Peace Corps Puberty: Dad, you didn't tell me I would change down there.

Opener - Insert something clever about lack of photos

Hey gang, OK, one more update on the lack of pictures. I promise you some mad pictures one of these days, it is just that I never remember my camera cable when I come to the city (San Salv). When I do remember it, the internet near my site is so slow that it would be more efficient for me to walk to the states, develop the pictures (myself), and then walk them to each of your houses... you get the point.

Insert change of subject:

Anyway, let's talk a little bit about Jimbo getting truly settled into the life here in good ole' Salvador: Puberty was hard enough at 13... oh shit, I can't lie to you guys, I was a late bloomer... I went through it at 18 (23). Anyway, dad did give me a talk, but he didn't tell me I would change down there (El Salvador - which is south of the States, hence, "down there").

Two days ago, while walking to a football match with some guys from my site, a white tourist passes us in the neighboring town. I say, "Mire pues, un chelle". (Look guys, a white dude).

Why is this significant?
I said it as if I wasn't white... more importantly; I was actually surprised to see a white person.

Another significant thing that some of you might have missed: I typed 'football' (soccer) without even thinking about it... that would not have happened a few months ago.


Enter a typical dinner: beans, side of rice, four tortillas.

Three months ago you could not pay me enough to eat tortillas, I HATED them. Now that I live on my own and eat regular bread... I MISS THEM, and always ask for more, embarrassed that my host-mom will say no. She always gives me more, but with this weird smirk as if she knows I am changing - I am.

Comparing the US to El Salvador (in terms of rural thing - clearly I only have rural experience here).

Men here always ask me about how WE plant corn, or how WE milk cows, or how WE cut down brush (in the US)... I know respond with, "people in the states don't do it as well as WE* do it here".

*I am accepted here, but these people never confuse me for a Salvadoran.

I learned about this in a 300 level culture class at MSU - "the other" (TM, Hall) is a term used for those who are from one culture (through birth) but live in another ((i.e. Jimbo living in rural El Salvador)). "The other" is always seen as different and continuously makes efforts to gain cultural acceptance through language, dress, nonverbal communication, whatever... I am living proof of this. It is weird, I love it and I bet it is going to be a weird Christmas vacation when I visit my family and they ask me to pick the fun activity for the night and I tell them that I want us to boil a huge pot of coffee, talk about how much it rained and then go to be early so that we can dawn early enough to make fresh tortillas for breakfast.

Jimbo
out.