My name is Jessica, and I have an internet problem


Advertisement
Published: July 7th 2009
Edit Blog Post

Now that's a viewNow that's a viewNow that's a view

The fog doesn't clear that often, but when it does, it's great!
Wireless internet has been down all day. I just couldn't take it, so I snuck in to the administrative building, found an unplugged ethernet cable, and jammed that sucker into my laptop to get my fix. So many e-mails!

Anyways, I wrote a blog entry in Word earlier this morning which I'll throw up here quickly while I can. I'll try to write another entry tonight reflecting on the day's events, but it might not get posted until tomorrow (or later, if word gets out about my sweet find and they shut it down).
---
This morning’s entry is getting typed in Word, to be uploaded at a later time, because the wireless network seems to be down. I can’t complain, though. The fact that we have any internet connection up here in a Scout camp in the jungle on a mountain 1700m is pretty nice.

The morning sun has brought a welcome warming of temperature. It’s certainly not the promised 26 degrees Celsius, but it is a pleasant temperature and I’m not complaining. Last night was kind of chilly, but I have had worse nights camping in Canada. If I wear a good pair of wooly socks to
Home Sweet HomeHome Sweet HomeHome Sweet Home

My dorm building. No heat.
bed tonight I should be good to go.

Around 5pm yesterday other delegates started arriving to camp, and things really picked up. Most of the early arrivals spoke English, which was great. I think the prevalence of English comprehension is a bit lower in the ones that arrived later at night, but that’s OK. We seem to find ways to get our message across as necessary—it’s just more difficult to ‘hang out’ for any extended amount of time one-on-one. When I’m in a big group I’m finding it not toooo difficult to follow what’s going on around me, and there are a couple of people here who are really good about translating key things for me when I look particularly lost. I don’t think I mentioned it but I arrived yesterday with the two delegates from Aruba, who speak English very well. In fact, they speak EVERYTHING very well! And the Curaçao delegates are in the same boat. In those countries, in school you learn Dutch, English, Spanish, and Papiomento (that’s probably not at all how you spell that, but it is their native language). It is not uncommon to also know some French. So, they are like the ultimate interpreters.

I already knew Arubian Ronald from my time in Quito, so it was nice to see a familiar face right off the bat. I was going to say it was nice to see a “friendly” face, but, who am I kidding, they’re all friendly here! There is a saying that goes something like “A Scout is a friend to all, and a brother to every other Scout.” It’s corny, but when you go on these international trips you see that it really is true. I have been to lots of conferences and large events in the past, but NOTHING compares to the instant camaraderie that you experience when you go to an international Scout event. It’s wonderful, and quite special. So, we all are instantly fast friends, regardless of whether we can speak each other’s languages.

Last night we all trooped down to a lookout tower to see the view. I had been there earlier in the day with Ronald and Shyna from Aruba, but it was SO foggy at the time you couldn’t even see the base of the mountain. With nightfall, things cleared considerably and you could see the lights of civilization for miles.
Meeting of nationsMeeting of nationsMeeting of nations

I see Columbia, Costa Rica, I think Panama....
It was quite pretty. The fog has rolled back in somewhat this morning so the view isn’t great, but I’ll keep an eye out and try to take some pictures if it clears up. I almost didn’t go on that night hike because I didn’t want my single pair of pants to get wet again (they had JUST dried from the afternoon’s trip to the tower) but then I remembered: I bought gaiters at MEC before coming just for this trip! So I slapped those bad boys on, ready to set off. I was surprised how much extra warmth the gaiters afforded, actually. They maaaaay get pulled out again in a time of need if things get too chilly.

I was not brave enough to attempt a cold shower this morning. I’ll save that adventure for tomorrow. Besides, there are murmurings abounding about possible hot water in the nicer cabin building where the WOSM and Interamericas Regions staff are staying. It’s possible I might able to sweet talk my way in there…. (man, I’m a wuss).

Overall, things are good and I’m looking forward to the start of our meetings this morning. Things have been pushed back a
Caribbean TranslatorsCaribbean TranslatorsCaribbean Translators

Shayna, Ronald, and Eeline (sp?) from Aruba and Curacao. Their translating ability is a life saver!
bit, so we have a couple hours before registration, flag break, and opening. I’ll let you know how it all goes!



Additional photos below
Photos: 7, Displayed: 7


Advertisement

Action hubAction hub
Action hub

Modern camp life: computers, printers, wireless routers (which don't work...0


7th July 2009

Cold Showers
Jess don't you remember PJ'99 all they had were cold showers there!
7th July 2009

Cold Showers
Jess don't you remember PJ'99 all they had were cold showers there!

Tot: 0.127s; Tpl: 0.011s; cc: 10; qc: 56; dbt: 0.0894s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1; ; mem: 1.2mb