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Published: April 7th 2008
It is my second full day in the city and it is already beginning to become more comfortable and familiar. Yesterday I walked with two other volunteers (who went to do the other program in Xela) to the Parque Central, where the Palace and Cathedral are. I felt very anxious the whole time, feeling like we were leaving our sanctuary here at the Homebase and venturing out into the scary world outside. Outside of our walls we face heavy traffic (from drivers who have little respect for pedestrians), odd looks from some people, lots of noise and pollution, and always the possible crime. I was feeling very conspicuous also with my fellow volunteer taking pictures every 2 feet! I try to keep a bit of a lower profile, especially in a completely new place. I felt relieved when I returned, but I also felt good that I had broken the ice with the city. I have lived in other big cities, but this one is not like the others.
Today, my fellow volunteers (Megan and Amanda) and I had our orientation. It was nice to have a better understanding of what we could expect and what would be expected of
My room
I have it all to myself!us. It was led by our Country Director, Virginia. She is a very nice woman, and very motherly. As part of the orientation, she sent us on an expedition through our neighborhood to search for the mail, drug store, atm, grocery store, etc. This time when I ventured out, I felt more secure because I had already done it. We headed over the pedestrian bridge into a nice park area where all of the places we were looking for were located. This area was much more comfortable than the busy main street on the way to Parque Central. It felt much more like a neighborhood, with greenery instead of smog spewing buses. I still felt a little self-conscious, but I was much more comfortable. The area that we live in is very residential and middle class and is one of the safer areas in the city.
Our homebase really is starting to feel like home. It's a lovely place, with comfy bedrooms, a nice little kitchen and dining area, and a really great outdoor living area. It definitely feels like a home away from home. Plus the food is great! It's all very fresh and delicious. We have lots
Our Outdoor Livingroom
I love sitting outside here. of vegetables and fruits and even freshly squeezed juices right from the trees in the courtyard! It's nice to not have anything frozen or microwaved!
Tomorrow I start my volunteer work. I will be working at Casita Amarilla. It is a school for children who live in the dump on the outskirts of the city. Amanda and I will be teaching english lessons. It's not acting as a teaching assistant, but actually teaching ourselves. We have to create our own lessons. Luckily, we have many predecessors, who left some notes about activities that worked well with the kids. I'm a little nervous, but mostly excited about getting started!
It's been a very long two days!
!Hasta luego!
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eimmy
non-member comment
Hola!
Como estas? I'm so happy for you! I'm sure you will have a lot of fun and learn a lot! I bet you will be able to speak Spanish 100% by the time you finish! You should go to Nicaragua! (thats where I'm from!!!) You can take the TicaBus! Yeah, a central American city is really really different than an American or European. I think you will learn to like it!! lol