We have no water in my house. It's funny how at the beginning I was expecting primative conditions and was ready to tough it out, and after finding that my house had running water, I took it for granted. It coincidentally happens to feel like the hottest couple of days that we've had here in Honduras so I felt so gross not having water to wash up. At least I had a use for all those moist towels / Wet Ones that I brought!
Yesterday I 'showered' with a wet cloth from the little leftover water that dribbled out of the tap. Now, most houses here have this basin/resevoir from which they take water for washing clothes, etc, and so my host mom later brought in a buckets of water from the backyard. So today I took a cold shower with little bucketfuls of water. I guess it was good that it was so hot, it was kind of refreshing. And it actually saves lots of water - I used only about 5 litres.
But there was no way I was going to brush my teeth it. I had looked in and saw mosquito larvae spawning in the water. I can handle bathing in it, but that is NOT going into my mouth. Well, we'll see how desperate I get :)
note: thankfully, the water only goes out once in a while, probably when too much is used at similar times
Sunday, May 31, 2009
staff party
There was another celebration this weekend, but it had a totally different feel to it. It was a birthday party for two of the staff at Bencaleth, my work placement. It was a huge deal because the staff live at the residence with the kids, and so it's a 24/7 job. A trip to the pulperia (convenience store) or a day off is pretty exciting. The party was a time for the staff to be able to kick back and enjoy themselves. Personally, I can't imagine living here. I'm so tired and unmotivated by the end of the day that I appreciate being able to separate home and work. I can understand why the staff sometimes seem unenthusiastic.
Anyways, although most of the kids were put to bed already, some of the older ones were up and helping with the celebration. One of the youth loves music and was the DJ for the night. But he basically played only his 4 favourite songs the whole night. The dance floor was the dining room with all the tables and chairs pushed to the side. There were no decorations except for a simple banner leftover from Mother's Day celebration. We only had Coke, cake and rice. But it didn't matter, everyone had a blast.
It's not what I expected a party to be; it went beyond my expectations.
Anyways, although most of the kids were put to bed already, some of the older ones were up and helping with the celebration. One of the youth loves music and was the DJ for the night. But he basically played only his 4 favourite songs the whole night. The dance floor was the dining room with all the tables and chairs pushed to the side. There were no decorations except for a simple banner leftover from Mother's Day celebration. We only had Coke, cake and rice. But it didn't matter, everyone had a blast.
It's not what I expected a party to be; it went beyond my expectations.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
survived the earthquake
So there was a 7.1 magnitude earthquake last night in Honduras. I'm alive for anyone who heard it on the news and thought of me :)
In my area, all it did was wake people up, shake beds, and crack some important historical buildings. It was up on the north coast where the commercial capital and the tourist areas are that bridges collapsed, etc. I think the affects of the quake amplified because of the torrential rains we've been having. It's monsoon season and we get like a crazy downpour once every 3 days. But it's really warm so everything dries up really fast afterwards. Of course, those living on the edges of towns in the barely standing houses (I've seen them, it's really sad) are suffering.
I was thinking that my placement lacked resources and wondering how it ever managed to get by on donations. But when they were talking in class about being thankful for food and a roof over their heads, it humbled me that they were able to see the bright side of their situation.
In my area, all it did was wake people up, shake beds, and crack some important historical buildings. It was up on the north coast where the commercial capital and the tourist areas are that bridges collapsed, etc. I think the affects of the quake amplified because of the torrential rains we've been having. It's monsoon season and we get like a crazy downpour once every 3 days. But it's really warm so everything dries up really fast afterwards. Of course, those living on the edges of towns in the barely standing houses (I've seen them, it's really sad) are suffering.
I was thinking that my placement lacked resources and wondering how it ever managed to get by on donations. But when they were talking in class about being thankful for food and a roof over their heads, it humbled me that they were able to see the bright side of their situation.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
la chinita bonita
Being Chinese has given a unique twist to how I am treated. The first country people think I'm from is Japan. I don't think I look Japanese, but I believe the reason for this is that there's some collaboration between Japan and Honduras. There was a bridge going to downtown that has both the flags together. (We drive by too fast and I read Spanish too slow to see what the words say.)
I've been asked countless times if I know Kung Fu or if I'm related to Jackie Chan. I told them we were distant relatives (which is probably true back back somewhere in the Chan clan). One girl thought I didn't understand and stretched her eyes out horizontally to show me what was meant by 'china.'
Now, I've come to expect this, and it's interesting because it seems to be more interesting that there is a Chinese person here than just a Canadian or American. In fact, when we were prepping the kids for the North American foreigners, they were describing them in a certain way without any reference or consideration of me. I guess it's good because I'm not lumped in with 'gringos.' And I figured that the amount of times I've been called 'china' or 'chinita' (little chinese person) equals the times I've been called 'bonita' (pretty) by these same people. So I'm happy. I'm in my own special classification of stereotype.
I've been asked countless times if I know Kung Fu or if I'm related to Jackie Chan. I told them we were distant relatives (which is probably true back back somewhere in the Chan clan). One girl thought I didn't understand and stretched her eyes out horizontally to show me what was meant by 'china.'
Now, I've come to expect this, and it's interesting because it seems to be more interesting that there is a Chinese person here than just a Canadian or American. In fact, when we were prepping the kids for the North American foreigners, they were describing them in a certain way without any reference or consideration of me. I guess it's good because I'm not lumped in with 'gringos.' And I figured that the amount of times I've been called 'china' or 'chinita' (little chinese person) equals the times I've been called 'bonita' (pretty) by these same people. So I'm happy. I'm in my own special classification of stereotype.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
partaaay
I was invited go to the birthday party for a member of my extended family here in Honduras. It's amazing how we've only been here for 2 weeks and that the people welcome us Canadians to join in family functions.
There was an amazing 10 member live band that played music the whole night. It was interesting because it was so modest, yet able to sound amazing. For example, when they needed a new drum stick, they carved out a new one. It was cute that they used masking tape to write 'tropical' on the front of their xylophone/mirimbi thing (Kat, I'm sorry if it is actually neither.)
We danced the night away (or attempted to, as I neither have the ability or the crazy hips necessary for the dancing here). We were introduced to punta, which is a dance characteristic of the Garufauna people in the northern coast of Honduras. It's called this (punta=tip) because you dance on your toes.
I missed the famous carnival in La Ceiba to come to this event. But I think that meeting the rest of the family and the fun we had was well worth it.
There was an amazing 10 member live band that played music the whole night. It was interesting because it was so modest, yet able to sound amazing. For example, when they needed a new drum stick, they carved out a new one. It was cute that they used masking tape to write 'tropical' on the front of their xylophone/mirimbi thing (Kat, I'm sorry if it is actually neither.)We danced the night away (or attempted to, as I neither have the ability or the crazy hips necessary for the dancing here). We were introduced to punta, which is a dance characteristic of the Garufauna people in the northern coast of Honduras. It's called this (punta=tip) because you dance on your toes.
I missed the famous carnival in La Ceiba to come to this event. But I think that meeting the rest of the family and the fun we had was well worth it.
inspired
It was a good week here in Honduras. I was originally disappointed to learn that the physiotherapist may not be coming in (because I think it's on a voluntary basis). However, this changed when some friendly Americans came to visit my placement as part of a missions trip. They brought games and toys and really made the kids' days. I got to talk to a PT and he gave me some really good tips on what I could do, such as stretches and activities that could help those who are restricted in mobility or sit in wheelchairs all day.
One thing that I had also been thinking about was sustainability. I wonder, how can I do something here at Bencaleth that would make a lasting difference. Yeah, I could do activities with the kids or infuse them with tons of resources, but I will eventually leave and the resources eventually run out. It's like each group that comes in for just an afternoon. It's necessary to have the fresh ideas and excitement for that short while. But follow up is just as necessary.
I started playing soccer and bringing some kids into the playground, which I think was out of the ordinary because the kids keep asking to play with me now. Sometimes the other staff come and join in, which is good because sometimes I come home totally exhausted and probably 2 shades darker. Even if we can make it a weekly event to have a purposeful play time, that would be good.
One thing that I had also been thinking about was sustainability. I wonder, how can I do something here at Bencaleth that would make a lasting difference. Yeah, I could do activities with the kids or infuse them with tons of resources, but I will eventually leave and the resources eventually run out. It's like each group that comes in for just an afternoon. It's necessary to have the fresh ideas and excitement for that short while. But follow up is just as necessary.
I started playing soccer and bringing some kids into the playground, which I think was out of the ordinary because the kids keep asking to play with me now. Sometimes the other staff come and join in, which is good because sometimes I come home totally exhausted and probably 2 shades darker. Even if we can make it a weekly event to have a purposeful play time, that would be good.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
change and frustration
OHHH. A very significant change was made to my placement.
Because of my experience with special needs individuals and my expressed interest in physiotherapy, I've been relocated a school and residence for people with physical and mental disabilities. It is very interesting because it is quite different from the camp I worked at in summers past. There are much less resources and in the class from 8 to noon; there's one teacher for the 10 kids of a vast variety of intellectual and mobility levels. There are some other permanent staff for the rest of the day, but there is so much cleaning, feeding, and transporting wheelchairs that little is done for interacting and inspiring the kids. (Not to put down the place because it does very very well for the resources it has.)
The language barrier is significant. My Spanish is improving ever so slightly, but not fast enough it seems. It's very frustrating. In a way, you don't NEED to know a language for communication, and I've connected with many of the kids by gestures, smiles, and 2-word sentences. But when it comes to more than just having fun, it's really tough. I can't connect with those of higher learning abilities. It's discouraging and I just feel so stupid for not being able to just get the language.
Because of my experience with special needs individuals and my expressed interest in physiotherapy, I've been relocated a school and residence for people with physical and mental disabilities. It is very interesting because it is quite different from the camp I worked at in summers past. There are much less resources and in the class from 8 to noon; there's one teacher for the 10 kids of a vast variety of intellectual and mobility levels. There are some other permanent staff for the rest of the day, but there is so much cleaning, feeding, and transporting wheelchairs that little is done for interacting and inspiring the kids. (Not to put down the place because it does very very well for the resources it has.)
The language barrier is significant. My Spanish is improving ever so slightly, but not fast enough it seems. It's very frustrating. In a way, you don't NEED to know a language for communication, and I've connected with many of the kids by gestures, smiles, and 2-word sentences. But when it comes to more than just having fun, it's really tough. I can't connect with those of higher learning abilities. It's discouraging and I just feel so stupid for not being able to just get the language.
guns and beans
My first week in Honduras is over. I thought that I would need something exciting for blog followers since I haven't put up any updates for a week. So I'll give you my first little impression on the country.
It's really beautiful here as I had mentioned before, but there are some not as nice aspects of the country. One thing you notice is how many police out there. With guns. In front of banks, of course, but also at convenience stores and supermarkets. Most houses and buildings have barbed wire on the top of the fences. It shows how we shouldn't go out after the sun goes down, but at the same time, there's a sense of security knowing that men with guns are out to protect the citizens. And my host mom is really protective of me and the community I'm in is small and most people know each other, so you don't have to worry (too much!).
On a lighter note, I don't think I've ever eaten this many bean in my life. I've had some type of it (whole, mashed, with rice, with bread) every day. Beans and rice are definite staples in the Honduran diet. I've also had innumerable amounts of bananas and mangos. They also have this yummy baked plantain thing (which is 1000x better than the thing I made at my dinner for those that attended and experienced my culinary failure.)
Yes, so that's how my life has 'bean' this week. ha ha ha....... :)
It's really beautiful here as I had mentioned before, but there are some not as nice aspects of the country. One thing you notice is how many police out there. With guns. In front of banks, of course, but also at convenience stores and supermarkets. Most houses and buildings have barbed wire on the top of the fences. It shows how we shouldn't go out after the sun goes down, but at the same time, there's a sense of security knowing that men with guns are out to protect the citizens. And my host mom is really protective of me and the community I'm in is small and most people know each other, so you don't have to worry (too much!).
On a lighter note, I don't think I've ever eaten this many bean in my life. I've had some type of it (whole, mashed, with rice, with bread) every day. Beans and rice are definite staples in the Honduran diet. I've also had innumerable amounts of bananas and mangos. They also have this yummy baked plantain thing (which is 1000x better than the thing I made at my dinner for those that attended and experienced my culinary failure.)
Yes, so that's how my life has 'bean' this week. ha ha ha....... :)
Sunday, May 10, 2009
made it to honduras
¡Hola!
I made it safely here. I learned only after our rough landing that Tegucigalpa is the 3rd most dangerous airport in the world. I would believe it - when we were landing, the plane was so close to the buildings and houses! We had a little complication with our luggage being left in Miami, but it was resolved soon and we only had to wear the same clothes 2 days. And the personnel at the airport were very kind. One officer gave us all care packages with toiletries when he saw that we did not have our bags.
As for the landscape, it is so beautiful here. Palm trees, banana trees, and lime trees right outside your door. Lightning bugs glow at night and macaws wake us up in the morning. It is hard to believe that a country this paradise-like can be struggling with so much poverty. I will probably get a better understanding after this weekend of orientation when I go to my host family and enter my placement on Monday.
¡Buenas noches!
I made it safely here. I learned only after our rough landing that Tegucigalpa is the 3rd most dangerous airport in the world. I would believe it - when we were landing, the plane was so close to the buildings and houses! We had a little complication with our luggage being left in Miami, but it was resolved soon and we only had to wear the same clothes 2 days. And the personnel at the airport were very kind. One officer gave us all care packages with toiletries when he saw that we did not have our bags.
As for the landscape, it is so beautiful here. Palm trees, banana trees, and lime trees right outside your door. Lightning bugs glow at night and macaws wake us up in the morning. It is hard to believe that a country this paradise-like can be struggling with so much poverty. I will probably get a better understanding after this weekend of orientation when I go to my host family and enter my placement on Monday.
¡Buenas noches!
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