Saturday, November 19, 2016

Hi Honey, I'm Home!

I've made it to my permanent site! We're down to 80% in our cohort, as one of the boys (Matt) had to go back to the States, hopefully temporarily. Two months in, and two down. I hope this isn't developing into a pattern for us, because we only HAD ten to start with. 

The biggest downer for me was that he was going to by my closest neighbor of the whole cohort. Now the next closest is probably Thomas, who is about 5 hours away. I suppose it doesn't matter all that much, since I haven't heard from any of the others who came with me to Region Nine since we all got dropped off, but it was at least a comforting thought to know one was (sort-of) nearby (3 hours is close, right?).

As for me, I'm probably dying of sun poisoning, but before it actually kills me, I'm having a great time. There are horses to coddle, programs to design, my house needs some setting up, and I just bought a bicycle so that I can explore a bit. My hammock on the back porch, which was the first thing I set up of course, is getting plenty of use. The bike, in the first day that I've had it, has been ridden enough that I think my bum has a permanent indent from the bike seat. No, not the other way around. The bicycle seats here I'm fairly certain are made of cement, and we rode about three million miles today on the only road which is made up entirely of potholes and bumps.

My host family here has about seven horses, and I've already become very fond of one in particular, only to find out he had never been named! They looked at me like I was slightly crazy when I said he OUGHT to have a name, and so now he's Merlin. I'll have pictures of him soon. Maybe after I've given him a badly-needed bath. The family ALSO thinks I'm totally bonkers for wanting to give a horse a bath, but he's pretty badly chewed up by bugs, and has a big open wound on his leg that isn't healing well, so a bath is a good place to start.

Internet will be spotty at best here, but I'll do what I can for pictures and updates. For tonight, since it's well after midnight and everyone gets up around four AM here, I'm merely posting the only two pictures of Region Nine wildlife that I have at hand right this minute:

A beautiful rattlesnake (beautiful because I was out of striking-range)
Proof that Nature hates you and wants you to die of nightmares.
Okay, listen: I know environmentalists are supposed to love ALL of nature, but no. I do not do creepy crawlies. Snakes, sure, as long as they're not in my house and preferably not close enough to bite me. Lizards? Love 'em. Bats? I think they're cute. But bugs are gross, and most of them are trying to kill me or at least drink all of my blood, and they just give me the heebie-jeebies. Giant spiders as big as my hand are things that should only exist in horror movies, and yet here they're in your shower sometimes. Back at my training site, Daniel had bug-duty. Here? I'm on my own. It's the only downside to having my own house.

The local students have been viewing me as some sort of novelty. I've been asked to have my picture taken with several, and they're always calling out to me when I'm outside. I went to town for one morning, and got a chorus of "Welcome back, Miss" on my return. On the other hand, it's a little disconcerting to constantly be the center of attention. Every single move I make is under a spotlight. Remember: it's not paranoia if there really ARE people watching you.

Monday, November 7, 2016

It's Official!

It's been a roller coaster, but we're finally sworn in as Volunteers rather than Trainees. Nine out of the ten of us swore in today. Ellen made the decision to pursue other adventures. We're sad to see her go, but she's going to do great things. PS, if you know of a mammal research position open, she's your girl. She's incredibly qualified, bright, and a pleasure to work with.
Left to right: Sam (Region One), Ellen, yours truly (Region Nine), Kirsten (Region One)
Despite the fact that the other two girls are going to be far away, we've become very close, and you'll hear about their adventures often, I'm sure, whenever my own are too dull to bother writing about.
All the boys made it through to swearing in, despite five of the six of them having to be brought low by illness during training. Apparently the boys are a bit more fragile than us hardcore ladies. Most of them will be heading to Region Nine on a tiny little bus with me at 4am tomorrow, although Dan is heading to Region One, and Matt is staying behind for a little while to recover from an injury.
Left to right: Thomas (9), Dylan (9), Lance (9), Matt (9), Jon (9) and Dan (1)
Of course, the downside to being done with training is that I had to say goodbye to my host family. I've become ridiculously attached to them over the last two months, so I didn't want to let them go. We spent our last evening at the training site splashing about in the creek (my favorite spot. Becky has decided I'm some sort of mermaid who will die if I dry out, so that's why I play in the rain and insist on going to the creek every day).
Our farewell to our little swimming hole

Also, for those of you who have never seen a parrot dance in the rain, you're welcome:

Daniel, despite thinking I'm completely nuts for running OUTSIDE whenever the rain starts, came out to play with Kevin (the parrot) and I as we danced around getting drenched. If nothing else, I've convinced an entire town that Americans can't let a rainstorm pass without being out in it. I don't think this is quite what Peace Corps meant by "share your culture" but I'm having fun with it.

Here's the highlight reel from Pre-Service Training:


Lance and his adoring Pup

Mitchell posing with his mom (Pauline)

Becky and Daniel posing for a "nice" picture
Since Becky is my host-brother's cousin, and she's Thomas's host-sister, I'm pretty sure that means Thomas is now my cousin.
My two favorites: Danny and Orlenna
How to acquire coconuts
Kirsten's host-brother Shown being camera-shy
Awww, I'm gonna miss this kid (my own host-brother).
Not how you play volleyball (Noel)
Maybe how you play volleyball? (Carey)
Sam trying to be intimidating (and failing miserably-- Pup got all excited to play)
More creek time (my favorite thing!)

Okay, I know that as an Environmental Peace Corps Volunteer, you were all expecting more nature, and less volleyball. Fair enough. Play time's over now, and a very soon post will have tons of outdoors-y pictures for you!