MY PARROT, Jennifer Lopez --->
Quick update. I'm in Managua right now. I came in town yesterday for a meeting at the office and I got to stay the night! We're talking air conditioning, hot shower, minimal creepy crawlers at night...high class.
I finally had my first parasite. TOTALLY different from a bacterial infection or food poisoning (at least for me). Every time I'd eat, I'd get horrible stomach cramps, but I'd never feel really full. Luckily I took pills for a few days, and I think it's dead now. Was worried I'd have to start thinking of names for it... (Perry?)
What else...I think there are iguanas living in my ceiling. I hear a little scurrying up there most nights, but it doesn't sound like the thing is heavy enough to be a rat. However it's probable that I do have a larger problem because someone or something just carted off 3 whole pieces of whole wheat bread from my bird's cage the other night (no evidence of nibbling whatsoever, it just disappeared). Cats? Rats? Neighboring children? Unknown...
Hmm, so, trying to think of more profound and meaningful things to write about. Work is alright. Next week we (myself and my counterpart, Olga) get to go to a seminar in Matagalpa (beautiful mountainous region) to touch base with Peace Corps. Here in about a week I complete one whole year in site. Which means I've been here for about a year and 3 months. Eek.
What else...lately I've been studying to take the Foreign Service Officer test. I've been downloading podcasts online from the NY Times, the Economist, and BBC World News. Also studying a little U.S. History and Government here, a little economic theory there. I've pretty much established a morning routine... I get up around 8 or so, make my toast and coffee, and sit in the hammock in front of the fan either reading my precious 3-month-old Economists that I've acquired (Embassy families donate their old magazines to us PCV's) or studying.
I've been going to the gym fairly often. There's actually a gym here just for women (thank goodness, or I'd never go, quite a few of the men here are vile and disrespectful). I actually go to a step aerobics class (I'm not sure if I mentioned this in a previous post?). The blocks are made of plywood, and I'm telling you, I wouldn't be surprised if a woman showed up in a mini-skirt and heels. But more power to them, it's rare to see a woman who takes time to invest in herself. Many women are so busy taking care of their kids and their philandering husbands that they just let themselves go.
Sorry if I sound a little negative, guys. They say that a lot of volunteers kind of fall into a slump when they hit their year mark. I'm definitely feeling a little disappointed in my service right now. I don't feel like my work is making much of a difference. There's just not a real necessity to learn English in Chinandega. And since there's not a necessity, many students just aren't that motivated. And if the people you work with aren't as motivated as you are, where is the sustainability? I think I'm going to look for ways to get involved with health projects here. Maybe work with HIV/AIDS or teen pregnancy. Either way, I have a feeling that my major accomplishments will be 1) what I've learned and 2) the relationships that I've built with women and girls here.
Well, I think I'm going to take advantage of being in Managua to go see the new Harry Potter movie before I head back to reality.
Miss you guys.
Elizabeth
