5.11.08 Turning Catracha

I think I am starting to morph into a true Honduran (or Catracha as they are called here.) Some examples include:

-craving tortillas with every meal and being disappointed if there aren’t any
-falling asleep in the hammock multiple times
-riding in the back of a pick-up truck
-going to the bañeros (outdoor swimming pool) every day for the past 4 days
-pointing at things using my lips
-dancing merengue and punta until 2 in the morning

Emelina mentioned to me the other day that I adapt to new situations and take on local customs easily. I would definitely agree with that…and my actions seem to prove it even more. Haha.

I can’t believe that it is Sunday night already…the weekend went by way too fast. I think I forgot to mention in my entry about my visit here that I was basically adopted by Reina, a nurse who works as the health center, and her entire family. They are so incredibly sweet and I am so blessed to have them take such good care of me. They took me to these outdoor swimming pools that are in the mountains outside of Negrito during my visit and we ate carne asada, frijoles, tortillas and swam. It was so much fun. I felt so loved and a part of the family, it was wonderful.

So Friday afternoon after spending all day melting in the heat and vaccinating kids, Reina, her daughter Karla and some other friends went to the bañeros again. That night, La Gran Banda from San Pedro was in town to play at El Club in town. (Note: given the fact that both mine and Emelina’s counterparts were there, I would say that it was more than appropriate that she and I went.) The band was really awesome, they played a mix of reggaeton, bachata, merengue, salsa, and punta (the Honduran national dance that involves shaking your hips furiously.) I got to dance a lot and meet some people, overall it was a great night.

Saturday, Emelina, Karla and I took a trip to El Progreso which last almost all day. Swimming again in the afternoon knocked me out for the rest of the night. I have some lovely phone calls, which included talking to Grandpa Catalano at his 80th birthday celebration, Nikki, and my dad. Paul and I have a very lengthy convo too, which was great.

Today is Mother’s Day which I was a bit sad about, given that I didn’t get to spend it with my mom. However, Reina and her family invited me over and we spent the day together, eating, swimming and just relaxing. I had a wonderful time as always. There were so many kids there, they were all calling my name and wanted me to play with them. Also, one of Reina’s nieces lives in Tela and invited me up there for a weekend sometime. Woohoo!

Oh yeah…so I swear I am working too. Life as a PCV isn’t all fun and games…this week should be busy. More vaccines, meeting school directors, planning a curriculum for the girls school, as well as trips to the nutritional center and the bilingual school. All good things.
Also, here are the pictures I promised

1. My house in Yarumela
2. My niece, Karen and I
3. The river in Yarumela
4. The Melones at Swearing In
5. Matt and myself rockstar style pre Swearing In
6. Anna, Victor, myself and Sarah at Swearing In

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