Monday, July 12, 2010

Ketchup

I have been slacking lately, if not necessarily in writing the blogs, at least in putting massive amounts of effort into them. In continuation of this theme (I like to keep consistent), here's another half-assed effort. Plus, I had a bunch of pictures that I haven't posted that work well to fill in all the little moments and catch up (ketchup) everyone on life to this moment.

Kevin, Sasha, and Stu at 4th of July party at embassy (Kevin apparently thought it was a redneck costume party)
No, not the Beverly Hillbillies - this is the normal method of moving in Paraguay (Juan just built a new house)
Meli's inauguration of her pavilion (And last project of her service - don't worry, she's extending)

Kyle came to help me start a huerta (vegetable garden) and now I have tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, peppers, onions, and parsley growing like gangbusters

The Kittens are growing

Making Kabure (chipa on a stick) with English class

Max, Robert, and me (They are exchange students that were here for a year and have sadly returned)
My Abuela is doing much better
(yet another) Parade



Me and Fatima, the librarian for the digital library
Project completed
Official "You can go now" certificate from the Co-op (much to my relief)


Karen's family at Quince
Meli and me at Karen's Quince

I DID have a mouse problem (this created quite a crisis of conscience for a moment since that is a sticky trap and they were still alive. I eventually decided that the way to go about things was to close it and throw it away, ignoring the little squealing screams. Has Peace Corps made me a less sympathetic person? I thought about it, but the life or death of my ketchup and all my plastic containers was a stake, so I say no).
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2 comments:

  1. Awesome update!! I love your layout ... I guess I should get busy and catch up with my blog.

    I was in Haiti over a week ago. It was a short trip, escorted some supplies from my church denomination down there and stayed for two days. Seems that nothing's really changed much down there. I may be going back a little earlier than my planned November trip.

    Take care and thanks for keeping us informed!

    Vince

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  2. so is it sad that Max and Robert have returned to their home country or is it sad that they have returned to Paraguay?
    Erika

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LINGO DICTIONARY

Chuchi - this is probably my new most popular word. It means snobby or fancy, but is used in the Peace Corps as anything nicer than dirt roads and shacks, or for a person, anyone who showers with hot water. Living in the city, I am super chuchi for here.

Fuerte - literally means strong, but because the culture is based on talking around everything, it´s when a person says anything they want in a direct way - it means asshole

Puede ser and otro dia - literally means "could be" or "another day", but because noone will directly blow someone off, both of them mean "never" and are the answer to a question of when something will happen

Deseas, en tus sueños, Que Arriba Perra/o and Es lo qué es - these are the terrible translations of American sayings that are not used here and don´t really translate, but we say them anyway. Literally they mean "you wish", "in your dreams", "What´s up bitch/dog?" and "it is what it is"

Qué guapa - this means "what a hard worker" and is used by Paraguayans every time I do ANYTHING manual, including carrying a dish to the sink or sweeping out my room. I don´t think they have high expectations for Americans and work.

Saludos - sending saludos by way of a mutual friend is how people tell each other they have a crush on them. The most serious kinds are given with a pinch on the arm and they mean business.

Thumbs up - this is done everywhere here and is a simple answer to pretty much any question. I will probably have carpal tunel in my thumbs when I leave here because I do this so much.

No se como comer esta - this is how one refuses food in Paraguay. Literally, it´s "I don´t know how to eat this" which creates an internal struggle for me each time it´s said because I want to be a smartass and explain that, just like any other food, you put in in your mouth and chew, but I don´t think that´s acceptable here.

No Más and Un poco - this is said after almost every phrase for no real reason other than to make everything sound like it´s not a big deal, even when it really is. Literally, it´s "No More" and "A Little", so the translations are something like "Sit down no more", "Come here a little", and "Do you want dinner no more?"

Cocido - this is a hot drink mixed by carmellizing sugar with a little yerba, adding just enough water to wet it, and then adding more sugar. It´s served by the thermos-full just before bed.

Mosto - this is to sugar what crack is to cocaine. It´s a "tradional" drink capable of putting even the sweetest tooth into a diabetic coma, and is served continuously at fun gatherings like funerals.

Ch-ch-ch-ch - this is the sound Paraguayans make to get each others´attention - like "Psst" . It´s especially used for catcalling, and they have nothing to follow it with - they just want you to look.