Well hello there. How are you doing?
Me? Oh I am doing well. Just trying to trudge through the life that is Peace Corps.
What? My project? It is gong well. I have run into a few problems here and there but still pushing along.
What problems you ask? Well initially I was trying to obtain funding from the government agencies here in order to complete my project. I was working with Panamanian equivalents of the EPA and the Health Administration. Both of the agencies told me all of these steps I had to take in order to obtain the funding needed in order to enlarge my aqueduct and therefore bring clean water to the larger population of the community. Well after jumping through all of these hoops they both told me the money had "disappeared" and therefore they were unable to help me.
Disappeared? Yeah I know. What the heck does that mean? In my opinion it means that some official that has the powers of magic made the money disappear into his pocket. That or into the new rims that are on his car. Just a thought but highly likely.
Can I write you a check? No, thanks though. I don't believe in giving gifts to my community. I want my project to be sustainable and therefore I can't take money from you guys in order to compete something the host country or community should be able to do by themselves.
What now? We have already started to raise money within the community. We have also separated the the one large aqueduct project into smaller goals that we are more likely to be able to accomplish. Therefore we are on our way. Little by little we are raising the money to buy the tubes we need to bring water to hundreds of people. Also I am slowly training the people in my town how to work together and that if the work hard they can accomplish the goals they set. Sustainability is my goal and hopefully when I leave we will have a lot new families with clean water and a functioning group that works well together.
Huh, what did you say? Why Thank you. I know it is a noble thing to do. Thanks for being so proud of me. Yes, yes it is really hard having to work with people that don't know the basics of organization or group dynamics. No, I won't give up. Yes I do look forward to being home and I will be home soon.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
The countdown
T- minus 10 months.
I have reached the hump and am on the down hill slide. The first year flew by and I have no doubts that the final ten months will feel like a week. As of right now my official Close of Service date is June, 30 2011. Although that is the official date I will be able to get out as early as the 7th of June. This is good news for me. I am not dying to go home or get out of Panama but the earlier I get home the longer I can work at the beach. Weird I know, I am trying to be able to work longer. But lifeguarding is such a great job and I miss the beach so mush that I am looking forward to a summer on the sand. Surf, sun and waves. Nothing better right.
I have reached the hump and am on the down hill slide. The first year flew by and I have no doubts that the final ten months will feel like a week. As of right now my official Close of Service date is June, 30 2011. Although that is the official date I will be able to get out as early as the 7th of June. This is good news for me. I am not dying to go home or get out of Panama but the earlier I get home the longer I can work at the beach. Weird I know, I am trying to be able to work longer. But lifeguarding is such a great job and I miss the beach so mush that I am looking forward to a summer on the sand. Surf, sun and waves. Nothing better right.
Monday, August 9, 2010
WORK WORK WORK
The Peace Corps is not all fun and games. I am continuously finding more and more projects to perform during my two years of service here in Panama. My projects range from building rainwater catch systems to bringing groups of dentists from the United States to my site in order to do free dental work.
The final project that I posted pictures of is a stove that is made from natural products; clay, cow poop, sand, and water all mixed together and then let dry in order to form a clay mold. We then cut holes in the mold to make a more efficient stove than the camp fires they are currently using to cook. Other benefits of the stove include less fire wood being harvested, less smoke entering the house and lungs of the families, and finally minimizing the heat that is emitted and effecting the mothers that are cooking all day.
I am continuing to find more projects that include education to building the aqueduct to bring clean water to the larger portion of the community. Stay tuned for future projects and fun from Panama.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Burn Panama Burn
Changuinola is actually burning. There are photos and news footage of Ngobe Indians throwing maltov cocktails through the windows of banks. Yup that is right the Indians that I work with and are usually so docile have decided to go crazy. A few of them have died and they have also managed to kill a police officer. I thought that I lived in a country that was stable and I wouldn't have to worry about any national problems that would affect my service.
So here are the facts as I have collected them. The President of the country, Ricardo Martinelli is actually a huge idiot and has decided to pass a law that would have caused large problems in the U.S.. The law states that Unions are not allowed to collect dues and therefore weakens their ability to negotiate with the large companies of Panama (aka Chiquita Banana). The law also takes away citizens rights to protest while increasing the laws on police brutality. Citizens that fall victim to Police brutality are unable to file legal charges against them. This I believe is one of the reasons that things got out of hand so fast in Changuinola. People will protest when they are treated unfairly. The Indians have been pushed around for many years and the President finally pushed them past their breaking point.
As for what I have been doing while these dangerous protests have been going on. I am in what is called a Standfast. This means that I am not allowed to move from where I am until the situation calms down and it is safe for me to travel. I am stuck in David the second largest city because I was out to celebrate my one year with my group. Therefore I am an a hotel with Gretchen and several other volunteers who daily try and find new things to keep ourselves entertained. Well here goes day 7 of standfast, I am trying to enjoy it rather than get down.
So here are the facts as I have collected them. The President of the country, Ricardo Martinelli is actually a huge idiot and has decided to pass a law that would have caused large problems in the U.S.. The law states that Unions are not allowed to collect dues and therefore weakens their ability to negotiate with the large companies of Panama (aka Chiquita Banana). The law also takes away citizens rights to protest while increasing the laws on police brutality. Citizens that fall victim to Police brutality are unable to file legal charges against them. This I believe is one of the reasons that things got out of hand so fast in Changuinola. People will protest when they are treated unfairly. The Indians have been pushed around for many years and the President finally pushed them past their breaking point.
As for what I have been doing while these dangerous protests have been going on. I am in what is called a Standfast. This means that I am not allowed to move from where I am until the situation calms down and it is safe for me to travel. I am stuck in David the second largest city because I was out to celebrate my one year with my group. Therefore I am an a hotel with Gretchen and several other volunteers who daily try and find new things to keep ourselves entertained. Well here goes day 7 of standfast, I am trying to enjoy it rather than get down.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Office Space
I live out on one edge of the country of Panama. The office which is located in Panama City is a twelve hour bus ride from my closest town. Therefore I do not make it to the office all that often. In fact I just visited the office for the first time in a year during my mid term medical check up. This visit made me come to a few realizations.
The first of these realizations was one that I knew well before I even joined the Peace Corps. I will never be able to work in an office setting. The hierarchy laid out by office size, cubicles, florescent lights, business casual attire, robots typing away in front of a computer and the overall business structure. All of theses things turn me away from the office setting.
One reason I enjoy my job is that I work outside in the shit, sometimes metaphorically and sometimes literally shoveling shit for compost. I don't have to worry about a stain on my new Calvin Klein shirt. In fact a stain is more fitting and leads to more acceptance among the people within my town. I also visually get to see the progress and outcome of my projects. I am not looking at printed statistics to confirm that my job is making an influence.
Something that I am upset at realizing is that in the office setting people only look out for themselves. It is all about getting ahead and making more money. The Peace Corps is about helping others. Volunteers help people in their towns and the office helps the volunteers. Being in the office made me realize that the office isn't upholding their end of the bargain. When you put a salary on a volunteer organization you change the goal of the people's jobs. They are looking for things that only make them look better. This isn't true for all people in the office but some of the more important ones are definitely at fault. It should be; What do the volunteers need? not, How can I look good? or, What can we do to make the program look good? Somehow people that sit in an office in front of a computer know what we need without asking us.
The second reason I like my job is my site location. I am good at what I do and don't seek approval or praise for the things I accomplish. I am here to help people that can't help themselves. I don't have some staff member looking over my shoulder and trying to claim my successes as their own in order to receive a raise or promotion. The office leaves me alone and I leave them alone... just the way I want it.
The final reason I like my job is that there is nobody to blame but myself. I chose my project, schedule, hours, and house. If something doesn't happen it is all on me. Nobody to point the finger at and nobody to point the finger at me when they don't do their job.
I know when I go home I will have to adjust to a more structured work schedule. I know I will be able to adjust. I have done well here and know I will continue to be successful. But no reason I can't enjoy my freedom while it lasts.
The first of these realizations was one that I knew well before I even joined the Peace Corps. I will never be able to work in an office setting. The hierarchy laid out by office size, cubicles, florescent lights, business casual attire, robots typing away in front of a computer and the overall business structure. All of theses things turn me away from the office setting.
One reason I enjoy my job is that I work outside in the shit, sometimes metaphorically and sometimes literally shoveling shit for compost. I don't have to worry about a stain on my new Calvin Klein shirt. In fact a stain is more fitting and leads to more acceptance among the people within my town. I also visually get to see the progress and outcome of my projects. I am not looking at printed statistics to confirm that my job is making an influence.
Something that I am upset at realizing is that in the office setting people only look out for themselves. It is all about getting ahead and making more money. The Peace Corps is about helping others. Volunteers help people in their towns and the office helps the volunteers. Being in the office made me realize that the office isn't upholding their end of the bargain. When you put a salary on a volunteer organization you change the goal of the people's jobs. They are looking for things that only make them look better. This isn't true for all people in the office but some of the more important ones are definitely at fault. It should be; What do the volunteers need? not, How can I look good? or, What can we do to make the program look good? Somehow people that sit in an office in front of a computer know what we need without asking us.
The second reason I like my job is my site location. I am good at what I do and don't seek approval or praise for the things I accomplish. I am here to help people that can't help themselves. I don't have some staff member looking over my shoulder and trying to claim my successes as their own in order to receive a raise or promotion. The office leaves me alone and I leave them alone... just the way I want it.
The final reason I like my job is that there is nobody to blame but myself. I chose my project, schedule, hours, and house. If something doesn't happen it is all on me. Nobody to point the finger at and nobody to point the finger at me when they don't do their job.
I know when I go home I will have to adjust to a more structured work schedule. I know I will be able to adjust. I have done well here and know I will continue to be successful. But no reason I can't enjoy my freedom while it lasts.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Technology
I live without electricity in my site. Living without electricity really makes you realize how much you rely on stupid stuff like the internet and outlets to just do basic things like charge your phone.
So since I am in Panama City for the next couple of days I am obsessed with the internet. There is unlimited mindless entertainment to be found on the internet. I mean, I forgot how much funny stuff you can find while messing around on youtube. George Washington rap is f@*$ing hilarious. Facebook is a black hole. I can just stalk all of my friends for hours and have fun the entire time. Since all of my friends have jobs they go to 5 days a week, it is like they are obsessed, they are all on G-Chat so I can catch up on all of the events in the good old U S of A.
As well as the internet I get to see sporting events. I got to watch Ron Artest win the game as the buzzer sounded. I will also be able to see the first two games of the finals. The celtics are going down.
I love technology!
I love to read, but from time to time I want to be able to turn my brain off and watch stupid TV. Horrible MTV shows like Jersey Shore.
I can deal without it and am probably better off without it. But I really enjoy technology and easy access internet and TV.
So since I am in Panama City for the next couple of days I am obsessed with the internet. There is unlimited mindless entertainment to be found on the internet. I mean, I forgot how much funny stuff you can find while messing around on youtube. George Washington rap is f@*$ing hilarious. Facebook is a black hole. I can just stalk all of my friends for hours and have fun the entire time. Since all of my friends have jobs they go to 5 days a week, it is like they are obsessed, they are all on G-Chat so I can catch up on all of the events in the good old U S of A.
As well as the internet I get to see sporting events. I got to watch Ron Artest win the game as the buzzer sounded. I will also be able to see the first two games of the finals. The celtics are going down.
I love technology!
I love to read, but from time to time I want to be able to turn my brain off and watch stupid TV. Horrible MTV shows like Jersey Shore.
I can deal without it and am probably better off without it. But I really enjoy technology and easy access internet and TV.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Dentists ahhhhh Dentists
The Group A.Y.U.D.A. with its 60 dentists has come and gone. All in all I would call the trip a success. We did have a couple of speed bumps to get around but that is to be expected in a third world country. In the end we helped 421 people with free dental care. All of these people are from the poorest part of the country and therefore have never received any type of dental care in the past.
The dentists were interesting to watch. At first they came off really abrasive and hyper active but then it hit me “Americans like to get work done and do things fast”. I guess I am adjusting to the Panamanian culture finally and learning a bit of patience. I found myself several times talking with dentists who were saying “ we need to go”, “ we need to get there”, “where are the cabs” and telling them “this is how Panama works” and that if they wanted to stay sane and get more work done that they would have to realize that and adjust to the culture. Again this realization came forward when we arrived on the first day and there were not many patients waiting to be seen. Of course! This is Panama they are all going to wait until the last minute to show up. This turned out to be half true and the number of patients grew steadily throughout the four days. The second part of the culture that the dentists and I had to realize was that because the people had never been to the dentist before they had some trepidation to show up in those first days. Especially when some of the smaller children were seen with blood flowing from their mouth after having a couple of dead teeth pulled. With the education and continued explanation of what we were doing the people slowly came to realize that we were helping and would continue to do so.
With the group was my Dad. My older brother was the only one who had seen my town and I was excited to get to show someone else the way I was living. Especially because now I have my own house and it is all built to my liking. I had a great time with my Dad and he was obviously amazed at the way I was living. I could tell that he was proud of the work I was doing and it gave me great satisfaction to hear him compliment me on the trip and how well it had run. I know that he enjoyed himself and he got to relax from his busy life a little while when we explored the beautiful Carribbean.
The dental project was also a success for me because I was able to get some publicity for the Peace Corps. I worked with ANAM (Panamanian EPA) to get some of the tables and chairs that the dentists used throughout the four days. Little did I know that they were going to bring the local news out on the second day. I was lucky enough to be interviewed for a TV spot that spread the word of the dental group and the good that the Peace Corps was doing in the country. The second day ANAM had also arranged for me to have a spot on a radio station. Once again I was able to inform more people of the work we were doing and how they could receive help as well if they would only show up. The experience was really fun. My fellow volunteers told me I did a good job and that the office would be really happy with what I was doing.
At the end of the trip many of the dentists said that this was the most rural of locations and that they really enjoyed the experience. I was really happy to receive compliments from several of the students that had been on trips to other countries with the group. Part of the job of the Peace Corps is to spread culture, I am sure that many of these dentists have learned and experienced something that never would have been possible without this trip. I am very satisfied to have been able to host all of them and enjoyed showing them my life.
The dentists were interesting to watch. At first they came off really abrasive and hyper active but then it hit me “Americans like to get work done and do things fast”. I guess I am adjusting to the Panamanian culture finally and learning a bit of patience. I found myself several times talking with dentists who were saying “ we need to go”, “ we need to get there”, “where are the cabs” and telling them “this is how Panama works” and that if they wanted to stay sane and get more work done that they would have to realize that and adjust to the culture. Again this realization came forward when we arrived on the first day and there were not many patients waiting to be seen. Of course! This is Panama they are all going to wait until the last minute to show up. This turned out to be half true and the number of patients grew steadily throughout the four days. The second part of the culture that the dentists and I had to realize was that because the people had never been to the dentist before they had some trepidation to show up in those first days. Especially when some of the smaller children were seen with blood flowing from their mouth after having a couple of dead teeth pulled. With the education and continued explanation of what we were doing the people slowly came to realize that we were helping and would continue to do so.
With the group was my Dad. My older brother was the only one who had seen my town and I was excited to get to show someone else the way I was living. Especially because now I have my own house and it is all built to my liking. I had a great time with my Dad and he was obviously amazed at the way I was living. I could tell that he was proud of the work I was doing and it gave me great satisfaction to hear him compliment me on the trip and how well it had run. I know that he enjoyed himself and he got to relax from his busy life a little while when we explored the beautiful Carribbean.
The dental project was also a success for me because I was able to get some publicity for the Peace Corps. I worked with ANAM (Panamanian EPA) to get some of the tables and chairs that the dentists used throughout the four days. Little did I know that they were going to bring the local news out on the second day. I was lucky enough to be interviewed for a TV spot that spread the word of the dental group and the good that the Peace Corps was doing in the country. The second day ANAM had also arranged for me to have a spot on a radio station. Once again I was able to inform more people of the work we were doing and how they could receive help as well if they would only show up. The experience was really fun. My fellow volunteers told me I did a good job and that the office would be really happy with what I was doing.
At the end of the trip many of the dentists said that this was the most rural of locations and that they really enjoyed the experience. I was really happy to receive compliments from several of the students that had been on trips to other countries with the group. Part of the job of the Peace Corps is to spread culture, I am sure that many of these dentists have learned and experienced something that never would have been possible without this trip. I am very satisfied to have been able to host all of them and enjoyed showing them my life.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Religion?
I was raised with great parents. They guided me through life but never forced me to do anything that I truly didn’t want to. Among the things that they thankfully didn’t try and force on me was religion. I was able to believe what I wanted and let my mind wander and absorb all the information possible.
I have never been to a church service in the United States, I have attended funerals and weddings but never sat and listened to a preacher praise the word of God. One of my best Panamanian friends down here is Simon. Simon is a devout Evangelical, he goes to church 4 days a week and is always asking me to come and join him. I have now attended church 3 times and still feel a little skeptical of the whole thing. The Evangelical church is one that is very strict and has many rules regarding clothing and behavior.
My parents were smart enough to raise me with the common sense, do the right thing and to treat others well. In fact I am sure that my brothers and sister will agree that it had a great role into shaping us into people that always want to help others. This was accomplished without any strict rule system and a basic freedom to do what we wanted. The one thing we did have were good role models to lead the way.
I don’t want to offend anyone with my comments about church but I was raised in a country with free speech and believe I have the right to state the way I feel. Having to begin with a warning is one of the reasons that I am wary of the church. I am not able to state my problems with a church without making people angry. They take what is told to them and just believe it as true without ever questioning whether they believe it or not. Then when someone says something contradictory it is a sin and they are shunned.
During one of my three visits to the church with Simon I was told by the preacher that I was not a son of God because I hadn’t been born (religiously) and did not praise the Holy Spirit. Well, if I am a good person and try my best to help everyone in need is that not enough? I do drink alcohol and they consider that a sin, but if I am not hurting others while doing it how can it be so horrible. In excess it could be harmful to the body but studies even show that a glass a day can actually be better for you. If I have a girlfriend I am faithful to her. Being raised in a complete home has raised me with the idea that one man one woman is the way to live. Having respect for others is yet another thing I learned from my parents.
So what I am trying to say is that if I live a good life, I respect others, I try to help those in need, and I treat my body well isn’t that a good life. I believe so. Therefore why does every religious fanatic believe it is his or her job to tell me or anybody else that they are not living a correct life? I don’t go running around telling them that they shouldn’t believe in God, or that they shouldn’t be going to church. Everyone has a choice. Freedom of religion is another right that I was raised with and I believe that includes the right to choose no religion.
I have never been to a church service in the United States, I have attended funerals and weddings but never sat and listened to a preacher praise the word of God. One of my best Panamanian friends down here is Simon. Simon is a devout Evangelical, he goes to church 4 days a week and is always asking me to come and join him. I have now attended church 3 times and still feel a little skeptical of the whole thing. The Evangelical church is one that is very strict and has many rules regarding clothing and behavior.
My parents were smart enough to raise me with the common sense, do the right thing and to treat others well. In fact I am sure that my brothers and sister will agree that it had a great role into shaping us into people that always want to help others. This was accomplished without any strict rule system and a basic freedom to do what we wanted. The one thing we did have were good role models to lead the way.
I don’t want to offend anyone with my comments about church but I was raised in a country with free speech and believe I have the right to state the way I feel. Having to begin with a warning is one of the reasons that I am wary of the church. I am not able to state my problems with a church without making people angry. They take what is told to them and just believe it as true without ever questioning whether they believe it or not. Then when someone says something contradictory it is a sin and they are shunned.
During one of my three visits to the church with Simon I was told by the preacher that I was not a son of God because I hadn’t been born (religiously) and did not praise the Holy Spirit. Well, if I am a good person and try my best to help everyone in need is that not enough? I do drink alcohol and they consider that a sin, but if I am not hurting others while doing it how can it be so horrible. In excess it could be harmful to the body but studies even show that a glass a day can actually be better for you. If I have a girlfriend I am faithful to her. Being raised in a complete home has raised me with the idea that one man one woman is the way to live. Having respect for others is yet another thing I learned from my parents.
So what I am trying to say is that if I live a good life, I respect others, I try to help those in need, and I treat my body well isn’t that a good life. I believe so. Therefore why does every religious fanatic believe it is his or her job to tell me or anybody else that they are not living a correct life? I don’t go running around telling them that they shouldn’t believe in God, or that they shouldn’t be going to church. Everyone has a choice. Freedom of religion is another right that I was raised with and I believe that includes the right to choose no religion.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
A Vacation Home
Two weeks home and it felt like only hours.
After spending two weeks at home I am sufficiently tired and full of food. I don't know if I reached my goal of gaining 5 pounds in two weeks but I was really close. I ate enough sushi in one night to last me a year and finished my last day with INN-N-OUT for lunch and Pizza for dinner. Quite a way to go.
I was busy every day that I was in California, I got to see my beautiful sister get married. Welcome to the family Ryan. I got to see my friends from Ventura, the beach, and USC. I didn't have quite enough time to see everyone but don't worry I will be back in another year. For all of you that I did not get to spend some time with it just gives you more of a reason to come down to Panama and spend some time in the tropics.
The main reason for the trip was my sister getting married. The wedding was everything I am sure my sister imagined. The ceremony, which was done by my brother Zach was beautiful, the reception was full of dancing and drinks. It was great that a lot of the extended family from Wisconsin was able to come out and enjoy the beautiful California weather and some time with the long lost shulergang of California. As for other activities I was lucky enough to score some of that epic El nino surf I had been hearing about. The last four days of my trip included head high surf with low wind conditions. Neptune truly painted a wonderful picture for me to enjoy.
I was happy to see everyone and learn that you all seem to be doing well. I hope that I got the message across that I am really enjoying my Peace Corps experience. I spoke to everyone that asked and answered the question " What are you doing down there?" a million times. It was nice to know that everyone was so interested in my life and very supportive and excited for the work I am doing.
Back in Panama now and sweating like crazy. Of course it is also rainy but I am here with friends and ready to start working again after my two weeks vacation home.
After spending two weeks at home I am sufficiently tired and full of food. I don't know if I reached my goal of gaining 5 pounds in two weeks but I was really close. I ate enough sushi in one night to last me a year and finished my last day with INN-N-OUT for lunch and Pizza for dinner. Quite a way to go.
I was busy every day that I was in California, I got to see my beautiful sister get married. Welcome to the family Ryan. I got to see my friends from Ventura, the beach, and USC. I didn't have quite enough time to see everyone but don't worry I will be back in another year. For all of you that I did not get to spend some time with it just gives you more of a reason to come down to Panama and spend some time in the tropics.
The main reason for the trip was my sister getting married. The wedding was everything I am sure my sister imagined. The ceremony, which was done by my brother Zach was beautiful, the reception was full of dancing and drinks. It was great that a lot of the extended family from Wisconsin was able to come out and enjoy the beautiful California weather and some time with the long lost shulergang of California. As for other activities I was lucky enough to score some of that epic El nino surf I had been hearing about. The last four days of my trip included head high surf with low wind conditions. Neptune truly painted a wonderful picture for me to enjoy.
I was happy to see everyone and learn that you all seem to be doing well. I hope that I got the message across that I am really enjoying my Peace Corps experience. I spoke to everyone that asked and answered the question " What are you doing down there?" a million times. It was nice to know that everyone was so interested in my life and very supportive and excited for the work I am doing.
Back in Panama now and sweating like crazy. Of course it is also rainy but I am here with friends and ready to start working again after my two weeks vacation home.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Paradise Found
John Milton may have written that Paradise has been lost, well I am sure that I have just found it.
The Carribbean coast of Panama is lined with several island chains that are full of postcard worthy beaches. Many of these have been discovered, settled, and sold to gringos who in turn develop them into luxury hotels that try and seperate you from the environment. The island I visited is still untouched.
Mike and Amanda Smith, two of my friends and fellow Peace Corps volunteers met Rogelio, a man in their town that has 25 acres of coastal property on an island called Escudo de Veraguas. Rogelio runs a small fishing business from Escudo and has a couple small houses he uses for his employees while they are working. After talking to Rogelio for a while he mentioned that he could take Mike and Amanda out to spend a couple of nights on the island. Nobody lives there permanently! A couple of houses for people that fish or hunt lobster but they are only there a couple of months out of the year. Mike and Amanda asked if they could bring some friends and Gretchen and I were lucky enough to be included along with Brandon and Jacey two of Mike and Amanda´s friends from the states that were visiting.
Three hours on a dug out wood boat with a 40hp motor and we arrived to our own little paradise. Aside from three of his workers, there wives and children we were the only people on an island that is over 225 acres. We arrived and were instantly in aww, green everywhere, torquoise blue water with coral and fish. We swam all day the first day and found little hidden beaches to relax on. Some of which I am sure very few peaopl have ever enjoyed. One Beach you actually had to swim through a little cave to get to. AMAZING. We finished the day with some wine and a freshly caught and prepared fish dinner. He literaly caught the fish in the front yard and cooked it for dinner.
Day two he gave us a complete island tour. We saw sloths, birds, and plenty of fish. We would occasionaly stop`at one of the countless beautiful beaches to enjoy a little time in the water but after a while we could choose because there were literaly too many. After a walk on a long beach and a good sun burn we were all ready for a little nap and chose our repective locations under a nice tree to dose off for an hour or two. While the others were a bit sunned out I took Rogelio up on an offer to go fishing. I went with two of his workers, Auriel and Chicho to go trawling for some fish. I caught three Benito before we filleted one and went after something bigger. It wasn´t too long before we had a 30 pound wahoo on the line and it took all three of us to get him in the boat. While a 30 pound wahoo doesn´t sound like it would be too much of a fight try to imagine that we were doing all of this with line in hand. We didn´t use any fishing poles the whole time and all three of us sustained some type of injury before I successfully knocked it over the head with a peace of wood and we could get him in the boat. We called it a successful trip after that and returned back to the house for another fresh cooked fish dinner and wine by the fire.
Amazing. Gorgeous. Pristine. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE I HAVE EVER BEEN TO
Don´t worry I took a lot of pictures and will be sure to share the beauty with all of you.
The Carribbean coast of Panama is lined with several island chains that are full of postcard worthy beaches. Many of these have been discovered, settled, and sold to gringos who in turn develop them into luxury hotels that try and seperate you from the environment. The island I visited is still untouched.
Mike and Amanda Smith, two of my friends and fellow Peace Corps volunteers met Rogelio, a man in their town that has 25 acres of coastal property on an island called Escudo de Veraguas. Rogelio runs a small fishing business from Escudo and has a couple small houses he uses for his employees while they are working. After talking to Rogelio for a while he mentioned that he could take Mike and Amanda out to spend a couple of nights on the island. Nobody lives there permanently! A couple of houses for people that fish or hunt lobster but they are only there a couple of months out of the year. Mike and Amanda asked if they could bring some friends and Gretchen and I were lucky enough to be included along with Brandon and Jacey two of Mike and Amanda´s friends from the states that were visiting.
Three hours on a dug out wood boat with a 40hp motor and we arrived to our own little paradise. Aside from three of his workers, there wives and children we were the only people on an island that is over 225 acres. We arrived and were instantly in aww, green everywhere, torquoise blue water with coral and fish. We swam all day the first day and found little hidden beaches to relax on. Some of which I am sure very few peaopl have ever enjoyed. One Beach you actually had to swim through a little cave to get to. AMAZING. We finished the day with some wine and a freshly caught and prepared fish dinner. He literaly caught the fish in the front yard and cooked it for dinner.
Day two he gave us a complete island tour. We saw sloths, birds, and plenty of fish. We would occasionaly stop`at one of the countless beautiful beaches to enjoy a little time in the water but after a while we could choose because there were literaly too many. After a walk on a long beach and a good sun burn we were all ready for a little nap and chose our repective locations under a nice tree to dose off for an hour or two. While the others were a bit sunned out I took Rogelio up on an offer to go fishing. I went with two of his workers, Auriel and Chicho to go trawling for some fish. I caught three Benito before we filleted one and went after something bigger. It wasn´t too long before we had a 30 pound wahoo on the line and it took all three of us to get him in the boat. While a 30 pound wahoo doesn´t sound like it would be too much of a fight try to imagine that we were doing all of this with line in hand. We didn´t use any fishing poles the whole time and all three of us sustained some type of injury before I successfully knocked it over the head with a peace of wood and we could get him in the boat. We called it a successful trip after that and returned back to the house for another fresh cooked fish dinner and wine by the fire.
Amazing. Gorgeous. Pristine. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE I HAVE EVER BEEN TO
Don´t worry I took a lot of pictures and will be sure to share the beauty with all of you.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Panamanian Easter Egg Hunt
So I know its not Easter and I know they're not eggs but I organized a project to entertain, protect, and hopefully educate a few of the kids in my town during there summer break.
There is no electricity in my site, therefore many people use batteries for radios and flashlights. after these batteries have been used the people simply throw them out the windows of their houses like the rest of their trash. Some end up in the trash piles others in the creeks that run throughout the town. What these people don't realize is that while these batteries are sitting in the water or in the forest they are contaminating everything around them. Including the water they bathe in.
So I designed a project in order to take all of the batteries out of the environment and place them within cement of a tower that a radio company is building right outside of my town. I told all of the kids that for every three batteries they brought me I would give them a piece of candy and the kid that brought me the most batteries would receive an entire bag of candy. The kids heard candy and got excited. The result from the contest were more than I imagined but after 8 dollars and 5 pounds of candy I successfully removed 1148 batteries from the environment and encased them in cement. The winning kid brought me 161 batteries.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Bocas Beats Chiriqui
Today I find myself in Changuinola having some meetings regarding my aquaduct and altrine projects. My first meeting was at 9am and with the unreliable transportation in and out of my site I was teter-totering back and forth of whether to risk being late or to go the night before and stay at the Regional Leaders house for the night.
After futbol(soccer), baseball is the next biggest sport in Panama. Mariano Revera is from Panama and therefore 3/4 of the country loves the Yankees. This is easily seen in the amount of NY hats that can be found on the streets. Well after a short talk to my regional leader I found out that there was a baseball game between Bocas and Chiriqui tonight. Chiriqui took us out of the playoffs last year so it was a little bit of a payback game. So my decision became easy for me and I was lucky enough to catch a cab out opf town to get to the game during the second inning. The first batter I got to see got hit by a pitch and threatened to charge the mound. No fireworks though as he just walked to first nursing a sore back. That started the game off well as Bocas roled on to a 6 nothing win and the pitcher threw a one hitter.
The game was only part of the experience. For one thing Jim and I were the only two white people to be found in a stadium that probably held 2 thousand people at standing room only. We paid two dollars to get in and it was well worth it. There was music and noise the entire game. The highlight had to be these two men that were hammered and had megaphones. They would both spend half the time yelling things at the other team and the other half of the time yelling over all of the other noise at each other. Every time something went right for Bocas the two of them would turn their sirens on and just blast it for 5 minutes until the game got going again. Too funny.
As for a cultural experience it was definitely different from a Dodgers game. Although Dodger stadium has a majority of mexicans there was a higher percentage of latinos at the game last night. Also I forgot how accostomed I am to having the Jumbo screen to tell me everything that is going on. I couldn´t hear the announcer and therefore knew none of the players names. I actually had to pay attention to the strikes and balls to keep track of each batter.
Needless to say I had fun and arrived at my meeting on time.
After futbol(soccer), baseball is the next biggest sport in Panama. Mariano Revera is from Panama and therefore 3/4 of the country loves the Yankees. This is easily seen in the amount of NY hats that can be found on the streets. Well after a short talk to my regional leader I found out that there was a baseball game between Bocas and Chiriqui tonight. Chiriqui took us out of the playoffs last year so it was a little bit of a payback game. So my decision became easy for me and I was lucky enough to catch a cab out opf town to get to the game during the second inning. The first batter I got to see got hit by a pitch and threatened to charge the mound. No fireworks though as he just walked to first nursing a sore back. That started the game off well as Bocas roled on to a 6 nothing win and the pitcher threw a one hitter.
The game was only part of the experience. For one thing Jim and I were the only two white people to be found in a stadium that probably held 2 thousand people at standing room only. We paid two dollars to get in and it was well worth it. There was music and noise the entire game. The highlight had to be these two men that were hammered and had megaphones. They would both spend half the time yelling things at the other team and the other half of the time yelling over all of the other noise at each other. Every time something went right for Bocas the two of them would turn their sirens on and just blast it for 5 minutes until the game got going again. Too funny.
As for a cultural experience it was definitely different from a Dodgers game. Although Dodger stadium has a majority of mexicans there was a higher percentage of latinos at the game last night. Also I forgot how accostomed I am to having the Jumbo screen to tell me everything that is going on. I couldn´t hear the announcer and therefore knew none of the players names. I actually had to pay attention to the strikes and balls to keep track of each batter.
Needless to say I had fun and arrived at my meeting on time.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Where's my Ngobe?
Just finished my Project Management and Leadership training and to tell you the truth it was more fun that I expected. All of the volunteers that attended had to bring a community member with them. Someone that held the position of a leader in the community or someone that they thought could use some training in order to fill a leadership position in the future. I chose to bring the President of my aquaduct directive and it was an interesting few days. To start off Ngobe Indians are known to be timid around new people, second he had never been as far in the country as I took him. So basically I was baby sitting a 27 year old man that has 4 kids at home with the grand parents. The first day I don't think he said more than hello my name is Lucas to anyone in the training. As the days went on though he slowly opened up and I think he had a great time. I had one of the girls in my group ask him to dance during our culture night and I haven't seen him smile or laugh as much as he did during that night. All in all I think he had a great time. I got some great information and I hope that he will retain some of the important information that was taught during our few days in Cocle.
On another note I received a few calls from the United States. Pete Carroll is leaving us. My heart and hopes for the USC football team both stopped. Until I received another call notifying me that Lane Kiffin will be the new head coach, and also maybe more importantly that Norm Chow will be returning as the offensive coordinator. So my hopes are back up. I am optimistic and ready for the next season to start. With a quarterback that seems to have a lot of potential I can't wait to see what he will be able to do with a little help from Norm Chow. Who did groom two Heisman Trophy winners. Well, although I will miss next season as well, I am ready to read updates on the computer and maybe see the occasional game on the island. When I get back our team better be nasty, because I am not unlike other USC football fans in the way that I do not stand for our team losing. Go TROJANS
On another note I received a few calls from the United States. Pete Carroll is leaving us. My heart and hopes for the USC football team both stopped. Until I received another call notifying me that Lane Kiffin will be the new head coach, and also maybe more importantly that Norm Chow will be returning as the offensive coordinator. So my hopes are back up. I am optimistic and ready for the next season to start. With a quarterback that seems to have a lot of potential I can't wait to see what he will be able to do with a little help from Norm Chow. Who did groom two Heisman Trophy winners. Well, although I will miss next season as well, I am ready to read updates on the computer and maybe see the occasional game on the island. When I get back our team better be nasty, because I am not unlike other USC football fans in the way that I do not stand for our team losing. Go TROJANS
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Work? You mean I have to do work in the Peace Corps?
January 7 2010
So I left my site on the 23 of December to go to Costa Rica and spent a few days there and it was the most enjoyable and relaxing time I have had in the 9 months I have been away from home. After my pleasant excursion to Costa Rica I ventured down to Panama city for New Years with several of my Peace Corps friends. I also had a great time in Panama although I do have to say there was a little more alcohol involved in these my activities than there was in Costa Rica.
The New Year arrived with Gretchen's Mom and brother and we traveled together to David before I left them to go on there way to Gretchen's site for a couple of days. After a long discussion and some serious convincing, Gretchen got me to agree to get out of my site again and spend some time on the island in the Caribbean with here family. It was a rough choice but I had to pull the trigger and make the call to decide over Caribbean beach town or Ngobe land and bugs. I was torn.
So as for the work that I heard I am here to do I guess it is coming along. The Panamanians really now how to drag out a holiday season and still have yet to do any work since the beginning of November. My Farm is going. I have yucca, sugar cane, corn, bell pepper and bananas growing. I also just started some tomatoes that were barely sprouting when I returned to my site for the short two day stint to say hello and goodbye. Other than that my job has consisted of some traveling and relaxing lately. I will continue to try and get the people in my site to do some work but as of right now I am just adjusting to the Caribbean life style and kicking my feet up and relaxing a little bit.
So I left my site on the 23 of December to go to Costa Rica and spent a few days there and it was the most enjoyable and relaxing time I have had in the 9 months I have been away from home. After my pleasant excursion to Costa Rica I ventured down to Panama city for New Years with several of my Peace Corps friends. I also had a great time in Panama although I do have to say there was a little more alcohol involved in these my activities than there was in Costa Rica.
The New Year arrived with Gretchen's Mom and brother and we traveled together to David before I left them to go on there way to Gretchen's site for a couple of days. After a long discussion and some serious convincing, Gretchen got me to agree to get out of my site again and spend some time on the island in the Caribbean with here family. It was a rough choice but I had to pull the trigger and make the call to decide over Caribbean beach town or Ngobe land and bugs. I was torn.
So as for the work that I heard I am here to do I guess it is coming along. The Panamanians really now how to drag out a holiday season and still have yet to do any work since the beginning of November. My Farm is going. I have yucca, sugar cane, corn, bell pepper and bananas growing. I also just started some tomatoes that were barely sprouting when I returned to my site for the short two day stint to say hello and goodbye. Other than that my job has consisted of some traveling and relaxing lately. I will continue to try and get the people in my site to do some work but as of right now I am just adjusting to the Caribbean life style and kicking my feet up and relaxing a little bit.
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