Week 1 of Nasca-ness

So after 10 weeks of intense training and Peruvian adventures, I finally got sworn-in as una voluntaria del Cuerpo de Paz. A big moment for sure, as on the horizon all we can see is the mysterious unknown. No more classes, no more instructors, no more speaking English, no more friends close at hand, no more pre-made schedules. We were then at that moment left to our own devices for the next few years. We are essentially dropped off at site and are left to our own devices to not only survive, but to inspire positive change and health within the community. Honestly, what I have been going through here at site for this first week of service has been so intense and different, no amount of training could have ever prepared me for what I was about to jump into. It was as if I jumped into the middle of the ocean accompanied with only a fun-noodle and was expected to survive. Well, fortunately for me-- I love to swim.
Nasca, Peru. The home to many world-famous sites including the Nasca Lines, El Cerro Blanco (the biggest sand dune in South America), Los Aqueductos (aqueducts created by pre-Incan civilizations- some that still function), various cemeteries with mummified bodies, and now ME!
I thought that by living in Peru for 11 weeks already that I would be accustomed to the culture here... well was I wrong! Moving here I have encountered an entire new life. There are a lot of changes I have been experiencing. I will share a few with you...
-I began a new diet. It's called "the runs". I don't even have to do anything, just sit on the toilet and boombam all the food I ate has magically gone through me! It's not on the market yet but if you'd like to begin this diet I'll let you try some of the water here and you'll be on "the runs" in no time!
-I have also changed perfumes. Instead of dousing myself religiously with bug repellent, I now spend a good portion of the morning applying the Peace Corps provided sunblock all over. The reason? Well, let's just say I completely understand where the saying "it's hot as hell" comes from. I'm in the desert!
-The parties I have been experiencing here are surely like no other. For example, the other day I went to a party for a 97 year old woman complete with her being spoon-fed papaya by her daughter, a table full of still living friends and family (that had to yell at each other so the other person could hear), tea cups, and me........ HAHAHA! A little different than the typical college party I guess. I'll find some friends here soon I'm sure...
-Also, I got a name change. I am "Catalina" here. It's much easier than the awkward language sessions I could continuously have with how to pronounce my actual name... every single time I met someone. Si entonces for simplicity's sake: Catalina.
-I've been getting a lot of action here in the kissing department. Every single time there is a greeting or departure... there is kissing. So essentially the barriers are automatically broken down at an initial meeting because, well, you just kissed them! Quite an ice-breaker I'd say.
-I have a new nightly fashion. Compliments of UGA Student Learning Center (it's always going to be the SLC for me... givin' a holler out there to my dawgs!) these green ear plugs have gotten me far. They allow me to fall asleep despite the nightly war of dogs outside my window and they allow me to sleep past 4am because of the rooster concerts that go on every single morning outside my window. Thanks SLC!
-The other day I turned on the TV and there was my face. The truth is that not a lot goes on here thats exciting so when something happens (it could be anything!) their going to talk about it. just so happens that I am that "something" right now.
-I've picked up a new hobby! Making speeches. hahaha. Essentially I meet new people every single day and they are all curious about what I am doing here and who I am so I give them my speech. I must say, after the 100th one I think I've been able to do it backwards in my sleep!
-And this is always the question that follows it: "Are you single?" ...And then I say "yes" and then they say that I will definitely end up staying here longer than 2 years because I'm going to meet un Peruano. (this exact convo happens like 5 times a day) At first I felt uncomfortable when people always asked me that because in the States we don't commonly speak about relationships until a little later in conversations. However, I have grown to understand that Peruvians love their relationship drama and that their women have babies so I have now just grown to expect this convo.
-I got my desk space in the Municipality. Never had an "office" before! Right next to a window so thats nice too.
-My typical emotion here is a mix of confused/lost/uncomfortable... but you learn how to accept that and move on. A sense of humor is essential for this job. It's a whole new culture and a whole new place that I do not know... I am positive I unknowingly do probably 20 things per day that is not typical of this culture- but that is just how it is. In time I will understand more. But for now, laughing at my blunders is the only way to stay sane.

There is so much more to say about my job here, about the culture, and various thoughts. Every day is a new battle and a new adventure. This is just the beginning. Stay tuned!