I woke up but still felt like I was in a dream, was I really about to do a deal with criminals? Me who had never so much as skipped class? Well except to do other homework but I don't think that counts. Was I crazy?
I must have checked my money a hundred times that morning, before me and María headed off for the overpass. María was a little mad at me for texting the criminals and giving them our phone number, (I just texted please give this back!), and so we made our way in silence to the bridge. My hopes were few as I could still taste the disappointment in my mouth.
Up the stairs we went, and across the bridge. Me wearing my brown shirt and green hat that he was to identify us by. About halfway across the bridge a voice from behind me said 'Señora' I turned around, 'I have your phone.' He said in Spanish. María did the talking again, he handed me my phone, the case was the same but it was dead so I couldn't be sure. I was kicking myself for not writing down the production number so I could have been sure, but I payed him anyway, and just like that off we went in our separate directions hopefully to never see each other again. Just to be sure María and I took a taxi in the opposite direction from our house.
On our way back I plugged my phone into a portable battery I brought, and it was mine! I was overjoyed and couldn't believe how lucky I was! Now that it has all turned out good I can laugh about it, and say that was one of the most exciting things I've ever done! Oh what a relief! What a story to tell, doing an deal with criminals in Peru!
After such an exciting morning I kind of forgot I still had a regular day ahead of me! We went straight from the bridge to an unfamiliar apartment which turned out to be the home stay of a new volunteer. We were going to take him to work at the Kindergarten today to show him the way.
Matt: A 42 year old ex-military, Air Force, married, father of three. Definitely not the typical volunteer. Especially once you consider that he doesn't speak any Spanish! I wonder if he is having a mid life crisis. Weirder still he doesn't seem to be that good with kids even though he's a father.
He was stationed in my classroom, but he mainly hung back and didn't really do anything the whole day. It could just be the language barrier though so well have to wait and see. I also find him to be a kind of odd person, his aviator sunglasses, long hair, and arm tattoos make him look like he's trying to be a rock star, but his personality is shy and a little awkward, I don't get it!
Work is going well for me as my class is always busy, but Hunter said her class only does stuff if the teacher is not there, which is not how it's supposed to work! Her class also sounds crazy, the other day one of the kids was pinning others down and cutting their hair! I'm so thankful I only have a few trouble kids!
Hunter and one of her adorable girls!
In the afternoon I went shopping in San Blas, the old neighborhood, with Germany (our nickname for the Caroline from Germany) and got so much stuff! Everything is so cheap here it's hard to resist! Two pairs of earrings for $2, leg warmers and gloves for $10 an amazing knotted top for $16 and two scarves for $10!
As we shopped Germany told me that María had gotten very mad at Tommy for not saying anything about how he was displeased with his work at a local Medical Clinic (It sounds like the same thing as me, he just didn't feel useful) and then writing a bad review of the company. They were both a little in the wrong, Tommy for not saying anything, and María for getting mad about his personal opinion, but all this just makes me really nervous to tell María I'm not happy in my work either!
In the evening we went to dinner at a traditional Peruvian restaurant with the parents of U.S. Caroline. Who is actually a lot more fun than I originally thought! The coolest part about going to restaurants here is that you can have a glass of wine with your dinner, as there really isn't a strict drinking age!
This is the face of betrayal.
We ordered a traditional appetizer of cow heart on a stick, and Hunter was the first to try it. She ate it and said it was really good, so I took a big bite, then she started laughing. It was disgusting! Oh god, and the texture was miserable, chewy, and terrifyingly squishy! It took me forever to swallow it. Once I did though I laughed too, I don't know how she managed to keep a straight face while eating that!
Watching Caroline with her parents, I started to feel a little lonely for the first time. I think I've been to busy to be homesick before, but now seeing the familiarity and love between them three really made me aware of the unsure relationships I have with the other volunteers, I mean everyone is super nice and funny, and supportive, but it's just not the same, is it. We went Salsa dancing afterwards but I still felt lonely dancing with all those strangers.
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