Since we've been here almost a month, I feel like there is almost too much to say, so in honor of my favorite host-brother's birthday (which is today), we'll start with him:
Here he is laughing at the Volunteers' efforts.
Check out that sweet pass to Ellen.
That's Daniel. This is actually how you'd see him 90% of the time, because if he's not working or sleeping, he's on the volleyball court, killing it. Volleyball is the main past-time for the volunteers when we're not in our training classes.
I've got five host sisters who don't live at home: June, Denise, Vanessa, Esther and Orlenna, but I've only met the youngest, when she came for a visit. I can't even begin to tell you what a great cook she is, or how nice she is, but both of the host-siblings I've actually met are wonderful people, so I'm assuming the other four are as well.
Usually it's just Daniel, his parents (Michael and Jenny), and me. They spoil me rotten. My host-mom, Jenny, is teaching me how to cook so I won't starve when I leave for Region Nine. I don't think I'm in danger of that. My host-parents feed me enough for about six people, and although I sweat through my clothes on a daily basis, very little of that is due to any actual physical exertion, so barring some sort of horrific parasite, I'm going to get SO FAT here. Luckily, we're told "fat" is a good thing. If you're "fine" (meaning skinny) they assume you're dying. I love this place.
Speaking of both eating and horrific bugs, I did promise I'd tell you about the worms. The first thing on the first day that anyone wanted to know about me was if I'd "try the worms." At first I thought they were messing with me, but I was assured that it was actually a delicacy. I shrugged and said "sure, no problem," thinking I'd be tossing back some tiny fried mealworm or something. No big deal.
They're as big as my thumb, make a horrible squelching noise as they move, and smell bad enough to clear a room when they're fried, but they're actually really tasty. Nine out of ten of the volunteers tried one, although not without quite a bit of cringing. Matt even ate a live one, because Environmental Volunteers are hardcore.
The best part of the house I'm staying in is the hammock on the porch. Since we're right in the thick of things and directly next to the church where we've been doing our training sessions, my porch is the central hub and hangout spot. The hammock is conveniently strung up right out front so I can see everything without ever having to get up. I could happily spend every minute in that thing, if it weren't for the mosquitoes. They're negligible during the day, but come out in swarms as soon as the sun starts to set.
I have my own room, which is way bigger than I'd expected, and with the giant mirror they put in there for me, and the mosquito net turning my bed into a canopy, and the pink sheets my family set me up with, it's a princess room. That's right; I've moved to Guyana and now I'm a princess. And they'd told me this was going to be rough...
The other host families are very kind too. Kirsten's host parents are constantly sending me home with more fruit than I can carry from their gorgeous farm. I've never eaten better than I have since I came here.
I've got five host sisters who don't live at home: June, Denise, Vanessa, Esther and Orlenna, but I've only met the youngest, when she came for a visit. I can't even begin to tell you what a great cook she is, or how nice she is, but both of the host-siblings I've actually met are wonderful people, so I'm assuming the other four are as well.
Orlenna, who is also a badass on the court.
Usually it's just Daniel, his parents (Michael and Jenny), and me. They spoil me rotten. My host-mom, Jenny, is teaching me how to cook so I won't starve when I leave for Region Nine. I don't think I'm in danger of that. My host-parents feed me enough for about six people, and although I sweat through my clothes on a daily basis, very little of that is due to any actual physical exertion, so barring some sort of horrific parasite, I'm going to get SO FAT here. Luckily, we're told "fat" is a good thing. If you're "fine" (meaning skinny) they assume you're dying. I love this place.
Speaking of both eating and horrific bugs, I did promise I'd tell you about the worms. The first thing on the first day that anyone wanted to know about me was if I'd "try the worms." At first I thought they were messing with me, but I was assured that it was actually a delicacy. I shrugged and said "sure, no problem," thinking I'd be tossing back some tiny fried mealworm or something. No big deal.
Pictured: A big deal.
They're as big as my thumb, make a horrible squelching noise as they move, and smell bad enough to clear a room when they're fried, but they're actually really tasty. Nine out of ten of the volunteers tried one, although not without quite a bit of cringing. Matt even ate a live one, because Environmental Volunteers are hardcore.
Ellen eating her worm with probably more grace than I managed.
A niece? Cousin? Something. Practically everyone in town is related to my host family. This is my little shadow, Tiffany, hanging out on our porch.
I have my own room, which is way bigger than I'd expected, and with the giant mirror they put in there for me, and the mosquito net turning my bed into a canopy, and the pink sheets my family set me up with, it's a princess room. That's right; I've moved to Guyana and now I'm a princess. And they'd told me this was going to be rough...
The other host families are very kind too. Kirsten's host parents are constantly sending me home with more fruit than I can carry from their gorgeous farm. I've never eaten better than I have since I came here.
Oranges (that are ripe when they're green like that. It's weird, I know.)
Coconuts
Custard apples
Whatever these things are
I've got Kevin the parrot to keep me company, and his friend the Kiskidee, whose whistle he mimics. He doesn't talk yet, because he's still very young, but he loves having his neck scratched, and his favorite treats seem to be cucumbers and hot peppers.
I wasn't kidding about the peppers.
We finally found out where we're going to be posted for the next two years. I'll be out in Region Nine. This week we've come to Georgetown to meet our "counterparts" (the people who agreed to work with us) and they'll show us how to get to each place, and then we are spending about a week there to check out the set up, before finding our own way back to Region Four. If I survive, you'll hear from me again before too long, because I'll update when I stop back into Georgetown on the way home. Wish me luck!
