Wednesday, June 2, 2010
. . . Falta Muy Poco . . .
28 days and it's a wrap. A wrap on my AFS Year in Paraguay, but that doesn't mean that the adventure ends here. The adventure continues and will continue throughout my life. You can say that it was just a year abroad, but this year has given me a lifetime of memories.
When talking to family and friends about going home, everyone seems super excited..everyone except me. In the beginning - I used to dream of this day. Of the day that I could say that I did it, I made it for a whole year. The beginning when there was so much time left and so many things to do. Now everything feels like its being rushed. The "doom" day is coming and there is nothing I can do about it. I mean of course I am really excited to see my family and friends again but a part of me longs to stay here.
It seems that my life at home has been put on pause..people have kept living, proposals have been made, people have dies and babies have been born and are being expected; yet I know that I will squeeze right back into place when I get home. It's not the same here. Once I get back to the US I will keep in touch but when I come back to visit, my classmates will have all graduated and be in University, it will all be different. Thanks goodness for email, facebook, orkut and various other technologies that allow people to stay connected.
I am so grateful to have had this experience and I can't thank AFS enough for letting me become a part of the family. Because that's what AFS is, just a giant, all around the globe family. Pass the word around or host a student yourself! Just go to the AFS - USA website (or wherever in the world you are)! Its an amazing opprotunity and im so lucky to have gotten suck a great family and to have met such wonderful people in my stay here.. so thanks to AFS and to all the people that made this year / lifetime memory happen !
Peace & Love,
vivi
When talking to family and friends about going home, everyone seems super excited..everyone except me. In the beginning - I used to dream of this day. Of the day that I could say that I did it, I made it for a whole year. The beginning when there was so much time left and so many things to do. Now everything feels like its being rushed. The "doom" day is coming and there is nothing I can do about it. I mean of course I am really excited to see my family and friends again but a part of me longs to stay here.
It seems that my life at home has been put on pause..people have kept living, proposals have been made, people have dies and babies have been born and are being expected; yet I know that I will squeeze right back into place when I get home. It's not the same here. Once I get back to the US I will keep in touch but when I come back to visit, my classmates will have all graduated and be in University, it will all be different. Thanks goodness for email, facebook, orkut and various other technologies that allow people to stay connected.
I am so grateful to have had this experience and I can't thank AFS enough for letting me become a part of the family. Because that's what AFS is, just a giant, all around the globe family. Pass the word around or host a student yourself! Just go to the AFS - USA website (or wherever in the world you are)! Its an amazing opprotunity and im so lucky to have gotten suck a great family and to have met such wonderful people in my stay here.. so thanks to AFS and to all the people that made this year / lifetime memory happen !
Peace & Love,
vivi
Sunday, May 16, 2010
ChirOleraS
No, I am not dead... I have not dropped off the face of the Earth, I am far from that! Being in Paraguay - the land of the relaxed people, you forget about time (and deadlines). Not that there are any deadlines on my posting but I haVE completly failed at keeping you all updated. So, let's try again?
In these past couple of months I have started school and I am doing great. I have learned to keep up with the teacher (even while dictating) and continue to study and take the tests. All in all I have all 4 and 5's which are the same as A's and B's in the US of A. To my sister and to everyone in fact the "principal" of the school speaks highly of me. She says that she has never seen a student more interested in the schools activities. You see - most students come to Paraguay and mainly just want to party. There are a few that actually go to school, sit there, and maybe take some notes - but they never involve themselves in the school. I am glad that I am different. Not only have I taken an interest in my grades and in the school's talent show and parties, I have also helped organize events for Day of the Children, Day of the Teachers and most recently Mothers Day. Above all though - I participated in El Disfile de Luque 2010.
You are probably wondering what a Chirolera is. Well that brings me back to El Disfile. So - for almost every holiday (this one was for the Independence of Paraguay)there is a parade. Every school from the city (or in this case Republica de Luque) gets together for a giant parade. For each school there are band members and a group of Chiroleras. My school was the only one with porristas as well. Porristas are basically cheerleaders and Chiroleras are behind the band members. We basically wear little short skirts and a "blouse" and have a baton that we throw around. It sounds a little ditsy im sure but if you could only see. Im not sure if there is anything like it back home, but its a beautiful sight to see.
Thousands of people come to watch and everyone comes to support their school - the energy is amazing.
Besides that I have recently been on a trip to the Chaco. The Chaco is a deserted place in Paraguay. Reported to be one of the last untouched places. With no tourists - we were very welcomed. I went with a group of about 125 AFS students and we stayed in a cute little hotel and were able to walk around what seemed like a vacant town. We were able to talk to the Native Indians, although none of us know that much Guarani :)The way that they live there is so simple and untouched by technology it felt like I had stepped back in time. It felt weird at first but by the end of the weekend I almost felt better.. there were no computers, no phones, no music except for the music that comes from you. With a group like AFS you know we made a racket but we had fun. We played outside and make group activities something that I haven't done since Elementary / Middle School.
Now - we are all getting ready to go home. To us, home is now Paraguay. It is strange to think that I once lived in a different place. Living on your own in a different country really changes things. I mean sure - I'm not really alone alone. I have my Paraguayan family, my friends and everyone in AFS, but its not quite the same. As well in Paraguay, teenagers are given more freedom. It is not at all odd to go out at night, whatever day of the week, or to walk around the downtown area all day with friends and with a simple text message of phone call you can change plans and go on a different adventure. People here are so laid back about things that its so nice to be around them.
At first this was hard. I like plans and routines. Change isn't really my thing. Not sure how I moved to Paraguay, but I did! Being here has made me more laid back as well. You learn more about what are the important things in life.
One of my newest routines has been going to Church. I have always been off and on about religion. When i was younger I would go to church and Sunday School but I never really understood. As I have gotten older it seemed to be more and more fake. At home it feels as if the Church was more about rumors and not so much about the story of the Bible. No, I am not crazy religious, but I have been learning about the true story. Actually reading from the Bible. In school we say the daily prayer of Our Father and for some reason it actually feels true. It doesn't fell like i'm just saying it to say it, but i'm saying it to mean it.
I cannot wait to be with you all and share my experience as a whole, but until then please go check out my facebook! There are loads of photos of everything I have talked about in my previous posts and well as this one (El Disfile).
Peace & Love
vivi
In these past couple of months I have started school and I am doing great. I have learned to keep up with the teacher (even while dictating) and continue to study and take the tests. All in all I have all 4 and 5's which are the same as A's and B's in the US of A. To my sister and to everyone in fact the "principal" of the school speaks highly of me. She says that she has never seen a student more interested in the schools activities. You see - most students come to Paraguay and mainly just want to party. There are a few that actually go to school, sit there, and maybe take some notes - but they never involve themselves in the school. I am glad that I am different. Not only have I taken an interest in my grades and in the school's talent show and parties, I have also helped organize events for Day of the Children, Day of the Teachers and most recently Mothers Day. Above all though - I participated in El Disfile de Luque 2010.
You are probably wondering what a Chirolera is. Well that brings me back to El Disfile. So - for almost every holiday (this one was for the Independence of Paraguay)there is a parade. Every school from the city (or in this case Republica de Luque) gets together for a giant parade. For each school there are band members and a group of Chiroleras. My school was the only one with porristas as well. Porristas are basically cheerleaders and Chiroleras are behind the band members. We basically wear little short skirts and a "blouse" and have a baton that we throw around. It sounds a little ditsy im sure but if you could only see. Im not sure if there is anything like it back home, but its a beautiful sight to see.
Thousands of people come to watch and everyone comes to support their school - the energy is amazing.
Besides that I have recently been on a trip to the Chaco. The Chaco is a deserted place in Paraguay. Reported to be one of the last untouched places. With no tourists - we were very welcomed. I went with a group of about 125 AFS students and we stayed in a cute little hotel and were able to walk around what seemed like a vacant town. We were able to talk to the Native Indians, although none of us know that much Guarani :)The way that they live there is so simple and untouched by technology it felt like I had stepped back in time. It felt weird at first but by the end of the weekend I almost felt better.. there were no computers, no phones, no music except for the music that comes from you. With a group like AFS you know we made a racket but we had fun. We played outside and make group activities something that I haven't done since Elementary / Middle School.
Now - we are all getting ready to go home. To us, home is now Paraguay. It is strange to think that I once lived in a different place. Living on your own in a different country really changes things. I mean sure - I'm not really alone alone. I have my Paraguayan family, my friends and everyone in AFS, but its not quite the same. As well in Paraguay, teenagers are given more freedom. It is not at all odd to go out at night, whatever day of the week, or to walk around the downtown area all day with friends and with a simple text message of phone call you can change plans and go on a different adventure. People here are so laid back about things that its so nice to be around them.
At first this was hard. I like plans and routines. Change isn't really my thing. Not sure how I moved to Paraguay, but I did! Being here has made me more laid back as well. You learn more about what are the important things in life.
One of my newest routines has been going to Church. I have always been off and on about religion. When i was younger I would go to church and Sunday School but I never really understood. As I have gotten older it seemed to be more and more fake. At home it feels as if the Church was more about rumors and not so much about the story of the Bible. No, I am not crazy religious, but I have been learning about the true story. Actually reading from the Bible. In school we say the daily prayer of Our Father and for some reason it actually feels true. It doesn't fell like i'm just saying it to say it, but i'm saying it to mean it.
I cannot wait to be with you all and share my experience as a whole, but until then please go check out my facebook! There are loads of photos of everything I have talked about in my previous posts and well as this one (El Disfile).
Peace & Love
vivi
Monday, March 15, 2010
It's Amazing, Isin't It?
Being in Paraguay, or in any other country different from your own, you can learn about a lot of different cultures. You can only talk to Paraguayans and get a real sense of how they are or you can get a good taste of many different cultures: Paraguayan and those of the other students. Like I have been doing - not only with the people that I came to Paraguay with, but also with the newer group.
I have found it fascinating the culture of Thailand. Talking to my friend Natcha I feel like I will never, ever want to travel to Thailand or go there on an exchange. What a terrible thought! But seriously, like if you are late for school - you have to run 1km and if you are too sick or cannot run, you have to clean the school for one hour. Yep - that's right, a whole hour of cleaning toilets and bathroom floors. I know for a fact that if someone in the US told a student to go run a km or to clean the school there would be a huge fight that would involve parents and who knows, maybe even a lawyer!
Other school rules such as, you are not allowed to get your ears pierced, your hair cannot be long and has to be tied back everyday, no socks of any color (only white) the school uniform complete with shoes and backpack must be worn at all time, you cannot color your hair or put highlights, and the worst (I think): NO MAKE - UP.
I mean come On! I have been wearing makeup since I was like 5! Of course not excessively and not that it was more than the little box of colored powder they sold at ZaneyBraney, but it was still makeup. Oh yeah - this also means no nail polish as well. wow.
That was my biggest culture shock of the month... maybe even of the year! hahaha - I almost died when I heard of these rules and I thought that I would share them with you!
I miss you all so much! Only another 3 months - whether thats good or bad I cant wait to see you all!
Peace & Love
Vivi
I have found it fascinating the culture of Thailand. Talking to my friend Natcha I feel like I will never, ever want to travel to Thailand or go there on an exchange. What a terrible thought! But seriously, like if you are late for school - you have to run 1km and if you are too sick or cannot run, you have to clean the school for one hour. Yep - that's right, a whole hour of cleaning toilets and bathroom floors. I know for a fact that if someone in the US told a student to go run a km or to clean the school there would be a huge fight that would involve parents and who knows, maybe even a lawyer!
Other school rules such as, you are not allowed to get your ears pierced, your hair cannot be long and has to be tied back everyday, no socks of any color (only white) the school uniform complete with shoes and backpack must be worn at all time, you cannot color your hair or put highlights, and the worst (I think): NO MAKE - UP.
I mean come On! I have been wearing makeup since I was like 5! Of course not excessively and not that it was more than the little box of colored powder they sold at ZaneyBraney, but it was still makeup. Oh yeah - this also means no nail polish as well. wow.
That was my biggest culture shock of the month... maybe even of the year! hahaha - I almost died when I heard of these rules and I thought that I would share them with you!
I miss you all so much! Only another 3 months - whether thats good or bad I cant wait to see you all!
Peace & Love
Vivi
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Just when you put the clothes out to dry - It starts to Rain.
The Summer days are almost completely over. It's getting cooler and families are starting to unpack sweaters and scarves. Hence the title - it seems just by chance that when you wash your clothes, right as you go to put them on the line the sky decides to open up.
In the morning there is hot chocolate on the stove and your school jacket ready to go by the door.
These vacations have been great, but I can't be more than happy to start school.
It's not only something to do, but its also a relief to know that I won't completely fail school when I come home.
So - a little taste of my school. Change in plans - now I go to Colegio A.L.V.A.. Located in the center of Luque, near the church and the plaza. Great location. Also very conveniently located next to a shop that makes photocopies :) I love that place.. not being able to print papers, or even make a photocopy at school has made my life miserable.
Most recently in my life, I have met the newest members of the AFS - Luque family! There are 2 people from Thailand and 1 girl from the U.S (DC!) pretty crazy that I can run into an old friend even while in a different country.. the world must really be shrinking. Those 2 from Thailand are something else. When they talk I swear I see stars and want to sit down. It's a headache at the very least, but the worst part is - is that they don't speak a word of Spanish and hardly any English. Let's just say that it makes my school day harder translating for the girl, Natcha. The guy, named Bank goes to school with his brother so he is learning a little faster.I don't mind though because even with all of the extra work, I get to laugh with her about all the funny things that Paraguayans say and do.
For example, our English teacher thinks that learning songs is the best way to learn (not a bad method) but it was definitely great to see the entire 11th grade walking around the school singing Justin Bieber and songs from the Black Eyed Peas.. **tonight's gonna be a good, good night **.
AFS orientation papers are starting to come in and its making me think about the time that I have left here. 4 months. That's a wrap on my year here.
I have had a great ride though and there is still time left. I came across this song.. a quite common one - but if you really stop to listen, Green Day lyrics really are genius. "It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right. I hope you had the time of your life." I definitely have had the time of my life here. This experience will always be with me and always in my thoughts. The people that I have met and the culture that I have learned to embrace. I am so grateful to everyone that I have met on this journey and to all the friends and new family members that I have made - I hope some day that my "American" family can meet them.
Peace & Love
Vivi
In the morning there is hot chocolate on the stove and your school jacket ready to go by the door.
These vacations have been great, but I can't be more than happy to start school.
It's not only something to do, but its also a relief to know that I won't completely fail school when I come home.
So - a little taste of my school. Change in plans - now I go to Colegio A.L.V.A.. Located in the center of Luque, near the church and the plaza. Great location. Also very conveniently located next to a shop that makes photocopies :) I love that place.. not being able to print papers, or even make a photocopy at school has made my life miserable.
Most recently in my life, I have met the newest members of the AFS - Luque family! There are 2 people from Thailand and 1 girl from the U.S (DC!) pretty crazy that I can run into an old friend even while in a different country.. the world must really be shrinking. Those 2 from Thailand are something else. When they talk I swear I see stars and want to sit down. It's a headache at the very least, but the worst part is - is that they don't speak a word of Spanish and hardly any English. Let's just say that it makes my school day harder translating for the girl, Natcha. The guy, named Bank goes to school with his brother so he is learning a little faster.I don't mind though because even with all of the extra work, I get to laugh with her about all the funny things that Paraguayans say and do.
For example, our English teacher thinks that learning songs is the best way to learn (not a bad method) but it was definitely great to see the entire 11th grade walking around the school singing Justin Bieber and songs from the Black Eyed Peas.. **tonight's gonna be a good, good night **.
AFS orientation papers are starting to come in and its making me think about the time that I have left here. 4 months. That's a wrap on my year here.
I have had a great ride though and there is still time left. I came across this song.. a quite common one - but if you really stop to listen, Green Day lyrics really are genius. "It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right. I hope you had the time of your life." I definitely have had the time of my life here. This experience will always be with me and always in my thoughts. The people that I have met and the culture that I have learned to embrace. I am so grateful to everyone that I have met on this journey and to all the friends and new family members that I have made - I hope some day that my "American" family can meet them.
Peace & Love
Vivi
Monday, January 25, 2010
As My "Summer" Comes to an End
In the U.S when you say that Summer is coming to an end, it can also mean the end of your break. The time when the leaves start to change color and the weather gets cooler and kids are getting ready to go back to school. It's Fall.
But for kids in Paraguay and in many other counties, Summer has just begun. Fall is still far off but we have already had our vacations and now it is time for school.
As for me, I will start school on the 15th of February at Colegio Santa Terre. Many asked how I could go from "senior year" and the graduation to enrolling again, this time in 11th grade. I look forward to meeting all of my new classmates but I will be sorry to leave this summer behind. Let me tell you a little bit about it.
Everyone warns you that Paraguayan summers are hot, but I have to disagree. I think that Spring was by far the worst. As for Summer, it is pretty much the same. The only difference is, is that when its hot, its all hot. You're food, showers, inside, outside whatever you want..its all the same milk warm temperature. Great. I know, I know that doesn't seem like such a great summer. With the heat though come pool parties, drinking terrere with friends going to the ice cream shop and running around looking for places with AC.
The friends that I have meet here, both Paraguayan and those through AFS have been of great importance during these times. We went to many summer concerts together and would often travel to other cities and talk to the Guarani Indians. Sadly,about half of the AFSers left in early January to go back home. They were only here for a Semester and they were all bummed that they had to leave to soon. One of my friends was lucky and was able to get an "extension". He was able to stay for another month here in Luque, but he too must go on January 26th. Without them, "Summer" seems pretty much over.
We are all very excited though for all the new students that will be coming on the 14th of February. I guess that's a wrap on my summer adventures. It sounds so quick and short on paper.. or I guess on the internet, and it was. It was filled to the brim with fun and adventure though.
Peace & Love,
Vivian
But for kids in Paraguay and in many other counties, Summer has just begun. Fall is still far off but we have already had our vacations and now it is time for school.
As for me, I will start school on the 15th of February at Colegio Santa Terre. Many asked how I could go from "senior year" and the graduation to enrolling again, this time in 11th grade. I look forward to meeting all of my new classmates but I will be sorry to leave this summer behind. Let me tell you a little bit about it.
Everyone warns you that Paraguayan summers are hot, but I have to disagree. I think that Spring was by far the worst. As for Summer, it is pretty much the same. The only difference is, is that when its hot, its all hot. You're food, showers, inside, outside whatever you want..its all the same milk warm temperature. Great. I know, I know that doesn't seem like such a great summer. With the heat though come pool parties, drinking terrere with friends going to the ice cream shop and running around looking for places with AC.
The friends that I have meet here, both Paraguayan and those through AFS have been of great importance during these times. We went to many summer concerts together and would often travel to other cities and talk to the Guarani Indians. Sadly,about half of the AFSers left in early January to go back home. They were only here for a Semester and they were all bummed that they had to leave to soon. One of my friends was lucky and was able to get an "extension". He was able to stay for another month here in Luque, but he too must go on January 26th. Without them, "Summer" seems pretty much over.
We are all very excited though for all the new students that will be coming on the 14th of February. I guess that's a wrap on my summer adventures. It sounds so quick and short on paper.. or I guess on the internet, and it was. It was filled to the brim with fun and adventure though.
Peace & Love,
Vivian
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