San Juan was a very humble place and what I take away with me first is- that being a good horsewoman or man is more important then owning a car, (everyone owns a horse) second- the kindness and pride the people have and their pride in being Paraguayan. I also will remember all the hotel managers efforts to make me comfortable and keep our room heated even though he probably never spent a night with heat himself no matter what the weather was. Last thoughts about San Juan: You better be in the mood to eat a lot of bread con anis!!! (A roll with a licorice spice mixed in).
Carapegua: The most pleasant memories come from my host family whose children were so curious about everything American. The six year old boy saying, wheres the chica!!
I stayed awake long enough to be able to identify every musical artist we both knew as well and then switch to English which they wanted to practice with me and had tutoring lessons on the weekends. I loved how excited the people were to be from Carapegua and how they enjoyed showing us all around and especially celebrating Amy’s birthday together at the local pizza place.
On the day we left they were sad that we didn’t stay longer and as they put on a final show for them I realized they knew how to make us feel so very welcomed and appreciated. Lasting impressions: I especially enjoyed working with the teachers and showing them interactive games to do with the students and share classroom management techniques as well.
I felt so alive and like the world became flat-as if we were like neighbors sharing coffee or mate (their drink, its a strong tea)together. We spent most of the time joking and playing games!!
Finally: Asuncion: We will begin working with the volunteers tomorrow and go tomorrow to Santa Ana, a very impoverished neighborhood. My impressions as I was being introduced around the area by the teenagers were overwhelming. Walking around was like stepping into a Dali painting, so surreal, in terms of the depth of poverty they live in, it had absolutely no feeling of normalcy.
To be continued…….