Second week

       Well, I'm back!!!  I suppose it's almost a good thing I haven't been writing so often, because it means I am busy! 
       I started work a week ago in the CCPA in San Lorenzo.  I am in the library there which is very small.  Its pretty quiet and there isn't a lot of activity.  I really love the people that I work with though!  To be honest, it can get pretty boring there because I don't do anything.  No one there really does anything though, so I guess I'm not the only one. 
       This whole weird thing happened with my lunch there.  So first, numerous people told me that I would eat lunch there everyday, like the rest of the staff and volunteers.  So, naturally, on my first day, I ate lunch there with everyone that was prepared by the lady in the cafeteria.  Later in the afternoon, I got a call from my liaison (who is younger than me) saying I couldn't eat lunch there anymore......why? I have no idea.  So now, I go to work at 1, after I've had lunch at home.  The only problem is that my mom prepares lunch for me in between 10:30 and 11 am.  So then I'm at work from 1-5 with no food.  Today when I got home I ate 4 or 5 empanadas....I can't remember, but I was so hungry.  So basically, work is a little screwed up and disorganized, but I hope it will get better.  I sat in and participated in an English class today, which was fun.  I hope I get to do more things like that. 
       I have gone to work in central (in Asuncion) twice now in the past week.  Also I don't do anything there but it's alright.  I went to a science fair on Saturday in Asuncion and it was pretty cool!  Taking the bus to Asuncion in the morning is just about the worst thing that happens here.  The first time I went I had to wake up at 5am in order to get to the bus on time.  We were supposed to leave the house at 6, but my brother claims his alarm didn't go off (even though I heard it) and he over slept, so we went a little bit later.  Weird things happen on the bus too.  On Saturday, two guys got on the bus with a radio and started rapping!  Of course they had to rap about me.....I heard "rubia" (blonde)  and I knew exactly who they were talking about.  They rapped about blonde, beautiful something something and I like her eyes.  Oh I live for that kind of stuff. 
       One of the things I don't like so far is the attention I get.  For instance, I was sitting on the bus with the window open and some men started saying "hello, how are you" and laughing and stuff.  I hate that.  Today I was walking home by myself and there were these two boys that were saying first in Spanish. .....beautiful, and then in English.....hi beautiful, how are you,  what's your name?  Ughhhhh I hate it. 
       Hmmmmm what else?  I've been hanging out with my friend Ferre from Belgium and I'm really enjoying his company.  Plus, his 5 year old brother is adorable and loves me!  It'll be nice to make some friends in San Lorenzo, but for now I'm happy with my friends in Luque.  Only a short drive away! 
       I take the bus by myself tomorrow.  I'm a little nervous, but I know the way to work now and I know I'll be fine. 
       The weather here is like Cleveland.....BIPOLAR.  Two days ago it was incredibly hot, and these past 2 days have been freezingggg.  I guess I came to the right place!  And speaking of coming to the right place.....on Sunday I met 2 people with the same thumbs as me....WHAT?! Two people in one day?  That's unheard of!!!
       Sooooo, I guess that's all for now!  Check in later for more!  Chau!

Una gran aventura en Asunción

       Yesterday marked my first full week in Paraguay.  I can't believe it!  To celebrate (not really, we would have gone anyway) me, my brother Gili and my friend Ferre from Belgium went to Asunción for an adventure!  It was the most fun day here so far, even though there hasn't been a day I haven't enjoyed yet.
       Gili and I were walking to the bus place (there aren't real stops here) And as we were walking a car pulled up and we got in.  I don't totally understand Spanish and didn't quite understand, but it turns out it was a friend of the family and not some random person driving us around.  We got dropped off part way and took the bus the rest of the way to "shopping" , used as a noun not a verb.  Shopping is the most popular mall in Asunción, where tons of people go to shop, watch movies, eat...you name it.  We met Ferre at shopping and then started out hike. 
       We walked for such a long way seeing lots of things in the streets of Asuncion.  We saw the presidents residence, the US embassy, the BIG manzana (Apple store) and the field where Olympia plays.  Then we went to the river front where the Palacio de Gobierno is.  The water is still really high on the river but it has gone down some since earlier this year.  Instead of walking, we used this vehicle that reminded me of a three wheeler with big wheels on it.  The driver sat in front and there were too passenger seats.  Gilberto drove and Ferre and I were the passengers.  When Gili said we were going to use one I thought he was joking, and when I figured out it was for real and once we got on, I couldn't stop giggling.  It was so much fun and just really cool.  There were antique cars on the river front too, which we took photos with. 
       After our vehicle ride, we were pretty hungry and went to get lunch.  Of course we went to McDonald's.  Today is día del niños so everything is decorated with balloons and there are clowns everywhere too.  Clowns on motorcycles, clowns in the street, clowns everywhere.  In fact, my tía Niti is a clown, as well as many other professions.  ANYWAY, after lunch we went to the casa de independencia where the paraguayans planned their attack on the Spanish to gain their freedom.  It was an interesting little museum.  We then walk through the panteón de los héroes.  Yesterday was also the anniversary of Asuncion so there were some parades and if course fireworks....but fireworks happen almost every night anyway.  I swear, almost every day is a holiday in Paraguay.  I have been here one week and there have already been 3! 
       I had another interesting bus experience, when a man came on with his guitar and serenaded all of the passengers.  His guitar playing was good but his singing was a couple of keys off.  Nice effort though. 
       After our adventure in Asunción, We went to one of Gilis friends house who has two pit bulls.  One of them is the champion of the competitions...and is also Annubis' boyfriend haha.  We were there for a long time and Ferre and me were soooo tired!  Finally we came back home and waited for Ferres parents to come and get him at 9.  He knows I play ukulele, so everyone wanted me to play.  We (mama, papa, Ferre, and Gili) went out onto the patio in front of the store and I played and did a little bit if singing too.  Ferre put my case on the ground and Gili threw a 1000 guarani coin in haha.  We joked that since I am not working yet, I will play my ukulele for a job haha.  I put my first coin in my Paraguayan piggy bank. 
       After, we came inside because it was cold and looked at pictures from a while ago.  It was really funny to see what everyone looked like when they were so young!  It was a lot of fun.  Ferres parents came to pick him up because they were going to a birthday party and then soon after I went to bed because I was so exhausted. 
       Apparently I am going with Gili to a pit bull competition tomorrow which involves me getting up at 3 or 4 am to get there by 7 am................whyyyyyyyyyy.  Well that's about all I can't think of for now!  Check in again!

When your host mom says "Te quiero mucho"

       This is a feeling that I can not really explain.  Having someone that is not related to you, and only in a few days of knowing you, will do anything for you and loves you as their own is a really incredible thing.  When my mom went to bed tonight, she said "te quiero mucho" which translates to I love you a lot.  I already feel comfortable here and love my family, but that just sealed the deal.  I can't explain the feeling because it's so different than anything I have really felt before.  I am so unbelievably happy and lucky to have been placed in this family.  I haven't even been here a week and I know I am at home.  What an amazing feeling and thing that can happen in just a few days....really it's incredible.  Ok, enough of the sappy stuff, I'll fill you in on what I've been doing in the past few days.
       I have not started work yet, and it is still unclear to me as to when I start; but honestly I am very content and happy staying at home with my mom...(just like in the states).  Yesterday I went to the zoo with my brother Cristian.  We took the bus there and back.  Going there we had seats, but on the way back we both had to stand and it was packed like a sardine can.  I'll be honest the bus is the most scary part so far, but that is probably because I'm not accustomed to it yet.  The zoo was practically empty, maybe with one other family.  We went into the museum of natural history and there was a preserved baby cow with two heads....that was interesting to see, also a little bit disturbing. 
       It has been very "cold" here.  It is something similar to a brisk and chilly fall day in Cleveland.  It was cold enough today where I was wearing a sweatshirt, coat and scarf. 
       Today I went with mamá to the main market in Asuncion which is called Mercado 4.  It is really big with many stores.  We went to meet with Andrea, one of Cristians friends (who I consider my friend too).  We talked with her and her coworkers for a while and of course they all commented on how beautiful I am and my hair....it's just what people say when my mamá introduces me.  It was kind of embarrassing at first, but I'm getting used to it.  After we met with Andrea, we got some groceries and a pair of shoes for one of mamás clients in the store.  Then we took the bus back home. 
       There are always vendors on the busses.  The driver lets them on and then they try and sell their goods.  My favorite vendor from today was the man selling toothbrushes.  We had such passion and a lot of information about how great the toothbrush was and at the end of his speech, he said "gracias por su atención, y buen día".  I thought it was such a funny way to end it. 
       There is a little girl named Romina who is 8 years old that is my first friend here in Paraguay.  Every day now after school and on her break she comes by the store and asks for me, so she can ask me questions and talk to me.  She is so cute and today Romina and her friend showed me all of their notebooks with stickers and all sorts of things.  They are very cute little girls and I always look forward to seeing them! 
       I met my abuela the other night and she is very nice.  She lives in a town only about 10 minutes away called Villa Elisa.  My aunt Niti and uncle Javier live there too.  They are all very funny and I love spending time with them.  My whole family is funny (thank goodness) because what would I do in a family without humor???
       I've been playing my ukulele a little more and my mom loves it.  Tonight before diner I was going to play some in my room and my mom said, oh no come to my room because I will take a nap before diner and I want to listen to your music.  So I sat on her bed and played and yes haha believe it or not I played her to sleep.  It was really funny and nice. 
       Well speaking of sleeping, I have reached that point.  Lots of Spanish and guaraní and soccer games today and I'm ready for my bed.  Make sure to check in again! Chauuu. 

My first few days

       Hola everyone!  Today marks my second/third day with my new family.  Saturday afternoon, my papá and brother Gilberto, came to the hotel in Asuncion to take me home.  All of the students were sitting in this courtyard and there was a huge window that looked down on us from the inside of the hotel.  Slowly families started coming to this window and would point and wave once they spotted their student.  We all were joking because it felt like we were animals in the zoo or somthing.  I didn't see my dad and brother in the window and I started to feel a little nervous, even though I knew they were coming.  I finally saw them just appear in the courtyard and I ran over.  It was such a relief and a good feeling to see them and say hello and give hugs and all that stuff.  We put all my luggage in the car and started our trip to San Lorenzo. 
       The traffic is a little different in Paraguay than in the states.  It took us a long time to get to my house...crazy motorcycles, busses, people selling things in the street and a lot of cars not obeying traffic signals...but that's the norm here!  The road in my neighborhood is the most bumpy stone road I've ever been on.  Its also covered in red dirt and sand.  That stuff is everywhere. 
       I got to my house and met the rest of my family except my oldest brother Cristian, because he was working.  We had some chicken for lunch and some rice stuff.  I have liked every single thing I have had here so far. 
       There are some things that are very different than home here (obviously) for instance....the bathroom.  When you use the toilet, you must put your toilet paper in the trash...that takes a little getting used to!  Also, the shower in our home has no shower curtain and is just part of the bathroom.  When you finish your shower you have to squeegee the water on the floor into the drain so no one slips or anything.  I also have to keep all my toiletries in my room and take them to the bathroom When I want to use them. 
       My room is the only room with a real door, that is semi private.  I say semi private because my room is the computer room and everyone uses it during the day.  I also share my wardrobe with my brother Cristian.  Jhony and Gili have a "space" where there are two beds that they sleep in.  There is no piracy there, it's basically in the middle of the house totally open. 
       I have been drinking a lot of terere and mate, which is really good!  It is similar to tea....mate is hot and terere is cold.  People sit around talking and watching tv and drink it.  Every one has it...everywhere.  It is in a little cup like thing with a metal straw that everyone shares.  One person fills it up and then passes it to you or whoever and everyone that is there.  You only get a few sips out of it but it keeps you hydrated and refreshed!  You can't be a germaphobe and come to Paraguay because you have to share the terere!
       The language barrier isn't that bad and I am able to understand most and they can for the most part understand me.  It is very exhausting though.  I gave to say, I told my story about almost dying on the Allegheny river in Spanish and they understood!  Woo hoo!  That felt like a bug accomplishment.
       I am very happy here and so far am.having a really nice time.  There is a lot more to say, but my fingers are tired now and I should get out of bed.  Check in again and I'll have some more updates! 

Paraguay!!!

Estoy aquí finalmente!   I arrived this morning around 8am with my group in Asunción!  The Flight was long and uncomfortable, but we made it and I'm really happy about that.  We got our visas upon arrival, and went through customs (which was a breeze) and then waited for the german/Denmark group to arrive.  Once we met up, we got on a bus and drove to a very big nice hotel in Asunción.  We had a Paraguayan lunch that consisted of a plant root, a corn casserole type dish, rice, salad, and potatoes.  Then there was sizzling meat platters placed by groups of us and we ate that.  There was so much meat, and it was a little to well cooked for me, but it was still delicioso!  They tren served a dessert that I think was flan or something like it.  Every thing was really great.  We haven't done anything really at orientation here but the Italians and Belgian group just got here so we are starting more activities at 5.  My host family will pick me up tomorrow morning (which I CAN'T wait for) I'm so so excited about that.  Keep checking in!  Hasta luego. 

Orientation in Miami

       Yesterday I arrived in Miami at the hotel where orientation is and said goodbye to my family.  Saying goodbye was sad, but not too bad, because I know I'll be back here before I even know it.  The first hour or so here was really scary and weird because no AFS people were here...not even the check in guy.  I was sitting in the hotel room by myself waiting for the AFS guy to arrive.  After a while I went up for lunch and met two boys that were going to Brazil.  There are a lot people going to Brazil.  There are also two people going to Chile and six of us going to Paraguay.  Surprisingly enough, three out of the six of us are going to do community service.  I think there is a total of about 23 people here (I thought it was going to be much bigger)
       It's been really boring here.  I got here at 11:30 and our first activity didn't start until 7:30 and only went till 9.  We have a lot of free time and me and my roommate Reanna are dying to get to the airport and leave.  We leave for the airport at 8pm tonight and the flight leaves at 11:50. 
       My host brother Gili, told me that he and Papá would pick me up Saturday from my NEXT orientation and take me home.  I am so excited for that!!!  Well, it's going to be a long wait for that shuttle to the airport, but I am so excited for it and can't wait to arrive!!! Keep checking in!

This is the last night!

       Wow, I can't believe this day has come...the last day and night with my family here in the States until I return next July.  I have so many emotions... excitement, nervousness, and some anxiety as always.  At this point, the only way I'll be good is after my parents drop me off.  I am dreading the saying goodbye part and just need to meet the people at orientation and then get on the plane to the new chapter in my life.  It's weird to think how quickly these past few months have gone; from the application process, to getting accepted to the program, to receiving my host family and now actually following through with all if this and going!  I guess the best word to describe it would be overwhelming.  I am so overwhelmed! 
       So, tomorrow I get dropped off in Miami for my first orientation; on Thursday my redeye leaves at 11:50 and I arrive in Asuncion at 7:50am.  From there, I get my Visa and go to my second orientation with all my fellow new AFS Paraguay participants for a day or two.  Then my host family will get me!!!  I'm bit sure if they get my on Saturday or Sunday, but that is what I am most excited for right now.  I really can't wait to get to actually meet them and become part of the family. 
       Well I'm going to sign out and get the rest of my things ready, so I don't have to stress too much tomorrow.  I will be posting as soon as I can...and the next post might just be from Paraguay!  Stay tuned...:)