Peace Corps Norms

The following is a list of algunas cosas (some things) that may seem odd or different to our North American eyes, but have been accepted as truths, more or less, to those of us here in Peace Corps Peru.

1) Discussion about bowel movements is more than commonplace. In fact, we essentially informally check-up on each other each day and throughout the day to see how our digestive health is doing. Talking about diarrhea and pooping pants is a completely acceptable topic of conversation. We have even had some charlas (sessions) to learn more about both of them. Biggest take away (from our awesome doctor, thank you): "Never trust a fart, it could be a shart."

2) Similarly, it is totally normal for a person to skip out of a class/days training because they are ill one sense or another. We have two beds in the house turned training center that people can occupy if they are feeling at all under the weather and it's perfectly fine to use them.* Unfortunately, given a few different illnesses - most recently stomach problems and a cold at the same time - I have definitely taken advantage of this resource on a few occasions.
*As a disclaimer, I don't advise ditching out of classes on purpose - especially not Spanish if you're in a lower level, because there are some great conversations and very information sessions to sit in on and be part of.

3) Also along those lines, during FBT (Field Based Training) my group had to endure the snow-capped mountains of Ancash for three hours during one site visit. Poor us, right? During the trip, we climbed a full 2,000 meters and thanks to the pressure and early morning coffee/tea, about half of us had to make a pit stop, twice, for a bathroom break. When I say "pit stop," I mean that the vans pulled over on the side of the road and a gaggle of trainees hopped out of them with fervor, running for any sort of mound or knoll to squat behind. The boys, with their capacity for versatility, took in the sierra view on the side of the cliff "because they could." We all got just a little closer that day. Language professors included. The poor language and tech professors were mere bystanders, but I do pity them a bit for having paid witness to glimpses of bare bottoms and such.

4) Tambien, during FBT we were all thrilled at how nice the hostels were. Even more so, we were positively ecstatic at being welcomed with toilet paper and even in some cases, with jabon (soap) and/or shampoo! "What a lovely moment," I look back with fondness in my eyes, head at half-tilt. It's the little things. Truly.

5) Eating animals we consider pets in the U.S. Well, I have to say that I for the sake of saying I'd done it, I did try cuy, guinea pig. At a grastonomica festival in a colegio (school) a few of us gave in and figured we might as well figure out if we had a taste for the cute little guys or not. Turns out, most of us weren't really fans. My tiny piece tasted much like chicken, however, it was probably one of the whitest parts. Much like any other animal, the darker you get the more gamey it can taste. I don't think I'll actively seek it out in the future, but we'll see how my site visit goes. I'm not sure how I'll react if I walk into my new house family's house to a 10 pound cuy they got just for me and I have to tell them I'm vegetarian. Awkward! You may hold your breath to hear how it goes.

6) Taking an hour out of our language class to learn traditional dances for our Host Family Day festivities. We were dancing around like fools, laughing and trying our hardest to follow our amazing dance instructors/language professors who had all of the moves. I can't wait to get a hold of videos when we all perform. I've tried to upload the video of our practice, but it isn't working at this time. I will try again later. Stay tuned!

7) In PC, when you finish up your three month training adventure and real life begins, you go from working at a pace of 0-60 most days to having minimal activities to occupy your time. In an attempt to circumvent this, many of us have begun contemplating the hobbies we want to pick up while in site. Some people having been buying cheap-o guitars to teach themselves to play, an idea I'm not totally opposed to, except I may be too occupied with my crocheting and, hopefully, lopsided ceramic-making. Fingers crossed I can re-learn the wheal method at site! Anyway, other people want to exercise a ton and/or train for the Lima Marathon. Also a great idea that I'm on board with and hopeful for. Crafts is a big thing, por ejemplo, making things from used items - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! We will work at making that a thing here! I'll keep workingon my list and get back to you. :)

You may be saying to your self "Que es eso?" or simply "What is that?" That, my friends, is my current project. I am working on making a blue and green infinity scarf. While this is my first time to crochet, if not ever, at least in the last 15 years, I am quite content with it. Plus, I must admit, I love crocheting! It looks like I'll be just fine in la sierra after all ;). (Crocheting and knitting are major past-times/multi-tasking activities for a vast majority of the woman in Peru, especially la sierra.)