-Everything moves very slow
-Everything is a discussion
-Everything is a process
-Everyone has an opinion
-Everything gets repeated 10 times
-No one respects the other person talking, even when talking about respect
-Nothing gets resolved
-Snack time = best time
Other fun observations of the week:
-Calling every Asian person Chino or Chinita (little china) is normal
-Bring toilet paper with me EVERYWHERE
-Think I'll get toned arms from fanning myself all day?
-The teachers switch classrooms not the students
-Lots of students repeat grades due to failing
-Obama is on the news everyday
-The Harlem Shake Colorado College Plane Dance on Youtube made news here
-Instead of all students paying the same amount for school activities they all pay random amounts
-It's rude for a guy not to pour a women's drink
-Always kiss on the check with hello's and goodbye's even if it's only a 30 second conversation
-Flowers are only given at the cemetery
-Santisimo Cruz Colegio (the school I teach at) is the only Catholic School in Chulu
-The more their voice cracks, they change their tone or fluctuation in their voice the better
-Many people are very lazy, working 6 days a week, but often take 3 hour siesta, close shops early especially if raining, and watch tons of TV. Teachers mad about some working 22 hours a week when others have to work 26 hours a week
How they dress:
-Like they are in the 90's
-Jean dresses
-Wedges, heels, or platform flip flops all day everyday
-Really tight clothes even when really isn't flattering
-SKINNY jeans
-Colored leggings
-Clunky jewelry
-English T-Shirts, often don't even make sense
-Guys wear leather sandals, cargo pants, and Holister T-Shirts
-Wear tomorrow's clothes today after shower in the afternoon
Other fun events of the week:
Traveling on motorcycles with new friends, good thing max you can go in this city is around 15 mph before you hit a speed bump, intersection without stop signs, or something/ someone in your way
Got a tour of the city from the famous Bishop, learned where is dangerous, where is okay, and how we're suppose to avoid all dirt roads, go no where alone after 5 and there's a 1/4 mile road strip that is safe to run.
Learned how much we are really looked at as rich with lots of money to give out. We are often asked for money by kids and elders.
Getting to know my new co-teacher has been awesome! Yenny is 31 years od and has been teaching for 8 years. She is pumped to be my friend and teach me everything she knows! She is full of life, dresses adorably, everyone loves her, and wants to be my "sister!"
They don't understand why I only have one last name, they all take on their father's and mother's last name! oh p.s. my first name is Briana here!
We have this new awesome friend named Richard, who just finished serving in the US Army but is originally from Chulucanas. Richard has been a great person to show us around, protect us, and just having a friend is really nice!
Diabetes and Heart Problems have become a lot more common in Chulu with the amount of rice and sugar people eat everyday. Richard said in the last 5 years everyone has gotten fatter, women still try to look nice, but men just look fat.
Got fitted for my flight attendant looking uniform like I was being fitted for a wedding dress.
My students have 11 different subjects a week including home ec, psychology, work trades, and the usual science, math, communication, and English.
We went to Lacie's host sister's Quinceanera where they killed and cooked 10 ducks, we had cake, and met tons of family and neighbors! Her parent's were happy to welcome everyone into their little home in hopes of making it the best party they could afford to have for their daughter.
This week we moved into our new house and I've started teaching and 26 students from Villanova are here for the week! Stories to come!
Britt, You have captured the culture and essence of Peru quickly and accurately. Our dear friends are from Lima, Peru and Santiago, Chile and enjoyed reading your post. Job well done!
ReplyDeleteTeri and John