Punta Gorda ... where I travel for internet, fruit, veggies, and cheap movies

Monday December 28, 2009

Off to PG (Punta Gorda) again. I love traveling to town to use the internet. It is a little over a half hour bus ride... but, it is definitely worth it. Today I plan to email, blog, and post pictures. I also want to buy myself some movies for my Christmas gift. Movies are sooo cheap here because they are just burned DVDs. The movies are 5 dollars or less. I plan to buy 5… but, I really feel like I am splurging and I should be watching my budget, especially for the New Year. I can’t believe that 2009 is almost over. Time goes so fast!

Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Swimming in Laguna’s Lagoon

Jungle Boys... jumping in the Lagoon

My Host Dad with Buddy

Burton chopping the boardwalk with a machete

My host siblings and me... not including Joseph and Marvin

Swimming and posing in Laguna's lagoon

My new workout

Too fun!

My host sister is addicted to her cell phone... I even left my phone at home

Lagoon

The boardwalk is so dangerous... broken in many places

The poor dog whose owner cut his ears off because he was a lazy hunting dog (so sad)

Sunday December 27, 2009

I am extremely happy with my day. I did a lot of working out. So that I burn off all those calories I ate on Christmas and Boxing Day. Today I ran around Laguna’s Circle four times and up the main road. It was a very hot, but nice run.

Then my whole host family went to the lagoon to go fishing. However, the lagoon was too high to catch any fish; therefore, we just swam in the lagoon the whole time. It was a lot of fun.

It felt so good to get a lot of workouts in today. I plan to swim more in the lagoon. Originally I thought it would be dirty and muddy. Yet, it was really clean and beautiful.



Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Boxing Day

Saturday December 26, 2009

Today is Boxing Day in Belize. It is a national holiday. (So no busses were running).

I went to the Shol’s for their Christmas party. They had stew pork, tortilla, and soft drink… more good cooking.

I plan to get things accomplished today. I finished my scarlet macaw book… I really like it… I would recommend it…. The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw.

Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

CHRISTMAS!!!

Friday December 25, 2009

This Christmas is my first one away from home, family, and friends. I thought it would be said. However, it was not. I had so much to do. I got invited to so many Laguna families houses that I was so busy and sooooo FULL!

First, I woke up and had breakfast with the Che family. We had more tamales (I’m getting a little sick of them… I had too many this week.)

Next I texted all my family and friends back home. I also texted all my new Peace Corps friends for Christmas. I talked to my mom, dad, sister, and aunt donna. It is so nice to talk to people from back home.

I visited the Mohs house first. We ate ham, chicken, potatoes salad, cranberry, and rice and beans. It was so good. Everyone in Laguna is an excellent cook.

Then I went to the Acks house. They had BBQ pork , stew beans, and flour tortilla, as well as cake. I was too full from the other house to eat anything. I felt so rude. (I got it all wrapped up). At the Acks house I took tons of pictures… the one little girl there was the happiest little baby I have ever seen.

Next, I went to Miss Gloria. They had so much food too! Miss Gloria who is a very educated person… she studied abroad… and has a lot of experience in many areas, she invited me to take a tour of Laguna. I said YES! She took me around Laguna with the tourist Bill who was staying in Laguna for Christmas. He is traveling the world for 2 years now that he retired. He started his journey on Sept 1, 2009. I learned so much from the tour… as well as a lot from Mr. Bill. He gave me a lot of different suggestions of resources and books to read.

Next I visited the Shols house. I remembered that it was the little girl’s birthday. I asked her if she had cake today. She said no. I said oh you have to come home with me and get a piece. I had to pieces wrapped up that I did not eat from today. I gave one to her. Then I stayed at their house and took an hour worth of pictures. They all loved posing for the camera.

After that the last house I visited was the Pop’s. They had fire crackers and sparklers. I held a sparkler and it kept burning me… I kept screaming.

When I was walking home I saw something in the red burning in the middle of the stone road. I looked around and saw a kid. I said what is that? Is it going to explode? After I finished that question I took a step forward and the fire cracker blew up. I screamed bloody murder. Everyone came running to my rescue. The shop keeper came running outside and my host dad heard me all the way from the house. He came running too. It was pretty funny. (Again they think I am crazy!)

I had an excellent Christmas! I am very that I really enjoyed myself in Belize!

Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Christmas Eve: Baking ALL Day and Attending a 4 hour K’ekchi Mass

The Corn Mill

Baking Tortillas

My Shan... in English Granny

The Fire Heart... where all cooking takes place

Making bread

My Host Mom... teaching me how to make bread, cake, and tamales

Thursday December 24, 2009

On Christmas Eve I baked all day. I learned how to make bread, cake, and tamales. It was a long tiring day.

At 7 I went and visited Mr. Moh. I had some coconut bread and coffee (even though I don’t drink coffee). They put so much sugar in their coffee.

After that I went to K’ekchi mass with Carmelita. They sung and preached in K’ekchi. We did have a break to give our gifts. We did a KK (we call it secret santa or Pollyanna). KK stands for Kris Kringle. I had Rosa and she had me. I gave her an activity book, pencil, pencil case, sharpener, and a bingo game. She gave me a koshtal (mayan purse), and two pretty bracelets.

The ladies asked me stay until midnight (I was so exhausted, but I did stay because they invited me). I stayed and then had tamales and donuts at midnight (I never eat that late…)

Then I reached home at 1 am and went straight to bed… to wait for Santa… hehhe


Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Missing Home… it is my Gram’s birthday that I am missing today

Wednesday December 23, 2009

I went to town. Today is my Grams 78 birthday in the states. I am sad that I am not home for it!

Anyway, I called a lot of fam and friends today… however, I was not able to get a hold of Cecy.


Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

The Farm

Tuesday December 22, 2009

When I awoke I did not think I was going to the farm because it was raining all night. However, when I got up it stopped raining. So I got to go to the farm for the first time! It was such an experience.

We hiked up the mountain (2 hours) to get to the farm. When we got there we all went right to work pulling cilantro. Mr. Che said I was really good at pulling the best cilantro! YAY.

When I returned home I was sooo muddy, red, and tired. I felt like a real Maya farmer!

P.S. I called Cecy… I learned that if you put a plus sign before her number I can talk to her. It was sooo great to talk to her. The only negative thing was that I only talked for 7 minutes, which cost 10.00 dollars.


Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Visiting Villagers

Sunday December 20, 2009

Today I went around Laguna and visited the villagers. I want to get to know all the Laguna people. It is important to integrate fully in the community.

I visited Ms. Jacqueline. She is a Spanish (Guatemalan) speaking Belizean. I went over to discuss some Spanish vocabulary practice. However, we mainly talked about fundraising ideas for Laguna’s Computer Internet Lab. (It was really beneficial to visit her … I learned many new ideas).

I also visited the alcade, Mr. Coy, and tutored his daughter for the spelling bee.

I visited the Pops as well and they invited me to their Christmas party (they were having that night). It was lots of fun. I saw many villagers and practiced my K’ekchi with them.



Monday December 21, 2009

There is a cold front in Belize. It is SOOO chilly. I am very surprised… I didn’t think that Belize got that cold. I froze last night. I kept getting up and adding more blankets, sweatshirts, and sweatpants. I even added put a towel around my head because I my thatch house lets all the air come in the roof and wooden walls.

Today was a lazy Christmas break day. I read my book, The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw. It is an excellent book about Belize. I could relate and understand so much of it… especially since I live in Belize!

My host family and I borrowed the movie 2012 from the Pop family. We watched it… I really liked it. I learned even more about the Mayans from that movie.




Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Last Day of School and Christmas Shopping:

Friday December 18, 2009
Last day of school (I was SICK and did not attend).



Saturday December 19, 2009

Today I went to town, Punta Gorda, and did all my Christmas shopping. I bought my principal, Mr. Garcia, a gift, as well as my host siblings and grandmother.

The public/government teachers had a big Christmas party on Friday. However, since I was sick I did not attend. Yet, Mr. Garcia said that they still gave me a meal… and I had to pay the twenty dollars still… that stinks! (It was a yummy meal though).

Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Christmas Time in Belize!

Wednesday December 16, 2009


Christmas Entertainment . I gave a speech in K’ekchi everyone was amazed at how well I spoke K’ekchi… I am learning it slowing… but, still doing well!



Thursday December 17, 2009

Christmas Party. I still have the parasite and feel sick!



Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

The beginning of my horrible PARASITE!

Friday December 11, 2009

Women’s group meeting= Toledo Maya Women’s Council

Today I vomited 6 times on the bus (I vomited in the Christmas present that Mr. Garcia gave me… a huge basin bowl). SOOOO GROSS!)



Saturday December 12, 2009

All the ladies in my village cooked all day… I couldn’t because I was sick… I cant keep any food in my body. (I’m upset that I missed out on a cooking/baking lesson)



Sunday December 13, 2009

Julian Cho High School Marathon Fundraiser

We raised 267 dollars!!!! YAY we might be able to get internet soon!

We sold tamales, garnoches, chips and dip, ideals, popcorn, and cake.

We had games… punchboard. (Since I did not eat… I did not get sick at the fundraiser!)



Monday December 14, 2009

I taught Writer’s Workshop and ran the lab from 4-8

I am still sick. I run home from school because I can’t hold any food down.



Tuesday December 15, 2009

K’ekchi and no Karate because of my parasite issue.

Still sick  I called my nurse to ask her what is wrong with me. She said if it lasted fewer days it would have been food poisoning. However, since it lasted this long… it is an intestinal parasite in my TUMMY! AHHH… I have a worm in my stomach. I just keep getting more and more hard core… and living life in the jungle of Belize lol!



Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

December 2009 (Wow time is flying!)

Monday November 30, 2009


My first day back to school after break!



Tuesday December 1, 2009

I cannot believe it is December and the weather is sooo hot! Today I had my first kekchi tutoring lesson! I also did karate!



Wednesday December 2, 2009

Today I had an internet meeting about the Julian Cho booth. I am the president of the internet Laguna computer lab committee.



Thursday December 3, 2009

Kekchi and Karate again today 



Friday December 4, 2009

I picked up 2 packages from town today! Wooohooo thanks DAD and thanks Aunt Donna and Uncle Frank!



Saturday December 5, 2009

Today I went to my first engagement party in Belize! It is so different than US. They are both 17 years old. They courted for a few months and then he asked the parents if they could get married. She had no ring until the engagement party and there they sit in a big circle (parents, grandparents and discuss finances of when it is possible for them to get married). They chose the first weekend in April. I am so sad because Dena will be leaving Laguna and moving to Stann Creek with her new husband. I got to bond with her in Laguna and now she is leaving kinda soon.

Sunday December 6, 2009

Today I was supposed to have Spanish tutoring. However, I was sooo tired from my long week… that I just rested and watched New Moon… my favorite movie of the month! Thanks Erica for letting me borrow it!

Monday December 7, 2009

Today was another busy day at school. Greg a PCV was so kind to come and help me with IT things in our computer lab! Everyone is sooo nice to me! Thanks GREG!

Today I also taught writer workshops lessons and computer lessons.



Tues December 8, 2009 (The horrible BUM story)

Today I made my K’ekchi lesson. However, missed my karate lesson!

I did make it in to town to get internet. (My favorite). I have a horrible story about this bum… So on Garrifina Settlement day back Nov. 19, Katie (a PCV) told me that this man works so hard and is really hungry so give him 2 dollars. So since I did feel bad I did.

Then he approached me again with his cigarette and asked for 10 dollars another day. I said all I had for him was a dollar. Then he left. He continues to come up to me. I have to say no.

So the first time I said no… he gave me this whole big speech aren’t I Christian…. Blah blah blah. Then I walked away… he cursed every name in the book at me.

Then I saw him when I was getting food and I had a smile on my face (as usual and he said don’t you laugh at me you f…. b…..Uh I gave him 4 dollars total and he was never grateful and now he just curses at me. What a lousy man.



Wed. December 9, 2009

Today we had an internet fundraising meeting. It went well 



Thursday December 10, 2009

I sub-taught all day because my principal was sick.



Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Big Falls Bizaar

All the Sisters went to the Bizaar!

Delicious!

Kevina won a FAN for $2.00

Peace Corps Representing

Getting my budgeting counciling from the Experts!

Sunday November 29, 2009


Today is Big Falls Bazaar (another P.C. K’ekchi site)

I am so jealous they make 23,000 dollars in revenue from the fair. I want Laguna to have one!

Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

My BIG Host Family Confrontation (another growing experience)

Saturday November 28, 2009


Back to Laguna! I confronted my host day about the situation he was putting me in. He thinks I am rich and he wants and asks for too much. So I talked to him about that and now we are much better.

I'll have more details later... or email to get the detailed story... if interested!

Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

A sick sick Thanksgiving...

Saturday November 21, 2009


I picked up my school uniform from Ms. Mendez the seamstress in PG. I wear the uniforms of the teachers now. I got lots of compliments on it! (And I didn’t even get that ripped off. I thought they were charging me 20 dollars per shirt and 20 dollars per skirt. However, it is 20 dollars per set (skirt and shirt) Thank goodness.



Sunday November 22, 2009

Today I packed to travel to Belmopan. I woke up feeling very terrible.

However, I still went to Ms. Gloria’s mother birthday party. Her mom is the same age as my mom!



Monday November 23, 2009

I traveled on the bus (6 hour ride) to Belmopan. I always seem to travel with ED and Emma the P.C. couple staying in Santa Ana Village.

Tuesday November 24, 2009

I went to training (however, I had to leave early because I was soooo sick!)



Wednesday and Thursday 25 and 26, 2009

I slept 24 hours… I slept through Thanksgiving. I think I needed that because my cough was getting worse and worse.

Friday November 27, 2009

Today I went back to PG and stayed at the Charleton Inn (still ILL)

Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.

Children's Day

Children's Day!

Tug-of-War

Orange Eating Contest!

Friday November 20, 2009


Children’s Day (a legal legit holiday in Belize!)

Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.