I am in my new home until the end of October. It is a big town, much bigger than good ole NV. I’m still close to the PC office, in a high elevation so it is pretty cool here (50-65 degrees F). I was very fortunate (although I will have a harder time adjusting to my permanent site) because I have a very nice house with wireless internet and a washing machine.
My new family is great. My host mother is fantastic and super patient with my low level of Spanish. I have 2 host sisters and one host brother, all of whom are really sweet. My favorite part of the day is after dinner when we sit and talk for an hour (most of which is the older sister, a teacher, explaining to me what was just said) then go straight to bed.
This weekend is our Feria (a festival each town has for its patron saint) and everyone is very excited. It is actually a week-long affair and we had a parade to kick it off yesterday. My host brother played the drums in his band, and, although I’m in a collectivist culture, I’m going to say he was the best one.
I have to say, the language aspect is pretty tough. Part of our Spanish class is to go and ask vendors or people on the street random questions, and not being able to understand what they are saying is frustrating sometimes. But, with 5-6 hours of Spanish class everyday, not to mention a family who only speaks Spanish, Spanish church services, and Spanish everywhere else, hopefully I will pick it up quickly.
Did I mention that the other volunteers are awesome? One of the other volunteers in our group (there are 8 of us in my training site) had a birthday this weekend and we had planned a surprise party for her. When I got home from Spanish class that day, I didn’t think I should go because my mom mentioned we were going to do laundry, so I texted the group and apologized. But I was bummed that I couldn’t go. I was taking a nap later that afternoon when my host mom walked in and said that there were people downstairs waiting for me, a lot of people. I went down and they had brought the party to me. I even got a piece of cake that I shared with my family.
One last note: Tortillas really can make almost anything taste better!!
#1 by Deborah Zawtocki on August 23, 2010 - 9:20 PM
Care, I hope you get this, I am not sure what to write when they ask for the website. My fears are aleviated each time I read how positive you are about all of this. I feel like you are surrounded by caring people. I have no doubt you will pick up the language very quickly. By the way, great to hear the tortillas are fantastic. Thinking of you always, Debbie
#2 by Mary Lynn Fager on August 24, 2010 - 1:42 AM
Have you had queso fresco (cheese) yet? Some say it’s an aquired taste but I LOVED it. If you find you don’t like it, get the freshest cheese you can find. The less aged, the more mild it is. Some of the more aged cheeses can taste quite moldy. AND… queso fresco is awesome on tortillas!!!! I know what you mean about those home made maseca tortillas. My family was so particular about where they bought their tortillas. But if you get a chance, you should really learn how to make them yourself. It’s an art.
I still feel so excited for you and believe I will be joing you in CA in the next 6 months! I’ll let you know as I get more info.
I spent last weekend visiting my brother. Just got home a few minutes ago. It was a super great weekend. Jack is soooo incredible (baby Jack I’m speaking of, although your brother has also been incredible too. He was really supportive over the last two weeks as I was struggling through the lose of a friend). Bob and Dina are really amazing parents. I love watching them with him, and seeing how much he adores his Mommy and Daddy. It’s cool.
Keep soaking up every second, and then tell us all about it. You know we’re dying to hear from you!
Love you,
ML
#3 by awholenewworld730 on August 25, 2010 - 12:02 AM
ML,
Hmm… My family doesn’t call it queso fresco, but is it a block of cold cheese that kind of looks like cream cheese but doesn’t taste like it? Because if so, yes, and I love it! It’s hard for me to find a cheese I don’t like.
I’d love to be CA neighbors! I hope everything works out.
And I can’t wait to see that adorable little cousin of mine again.