After an exhausting flight I am back in Canada eh..(Houston airport is a nightmare)..Every time I walk down the street I can't help the feeling to say "Hi" to everyone it is so eerie. Also I am constantly waiting for piropos to be thrown at me but no one looks at me here :( Que tristeza...
Here are some pictures
Videos
El Impossible
Barra de Santiago
Chinamequita our last bus ride :(
Friday, September 11, 2009
Take Away
My final week in ES was perhaps the most devastating. It may have to do with the fact that I was not prepared to come back to Canada, I was afraid that I had somehow lost myself while on my own journey to find myself. I had to mediate on what I would be taking away from ES. I didn't want the negativity of the last week to cloud what had been a life altering experience.
I have brought with me from ES benevolence. The warmth of the Salvadoran people have allowed me shed the icy exterior that I tend to hide behind and made me human. I have cried and laughed in El Salvador. I have thrown out the window my inhibitions and have come to realize that I am proud of the person I am becoming.
I have brought with me from ES benevolence. The warmth of the Salvadoran people have allowed me shed the icy exterior that I tend to hide behind and made me human. I have cried and laughed in El Salvador. I have thrown out the window my inhibitions and have come to realize that I am proud of the person I am becoming.
The final chapter...
The last three weeks have been busy with graduation, good byes, and plenty of tears.
I am finally able to sit down and write. I needed a bit of inspiration so I am listening to a compilation I bought in el centro right before I left. “Los exitos de los microbuseros” - all the hits I used to listen to on the bus. :)
I had to say good by to all children of Chinamequita. They would make me laugh and at the same time amaze me at their language retention. All the little boys and little girls that used to copy off of each other and ask for recess time in order to go play soccer. I will miss playing, “Simon Dice..” with them :(
I will miss my students from CIS specially Reina who often called me “Miss” while everyone else kept calling me “teacher.” I will miss Susy's contagious smile that she would unsuccessfully try to hide behind her hands. My chaparrita Claudia Sofia who is boy crazy and who spoke to everyone and anyone at CIS. (She became very popular) Alvaro who knew all the 80's songs I knew :) Grace and Lisette who were very attentive to learn and were polite. They even tried to laugh at my lame jokes (English Jokes just don't translate well). I am grateful and proud for having them as my students and for teaching me many things.
I will miss all the people I have met. Each person that has crossed my path I have been able to learn something from. I have learned to never underestimate others.
So I will attempt to make a list of things I will miss from ES:
My Students
Las Cheras del Norte
Hever and all the people I have met at CIS
The bus ride with Heather to Chinameca
The sight of Lago Ilopango every Wednesday
Avocadoes
Music on the buses (specially the tunes from the 80's)
FRUIT
Pupusas for 20 cents
Tamarindo
Horchata
Taking off every weekend on a new adventure
TREES
The smell of the ocean, soil, clean air,
BEACH
Edit (lol)
Platanos
Pollo Campero
Washing with a bucket (believe it or not)
Long lunch breaks
Benevolence
The Cat
Simplicity
La Selecta
....I have to stop now because the list could go on and on and on and on
I am finally able to sit down and write. I needed a bit of inspiration so I am listening to a compilation I bought in el centro right before I left. “Los exitos de los microbuseros” - all the hits I used to listen to on the bus. :)
I had to say good by to all children of Chinamequita. They would make me laugh and at the same time amaze me at their language retention. All the little boys and little girls that used to copy off of each other and ask for recess time in order to go play soccer. I will miss playing, “Simon Dice..” with them :(
I will miss my students from CIS specially Reina who often called me “Miss” while everyone else kept calling me “teacher.” I will miss Susy's contagious smile that she would unsuccessfully try to hide behind her hands. My chaparrita Claudia Sofia who is boy crazy and who spoke to everyone and anyone at CIS. (She became very popular) Alvaro who knew all the 80's songs I knew :) Grace and Lisette who were very attentive to learn and were polite. They even tried to laugh at my lame jokes (English Jokes just don't translate well). I am grateful and proud for having them as my students and for teaching me many things.
I will miss all the people I have met. Each person that has crossed my path I have been able to learn something from. I have learned to never underestimate others.
So I will attempt to make a list of things I will miss from ES:
My Students
Las Cheras del Norte
Hever and all the people I have met at CIS
The bus ride with Heather to Chinameca
The sight of Lago Ilopango every Wednesday
Avocadoes
Music on the buses (specially the tunes from the 80's)
FRUIT
Pupusas for 20 cents
Tamarindo
Horchata
Taking off every weekend on a new adventure
TREES
The smell of the ocean, soil, clean air,
BEACH
Edit (lol)
Platanos
Pollo Campero
Washing with a bucket (believe it or not)
Long lunch breaks
Benevolence
The Cat
Simplicity
La Selecta
....I have to stop now because the list could go on and on and on and on
Monday, August 24, 2009
Quick Update---
The past two weeks have been extremely busy with the graduation preparations and with going away parties for friends. My sadness continues as it pains me to leave...
Fotitos:
August 06/09
El Tazumal
I went to go visit my aunt in Nahuilingo again but this time I was lucky to hitch a ride with her husband and go to El Tazumal and Lago Coatepeque.
While I was at El Tazumal I couldn't help feeling frustration. For a country that is rich in archeological history the size of El Tazumal was disappointing. I met the director of the site, he was a wonderful man that gave us a tour through the small museum. He grew up in the area and told me that unfortunately due to lack of education many of the sites have been destroyed. He also told me that when he was a child he used to find different artifacts in his backyard. Most of the items he found were little clay pots or vases. People would often use them to store their pens and pencils failing to realize the actual significance of these articles. Unbeknown-st to them these cups/vases/pots etc were once used to collect blood. El Tazumal was once a ritual site for the Mayan's and for this reason different tombs have been found in the area.
Interesting facts:
-The Mayan's determined one's profession/calling in life depending on what day you were born and what their calendar dictated.
-Remains have been found in the area that are over 2 meters in length. This is strange because it was known that most indigenous people in the area were quite short in stature. According to the director the reason this was possible goes back to the fact the Mayan calendar dictated the type of life a baby/child would lead. Meaning that if the calendar indicated that a baby was to be brought up to be an athlete he (most likely a male) would be fed items that would make him strong for example meats while there rest of the population continued to consume legumes, vegetables, and grains.
- The highest honour for an athlete was to die during competition. Often the loser's head would be cut of and used as a ball.
- Jade was worn (still worn) to keep evil spirits away.
- Usually after the killing of an enemy, the enemy would be skinned and their skin would be worn.
- There is a river that flows under El Tazumal
- People have often said that they hear spirits in the area. (Director said it is the noise from the river)
- it can be argued that the first people to settle were Olmecs, (they had the ritual of bloodletting and a mesonamerican ballgame). According to the director we are all descendants of Olmec tribes because they made a large influence not only in ES but all over North, Central and South America.
Lago Coatepeque (Cerro de Culebras in Nahuatl)
I also visited Lago Coatepeque, which is a crater formed by a volcanic eruption. The lake like El Tazumal are both located in Santa Ana.
Fotitos:
August 06/09
El Tazumal
I went to go visit my aunt in Nahuilingo again but this time I was lucky to hitch a ride with her husband and go to El Tazumal and Lago Coatepeque.
While I was at El Tazumal I couldn't help feeling frustration. For a country that is rich in archeological history the size of El Tazumal was disappointing. I met the director of the site, he was a wonderful man that gave us a tour through the small museum. He grew up in the area and told me that unfortunately due to lack of education many of the sites have been destroyed. He also told me that when he was a child he used to find different artifacts in his backyard. Most of the items he found were little clay pots or vases. People would often use them to store their pens and pencils failing to realize the actual significance of these articles. Unbeknown-st to them these cups/vases/pots etc were once used to collect blood. El Tazumal was once a ritual site for the Mayan's and for this reason different tombs have been found in the area.
Interesting facts:
-The Mayan's determined one's profession/calling in life depending on what day you were born and what their calendar dictated.
-Remains have been found in the area that are over 2 meters in length. This is strange because it was known that most indigenous people in the area were quite short in stature. According to the director the reason this was possible goes back to the fact the Mayan calendar dictated the type of life a baby/child would lead. Meaning that if the calendar indicated that a baby was to be brought up to be an athlete he (most likely a male) would be fed items that would make him strong for example meats while there rest of the population continued to consume legumes, vegetables, and grains.
- The highest honour for an athlete was to die during competition. Often the loser's head would be cut of and used as a ball.
- Jade was worn (still worn) to keep evil spirits away.
- Usually after the killing of an enemy, the enemy would be skinned and their skin would be worn.
- There is a river that flows under El Tazumal
- People have often said that they hear spirits in the area. (Director said it is the noise from the river)
- it can be argued that the first people to settle were Olmecs, (they had the ritual of bloodletting and a mesonamerican ballgame). According to the director we are all descendants of Olmec tribes because they made a large influence not only in ES but all over North, Central and South America.
 |
| El Tazumal |
Lago Coatepeque (Cerro de Culebras in Nahuatl)
I also visited Lago Coatepeque, which is a crater formed by a volcanic eruption. The lake like El Tazumal are both located in Santa Ana.
 |
| Lago Coatepeque |
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Posada en El Cielo
All my fans deserve a lengthy update....basically things are winding down and I can't help to feel a sense of nostalgia. :(...
01-August-09 to 03-August-09
The first week of August is a national holiday for the department of San Salvador. Most of the population has this week off for “Las Fiestas Patronales.” Most of us at CIS had plans to leave the country for this week. The girls decided to head to Guate while I had made plans to visit La Palma, in Chalatenango. During August 01 to 03 I was up in the mountains (2400 mts of elevation)of El Salvador away from the blistering heat I often go through in San Salvador.
Getting to the mountains of La Palma was quite a trek, we took a bus that takes you up close to the border of Honduras which took about two hours to get to San Ignacio. During this bus ride we went through many cities, one that stuck out was Apopa. It was in Apopa where I witnessed about 40 vendors traversing on the bus to sell random things. Eduardo and I made a game from that point; we counted how many vendors got on the bus at each stop. Finally when we did arrive at San Ignacio we waited another hour to take another bus to take us up a very steep mountain. The view going up was spectacular, as the bus struggle to go up I would see palm trees and then pine trees. I felt the cold breeze, and saw the white puffy clouds. I felt like I was in heaven. This was perhaps the first time I had seen clouds so close I could almost extend my hand out the window and touch them. We spent the night at “El Posada del Cielo” it was beautiful; we were surrounded by pine trees, and clouds. When I got there I saw people wearing scarfs, and toques. Meanwhile I show up wearing a tank top, jeans, and flip flops like I'm experiencing a Canadian summer. At night while everyone was sipping on hot chocolate by the fire place I was chillin' on the terrace with a cold Pilsner.
Unfortunately half my pictures were deleted because someone was trying to use my camera but my camera has English settings...
On August 3rd, I went to La Libertad and spent the day at the beach....FUNN... More updates tomorrow....
01-August-09 to 03-August-09
The first week of August is a national holiday for the department of San Salvador. Most of the population has this week off for “Las Fiestas Patronales.” Most of us at CIS had plans to leave the country for this week. The girls decided to head to Guate while I had made plans to visit La Palma, in Chalatenango. During August 01 to 03 I was up in the mountains (2400 mts of elevation)of El Salvador away from the blistering heat I often go through in San Salvador.
Getting to the mountains of La Palma was quite a trek, we took a bus that takes you up close to the border of Honduras which took about two hours to get to San Ignacio. During this bus ride we went through many cities, one that stuck out was Apopa. It was in Apopa where I witnessed about 40 vendors traversing on the bus to sell random things. Eduardo and I made a game from that point; we counted how many vendors got on the bus at each stop. Finally when we did arrive at San Ignacio we waited another hour to take another bus to take us up a very steep mountain. The view going up was spectacular, as the bus struggle to go up I would see palm trees and then pine trees. I felt the cold breeze, and saw the white puffy clouds. I felt like I was in heaven. This was perhaps the first time I had seen clouds so close I could almost extend my hand out the window and touch them. We spent the night at “El Posada del Cielo” it was beautiful; we were surrounded by pine trees, and clouds. When I got there I saw people wearing scarfs, and toques. Meanwhile I show up wearing a tank top, jeans, and flip flops like I'm experiencing a Canadian summer. At night while everyone was sipping on hot chocolate by the fire place I was chillin' on the terrace with a cold Pilsner.
Unfortunately half my pictures were deleted because someone was trying to use my camera but my camera has English settings...
On August 3rd, I went to La Libertad and spent the day at the beach....FUNN... More updates tomorrow....
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| La Palma, Chalatenango |
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
What is the difference between you and a tourist? blog assignment number...I lost count Larissa :p
I have been avoiding this blog assignment not because it's not a great topic but because there are so many angles I can approach it. For me personally for this experience I do feel like a tourist at times but being Salvadoran I don't fit the stereotypical look I would rather adhere to the term traveler. Even when I am with the rest of the volunteers and interns at CIS I just tend to blend into the background and receive less attention from the locals.
I think tourism is a good thing for El Salvador in order to help the country economically. One of my students said yesterday while we did an assignment on tourism, “Tourism is good because then people will know we exist.” Upon further reflection on this it is true people don't realize what the small country of El Salvador has to offer. Often people associate the country with war. Mind you the country did go through a twelve year civil war however the ecotourism in El Salvador is spectacular. I have forever changed my ways. I was the type of person that can appreciate beauty but just don't ask me to hike a long trek with you. Now I find myself planning a five hour hike through “El Impossible” perhaps the country's most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries. I may bitch while I am hiking but I will complete the whole hike...lol
Last night while I was asking my students about their vacation (San Salvador has a week long vacation) we discussed the ongoing trend of turning Civil War history into a tourism draw. Perquin a town in Morazan use to be the headquarters for the FMLN during the war. Now there is a museum to display different memorabilia from the era. “Museum of the Revolution” features cannons, uniforms, weaponry, among other things that were used during the war by the guerilla. I asked my students what they thought about that. I also brought the argument that some think that foreigners know more about El Salvador than its own citizens. One student voiced that, “it is important to know this things in order to know our own history. Salvadoran people do not know about their past because they don't like to read and educate themselves.” Another student brought another interesting point, he said “I think civil war tourism is good for foreigners but for locals not good because some people don't want to remember the bad things.”
El Salvador is the first Central American country to promote their civil war history as a tourism draw. Perhaps Nicaragua will be next, the one thing I am sure is that more people are coming to ES not only for the beautiful beaches but to learn of the history. This is something that I am proud of because it is a country that people can travel through and learn instead of limiting themselves to a resort.
I know that I went on a bit of a tangent but hey.....this thing is informal...:p
I think tourism is a good thing for El Salvador in order to help the country economically. One of my students said yesterday while we did an assignment on tourism, “Tourism is good because then people will know we exist.” Upon further reflection on this it is true people don't realize what the small country of El Salvador has to offer. Often people associate the country with war. Mind you the country did go through a twelve year civil war however the ecotourism in El Salvador is spectacular. I have forever changed my ways. I was the type of person that can appreciate beauty but just don't ask me to hike a long trek with you. Now I find myself planning a five hour hike through “El Impossible” perhaps the country's most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries. I may bitch while I am hiking but I will complete the whole hike...lol
Last night while I was asking my students about their vacation (San Salvador has a week long vacation) we discussed the ongoing trend of turning Civil War history into a tourism draw. Perquin a town in Morazan use to be the headquarters for the FMLN during the war. Now there is a museum to display different memorabilia from the era. “Museum of the Revolution” features cannons, uniforms, weaponry, among other things that were used during the war by the guerilla. I asked my students what they thought about that. I also brought the argument that some think that foreigners know more about El Salvador than its own citizens. One student voiced that, “it is important to know this things in order to know our own history. Salvadoran people do not know about their past because they don't like to read and educate themselves.” Another student brought another interesting point, he said “I think civil war tourism is good for foreigners but for locals not good because some people don't want to remember the bad things.”
El Salvador is the first Central American country to promote their civil war history as a tourism draw. Perhaps Nicaragua will be next, the one thing I am sure is that more people are coming to ES not only for the beautiful beaches but to learn of the history. This is something that I am proud of because it is a country that people can travel through and learn instead of limiting themselves to a resort.
I know that I went on a bit of a tangent but hey.....this thing is informal...:p
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Juayua/Nahuilingo
This past weekend I spent it with the fam. I traveled to Sonsonate to spend time with my auntie, cousins, and the children. On Saturday I went to Juayua ate some yummy food, and went to see the "chorros."
I had an opportunity as well to visit Salud (the milk processing plant in Sonsonate).
There were fireworks on Saturday night to celebrate "la fiestas patronales" in Nahuilingo but I was too scared for my life and too busy running away from the homemade fireworks to take pictures.
I had an opportunity as well to visit Salud (the milk processing plant in Sonsonate).
There were fireworks on Saturday night to celebrate "la fiestas patronales" in Nahuilingo but I was too scared for my life and too busy running away from the homemade fireworks to take pictures.
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| Sonsonate- Trip to the Milk processing plant |
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| Juayua/Nahuilingo |
Friday, July 24, 2009
Cinquera/Suchitoto
This past weekend the CIS team took a trip to Cinquera and Suchitoto. Cinquera has a protected natural reserve, it is in fact a protected forest. We took a hike up the mountain and took in the beauty of the lush greenery around us. During our hike we learned that during the civil war Cinquera was part of a base for the guerilla. We saw where the doctors and nurses performed surgeries and general medical care, as well as the kitchen area. "La cocina vietnamita" I would later find out was not a restaurant serving Vietnamese food rather a method the guerilla had adapted in order to have the ability to make fire and minimize the smoke being expelled into the air. These kitchens had pipes or tubes that were dug into the mountain. The smoke would travel through these tubes until reaching the other side of the mountain where it would exit undetected.
I am happy to say that I completed the whole hike and made it down with a lot of bitching (it was freaking hot...my calves were sweating). After the hike we had the opportunity to swim for a bit. After lunch we listened to Don Pablo's testimony. His words pierced my heart. I had listened to stories/testimonies from people I know but it is a different type of sensation when you hear a stranger sharing the same stories with you.
In Suchitoto we had the opportunity to walk around, eat some pupusas, and visit a revolutionary chupadero called “El Necio”. I loved the tranquility I felt while I walked around on the cobblestone streets. That night we stayed at a hostel. After dinner and drinks we returned to the hostel and we were greeted by shirtless men jumping into a ”jaccuzzi” that looked more like a bath tub. But Isaac and Zack didn't have a problem with this in fact as soon as they saw this they took off their shirts and joined. :)
On Sunday we went on a boat ride on Lago Suchitlan....we visited an island were a man lived on for almost 13 years.
Click below for the album.
I am happy to say that I completed the whole hike and made it down with a lot of bitching (it was freaking hot...my calves were sweating). After the hike we had the opportunity to swim for a bit. After lunch we listened to Don Pablo's testimony. His words pierced my heart. I had listened to stories/testimonies from people I know but it is a different type of sensation when you hear a stranger sharing the same stories with you.
In Suchitoto we had the opportunity to walk around, eat some pupusas, and visit a revolutionary chupadero called “El Necio”. I loved the tranquility I felt while I walked around on the cobblestone streets. That night we stayed at a hostel. After dinner and drinks we returned to the hostel and we were greeted by shirtless men jumping into a ”jaccuzzi” that looked more like a bath tub. But Isaac and Zack didn't have a problem with this in fact as soon as they saw this they took off their shirts and joined. :)
On Sunday we went on a boat ride on Lago Suchitlan....we visited an island were a man lived on for almost 13 years.
Click below for the album.
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| Cinquera/Suchitoto |
Thursday, July 16, 2009
A Septuagenarian tried to pick me up...
So for the past three weeks Heather and I have been volunteering in San Francisco Chinamequita. Each Wednesday we head off to teach the children in the community a bit of English but most of the time they just ask us random questions. Like for example how to say "aceituna" in English. When I tell them it's "olive" they quickly start pointing at one of the their classmates and begin to shout, "Olive!" Apodos or nicknames are big here. I've met people here and started calling them by their nickname, come to think of it I don't think I actually know their names.
Anyway back to the septuagenarian...so on the way back to Soya (I'm getting use to the lingo here, this is the short form of the area I am staying at) I got off the bus from chinamequita and took my regular route home. The buses during rush hour are always full and an older gentleman had the seat next to him free so he made the effort to tap me with his umbrella and offer the seat next to him.
I sat down, the following is the translated transcript of the convo with the Septuagenarian...
Septuagenarian: Hello, it's hot today isn't?
Me: Yes it is...
Septuagenarian: Do you work or study?
Me: Both
Septuagenarian: So what do you think about the financial crisis in El Salvador.
Me: I am not familiar with the situation in this country. But I think it's bad all over the world.
Septuagenarian: It is important to know about the financial situation in your own country.
(At this point I started to explain to him that I was visiting ES but then I noticed he was kind of hard of hearing so I just nodded.)
Septuagenarian: How old are you....28?
Me: No I am not 28...
Septuagenarian: 18 then....
(at this point I told him 26 but he wasn't understanding or hearing me, I kept saying 26 but he kept repeating 23, so I nodded)
Septuagenarian: Are you married?
Me: No
Septuagenarian: Do you like pupusas?
Me: Yes
Septuagenarian: Do you usually eat one or three?
Me: Three
Septuagenarian: Oh you have a great appetite...
(at this point the couple sitting in front of us started kissing)
Septuagenarian: Do you like to kiss?
Me: (A little scared by the question) Yes I do.
Septuagenarian: Do you kiss nice?
(At this point, I was like this is an old man ....old enough to be my grandpa)
Me: Well, my boyfriend doesn't complain....
Septuagenarian: Well, it is always good to have something to compare to....
(At his point I saw the Pollo Campero which is my signal to get off. When I saw the sign it was like angels were singing, "you will be saved from the Septuagenarian..."
Septuagenarian: So when can I take you out to eat pupusas?
(I quickly got up didn't answer and just told the Septuagenarian, "Que le vaya bien" and jumped off the bus. I didn't even wait for the bus to make a complete stop.)
Anyway back to the septuagenarian...so on the way back to Soya (I'm getting use to the lingo here, this is the short form of the area I am staying at) I got off the bus from chinamequita and took my regular route home. The buses during rush hour are always full and an older gentleman had the seat next to him free so he made the effort to tap me with his umbrella and offer the seat next to him.
I sat down, the following is the translated transcript of the convo with the Septuagenarian...
Septuagenarian: Hello, it's hot today isn't?
Me: Yes it is...
Septuagenarian: Do you work or study?
Me: Both
Septuagenarian: So what do you think about the financial crisis in El Salvador.
Me: I am not familiar with the situation in this country. But I think it's bad all over the world.
Septuagenarian: It is important to know about the financial situation in your own country.
(At this point I started to explain to him that I was visiting ES but then I noticed he was kind of hard of hearing so I just nodded.)
Septuagenarian: How old are you....28?
Me: No I am not 28...
Septuagenarian: 18 then....
(at this point I told him 26 but he wasn't understanding or hearing me, I kept saying 26 but he kept repeating 23, so I nodded)
Septuagenarian: Are you married?
Me: No
Septuagenarian: Do you like pupusas?
Me: Yes
Septuagenarian: Do you usually eat one or three?
Me: Three
Septuagenarian: Oh you have a great appetite...
(at this point the couple sitting in front of us started kissing)
Septuagenarian: Do you like to kiss?
Me: (A little scared by the question) Yes I do.
Septuagenarian: Do you kiss nice?
(At this point, I was like this is an old man ....old enough to be my grandpa)
Me: Well, my boyfriend doesn't complain....
Septuagenarian: Well, it is always good to have something to compare to....
(At his point I saw the Pollo Campero which is my signal to get off. When I saw the sign it was like angels were singing, "you will be saved from the Septuagenarian..."
Septuagenarian: So when can I take you out to eat pupusas?
(I quickly got up didn't answer and just told the Septuagenarian, "Que le vaya bien" and jumped off the bus. I didn't even wait for the bus to make a complete stop.)
Friday, July 10, 2009
To Change or Not To Change Blog Assignment #3
For our third assignment, we have to analyse how we have changed in order to be more effective in our host culture. I think for me it has been a bit different because I have a sense of what the culture in ES is like already from what I have learned from my family. However there are certain things that I have had to alter. One thing I noticed fairly quickly is that in ES everyone you walk by will say “buenas” which is typically short form for buenas dias, buenas tardes, etc. I am used to going to the bus stop in Toronto and just waiting for the bus in silence while avoiding eye contact, or greeting anyone for that matter. I noticed that in my neighbourhood everyone says “buenas” and everyone says “que le vaya bien” now I start to saw that too. The other thing that I had to get use to are “los piropos” that men on the street constantly throw at me. At first I used to get mad and throw a bitchy look at them but now I just say thank you or just smile. (unless they say some nasty things to me but most of the time they just say “buenos dias chinita linda, que le vaya bien”)
Another thing I have been trying to moderate is my tone. I speak very loud when I am on the bus and I find that people here are very soft speakers very rarely will you find people that speak loud in public. According to Oscar (our wonderful tour guide at CIS) it is because a long time ago when Nahaut was widely spoken, people often spoke soft in public because this language was not the official language although many of the indigenous population spoke it. Therefore in order to not call attention to themselves (b/c at the time indigenous people were being targeted) they would speak softly. Ritha and I noticed this recently while we were enjoying a refreshing drink at a local establishment that we were the loudest people there while everyone else was speaking so low what we couldn't hear what they were saying.
Salvadoran people take pride in always appearing presentable. I at times feel like a slob but I have started ironing my clothes now. (which is something I don't do in Canada, Hey! We have dryers in Canada!) It amazes me how well ironed their clothes are because as hard as I try to iron my clothes perfectly I always have creases.
One thing that I have noticed though is that admiration people here have for gringos. They are captivated by their light skin and eyes. There have been instances where in social settings the gringos (my fellow CIS teachers) are being admired more while I have been disregarded perhaps because of my Salvadoran features they just figure I am a tour guide. At first it use to bother me, now I just avoid situations that would make me feel uncomfortable. It just makes me realize that the idea that beauty lies in people with light skin and coloured eyes still exist in Latin America.
Another thing I have been trying to moderate is my tone. I speak very loud when I am on the bus and I find that people here are very soft speakers very rarely will you find people that speak loud in public. According to Oscar (our wonderful tour guide at CIS) it is because a long time ago when Nahaut was widely spoken, people often spoke soft in public because this language was not the official language although many of the indigenous population spoke it. Therefore in order to not call attention to themselves (b/c at the time indigenous people were being targeted) they would speak softly. Ritha and I noticed this recently while we were enjoying a refreshing drink at a local establishment that we were the loudest people there while everyone else was speaking so low what we couldn't hear what they were saying.
Salvadoran people take pride in always appearing presentable. I at times feel like a slob but I have started ironing my clothes now. (which is something I don't do in Canada, Hey! We have dryers in Canada!) It amazes me how well ironed their clothes are because as hard as I try to iron my clothes perfectly I always have creases.
One thing that I have noticed though is that admiration people here have for gringos. They are captivated by their light skin and eyes. There have been instances where in social settings the gringos (my fellow CIS teachers) are being admired more while I have been disregarded perhaps because of my Salvadoran features they just figure I am a tour guide. At first it use to bother me, now I just avoid situations that would make me feel uncomfortable. It just makes me realize that the idea that beauty lies in people with light skin and coloured eyes still exist in Latin America.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Memorial and Sala Nacional De Exposiciones Salarrue San Salvador
Last week we went to the memorial and la Sala Nacional De Exposiciones Salarrue
Click below to see album.
Click below to see album.
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| Memorial/Sala Nacional de Exposiciones Salarrué San Salvador |
Starting to feel better...
Saturday morning I woke up with the craziest cough and a pounding headache. (No cigarettes or alcohol were involved therefore these symptoms were not a consequence of a hang over). I had already made plans to head to Tonacatepeque with a friend so I decided to be a trooper and keep my plans. Unfortunately by Saturday evening I was feeling worse and I began to think that I had contracted the swine. Thankfully, there was a doctor available in Tonaca. After asking me about my symptoms she took my temperature, examined my throat, and told me that all I had was a throat infection with a mild cold but no swine. She then asked me, "do you prefer oral medication or injection?" I asked her, "What is faster?" Of course to no surprise she said injection. She quickly jotted down the prescription and sent Eduardo to go get it. When he came back five minutes later, she took the meds from him and began to prep the needle (an anti-gripal). At this point I thought that the needle was going to be administered on my arm but then she told me "lie down on your stomach." Upon hearing these instructions I realized that I was going to get a shot in my "nalgita."
So I did what she instructed. I tried to relax but as she was trying to find the muscle I became more tense. Finally I took a deep breath and felt 500 ml being shot straight into my buttock. At first there was no pain but soon after the pain became intense. I had to remain seated for 3 minutes because my ass cheek was numb. On Sunday I had to endure it again as the doctor had prescribed two shots.....
Today I feel better, I have been bitchy and lethargic for most of the week (sorry girls) but I finally feel like I am getting back to my old self.
So I did what she instructed. I tried to relax but as she was trying to find the muscle I became more tense. Finally I took a deep breath and felt 500 ml being shot straight into my buttock. At first there was no pain but soon after the pain became intense. I had to remain seated for 3 minutes because my ass cheek was numb. On Sunday I had to endure it again as the doctor had prescribed two shots.....
Today I feel better, I have been bitchy and lethargic for most of the week (sorry girls) but I finally feel like I am getting back to my old self.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Iglesia El Rosario
Perhaps the most surreal experience...I would have never imagined the beauty that this building holds inside.
Click on the album below:
Click on the album below:
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| Iglesia El Rosario |
La Catedral Metropolitana
It has been an overwhelming two weeks. I feel that I have grown the most within the last two compared to my last twenty-something years. (shut up Vivian you don't need to remind me how old I am :p)
Last week we visited La Catedral Metropolitana de San Salvador. From the first moment I stepped inside this church I was ove
rcome by an uneasy feeling. I suddenly felt like I had a ton of bricks on my chest and I instantly told Vivian, “I don't feel right being here.” We continue
d the tour with Cristy (who by the way is a kick-ass tour guide). She told us that it took many years to complete the cathedral. She also told us about the the people that died at the Cathedral stairs during Romero's funeral cortege.
We proceeded to go downstairs where the tomb of Archbishop Romero is located. As I walked down there the heaviness on my chest became overpowering. Cristy began to spea
k about the struggle that Romero carried on his shoulders and how all the Salvadoran people regardless of their religion still hold a great regard to Romero. As we approached the tomb I was moved and began to sob. At first I tried to control it but I was something that I was not able to control. I just kept crying and it is difficult for me to explain the reason why I was moved to such extremes. I have always had a complex relationships with religion. I was raised Catholic but I have not practised since my first year of high school. Recently I have declared myself an agnostic. I believe that there is a higher power but I don't believe in following a doctrine or being part of any organized religion. Being in ES I have had to tackle the question of religion again. I am frustrated when I see leaders from churches scrounging the little money the poor have in order to fulfill their lavish lifestyle.
So why did I become so emotional while Cristy talked? I became emotional because she described how Romero was trying to fight for the poor and that people speak of a great change in ES while there has no been change at all, in fact some people think its worse than before. As soon as Cristy said this it struck such a strong chord in me because it was the exact emotions I felt when I arrived here. I was frustrated and angered by the fact that people had told me that ES had gone into some great changes meanwhile it is perhaps in worse state than it was before. Just because more malls are built it doesn't necessarily mean that their is progress.
Friday, July 3, 2009
To All My Fans...
That have been waiting for my post....you will have to wait a bit longer as I have to really sit down and give a run down of all the events that have happened. I must tell you though that the past two weeks have been the most memorable (both professionaly and personally).
Tune in on Monday for my update....
On a funny note
the girls think I look like Puca (a popular south korean cartoon in ES)......I DONT SEE IT What do you think?
Tune in on Monday for my update....
On a funny note
the girls think I look like Puca (a popular south korean cartoon in ES)......I DONT SEE IT What do you think?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Teacher's Day
Monday June 22 is Teacher's Day in El Salvador. This is a national holiday and everyone here joins in to celebrate a profession that is exceedingly important to society but often disregarded.
To be honest, I thought I was (I still do sometimes) failing as a teacher but my students surprised me with cake and a song.(I also received a gift from a person who is not one if my students but more on that later.) This was perhaps one of the most memorable days of my life. As we sat in the classroom sharing cake two of my students gave a speech on how much they appreciated me and respected the fact that I had return to my country of birth to contribute as a teacher. I got emotional as I explained to them that this is a personal development for me because I don't want to forget my roots and also because I believe in the potential this beautiful country has. I also went to ask them for patience; just like them I am learning as well but I take this work seriously because ultimately I want to do this for the rest of my life.
I heard stories from my students about their dreams of having a better life and how some of them tried to make it to U.S only to be mistreated and almost raped. I wanted to hug them all as I teared up.
I have never in my life felt so inspired. I finally feel like I have a purpose in life. As I heard these women I felt that with the gift that I have I can at least open a window of possibilities to them. Education is truly power.
Education makes a people easy to lead, but difficult to drive; easy to govern, but impossible to enslave.
-Lord Brougham
To be honest, I thought I was (I still do sometimes) failing as a teacher but my students surprised me with cake and a song.(I also received a gift from a person who is not one if my students but more on that later.) This was perhaps one of the most memorable days of my life. As we sat in the classroom sharing cake two of my students gave a speech on how much they appreciated me and respected the fact that I had return to my country of birth to contribute as a teacher. I got emotional as I explained to them that this is a personal development for me because I don't want to forget my roots and also because I believe in the potential this beautiful country has. I also went to ask them for patience; just like them I am learning as well but I take this work seriously because ultimately I want to do this for the rest of my life.
I heard stories from my students about their dreams of having a better life and how some of them tried to make it to U.S only to be mistreated and almost raped. I wanted to hug them all as I teared up.
I have never in my life felt so inspired. I finally feel like I have a purpose in life. As I heard these women I felt that with the gift that I have I can at least open a window of possibilities to them. Education is truly power.
Education makes a people easy to lead, but difficult to drive; easy to govern, but impossible to enslave.
-Lord Brougham
Pics: Some Random and from the beach
Here are some pics Alice took at the beach as well as some other goodies. Click here.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Las Cheras Del Norte Go To The Beach
So this past weekend, Las Cheras planned a trip to the beach. Our departure was quite tardy as some of us took awhile to get ready. Thankfully Meryl and Vicky (two amazing girls working in Tacuba in eco/agro projects) had "chucho" (a pick up truck that had already had some rough years on him). They came to pick Rhita and myself up and with Alice and Vivian's excellent map skills we made it to the beach.
We decided to go to El Zonte. I was absolutely mesmerized by the black sand and the warm water. The place that we stayed at was beautiful, it was called Casa De Frida. We invited the spanish school students, and all the volunteers (approx 15 of us). We practically took over the place. There was only one room for four of us to share and the rest slept on hammocks outside.
The weekend was full of insightful conversations, laughs, and amazing waves. Although it rained for most of the weekend it didn't put a damper on things. Even with the rain we still went in the water and exofoliated ourselfs with the sand. (lol) There were no fatalities only some injuries evoked by some rocks, (stubbed toe, scrapes, chipped nail polish). Most of the accidents ended when the Cheras noticed that the surfer boys were swimming in a none rocky area. (We decided to follow them) The bus ride back to San Salvador was amazing. I was sandwiched between Heather and Alice on the way back (Grrrrrrr :) ) and the bus was blasting music so we had good beats going on the way back. There was this beautiful little girl that as standing on the bus because her mom was sitting down and holding their chicken. (Ritha freaked when she saw the chicken) the bus was packed and Heather offered the little girl her seat.
When we got to San Salvador Heather, Ritha, Vivian, Alice, and myself were exhausted and finding the other bus to get us home was a struggle but we managed.
So no picture because I forgot my camera but as soon as Vivian, Alice, or someone else posts their pictures I will link them to this post.
We decided to go to El Zonte. I was absolutely mesmerized by the black sand and the warm water. The place that we stayed at was beautiful, it was called Casa De Frida. We invited the spanish school students, and all the volunteers (approx 15 of us). We practically took over the place. There was only one room for four of us to share and the rest slept on hammocks outside.
The weekend was full of insightful conversations, laughs, and amazing waves. Although it rained for most of the weekend it didn't put a damper on things. Even with the rain we still went in the water and exofoliated ourselfs with the sand. (lol) There were no fatalities only some injuries evoked by some rocks, (stubbed toe, scrapes, chipped nail polish). Most of the accidents ended when the Cheras noticed that the surfer boys were swimming in a none rocky area. (We decided to follow them) The bus ride back to San Salvador was amazing. I was sandwiched between Heather and Alice on the way back (Grrrrrrr :) ) and the bus was blasting music so we had good beats going on the way back. There was this beautiful little girl that as standing on the bus because her mom was sitting down and holding their chicken. (Ritha freaked when she saw the chicken) the bus was packed and Heather offered the little girl her seat.
When we got to San Salvador Heather, Ritha, Vivian, Alice, and myself were exhausted and finding the other bus to get us home was a struggle but we managed.
So no picture because I forgot my camera but as soon as Vivian, Alice, or someone else posts their pictures I will link them to this post.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Teaching
I just completed my first week of teaching. I must be completely honest; I do not have a clue about what I am doing. One thing I am certain of though is that I will lose weight this summer from so much jumping around, and miming in order to get my students to understand what I am saying.
My students (all over 18) are adorable. They are eager to learn and are not afraid to ask questions. Preparing lesson plans actually takes more time that I thought....
I try not to speak Spanish to them unless I have used all body language possible and all synonyms I could think of....
Well I am still working on other project here (promoting CIS and English school) and I am going to start my lesson plan for Monday today.
Cheers
My students (all over 18) are adorable. They are eager to learn and are not afraid to ask questions. Preparing lesson plans actually takes more time that I thought....
I try not to speak Spanish to them unless I have used all body language possible and all synonyms I could think of....
Well I am still working on other project here (promoting CIS and English school) and I am going to start my lesson plan for Monday today.
Cheers
Monday, June 15, 2009
Assignment number 2
For this assignment Larissa would like the interns to describe our surroundings. I think I have done a good job so far in doing this but this time I will include pictures.
I think I have already disclosed that I am staying at my grandparents house
Most of the time its just me and the cat, Pingo. ( or “mish” is what I like to call him)
Sometimes I have my aunt or one of my uncles that comes to check up on me but for ninety percent of the time is just me and Mish. I think this solitude has depressed me recently because I am not able to interac
t as much with me fellow interns or the other volunteers at CIS (they live practically on the same block). I just need to find a way to get out and stop spending so much time with the cat.
Speaking of Mish, this is something that has surprised, I am generally not a cat person but now I don’t mind taking care of Mish HOWEVER I don’t let him climb on my lap or touch me i
n any way. He knows already I don’t like him touching me so he obediently watches t.v. next to me. Sometimes though I catch myself making little baby voices at him.
Some of the things that have surprised me about El Salvador is the astounding heat. I can't believe how friggin hot it gets here. I have a belief that I suffer from hyperhidrosis or sweaty face like Vivian likes to call it but as Ritha (my fellow intern) pointed out that I only perspire when outside in the sun but if I indeed have hyperhidrosis I would have sweaty face all the time. So in conclusion I am just a hypochondriac.
Speaking of extremely hot weather, I cannot imagine ever wearing make up here. But to my surprise every morning I see women all done up and through out the day I see women re-applying their make up. What amazes me is that they do it on the bus, the very same buses that you have to hold on to your life because otherwise you will end up rolling around in the aisle or hitting your head against the ceiling.
One thing that I love though is the city's fixation with the 80's. I love going on the bus and having 80's tunes blasting and looking at the women with their 80's make up. CLASSSIKKKK!! This morning actually I was listening to AHA....it made my day.
Crossing the street here can be quite dangerous. For example in Canada the pedestrians have the right of way here the cars/buses/microbuses/ have the right of way. For me however crossing the street depends on what I am wearing...you see if I am wearing a dress or a skirt I will automatically have the right of way. I know it sounds absurd but its true.
Click below for my album, I have more picture but there is a shortage of computers at my placement. I haven´t been able to upload all of them.
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| Yenny's Odyssey in El Salvador 2009 |
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Sat 13-Jun-09
I have officially been in ES for two weeks. It seems like I have been here for months. For the last couple of days I have had a sore throat that just wont go away, I have been monitoring my temperature. No fever, no body aches, therefore no piggy flu. (I think)
Yesterday Alice and Ritha had their first day at CIS. I was excited to meet them and was relieved when I was welcomed with their warm smiles. Alice has been extremely wonderful by bringing items that my mom has sent for me (excluding the family size shampoo that my mom was trying to get her to smuggle in for me, seriously the size of this thing was ridiculous). I talked to my mom in the evening, she told me how my little sister took an instant liking to Alice and would not let go of her hand it's so adorable but Alice does have a benevolence about her - I could definitely see my two year old sister bonding with her
We finally started our training for the English School. I find that our group of teachers is very eclectic and we all have a genuinely goal in mind – liberation through education. Our day mostly consisted of getting to know each other and learning more about CIS. I think however the highlight of my day was when Rachel held the York Interns back to have a small meeting with them. We had an opportunity to exchange ideas and it was refreshing to hear Ritha rant about the same things that frustrate me about the Hispanic community in Toronto. We both believe that there is a scarcity of resources for youths, and that the community is more interested in party party party rather than moving the community forward from a stagnant situation. The Hispanic community in Canada has no active MP, the drop out rate keeps escalating, and the youth keep feeding into stereotypes. The same stereotypes that Ritha and I have been able to over come.
Who am I?
During our initially training yesterday we had an opportunity to pair up and find three things in common. I was paired up with Nick and we both found that our mother's call us by a different name.
My mother calls me “Jenny.” Typically when I introduce myself to English speakers I say “Yenny” but when I introduce myself to Spanish speakers I say “Jenny.” So where does this ambiguity lie? Typically in Spanish the letter Y is pronounced as palatal affricate with a complete stop closure. (Like in the word judge) in English however Y is a velar fricative, by raising the back of the tongue toward but not touching the velum. (I am so glad I passed linguistics :) But my name is more complicated than that; when my mother and I travelled illegal to “el norte” my name went from being spelled Yeni to Yenny my last name some how went through a transformation either deliberately or not. I now use my mother's maiden name, meaning that in ES I do not exist by this name.
So I am now back in the country trying to grasp my roots and finding who I am but just like my name I believe there are two sides of me. What is my culture and where do I stand?
I have officially been in ES for two weeks. It seems like I have been here for months. For the last couple of days I have had a sore throat that just wont go away, I have been monitoring my temperature. No fever, no body aches, therefore no piggy flu. (I think)
Yesterday Alice and Ritha had their first day at CIS. I was excited to meet them and was relieved when I was welcomed with their warm smiles. Alice has been extremely wonderful by bringing items that my mom has sent for me (excluding the family size shampoo that my mom was trying to get her to smuggle in for me, seriously the size of this thing was ridiculous). I talked to my mom in the evening, she told me how my little sister took an instant liking to Alice and would not let go of her hand it's so adorable but Alice does have a benevolence about her - I could definitely see my two year old sister bonding with her
We finally started our training for the English School. I find that our group of teachers is very eclectic and we all have a genuinely goal in mind – liberation through education. Our day mostly consisted of getting to know each other and learning more about CIS. I think however the highlight of my day was when Rachel held the York Interns back to have a small meeting with them. We had an opportunity to exchange ideas and it was refreshing to hear Ritha rant about the same things that frustrate me about the Hispanic community in Toronto. We both believe that there is a scarcity of resources for youths, and that the community is more interested in party party party rather than moving the community forward from a stagnant situation. The Hispanic community in Canada has no active MP, the drop out rate keeps escalating, and the youth keep feeding into stereotypes. The same stereotypes that Ritha and I have been able to over come.
Who am I?
During our initially training yesterday we had an opportunity to pair up and find three things in common. I was paired up with Nick and we both found that our mother's call us by a different name.
My mother calls me “Jenny.” Typically when I introduce myself to English speakers I say “Yenny” but when I introduce myself to Spanish speakers I say “Jenny.” So where does this ambiguity lie? Typically in Spanish the letter Y is pronounced as palatal affricate with a complete stop closure. (Like in the word judge) in English however Y is a velar fricative, by raising the back of the tongue toward but not touching the velum. (I am so glad I passed linguistics :) But my name is more complicated than that; when my mother and I travelled illegal to “el norte” my name went from being spelled Yeni to Yenny my last name some how went through a transformation either deliberately or not. I now use my mother's maiden name, meaning that in ES I do not exist by this name.
So I am now back in the country trying to grasp my roots and finding who I am but just like my name I believe there are two sides of me. What is my culture and where do I stand?
Thursday, June 11, 2009
It's turning out to be a long week...
Nothing new to report back...just that I can't seem to get use to the weather. It is too friggin hot here and I break out sweating often. I am researching on getting Botox b/c I don't know how long I can deal with this. Apart from that I woke up today not feeling so great, I have a sore throat but that can be as a result of the pollution I have to face everyday.
I nearly fell out of a bus today. I didn't plant my foot right on the stair while getting off, I had to hold on for my dear life. Ohhh and I was dropped off so far away from my usual bus stop so yet again I had to walk my ass to CIS. Well that was my cardio work out for the day.
This weekend I have training with the rest of the interns/volunteers who will be teaching english. As my first day of teaching approaches (Monday) I am beginning to get nervous. I keep thinking how will the classroom dynamics will be? Will the like me????(well they better :P)
For my fans out there (if there are any, I think only Margie is my fan...lol) I am still working on getting the cable for my camera to upload pics. Patience is a virtue...
Cheers....
Y que siga la selecta...(oh ya btw I am a huge soccer fan now...who knew???)
I nearly fell out of a bus today. I didn't plant my foot right on the stair while getting off, I had to hold on for my dear life. Ohhh and I was dropped off so far away from my usual bus stop so yet again I had to walk my ass to CIS. Well that was my cardio work out for the day.
This weekend I have training with the rest of the interns/volunteers who will be teaching english. As my first day of teaching approaches (Monday) I am beginning to get nervous. I keep thinking how will the classroom dynamics will be? Will the like me????(well they better :P)
For my fans out there (if there are any, I think only Margie is my fan...lol) I am still working on getting the cable for my camera to upload pics. Patience is a virtue...
Cheers....
Y que siga la selecta...(oh ya btw I am a huge soccer fan now...who knew???)
Monday, June 8, 2009
Email from Mommy
Hola hija como esta espero que bien. en este momento estaba pensando en usted y en lo afortunada que soy yo en tener una hija como usted,pensar que un dia a una edad tan joven dios me dio un regalo tan hermoso de tener una hija tan bonita que es usted y que tambien un dia tome una decicion de venirme ilegal a la usa como dicen ahi y luego al canada donde unos años mas tardes esa niña hermosa regresa al salvador hecha una mujer pero no derrotada si no triunfada y eso me llena de mucha sastifaccion. wow que sensacion tan bonita.
Muchas veses en la vida hay que tomar deciciones que aparentemente no parecen ser las correctas y eso fue lo que yo hice cuando me vine dejando a Ernesto, pero viendo todas las cosas que usted, joshuay sarita pueden lograr como siudadanos canadiences me llena de alegria y su ves me pongo a pensar en todas aquellas personas que decean venir al canada o la usa por que tienen un sueño de prosperar y salir adelante en la vida y muchas veses quizas nosotros no valorizamos lo que tenemos en nuestras manos como poder viajar a cualquir pais que se nos de la gana. es eso una vendicion de Dios? o como le podemos llamar?
La quiero mucho,
tu mama
Muchas veses en la vida hay que tomar deciciones que aparentemente no parecen ser las correctas y eso fue lo que yo hice cuando me vine dejando a Ernesto, pero viendo todas las cosas que usted, joshuay sarita pueden lograr como siudadanos canadiences me llena de alegria y su ves me pongo a pensar en todas aquellas personas que decean venir al canada o la usa por que tienen un sueño de prosperar y salir adelante en la vida y muchas veses quizas nosotros no valorizamos lo que tenemos en nuestras manos como poder viajar a cualquir pais que se nos de la gana. es eso una vendicion de Dios? o como le podemos llamar?
La quiero mucho,
tu mama
05-June-09
As usual my ride home was a pain. Today I waited for the bus; one bus passed but I guess it decided not to stop. I became livid. I couldn't believe that the bus just kept going even though myself and another lady flagged it down. Thankfully another bus came fifteen minutes later.
On my way home I get to see many different things. I travel from a nicer part of San Salvador to a more necessitous part which is where my grandparents have their home. I am staying where Soyapango begins. This part of town is a motley of large well built houses adorn with pastels, shanty towns, and factories. My grandparents have had the option (I believe) to move to a nicer part of town with the assistance of their children but this is what my grandparents have known to be their home. My grandparents have built a humble home and thankfully they have much more than those that live around them. Regardless impecuniousness that surrounds me in this part of town I walk safely and not at any point have I self insecure.
On my way home today I became very emotional. Just seeing the scarcity around me dispirits me and makes me realize of how important our democratic rights are. Every time I see a person getting on the bus to beg for money my heart plummets to the floor. On this particular day a gentleman his wife and baby got on the bus. Then all of the sudden he comes to the front of the bus holding his baby and begins a speech. I became concerned for the child because the bus rides are tremulous, and I feared for the safety of the child. He began to tell all the riders that he “too was coming from work but unfortunately he has to work in whatever he can each day because he was let go from his job recently.” He then went on to explain how he barely has enough to feed his child and that he is asking for the co-operation of any coin. All us who felt his pain assisted him with a quarter or two. Later on an old man (septuagenarian) crawled under the turnstile (typically these turnstiles have a counter that are checked periodically; people who get on the bus to sell or to beg typically jump over) as he crawled under he said a small prayer and did the sign of the cross. Then then got up and holding on to the seats with his cane in had he began to ask for money to help his family. When I saw this began to tear. Seeing this poor old man in this condition stung me completely. I have been here close to a week and have seen many things but this perhaps struck a chord in me.
06-June-09
Tonacatepeque
Today I was invited to go to Tonacatepeque. I had a change to get out of San Salvador and actually breathe some fresh air. But it took me awhile to learn the name of this city. (still can't say it) This city is so small that you can practically travel from corner to corner in an hour. I had delicious soup, and tamarind sorbet. It was extremely hot and I wore jeans because my legs have been massacred by mosquitos and ants. I suffered the whole day from the heat.
I got home just in time to watch El Salvador kick Mexico's ass....buyaaahhhh!!!
Futbolisticamente El Salvador SI existe!
As usual my ride home was a pain. Today I waited for the bus; one bus passed but I guess it decided not to stop. I became livid. I couldn't believe that the bus just kept going even though myself and another lady flagged it down. Thankfully another bus came fifteen minutes later.
On my way home I get to see many different things. I travel from a nicer part of San Salvador to a more necessitous part which is where my grandparents have their home. I am staying where Soyapango begins. This part of town is a motley of large well built houses adorn with pastels, shanty towns, and factories. My grandparents have had the option (I believe) to move to a nicer part of town with the assistance of their children but this is what my grandparents have known to be their home. My grandparents have built a humble home and thankfully they have much more than those that live around them. Regardless impecuniousness that surrounds me in this part of town I walk safely and not at any point have I self insecure.
On my way home today I became very emotional. Just seeing the scarcity around me dispirits me and makes me realize of how important our democratic rights are. Every time I see a person getting on the bus to beg for money my heart plummets to the floor. On this particular day a gentleman his wife and baby got on the bus. Then all of the sudden he comes to the front of the bus holding his baby and begins a speech. I became concerned for the child because the bus rides are tremulous, and I feared for the safety of the child. He began to tell all the riders that he “too was coming from work but unfortunately he has to work in whatever he can each day because he was let go from his job recently.” He then went on to explain how he barely has enough to feed his child and that he is asking for the co-operation of any coin. All us who felt his pain assisted him with a quarter or two. Later on an old man (septuagenarian) crawled under the turnstile (typically these turnstiles have a counter that are checked periodically; people who get on the bus to sell or to beg typically jump over) as he crawled under he said a small prayer and did the sign of the cross. Then then got up and holding on to the seats with his cane in had he began to ask for money to help his family. When I saw this began to tear. Seeing this poor old man in this condition stung me completely. I have been here close to a week and have seen many things but this perhaps struck a chord in me.
06-June-09
Tonacatepeque
Today I was invited to go to Tonacatepeque. I had a change to get out of San Salvador and actually breathe some fresh air. But it took me awhile to learn the name of this city. (still can't say it) This city is so small that you can practically travel from corner to corner in an hour. I had delicious soup, and tamarind sorbet. It was extremely hot and I wore jeans because my legs have been massacred by mosquitos and ants. I suffered the whole day from the heat.
I got home just in time to watch El Salvador kick Mexico's ass....buyaaahhhh!!!
Futbolisticamente El Salvador SI existe!
Friday, June 5, 2009
04-June-09
04-June-09
Good news! Two more interns from York are coming soon (hopefully next week). I received an email in order to put Vivian and myself in contact with them and fill them in on the action. Like I stated before the only draw back is that I am so far from where they are staying. I will have to crash at their place once in a while. :)
Today on my way home from CIS I attempted to take another route home. My aunt told me to take “microbus 53” and then transfer. I waited for half an hour and this “microbus” never came. I called my aunt to tell her about it and to see what other bus she would advise to take. She said to me, “oh, I guess they decided to go another way today.” I had no idea that busses or microbuses take whatever route is convenient on that day. I had to again go on the only route I know and it took me 1:45 to get home. Thankfully I have a lot of material on the methodology and the history of CIS to read so I was well occupied on most of the ride.
As I was reading the teacher manual on the ride home I began to think to myself why is it that people dwell on the past. El Salvador has had a turbulent past and it seems that at times as a nation we can't move because our history keeps being brought up. I am not saying that history is not important according Hegel history in an integral part to our human condition, it is only through history that we are able to understand ourselves but living with this on going memory can cause rancour and in turn not lead to any reformation. I am not saying that we should forget all our history but what I am saying is that we should not make it your present...Perhaps it is more complicated than this but this is what I understand so far.
As days pass by my reason for coming to ES becomes more concrete. I have always wanted to either inform or educate people in one way or another. I have always been a fountain of information (sometimes useful at other times useless) because I like to immerse myself in anything I find interesting. Since I was thirteen I have had the ongoing indecision of either being a teacher or a journalist but on the bus ride I thought to myself, what is the difference? In both occupations I would be in a sense informing or educating people on salient issues. However as a journalist I will be informing the public of that “they” tell me to report. The most rewarding however is teaching because I would be educating someone and regardless of how microcosmic my contribution may be in the end I have left a footprint in someone's life.
Good news! Two more interns from York are coming soon (hopefully next week). I received an email in order to put Vivian and myself in contact with them and fill them in on the action. Like I stated before the only draw back is that I am so far from where they are staying. I will have to crash at their place once in a while. :)
Today on my way home from CIS I attempted to take another route home. My aunt told me to take “microbus 53” and then transfer. I waited for half an hour and this “microbus” never came. I called my aunt to tell her about it and to see what other bus she would advise to take. She said to me, “oh, I guess they decided to go another way today.” I had no idea that busses or microbuses take whatever route is convenient on that day. I had to again go on the only route I know and it took me 1:45 to get home. Thankfully I have a lot of material on the methodology and the history of CIS to read so I was well occupied on most of the ride.
As I was reading the teacher manual on the ride home I began to think to myself why is it that people dwell on the past. El Salvador has had a turbulent past and it seems that at times as a nation we can't move because our history keeps being brought up. I am not saying that history is not important according Hegel history in an integral part to our human condition, it is only through history that we are able to understand ourselves but living with this on going memory can cause rancour and in turn not lead to any reformation. I am not saying that we should forget all our history but what I am saying is that we should not make it your present...Perhaps it is more complicated than this but this is what I understand so far.
As days pass by my reason for coming to ES becomes more concrete. I have always wanted to either inform or educate people in one way or another. I have always been a fountain of information (sometimes useful at other times useless) because I like to immerse myself in anything I find interesting. Since I was thirteen I have had the ongoing indecision of either being a teacher or a journalist but on the bus ride I thought to myself, what is the difference? In both occupations I would be in a sense informing or educating people on salient issues. However as a journalist I will be informing the public of that “they” tell me to report. The most rewarding however is teaching because I would be educating someone and regardless of how microcosmic my contribution may be in the end I have left a footprint in someone's life.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Defining My Culture
As part of my internship at York it is important for me to reflect on my experiences. One of the “assignments” (if I can call them that) is to define my “culture.” To dig deep within my soul and in some way come up with what this “word” means to me.
In my opinion there is no set definition of what culture is. I can go into the Oxford dictionary and provide their definition but I think this definition should be subjective. Living and growing up in Canada I find myself sharing commonalities with other cultures. My almond shape eyes are a cause for confussion for many as many can confuse my features as being Asian.
I find that I don’t belong to one specific group, because I have a difficulty relating to just one culture. I can probably go into a lengthy blog about where I was born and where my parents are from etc etc...but in the end this is insignificant in defining my definition of culture.
Coming back to the country I was born has been difficult because people expect you to assimilate the culture easily since in essence if you were born here than it’s your culture. But how can I adhere to a culture with opinion, ideas, or rituals that I do not understand or much less agree with.
So at this point in my life I come to the question of who am I? Does my culture define my identity?
I am a woman, of Hispanic back ground, born in El Salvador and who grew up Canada. I consider myself both Salvadoran and Canadian. I proudly carry my Canadian passport, like Larissa I also listen to the CBC (radio one), and enjoy a big plate of poutine. I am as much Salvadoran with my appetite for "queso duro," "horchata,"and "pupusas,"
I am my own culture. I can transpose my culture freely, and preserve ideals and morals I deem important. But most important in my culture I expresses myself without inhibitions.
In my opinion there is no set definition of what culture is. I can go into the Oxford dictionary and provide their definition but I think this definition should be subjective. Living and growing up in Canada I find myself sharing commonalities with other cultures. My almond shape eyes are a cause for confussion for many as many can confuse my features as being Asian.
I find that I don’t belong to one specific group, because I have a difficulty relating to just one culture. I can probably go into a lengthy blog about where I was born and where my parents are from etc etc...but in the end this is insignificant in defining my definition of culture.
Coming back to the country I was born has been difficult because people expect you to assimilate the culture easily since in essence if you were born here than it’s your culture. But how can I adhere to a culture with opinion, ideas, or rituals that I do not understand or much less agree with.
So at this point in my life I come to the question of who am I? Does my culture define my identity?
I am a woman, of Hispanic back ground, born in El Salvador and who grew up Canada. I consider myself both Salvadoran and Canadian. I proudly carry my Canadian passport, like Larissa I also listen to the CBC (radio one), and enjoy a big plate of poutine. I am as much Salvadoran with my appetite for "queso duro," "horchata,"and "pupusas,"
I am my own culture. I can transpose my culture freely, and preserve ideals and morals I deem important. But most important in my culture I expresses myself without inhibitions.
day three at CIS
The commute to CIS hasn't been as difficult, but unfortunately for me; the closest bus route to my home is notorious for being tardy.
Last night I started calling friends and family (most or at least the numbers I could remember) to catch up and to see what was up in Canada. My friend Margarita told me that there have been some lay-offs at work. My heart sank last night upon hearing this news. Now I am worried that I won’t have a job when I come back. :(
Good news is that this morning Vivian found out that there will be other interns coming. I am super excited about having other Canadians around. The downside is that I live so far from them that I won’t be able to hang out as much. I am in the process of making some arrangements to see if I can at least stay in this area three days out of the week; especially when I have to teach late.
I found out that I will be teaching "nivel basico!!" I am super nervous but we will see how that goes.
I just thought of something funny when we had our first day at CIS, Rachel took us aside and gave us a small talk. She informed us that unfortunately many of the young men that enroll in classes at the centre do it as part of a dating service. Their goal sometimes is to get a foreign girlfriend. I laughed when I heard this because a) I don't look foreign so I won’t have that problem and b) I can't believe men would go to that extreme to get a "chelita."
By the way I still don't have the cable for my camera, I went to look for it yesterday but I was extremely expensive.
Last night I started calling friends and family (most or at least the numbers I could remember) to catch up and to see what was up in Canada. My friend Margarita told me that there have been some lay-offs at work. My heart sank last night upon hearing this news. Now I am worried that I won’t have a job when I come back. :(
Good news is that this morning Vivian found out that there will be other interns coming. I am super excited about having other Canadians around. The downside is that I live so far from them that I won’t be able to hang out as much. I am in the process of making some arrangements to see if I can at least stay in this area three days out of the week; especially when I have to teach late.
I found out that I will be teaching "nivel basico!!" I am super nervous but we will see how that goes.
I just thought of something funny when we had our first day at CIS, Rachel took us aside and gave us a small talk. She informed us that unfortunately many of the young men that enroll in classes at the centre do it as part of a dating service. Their goal sometimes is to get a foreign girlfriend. I laughed when I heard this because a) I don't look foreign so I won’t have that problem and b) I can't believe men would go to that extreme to get a "chelita."
By the way I still don't have the cable for my camera, I went to look for it yesterday but I was extremely expensive.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Lengthy update...
The following are some excerpts from my journal. I have been trying to load all my pictures from my camera but the cable is not working. I will go get a new cable soon.
30-May-09
My day began with my mom waking me up. I had fallen asleep on the couch, my attempt on pulling an all night failed me. It was 4:15am and my plane was taking off at 6:30am. Half asleep I got up and prepared for my long journey. My little brother got up early to help me load up the car. Typically he never wants to get up that early but for me my little brother will make this small sacrifice.
I already had my major break down on Thursday, I can now face the prospect of this adventure with a more serene feeling. When I arrived at the airport I instantly looked for Vivian, my travel buddy. Vivian will be working with me at CIS but she will be working on projects dealing with the craft store and local artists.
We had decided to travel together because we thought it would be safer for us and I thought I would be fun to have someone to talk to for the five hour plane ride. I saw Vivian at the airport with only one bag, I left like I had over packed but I had many things to give away. I had practically cleared out my whole closet. I checked in and it was time to say good bye to my mother and my little brother. Vivian said good bye to her family and her mother was so nervous that she even asked me to hug her. (so adorable!)
The flight that we booked had a stop over in Newark. I had stop over at Newark on a previous flight therefore I am familiar with the small two engine plane that Continental uses. Flying from Toronto to Newark is approximately an hour. Unlike most planes this plane uses stairs instead of the bridge to load on passengers. It almost makes me feel like a celebrity heading out to the apron and going up the stairs to a plane that looks like a private jet. (I should insert picture here but I forgot to take one, I will take one on the way back)
When we got to Newark we had an hour for the next connection. We had arranged to sit together on the emergency exit row. I think I frightened Vivian when I told her the type of responsibility the people who sit in this row have but when she saw the extra leg room she was content. It turns out that our seating plan backfired, initially when we booked the seats in Toronto we requested to have the aisle and the window seat in order to have the middle seat free for more room. It turns out the flight was full and a gentleman had booked the middle seat, because we wanted to sit together we offered him the window seat. He was very nice and he gave us some tips while being in El Salvador. I think however that there came a point when Vivian and I probably annoyed him. We did everything to keep ourselves entertained, from practising our French, singing Spanish lullabies and laughing at practically everything. I never had so much fun on a flight.
When we got to El Salvador we were attacked by an intense heat. We proceeded to immigration and baggage claim. At immigration I wasn't asked many questions as my Canadian passport indicates that I was born in San Salvador. I plainly told the officer that I was there to visit my family and I was never asked how long. When I had to go look for my bag things got complicated. I only remembered what one of my bags looked like. I couldn't remember if my bag was blue or black with a red ribbon or white ribbon. I kept looking and looking until Vivian volunteered to look for it, thankfully she was able to locate it in seconds. After getting all our luggage we proceeded to the exit, I noticed the “traffic” light post but I never pressed the button I just kept walking like I knew where I was going and Vivian did the same. It wasn't until much later did I realize that I was suppose to press a button in order to go (green=no bag check) or to stop (red=for bag check). I just kept walking to toward crowd of people outside. The only thing holding the people back was a fence, as I walked out my aunt instantly recognized me. I gave her a hug and we proceeded to wait for the van she had booked to drive us to the city.
On the drive towards San Salvador, the scenery was just like I experienced while vacationing in Mexico but as soon as I entered the city everything changed.
I was flabbergasted by what I saw. Someone how I had imagined the city to be in a different state, the war has been long over and all these years should have been years of progress but all there was, was remnants.
As we were looking for the address of Vivian's host family I was speechless. I couldn't find words to describe my feelings. Everything is different from what I remember as a child. A child's mind can see beauty in everything.
As we dropped Vivian off I was having separation anxiety. My heart just dropped when I was separated from my travel buddy. I felt like I was losing my only Canadian connection. We only looked at each other like to little kids being separated. The only thing that pacified me in the end is that we were to go shopping the next day.
“overwhelming” everything about today has been overwhelming...I am beginning to see how the other side lives and hard to come to terms that this where I come from. It is difficult for me to find beauty on something that seems so dilapidated.
I sat down this evening to have dinner with my aunt and I began to think to myself, “How am I going to do this for three months?”
31-May-09
Today I woke up with a different perspective. Things are somehow getting easier. I had my first cold shower today I must say that I miss the hot showers. Taking a shower now takes longer and I have to wash a limb at a time. My uncle offered to buy an electric water heater that can be attached to the shower head but somehow the idea of electricity and water all together frightens me.
My aunt and I took the bus today to go pick up Vivian. On my first bus ride I was entertained by a comedy show. After their show was over they asked for a small donation that my aunt was happy to oblige with since she was pleasantly entertained. We picked up Vivian and went to Metro Centro one of the malls in San Salvador. The goal for the day was to find a cheap cell phone. We found that the items at this mall were expensive and so we travelled across the city to Plaza Mundo where we were able to find a cell phone for less than 20 dollars. We bought other things like a change purse and school supplies to donate to CIS.
My aunt has been amazing with Vivian and I. She goes to the extreme of showing us how to dial our cell phones (even though we have cell phones back home).We now know how to tell how much “saldo” we have left on our phones. She has made the best effort to prepare us and warn us against potential dangers.
01-Jun-09
“Humility” is what I believe I am acquiring. It's hard to comprehend how drastically different things are here. I find it difficult to understand how when I was small I never noticed all that was around me. I never felt like I lacked anything and my mother always sheltered me from my surroundings.
Today I heard my aunt and uncle talk about my father and everything my mother had gone through. Is it possible to love so hard?... So hard to potentially cause harm?
02-Jun-09
Today was my first day at CIS. I woke up at 5:30am, took a shower, had breakfast, and took the bus all myself to my internship. The bus ride was approximately an hour and a bit. I managed to get to CIS at 7:45am. I was the first one there and the housekeeping lady opened the door for me. Slowly people kept trickling in. I made sure to text Vivian to make sure she was on her way and that she wasn't lost.
I finally got to meet Rachel (Raquel). She was very welcoming and gave us a lot of information on CIS. Everyone at CIS was still buzzing with the excitement of the night before. The inauguration means a “potential” change in El Salvador and CIS is a supporter of Mauricio Funes. Many of the members made it out to the celebration and many of the CIS members were able to be close to all the international delegates.
30-May-09
My day began with my mom waking me up. I had fallen asleep on the couch, my attempt on pulling an all night failed me. It was 4:15am and my plane was taking off at 6:30am. Half asleep I got up and prepared for my long journey. My little brother got up early to help me load up the car. Typically he never wants to get up that early but for me my little brother will make this small sacrifice.
I already had my major break down on Thursday, I can now face the prospect of this adventure with a more serene feeling. When I arrived at the airport I instantly looked for Vivian, my travel buddy. Vivian will be working with me at CIS but she will be working on projects dealing with the craft store and local artists.
We had decided to travel together because we thought it would be safer for us and I thought I would be fun to have someone to talk to for the five hour plane ride. I saw Vivian at the airport with only one bag, I left like I had over packed but I had many things to give away. I had practically cleared out my whole closet. I checked in and it was time to say good bye to my mother and my little brother. Vivian said good bye to her family and her mother was so nervous that she even asked me to hug her. (so adorable!)
The flight that we booked had a stop over in Newark. I had stop over at Newark on a previous flight therefore I am familiar with the small two engine plane that Continental uses. Flying from Toronto to Newark is approximately an hour. Unlike most planes this plane uses stairs instead of the bridge to load on passengers. It almost makes me feel like a celebrity heading out to the apron and going up the stairs to a plane that looks like a private jet. (I should insert picture here but I forgot to take one, I will take one on the way back)
When we got to Newark we had an hour for the next connection. We had arranged to sit together on the emergency exit row. I think I frightened Vivian when I told her the type of responsibility the people who sit in this row have but when she saw the extra leg room she was content. It turns out that our seating plan backfired, initially when we booked the seats in Toronto we requested to have the aisle and the window seat in order to have the middle seat free for more room. It turns out the flight was full and a gentleman had booked the middle seat, because we wanted to sit together we offered him the window seat. He was very nice and he gave us some tips while being in El Salvador. I think however that there came a point when Vivian and I probably annoyed him. We did everything to keep ourselves entertained, from practising our French, singing Spanish lullabies and laughing at practically everything. I never had so much fun on a flight.
When we got to El Salvador we were attacked by an intense heat. We proceeded to immigration and baggage claim. At immigration I wasn't asked many questions as my Canadian passport indicates that I was born in San Salvador. I plainly told the officer that I was there to visit my family and I was never asked how long. When I had to go look for my bag things got complicated. I only remembered what one of my bags looked like. I couldn't remember if my bag was blue or black with a red ribbon or white ribbon. I kept looking and looking until Vivian volunteered to look for it, thankfully she was able to locate it in seconds. After getting all our luggage we proceeded to the exit, I noticed the “traffic” light post but I never pressed the button I just kept walking like I knew where I was going and Vivian did the same. It wasn't until much later did I realize that I was suppose to press a button in order to go (green=no bag check) or to stop (red=for bag check). I just kept walking to toward crowd of people outside. The only thing holding the people back was a fence, as I walked out my aunt instantly recognized me. I gave her a hug and we proceeded to wait for the van she had booked to drive us to the city.
On the drive towards San Salvador, the scenery was just like I experienced while vacationing in Mexico but as soon as I entered the city everything changed.
I was flabbergasted by what I saw. Someone how I had imagined the city to be in a different state, the war has been long over and all these years should have been years of progress but all there was, was remnants.
As we were looking for the address of Vivian's host family I was speechless. I couldn't find words to describe my feelings. Everything is different from what I remember as a child. A child's mind can see beauty in everything.
As we dropped Vivian off I was having separation anxiety. My heart just dropped when I was separated from my travel buddy. I felt like I was losing my only Canadian connection. We only looked at each other like to little kids being separated. The only thing that pacified me in the end is that we were to go shopping the next day.
“overwhelming” everything about today has been overwhelming...I am beginning to see how the other side lives and hard to come to terms that this where I come from. It is difficult for me to find beauty on something that seems so dilapidated.
I sat down this evening to have dinner with my aunt and I began to think to myself, “How am I going to do this for three months?”
31-May-09
Today I woke up with a different perspective. Things are somehow getting easier. I had my first cold shower today I must say that I miss the hot showers. Taking a shower now takes longer and I have to wash a limb at a time. My uncle offered to buy an electric water heater that can be attached to the shower head but somehow the idea of electricity and water all together frightens me.
My aunt and I took the bus today to go pick up Vivian. On my first bus ride I was entertained by a comedy show. After their show was over they asked for a small donation that my aunt was happy to oblige with since she was pleasantly entertained. We picked up Vivian and went to Metro Centro one of the malls in San Salvador. The goal for the day was to find a cheap cell phone. We found that the items at this mall were expensive and so we travelled across the city to Plaza Mundo where we were able to find a cell phone for less than 20 dollars. We bought other things like a change purse and school supplies to donate to CIS.
My aunt has been amazing with Vivian and I. She goes to the extreme of showing us how to dial our cell phones (even though we have cell phones back home).We now know how to tell how much “saldo” we have left on our phones. She has made the best effort to prepare us and warn us against potential dangers.
01-Jun-09
“Humility” is what I believe I am acquiring. It's hard to comprehend how drastically different things are here. I find it difficult to understand how when I was small I never noticed all that was around me. I never felt like I lacked anything and my mother always sheltered me from my surroundings.
Today I heard my aunt and uncle talk about my father and everything my mother had gone through. Is it possible to love so hard?... So hard to potentially cause harm?
02-Jun-09
Today was my first day at CIS. I woke up at 5:30am, took a shower, had breakfast, and took the bus all myself to my internship. The bus ride was approximately an hour and a bit. I managed to get to CIS at 7:45am. I was the first one there and the housekeeping lady opened the door for me. Slowly people kept trickling in. I made sure to text Vivian to make sure she was on her way and that she wasn't lost.
I finally got to meet Rachel (Raquel). She was very welcoming and gave us a lot of information on CIS. Everyone at CIS was still buzzing with the excitement of the night before. The inauguration means a “potential” change in El Salvador and CIS is a supporter of Mauricio Funes. Many of the members made it out to the celebration and many of the CIS members were able to be close to all the international delegates.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Last night out with some close friends...
These are some pictures from a goodbye dinner with some friends. I was overstuffed with sushi.
Being in pictures is one of my least favourite things but this will all change since everyone is really interested in what I will be up to. :) I will make the effort to enlighten everyone with my beautiful smile :P
I will miss sushi :( I will have to search for a great sushi place in ES.
My First Post
This is officially my first post. Like the professional procrastinator that I am, I have managed to leave all my packing for the night before. I don't even know where to begin...not exactly sure what to pack for three months. Lucky for me I have hired the help of both my little brother and mother. (I didn't exactly hire them they eagerly volunteered. :)
The past week has been a very emotional one. I have had to overcome many fears and come to terms that I am in need of many improvements. Life is about learning and overcoming many obstacles...I am about to embark on a great learning adventure.
Tomorrow I take off... I have a feeling that when I come back to Canada I will not be the same person...
The past week has been a very emotional one. I have had to overcome many fears and come to terms that I am in need of many improvements. Life is about learning and overcoming many obstacles...I am about to embark on a great learning adventure.
Tomorrow I take off... I have a feeling that when I come back to Canada I will not be the same person...
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