Friday, December 23, 2005
Pacing...
I have finally found a place where things move just slow enough for me. I am getting really into the siesta in the afternoon, the slow pace of pedrestrians on the street, and the welcoming kisses and hugs that everyone I meet takes time to give. The Peruvians live in a poor nation, with a corrupt government, and a dark history, but they seem to enjoy moments, and one another.
I got a real taste of the contrasting Peruvian relaxed attitude with the fast paced, anxious Americans last night. I mentioned in the previous posting that I planned to attend a concert in a main plaza in Ayaucho. I went, I got a drink, and sat down, with what seemed like hundreds of younger Peruvians wearing tailor outfits (this culture still dresses up to go out, at least for evenings). There we were, and the band just never showed up. No one seemed to mind...and, I didn´t really either. I enjoyed my drink, and watching the crowd.
Work inside was frustrating today. The women and children were together today, as the women prepared busily for Christmas. They washed clothing in shallow buckets, and cleaned the children´s hair in the same buckets. The other volunteers inside with me spent the day conversing with the women and helping with what tasks they could. I spent my time with the children, incidentaly, as their jungle gym. I had fun with them, naturally, but got lost in my thoughts somewhere between piggy backs and backflips.
I have to walk past these women and go to their children, because these toddlers understand my jumbled, backward Spanish as well as toddlers in the US understand any English (here and there), and I struggle to communicate with the adults. I know they understand and are not offended, but it is increasingly more difficult to pass up the ability to give more to or get more out of this experience. I struggle listening to their stories or tell them about myself, despite an apparent, strong desire on both sides. Upon my arrival home today, I decided that it´s time to make flashcards. I have to learn faster.
I am leaving in the morning for the llama trek. To prepare, I am gathering all long sleeves and sweatshirt type things. I plan to wear pretty much everything I have at once, to outfit myself for 20 degrees. It should be adequate...I hope.
Other than that, I will be thinking of you, as most of you prepare to light your menorah and eat latkes or drink eggnog and open presents from under the tree. Either way, or any way, happy holidays.
I got a real taste of the contrasting Peruvian relaxed attitude with the fast paced, anxious Americans last night. I mentioned in the previous posting that I planned to attend a concert in a main plaza in Ayaucho. I went, I got a drink, and sat down, with what seemed like hundreds of younger Peruvians wearing tailor outfits (this culture still dresses up to go out, at least for evenings). There we were, and the band just never showed up. No one seemed to mind...and, I didn´t really either. I enjoyed my drink, and watching the crowd.
Work inside was frustrating today. The women and children were together today, as the women prepared busily for Christmas. They washed clothing in shallow buckets, and cleaned the children´s hair in the same buckets. The other volunteers inside with me spent the day conversing with the women and helping with what tasks they could. I spent my time with the children, incidentaly, as their jungle gym. I had fun with them, naturally, but got lost in my thoughts somewhere between piggy backs and backflips.
I have to walk past these women and go to their children, because these toddlers understand my jumbled, backward Spanish as well as toddlers in the US understand any English (here and there), and I struggle to communicate with the adults. I know they understand and are not offended, but it is increasingly more difficult to pass up the ability to give more to or get more out of this experience. I struggle listening to their stories or tell them about myself, despite an apparent, strong desire on both sides. Upon my arrival home today, I decided that it´s time to make flashcards. I have to learn faster.
I am leaving in the morning for the llama trek. To prepare, I am gathering all long sleeves and sweatshirt type things. I plan to wear pretty much everything I have at once, to outfit myself for 20 degrees. It should be adequate...I hope.
Other than that, I will be thinking of you, as most of you prepare to light your menorah and eat latkes or drink eggnog and open presents from under the tree. Either way, or any way, happy holidays.
# posted by Marci Soifer @ 1:51 PM 
