Is there something wrong with Peace Corps Volunteers? Here are a few snap-shots of things I have noticed on a daily basis:
-People ALWAYS ask me why I am so tall, or why my friends are so tall. The only response I give now, after nearly a year of the same question, is "because I drank boiled water and ate vegetables when I was young." Which isn't that far from the truth.
-Every day, some volunteers, may or may not include myself, drink a little bit of water from the tap every day. And every so often, increase that little amount, just to keep the immune system high.
-One of the presentations we give over and over again is about water source contamination and proper places to poop. You have no idea how often I consider naming my presentation to the community "Eat s*** and die."
-Us arguing with a taxi driver about charging 50 extra cents when we are cramming 6 people in the back of the car. Is it really that big of a deal!!!
-I am not at all surprised or affected by receiving a hair in at least one meal every day.
-The nicest piece of furnature that I use regularly is the back seat of a taxi.
-We volunteers have seriously though about and in depth and in detail about holding a diarrhea lock-in. Where we lock in people from the community in the municipality, and no one can leave until they all drink tap water and everyone gets diarrhea. JUST to get the point across. It sounds WAY more effective than presentation after presentation.
-If I don't get my nap, I am VERY crabby.
-B
But we aren't the only ones who are falling off the edge. Here are some reasons why Peru is LOCO:
-Parents call their own kids spoiled and poorly raised.
-Wining usually get you what you want in this country. Whether you are 2 or 90 years old.
-People look at me like I am crazy when I tell them I speak Spanish, and continue to talk about me in my presence with another Peruvian.
-Its totally acceptable to breast feed children ANYWHERE! From ages 0 to 9. Not even joking. I have seen kids standing and breast feeding. Gross….
- Alcoholism is one big joke. People say "My uncle is a drunk. He hits his kids and doesn't work. Hahaha! Oh well. Silly old uncle."
-Again, the tall thing. People go out of their way to tell us that we are tall. They will cross the street in dangerous traffic to tell us. Its like a conversation starter like asking about the weather. Which I sometimes follow up with "where do you poop?"

Ahhhh, The exciting life of peace corps....
Jope everything is well!
Happy travels,

Teigan