PCV Visits

This weekend, we all had a chance to meet and observe volunteers in various sites around the country. My group did so much, it felt like a week. The first community was my ideal site: semi-rural, pleasant and stable weather, beautiful views, and a laid-back atmosphere. Here, we met Emily who has been in her site for six months. After a game of soccer with local kids, Emily invited us to her home where her host mom showed us how to make empanadas de chiverre and cheese. During cafecito, Emily explained her projects and gave us some great ideas, such as organizing a community newsletter. After this, we went to the Feria Ambiental, where local artisans sold their work, among other venues and activities, including a bull ring attraction, in which people would ride and/or avoid getting attacked by angry bulls. Thankfully, no bulls are killed in the process. There was also outdoor karaoke and disco moviles, which was a fun way to spend the evening.

The next day, we went on a tour with the president of the community's Chamber of Tourism. In our tour, we visited a butterfly farm, a water-powered sugar cane mill, and hiked to see some springs, indigenous artifacts (known only to a few for protective reasons), and views of the valley. The sun was fierce, or as they say here, “Que luna!” After our tour, we walked to a nearby waterfall where we swam and ate our lunch. It was a long but worthwhile day. And my host family was great. I had two twin sisters who were always at my side, along with their cousins. Throughout my stay, the radio was always on a Catholic radio station. I heard a Christian reggaeton song for the first time, which was pretty amusing. During dinner, I would hear my host parents respond or sing to the radio programs. The girls also sang a really cute song thanking God for the food they were about to eat (with their dad’s request). Very different from my training host family.

For our next Volunteer visit, we drove to a small town similar to my training community. Instead of a main square, the town was long and centered on a main road. We met Rachel, who is leaving PC in six months. She invited us to a women’s group meeting, where we learned more about her efforts in the community. During this visit, our Program Director and PC Volunteer Coordinator interviewed each of us regarding our future site preferences. If possible, I would love to work with youth and indigenous peoples, with an emphasis in ecotourism and business education.

Behind my host family’s house is a waterfall and cabin, which my host dad built. On a break, I went with two other trainees to read there. My dream site definitely has a waterfall. All of us are anxious to know even just a clue about where they are planning to assign us. Two more weeks before we find out.

In the evening, I went with my host mother to a folkloric dance rehearsal for an upcoming presentation. I was excited to hear a song that my Spanish class had listened to one day: “Soy Tico”. The next day, Rachel invited us to her biweekly aerobics class. After a 45-minute walk uphill, we reached the salon comunal where five other ladies joined us. I would love to incorporate this activity in my future site. My arms are sore but no regrets.

In the afternoon, we had a tour of a local cheese finca. We divided into two teams for a series of fun activities to test our knowledge or to try something new. These included, identifying types of grass and supplemental diet for milking cows, extracting as much milk as possible from a cow, and making the best cheese. At the end of the day, we helped our tour guide plant some trees given to her by a government institution. Speaking of resources, I, among many, am truly impressed with the Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA). INA is an autonomous institution, created to prepare workers in a wide variety of areas, both independent workers and those needed by private companies. 1.5 percent of every worker’s salary is taken to fund INA, leaving it with a budget of approximately 40 million dollars. INA offers free courses and programs of study that include: agriculture, commerce & services, tourism, graphic industry, auto mechanics, metal mechanics, electric, fishing & sailing, textiles, food, technology of materials, and handicrafts processes. I hope I get a chance to work with INA while I’m here.