5/20/2010

I moved in with my family on Saturday last week. They are small business owners and Potters. It was a bit awkward the first few days we couldn’t communicate. Basically every sentence I responded with a No se ( I don’t know) They speak very fast and its difficult for me to figure out past and future tense. Overall though there great people. I eat 3 times a day which consists of usually of beans, rice, some type of meat or fish, and vegetables. Its nice being able to eat healthy everyday. The town I live in is famous for its pottery almost every home has a wheel and a kiln. The main mode of transportation is a motor taxi (motorcycle with seat things in the back fits about 3) I’m yet to ride in one but looks fun. The towns so close it takes me about 2 min to walk. Everyone is really friendly and usually great me with a smile. There are a few cyber cafes in the town with surprisingly up to date comps. Windows 7 and fast internet. From what ive seen everyone has a television and the more wealthy families have computers but a lot of kids use the cyber cafes. They cost 7 Cordoba and hour (about 40 cents.)

About my living situation- I live with a family of 5. My brother Miguel his girlfriend Ingrid, my mother Janete, sister Regina, and other sister Diana. The house has plenty of space though and don’t ever feel cramped. Most of my free time I play with their 5 dogs or sit and read on the patio. Its very relaxing and calming being here. I am a bit busy with school I start at 8 in the morning and it goes till 12 then I have a break to eat then class from 1 to 3. Afterwards I am usually reading, using my comp listening to music or doing homework. The days are pretty busy. I’ve been getting pretty fed up with class its annoying speaking and learning about Spanish all day. This weekend we get to head to some new towns and do some stuff so it should be nice. I’ve gotten a lot better with the language too. I can communicate and understand pretty well for only having 5 days or training. I thought it would take a lot longer to be at this stage.

Side note my yards filled with an absurd amount of mangos and advocates its pretty sick.

Relatively funny stuff- You don’t flush the toilet you have to pour a bucket of water into it. If you don’t do it correctly not everything goes down. I have no idea how to do it correctly so I just pour a bunch of water into the toilet. I practice the art of the pour everyday and its like a secret goal of mine everyday to get it done correctly.
Also every morning I take a bucket shower. The water is freezing and I have to pour it on myself. Its miserable but wakes me up better than any cup of coffee could. The first time I did it I remember vividly gasping for air while I poured the water on my head. I got it down now and tips to anyone in this situation the secret it doing it really quick covering yourself with the water then washing up and rinsing again makes it a lot less painful.


May peace be onto you
Peter