Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Gracias!

Gracias a todos!

I just wanted to drop a note and say thanks to everyone who donated to my little project – it has reached full funding!

Once I get the funds and start work I’ll post some pics!

Thanks again!

Some Independence Festivities and a Good-bye

We have had some amazing storms down here recently- amazing. They just come from nowhere and drop every bit of rain they carry. They cool off the temperatures, they give my turtle a place to swim….they’re great. They even give me a reason to stay home, read a book and drink a cup of tea….wonderful.

Though, I will admit…it probably wasn’t wonderful for the students running the 18 kilometers to bring the Liberty flame to town. I wonder if it went out along the way and they had to reignite it…..hmmm. I guess it would just be mean to send them back to Sonsonate. They made it to town around 7:15ish at night.

The next day was the big parade and I failed miserable at my attempt to avoid it. I got up early to go help decorate the stage – I’m used to place things in high places since I’m one of the tallest girls around. (I hate that ‘cause I look like a giant in most photos). Four bands were participating and they all marched into town – that’s when Don Justo dragged me up to the table of honor. They have so many things saluting the flag – the national anthem (which is incredibly long), the pledge, a few poems – I don’t know, a lot. It was excersise standing and sitting, standing and sitting…..

Anyway, then there was the parade I marched in front of and that Don Justo mysteriously got out of marching in. Something about his recent eye surgery and not being able to stay in the sun – what a cop out.

That afternoon, we raffeled off the blender for the artisans. I sold about 9 lists for them – I shook everyone down. My boss, the mayor, the drunkards, myself…everyone. But, they raised a good amount of money to help pay for the labor needed for their ovens. I went to the Health Center to have them pull the numbers so that no one could say it was wrongly done. The first numbers they pulled gave the blender to my boss – but, I decided that the community at large wouldn’t appreciate that and nor did my boss actually want he blender…so I re-raffeled it on the spot. Yes, I told him and I even tried to call him. But – such is life. The blender then went to a little old lady in the community who loves it. YEY!

I’m not sure what our next fundraiser will be – maybe selling flowers or food for the next event.

I was exhauseted by the end of the day – running around in the sun will do that to ya. Sunday was a much more relaxed day of doing some cleaning, cooking and napping. I won’t say what I did the most of…but come on.

Monday I headed into the San Sal for a good-bye lunch for a good friend – Allison. Getting there was harder then I thought – who knew there was a rush hour at the bus terminal…not me. Anyway, she has just finished three years of service and is heading home. During the last year, she has been working in the office as support to volunteers in the field – and she’s helped me out a whole bunch. So, attending a lunch and bringing a small gift was the least I could do. Yes, I gave her pottery. I’ll miss you Allison!

After the lunch – I had the longest trip home ever. There was sooo much traffic. I think I crashed early just because of it.

And well, that brings me to today – Tuesday. I’m working on a few things but do have time to go post this.

Later!

Back into the wild blue yonder!

So, it is always a ruff return to work after seeing family. Especially since I had to return directly to my site after dropping them off the airport. Hurricane Felix threatened to come by (don’t worry, I only got about an hour or two of heavy rain fall), so Peace Corps locked us down in our sites and didn’t want me to spend the night in the capital.

Though, the return was made a little easier with the arrival of a package from my wonderful sister and Nora – the foreign exchange student my family scarred so long ago!
Both packages were filled with lots of good stuff – Maryann always knows what to send, but is insisting I share the chocolate…I think that’s wrong, and Nora sent some shirts from a small business she’s startin out.

I am personally thrilled with my shirts.

Any who, onward to what has going on down here.

I was sitting in on a meeting between my artisans and an NGO called ADEL that is working with them also. For the longest time ADEL has been talking about bringing the some pottery wheels and a communal oven or two – I’m talking about months. On Thursday, my artisans turned to ADEL and told them they were rethinking the pottery wheels and ovens – but could they ask for something else. I know this sounds wrong – but it felt good to see someone else getting screwed around with. He he he he he.

Other then that, it’s been working on starting an environmental thing. The town hall still isn’t sure if they want to solicit funds from an NGO (or that I would solicit) or if they think they can do it all by themselves. I’m going to write a work plan that includes community participation (cleanup campaigns, reforestation, and the like), education and recycling. I’ll keep you updated on how it’s going.

I also got to talk to Mario – a lead guy at the local branch of Ayuda en Accion (help in action – an NGO from Spain, I believe). He’s a great guy and easy to get along with. Last Friday I spent about an hour in his office chit chattin about what he wanted to do in the community and what I was up to and how he could help. He says he can help me out with everything – and I believe him.

Here is where the weekend was – but, I didn’t do anything and so is not worthy of much more then a line.

Another little surprise came when talking with one of the teachers from the local school. I got there so we can practice his English. He started talking about the civil war – he grew up in this little town and remembers when the war started. His mother had left around 5 am to go mill the corn and came back quickly because there were soldiers everywhere and they warned her that a fire fight was going to break out – and it did, about an hour later. Apparently, guerillas use to train here by the waterfalls and in one of the cantons. It didn’t receive the most action, but it wasn’t as peaceful as I initially thought.

Also in respect to the town – September celebrates El Salvador’s independence! I, personally, think they should rename the month to reflect the shear number of parades they have. They have at least 4 or 5! It’s insanity. Anyway, this month usually means me blowing up a lot of balloons…and I have. I think I have almost passed out at times – but darn those arches look good.

Maybe I should actually explain some of the events. The first parade is to inaugurate the month and the civic week. The second parade involves only the kinder gardeners marching around town. The third…I guess isn’t quite a parade….is when students run from Sonsonate to the pueblo to bring a torch – the independence flame? They then run around town before presenting it to the Mayor in the town park. The fourth parade takes place on Independence Day (the 15th). And the final act is at the end of the month – a band competition and a closing ceremony. In all the parades – the baton dancers go in front and then the band follows. Occasionally, they have native dancing and once I saw cheerleading outfits. So far, I have managed to escape having to sit at the table of honor or march in the parade…..I’m not sure how long my luck will last.

That’s about all I’ve got for now…Salud!

Saturday, September 08, 2007

The Great Parent Visit

So, being the nervous person that I am – I believe I arrived at the airport before my parent’s flight ever-left Miami…but that is to be expected.

They walked through those airport doors, with a look of bewilderment, and I screamed out their names and it was a joyous reunion. You could almost hear the band in the background. Hugs and kisses were given all around before heading over to the car rental agency – Avis.

They found our reservation and gave us a ride to the hotel in which they are stationed. This brings about our first little snafu. The girl who dropped us off – left with all our baggage still in the trunk…thankfully she returned quickly once called upon. The rental took a little longer then usual due to a hidden fee (evil lying Avis) but we were soon on our way.

Though, it was at the rental agency that I was reminded it was my father’s b-day…my bad. The rental agent started talking about saying happy birthday and I was like….oops. But who could blame me with the excitement of seeing my parents after 8 months?!

Anyway, we were then on our way to the hotel in San Salvador…or at least we thought. We missed a right and somehow were on our way to Sonsonate. We caught it early enough and pulled a U-turn…a very scary u turn. Dad pulled into oncoming traffic without the ability to enter into our proper lane. Dad asked me what we were doing, I said we were about to be hit and better to move to the side street….I believe I heard an up tick in the speed in which mother was playing yatzee.

After all that excitement – we made it to the hotel. I actually wasn’t that bad of a place. We then hit up Tony Roma’s – it’s nice to eat steak that you don’t have to tear in accordance with the grain of the meat. Not that I am complaining. We then just settled in for the night and I took and extremely long hot shower.

In the morning, we enjoyed breakfast and then made our way out to Suchitoto. It was a beautiful drive – well, at least after we had excited the main city. Suchitoto is a colonial town that is located next to a man made lake. The lake was formed by the construction of a dam. When we arrived, we found the tourist office and two Peace Corps volunteers – they are a married couple that had just been assigned there. They offered their suggestions and then we were on our way.

The hotel we stayed at was incredible! It definitely was decorated in a colonial feel and was owned by a lovely French family. The food was amazing – even when I accidentally got it with strawberries.

Now about the town – as mentioned, it is a beautiful town that is nestled in the greener area of the country. We enjoyed walking around and seeing the colonial church. The church is in need of restoration – but it is absolutely beautiful. You can kinda of see how the church in my community must of looked or felt. It’s a pity that the people accidentally ruined it while trying to improve it. But more about that another day.

We had lunch at a restaurant overlooking the lake – a wonderful view. And then headed out for a tour of the lake and a waterfall with a local gentleman. He picked us up at two and we first headed over to the waterfalls. The falls were formed by lava flows and have a very distinctive look. When the rock breaks, it breaks in log form – so when you look at the falls they look like logs stacked. Very fascinating. Around the falls was also an overlook at the lake. It had old tables from when there was a small business there. Unfortunately, the business didn’t survive the civil war.

Next up was the ride on the lake. It was a private ride and just a little bit wet – we just beat out the rain. On the trip out, our guide explained how underneath the lake was a small village and hacienda. People had actually refused to leave and drowned. He also told how the Salvadorian president received airplanes from the US during the civil war – he decided to show off these planes above the lake. The only problem was was that Suchitoto was a gorilla strong hold – so 6 of those brand new planes were shot down into that lake. I sometimes find it amazing that more Salvadorians don’t hold a grudge about US involvement in the civil war.

Anyway, after the fun of the day – we just chilled in the hotel, swam and enjoyed an amazing dinner…I miss ravioli. I also recall watching a bad movie – whatever.

The next day we were off to La Palma. The receptionist at the hotel suggested we take the ferry over the lake – the trip would be quicker and nicer. We agreed and headed down to the lake and after traveling a sketchy road and waiting a little while, we discovered that the ferry wasn’t running that day. In order to be accurate – mom wanted to call and I just dragged my feet…which was the reason for the delay. We then turned around and managed to find our way to the proper roads (which was always and adventure) and get to La Palma.

La Palma is a small town located up in the mountains. It is know for an art style started by Fernando Llort – it’s a painting style that involves bright colors and images of the countryside and people. Anyway, the entire town is decorated with these sorts of paintings – the pharmacy, family homes and restaurants…which makes finding a store that sells them tricky at first. But never feel – we found the way! After some shopping, we returned to the hotel where Dad and I hopped onto some horses for a small ride. It was a small ride cause A – my saddle was too small B- those horses had definitely seen better days and C- the horses didn’t have bits – it was just a rope over the nose…not something I like if I want to trot or canter. It’s a shame cause the trails we rode on would have been perfect for such activities. After that we just relaxed in the hotel. I believe we watched a lot of the US open, had dinner and headed to bed.

The next morning…Saturday?...Mom woke up sick – evil stomach sort of sick. After finding out that the docs office wouldn’t be open till 11ish – we thought it best to get on the road and hit up the lab in San Salvador. Yes, I brought my mother to a lab – but I shall leave out the finer details. An hour later we learned that she had amebas. We then headed over to the pharmacy to pick up the proper drugs – no prescription needed. While waiting for the diagnosis we went food shopping (I am FULLY stocked) and had lunch – at least Dad and I did. When we were all done, we continued our drive to Juayua.

Juayua is a small town that is known for its food festivals – they have them every weekend. We stayed in a small hotel where Mom slept the day away. The bright side was she picked the perfect day to get sick – it was just a day we traveled on. That night we hit up a small restaurant for dinner and met some guys who were traveling around the country. I was personally shocked that they chose El Salvador for three weeks of traveling – but why not. They had just come from a celebration in a small town – it celebrates the eruption of a volcano that happened in the 1800’s I believe. And how do they celebrate this – you may be asking. By playing dodgeball where the balls are actually on fire. I’m not kidding. Anyway – it was nice to chitchat and then we were off to watch more of the US open and head to bed.

Sunday we enjoyed the food festival and market. The market up there is a small market – very manageable – and has venders that sell nicer stuff. I can still feel my father cringing. We wandered around the market picking up small things and then headed into the church to see a famous carving of Christ. It is called the ‘Cristo Negro’ or black Christ – carved by a Mr Quirio Catano. We then settle down for a nice lunch before going to our final destination – my place!

A small note – yes we did do a lot of traveling, but you have to remember that El Salvador is a small country and our longest drive was no more then 3.5 hours – and that’s coming from one part of the country to another. The drives also tend to take you through beautiful scenes. So…it’s not that bad.

Anyway, we got to my town Sunday afternoon. Little kids quickly came and stared as we unpacked the car. Now, a church group had come in July and brought luggage too – but that luggage was filled with clothes and toys for them….they were a little disappointed when that didn’t seem to be happening this time around.

After settling down for a little bit – we walked around town a little. I introduced them to Iris and we chit chatted before heading off to see more. I just showed them the general stuff – we didn’t go in anywhere cause it was Sunday and nothing was open. We visited Jessica for a little while and check out two of my artisan shops.

Then it was back to the house to relax before dinner. Dinner was something Iris and Sonia put together for Mom and Dad. They bought the chickens and cooked it all up – I just contributed the cake. It was a small dinner – but it really gave both groups a chance to meet – get to know the other sides of my life. When they found out that it had been Dad’s birthday – we all sang and completed a Salvadorian tradition of smearing the icing on the birthday person’s face. Yes, I do have a picture.

That brings us to Monday. I woke up just fine – but apparently there are a lot of noises that I have learned to block out…like the bus that passes at 4 am or the chickens that wander in front of the house and whine at all hours. Oops. Other then that, Monday morning was lovely – Dad made pancakes and then we waited for the parade. Yup, a parade went past my house on Monday. It was to mark the opening of the month of Independence. I then took them out to meet the people I work with. We went to the church and met up with the gringo priest that was down visiting. A conversation with him is always interesting. And then it was off to the town hall to meet everyone I work with – the good, the bad and the ugly.

Once I had introduced them around there, we hit up lunch at the nice comedor, did some shopping at my artisans place and then chilled in the house waiting for Mayra to come home to go to the waterfalls. Instead of walking out there – we drove. Not just cause we’re lazy – but cause Mom still wasn’t up to full strength and there was the real threat of rain. Of course, my parents loved the falls – who wouldn’t. We didn’t stay to long cause you have to cross a river to get there and everyone was worried the level of the river would rise. I should explain – the road is actually submerged in the river by about 1 – 3 inches. So, when it rises it can be tricky to pass.

Then is was time to go home, take some showers (Dad the cold shower and Mom the hot bucket bath) before meeting my landlord. It stands out in my mind for the following conversation. My landlord turned to me and said, ‘Barbara – I was looking for you the other day to ask if you wanted to borrow these chairs for your parents visit’ I translated this to my mother and she said, ‘that would’ve been great since the chairs in her house are really uncomfortable.’ I panicked for a moment before remembering that my landlord doesn’t speak English and then turned to my mother and said ‘those are his chairs’ and then I turned to my landlord and said ‘my mom thinks the chairs are beautiful’ – nice recovery….I know.

Afterward we headed off to dinner at Pizza Hut (cause that’s fine dinning) and picked up the last few things…like a fan. Apparently Mom and Dad didn’t enjoy the first night without the fan. Anyway, we had a lovely dinner and then brought back pizza for Iris and Sonia. We also gave them their gifts. It was then that Iris said that we should head over to Don Justo’s house and say hi. Don Justo was great and invited us right in. It was interesting to see his reaction – very mayor -esk.

Tuesday came way too quickly. One more shot at Daddy pancakes, a packing up of the car and a tearful goodbye with Iris and Sonia. Iris was nice enough to pick up a little present for my parents – key chains.

Then we were off to the capital. We checked out the Peace Corps office, had a nice little lunch and went to the airport. Again – a tiny snafu with Avis, but then they were on their way. I think saying good-bye is always the hardest part. It didn’t help that I had to get back to my pueblo that afternoon – so I was in a rush. (Peace Corps had us on lock down for the hurricane that was going to hit but never really did).

It was really great to see them and I can’t wait to see them for Christmas. There is nothing like being spoiled like your parents.

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Operation Beautification

Operation Beautification

So, I crawled back to my site on Saturday morning and prepared to face the week.

What about Sunday you may ask – that was spent at a rodeo. It was up at San Pedro Puxtla…where my new neighbor is located. So, I went to chill with her. I grabbed a ride with my Mayor (cause there wasn’t a chance in hell he wasn’t going) and had a great time. It’s bad, I know – but I like going there with the Mayor cause he’ll pick up the tab to get in. The rodeo itself was nice and we got there late enough that it ended before I got really tired of being there. Afterward – he treated us to a pizza dinner. Who could resist?! So, I got back to the house a little late – but it was well worth it. It turned out to be a better day then I thought it would.

So, bring on Monday! This is when I started writing the solicitation to another NGO to help us build trashcans in the community. The only problem is that there is a good chance I will be rejected and I have to write the stupid thing in Spanish. Yes – my dictionary skills are improving. I’ll keep you all updated on how that goes.

Tuesday I went back and translated at the eye campaign. I gotta say – it sucked. Usually, when you ask for volunteers to come translate for you for free – there are certain norms. First, you find them a place to stay and second you feed them. We weren’t served lunch, only one small snack. I also noticed that they would offer chocolate or drinks to those who came down from the US, but not to any of the volunteers – whether they be gringos or Salvadorians. I also really didn’t feel needed. So, I didn’t go back on Wed.

Now from Wednesday through Friday, I spent a lot of time working on the aforementioned application.

I also started the first raffle for my artisans! The raffles are to help them pay for the labor – their part of the deal. So, if you want in on the chance at winning a beautiful new blender to liquefy your beans with….drop me a line.

I guess that brings us to the weekend. Before I head into the title of this entry, I’ll chit chat about my meeting with the Priest. So, I’ve solicited a university (yes, I solicit a lot of people) to come out and draw up architectural plans for the church. You see, the church down here is from the colonial era and is need of repairs – shoring up of the walls and a new roof. Every time these people have come to see us, this Priest expands his ‘vision’ of what he would like to do. I’ve told him a number of times that I will only help search for funds for the aforementioned two things – but I don’t believe that has sunk in. My only other problem is his quest to save my soul. I won’t lie – I don’t go to mass down here and that is my choice…only he sees this as being horrid. So, he harasses me every time we meet as to why I’m not at mass. I find it frustrating that someone who keeps asking for my help also tries to hold something over me. But, as I have promised my sister – I will be nice and continue to try and do my best.

This weekend was also the massive beautification project of my home. That’s right, the parents are coming and the house must be clean. I swept the ceiling (yes, that is something you have to do down here – they get mad dusty), the walls and the floor. The garden has been cleaned up, the turtle bathed and everything is just waiting for them to come. I assure you – it took a full weekend to do and I’m talking about a one room house. Though, I will admit that I found less scary bugs this time around but have noticed a mountain of ants starting to find niches. I think at some point I had enough poison around to take an elephant down.

Monday and Tuesday were just days spent getting ready – well, expect for Monday night. A long time ago – I would say about a year – I came to my little community and my neighbor volunteer invited me up to celebrate her patron saint festivities. I agreed and somehow found myself dressed up as a man escorting ‘women’ across a stage in the annual cross – dressing competition. I swore to Rachael then that I would initiate her replacement into the tradition…and Monday night I completed that promise.

It was a long night of screaming cat calls at all the lovely ladies – sweet revenge I assure you. My favorite was the young ‘lady’ by the name of Barbara….can you say ‘Que Barbara!’ – doubly sweet. They competed in everyday wear, bathing suits (best part by far) and evening wear. I’m proud? to say that it was someone from my community that literally brought home the crown… and a $100. Not bad for one night spent in heels.

Alright, it’s time for me to finish packing and get ready for the padres! They come tomorrow!!