and cereal, which I thought I could get used to, but it’s not happening. Also, (I know I am being nit picky) Berta as well as Lourdes always fill the cereal bowl with milk FIRST then add the cereal, 1) I can make my own cereal! 2) Who starts a bowl of cereal with milk 3) Why drown the cereal? And 4) If I had leftover milk the first time wouldn’t you give me less the second time around, especially since I said, “prodia tener menos leche?” ….I digress
Lunch… ehh mas o menos
Dinner… I think I am beaned out! Good thing beans aren’t affecting me here like they did in the states! … yeah you know what I’m talking about familia! With a plate of beans it’s typical to have mantequilla, which is a kind of like a sour cream substance. The first night she just added it on my beans without asking, I had to ask her to please place it on the side next time.
Berta really needs to step up her game!
On a more positive note, I can say that her homemade tortillas are the bombdiggity! Although they are made with mazeca they are still delicious.
As for technical classes, two other trainees (Brett and Allysun) and I are in the advanced Spanish class and will be participating in an independent project instead of having Spanish classes five days out of the week. This means a lot more flexibility and time management on out part. I’m still not sure of logistics, but I will be working with youth on subjects regarding business and computer basics, development topics, etc. Brett and Allysun are in charge of working with a local vocational school for young adults which is a very interesting opportunity as well. I think these next couple weeks will definitely be a challenge, but I am really excited!
Well this is my update so far! I have limited access to internet now, so I will only be able to answer emails during the weekend.
Next week, is Semana Santa so we have Thursday and Friday off! Woohoo
I'm still alive!
Hi All!
I’m still alive! I simply don’t have easy access to the internet like I used to. I have to use the internet café, about a 7 min walk away, but never get the chance to and I don’t really want to spend the money. But I’ll keep writing and then post as often as I can.
P.S. turns out Nori’s girlfriends name is Madi! Haha I’ve been calling her by the wrong name for over a week. Ooops!
Stay tuned
I’m still alive! I simply don’t have easy access to the internet like I used to. I have to use the internet café, about a 7 min walk away, but never get the chance to and I don’t really want to spend the money. But I’ll keep writing and then post as often as I can.
P.S. turns out Nori’s girlfriends name is Madi! Haha I’ve been calling her by the wrong name for over a week. Ooops!
Stay tuned
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