Wednesday August 26, 2009
Today we again got up for training. It is our seventh day in Belize!!! On my walk today to the Peace Corps Head Quarters it was very muddy because it rained that night. I took a couple pictures of the roads to the P.C. office head quarters… for of course memories! I took some pictures of local school girls in their uniform. Many of the children hear wear uniforms to school. School started a few days ago for the Belizeans.
When we arrived we had an avocado burrito for breakfast. Then I had my first Hepatitis A. shot. It wasn’t so bad. Then we discussed stages of adaptation into our community and culture of Belize. How we start with “Honey Moon” phase (which I am in right now) where everything is great, new, and exciting! Then all of us will enter the “Crisis Phase” where we begin to get the culture shock. Then we enter the “readjustment phase” where we begin to settle in, but not yet adapt. Then lastly we will enter the “adaptation phase” and this all happens at different times for everyone and sometimes it repeats itself over and over.
Then we discussed “community assessments and tools” which was very interesting which I will probably use at my site! After that session we learned about Education in Belize… which is sooo sad. I was really into this lesson, especially as an education major! She talked about how education is rooted in slavery and the British. Also, how most kids just drop out because they can’t afford the books or those that fail are not allowed in this country to repeat a grade.
Later in the day we talked about our homestay with our host family. We played jeopardy and found out what sites we are going to be training in. I will have my five weeks of training in Mayan Mopan. We then got the logistics of dropping our luggage off at 7am and then train from 8am to 1pm and then off to meet my host family!
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.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Day 6
Tuesday August 25, 2009
Today is Tuesday and I made it to training class on time! We started with a Belizean breakfast… however; I just had some cinnamon bread because my stomach was upset and hurting from all the different foods I ate in the past six days. A trainee recommended that I take some pepso bismal, (I’m not sure how to spell it because I have never taken that stuff before) which definitely helped my tummy thank goodness.
We started training off with an explanation of the evaluation process. They explained how we will evaluate all the trainers and then they will evaluate us at the end of training before we get sworn in. After that we listened to an introduction of project plans from Austin (my education manager) and Jay.
Next (even though I was feeling well) I started to feel sick again because the next session was on diarrhea and food and water preparation with the PCMO. Later was lunch. Then we listened to about six already PCV’s Peace Corps experience. It was called “life as a PCV Panel.” After that discussion we learned more survival Kriol!!!!
I also had my education teacher training interview… it went very well… except where the part when he said what would be your ideal setting. Then I included that I would like to have easy internet access. He told me I might have to organize and start an internet café in my local town. Lol! (I am definitely considering that!)
I also got my cell phone today. Send me a message on facebook if you want my cell phone number and/or mailing address! Thanks! Good bye for now!
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.
Today is Tuesday and I made it to training class on time! We started with a Belizean breakfast… however; I just had some cinnamon bread because my stomach was upset and hurting from all the different foods I ate in the past six days. A trainee recommended that I take some pepso bismal, (I’m not sure how to spell it because I have never taken that stuff before) which definitely helped my tummy thank goodness.
We started training off with an explanation of the evaluation process. They explained how we will evaluate all the trainers and then they will evaluate us at the end of training before we get sworn in. After that we listened to an introduction of project plans from Austin (my education manager) and Jay.
Next (even though I was feeling well) I started to feel sick again because the next session was on diarrhea and food and water preparation with the PCMO. Later was lunch. Then we listened to about six already PCV’s Peace Corps experience. It was called “life as a PCV Panel.” After that discussion we learned more survival Kriol!!!!
I also had my education teacher training interview… it went very well… except where the part when he said what would be your ideal setting. Then I included that I would like to have easy internet access. He told me I might have to organize and start an internet café in my local town. Lol! (I am definitely considering that!)
I also got my cell phone today. Send me a message on facebook if you want my cell phone number and/or mailing address! Thanks! Good bye for now!
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.
DAY 5
Monday Aug. 24, 2009
Monday morning we went to training at P.C. office. The schedule said that it started at 8:30a.m. However, it really started at 7:30 a.m.… so my roommate and I were about 15 min late. However, it was not a big deal because trainees came in after us.
We started the morning off with a name game, which was extremely helpful. I never played a name game like this one. I am going to use it in a classroom. Two people hold the end of a sheet and one person stands on one side and then there is another person on the other side. They lower the sheet and the first person to say the other person’s name wins and gets to sit down.
Next we discussed safety. Then they introduced the admin unit. They told us all about mail and the address. Please send me a message and I will give you the address because the P.C. wanted us to keep that confidential.
After that we talked about medical policy and procedures and how we can get health insurance up to 18 months after service. I also had an interview with the nurse. It went well… I haven’t gained any weight yet… eating all this delicious food!.... burritos, rice, beans, chicken, empanadas, etc.
Also, during our training session we talked about the development of philosophy… which now has me wondering again what to get my masters in!! ahhhhh I have to stop always looking to the future. I want to take one day at a time and hopefully everything will flow J
Then I had my first taste of the Kriol language!!! It wasn’t that bad… however, my accent stinks.
I learned how to introduce myself… for example,
Ai nahm Grace……. (My name is Grace)
Ai da Grace ……….(My name is Grace)
Me naym Grace……………. (My name is grace)
Some cognitive are….
Name = naym/nahym
Me =mi/mee
I = ai/ah
You = yu/yoo
Happy = hapi
To = fi
Know = noa
Please = pleeze
Later =layta
Going =gwain
Come =kohn
Until = sotay
Right = rait
From = fahn
What is your name? = da weh yu name?
Good morning = gud maanin
Where are you from? = weh yu khon frahn?
I am from NJ = Me fahn NJ
I am happy to meet you all. = Ah hapi fi noa yu uno
Where is/are? = da weh
What is/are? = da weh
After Kriol class… I attempted to upload pictures on Facebook. I got about forty uploaded. Then I participated in an AWESOME yoga class!!!! (however, I was in my business casual kakis… but, I still did well!) I heard that they are closing the yoga classes because the owner is moving to the U.S. But, when I get to my final site I want to start a workout or yoga group! After yoga we ate dinner at the shack. Then to bed I went.
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.
Monday morning we went to training at P.C. office. The schedule said that it started at 8:30a.m. However, it really started at 7:30 a.m.… so my roommate and I were about 15 min late. However, it was not a big deal because trainees came in after us.
We started the morning off with a name game, which was extremely helpful. I never played a name game like this one. I am going to use it in a classroom. Two people hold the end of a sheet and one person stands on one side and then there is another person on the other side. They lower the sheet and the first person to say the other person’s name wins and gets to sit down.
Next we discussed safety. Then they introduced the admin unit. They told us all about mail and the address. Please send me a message and I will give you the address because the P.C. wanted us to keep that confidential.
After that we talked about medical policy and procedures and how we can get health insurance up to 18 months after service. I also had an interview with the nurse. It went well… I haven’t gained any weight yet… eating all this delicious food!.... burritos, rice, beans, chicken, empanadas, etc.
Also, during our training session we talked about the development of philosophy… which now has me wondering again what to get my masters in!! ahhhhh I have to stop always looking to the future. I want to take one day at a time and hopefully everything will flow J
Then I had my first taste of the Kriol language!!! It wasn’t that bad… however, my accent stinks.
I learned how to introduce myself… for example,
Ai nahm Grace……. (My name is Grace)
Ai da Grace ……….(My name is Grace)
Me naym Grace……………. (My name is grace)
Some cognitive are….
Name = naym/nahym
Me =mi/mee
I = ai/ah
You = yu/yoo
Happy = hapi
To = fi
Know = noa
Please = pleeze
Later =layta
Going =gwain
Come =kohn
Until = sotay
Right = rait
From = fahn
What is your name? = da weh yu name?
Good morning = gud maanin
Where are you from? = weh yu khon frahn?
I am from NJ = Me fahn NJ
I am happy to meet you all. = Ah hapi fi noa yu uno
Where is/are? = da weh
What is/are? = da weh
After Kriol class… I attempted to upload pictures on Facebook. I got about forty uploaded. Then I participated in an AWESOME yoga class!!!! (however, I was in my business casual kakis… but, I still did well!) I heard that they are closing the yoga classes because the owner is moving to the U.S. But, when I get to my final site I want to start a workout or yoga group! After yoga we ate dinner at the shack. Then to bed I went.
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.
Day 4
Sunday August 23, 2009
The plans for today was for all the trainees (or rather who wanted to go) to the river and missed the Kickball game. I slept in until 12:30pm. Then we got in the van to go to a river. We went and had a ball. It was absolutely gorgeous with the rocks and clear water. We swam in the shade... so I did not get burnt. Everyone was jumping of the rope swing. I jumped of a 20 ft. cliff twice (once I did a cannon ball and then I attempted a toe touch!) I also swam the whole time... which I was very excited about because I felt like I got an intense workout for the day. An hour before we were leaving many many local kids came and played in the water. I was sooo excited I bonded and played with a lot of them. They spoke English well! I had a couple of them counting and then diving in the water... some of the volunteers asked if I was placed in education... and I said yes... they said they could tell. I took that as a compliment :) Next, we walked half way back to the hotel and then a P.C. manager picked us up and gave us a tour of Belmopan circle. I got to see the embassy which was exciting! There are cameras surrounding the whole building. I was also informed that if you step on the ground there you are considered to be on U.S. government soil. Then a few of us got changed and went to the Chinese restaurant called Friendships. They were the only place to eat in the whole town because everything is closed on Sundays. So we got food and then went to the kickball game which was already over :( Now I am in the computer lab trying to upload pictures. However, it is taking forever!!!
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 plans for today was for all the trainees (or rather who wanted to go) to the river and missed the Kickball game. I slept in until 12:30pm. Then we got in the van to go to a river. We went and had a ball. It was absolutely gorgeous with the rocks and clear water. We swam in the shade... so I did not get burnt. Everyone was jumping of the rope swing. I jumped of a 20 ft. cliff twice (once I did a cannon ball and then I attempted a toe touch!) I also swam the whole time... which I was very excited about because I felt like I got an intense workout for the day. An hour before we were leaving many many local kids came and played in the water. I was sooo excited I bonded and played with a lot of them. They spoke English well! I had a couple of them counting and then diving in the water... some of the volunteers asked if I was placed in education... and I said yes... they said they could tell. I took that as a compliment :) Next, we walked half way back to the hotel and then a P.C. manager picked us up and gave us a tour of Belmopan circle. I got to see the embassy which was exciting! There are cameras surrounding the whole building. I was also informed that if you step on the ground there you are considered to be on U.S. government soil. Then a few of us got changed and went to the Chinese restaurant called Friendships. They were the only place to eat in the whole town because everything is closed on Sundays. So we got food and then went to the kickball game which was already over :( Now I am in the computer lab trying to upload pictures. However, it is taking forever!!!
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.
Day 3 Cultural Day
Saturday August 22, 2009
CULTURAL DAY!!
Saturday was sooo cool! We did so much! First, we went on a tour at the House of culture in Benque Viejo!!! I took many pictures. We saw Belizean musical instruments and Belizean art!
We then arrived at Mount Carmel high school. We had a lecture and a few performances for all the trainees. It was words of welcome with the flute and marimba music. The lecture was on “The Mayas and Mestizo in Belize.” Then we watched four kids from ages 13 to 16 perform a cultural dance. It was a cultural presentation by “Orquidea Negra Dance Group” and “La Chatona” – marimba and flute.
We then ate a Belizean lunch. I tried Escabeche, tamales and totoposte, fried calaloo with eggs, and mestizo desert and I did not try the “Horchata” which was supposedly delicious rice milk with cinnamon. They said it tasted like a liquid rice pudding.
After that we went to the Mayan Ruins in Xunantunich!!!! It was soooo AMAZING. There was a tour guide that was very informative. He took us around to the different areas. We got to climb the Mayan Temple.
The trainees and PCV Leaders also spelled Peace Corps Belize with our bodies in the grass… while a PCV stood on top of the Mayan temple and took a picture of it. Later, we went to dinner and then out to the cabana club! I am truly enjoying myself… however; I know there is a lot ahead of me between technical (education) training and language training!!!!
After the cultural day we went out in Belize….. We went out to Cabanas afterward with about 18 volunteers. It was lots of fun. I received a business card from one of the locals. He said I can go scuba diving anytime!!! I was so excited! However, then I found out that I had to get trained and certified before I go scuba diving. He also told me good islands to go hang gliding and other wonderful adventures. I also got asked to dance by the locals... I just laughed and walked away. hahahWhen we were all ready to leave we were trying to take a taxi... but instead a local asked us if we wanted to take a ride back to the hotel in his truck bed. He took all of us back. Then one of the volunteers and I walked to the Peace Corps office to upload and post pictures and blogs. However, once we got there the internet did not work. Then in the morning we found out that they turn off the internet from 10pm to 6am. (That makes me bummed.)
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.
CULTURAL DAY!!
Saturday was sooo cool! We did so much! First, we went on a tour at the House of culture in Benque Viejo!!! I took many pictures. We saw Belizean musical instruments and Belizean art!
We then arrived at Mount Carmel high school. We had a lecture and a few performances for all the trainees. It was words of welcome with the flute and marimba music. The lecture was on “The Mayas and Mestizo in Belize.” Then we watched four kids from ages 13 to 16 perform a cultural dance. It was a cultural presentation by “Orquidea Negra Dance Group” and “La Chatona” – marimba and flute.
We then ate a Belizean lunch. I tried Escabeche, tamales and totoposte, fried calaloo with eggs, and mestizo desert and I did not try the “Horchata” which was supposedly delicious rice milk with cinnamon. They said it tasted like a liquid rice pudding.
After that we went to the Mayan Ruins in Xunantunich!!!! It was soooo AMAZING. There was a tour guide that was very informative. He took us around to the different areas. We got to climb the Mayan Temple.
The trainees and PCV Leaders also spelled Peace Corps Belize with our bodies in the grass… while a PCV stood on top of the Mayan temple and took a picture of it. Later, we went to dinner and then out to the cabana club! I am truly enjoying myself… however; I know there is a lot ahead of me between technical (education) training and language training!!!!
After the cultural day we went out in Belize….. We went out to Cabanas afterward with about 18 volunteers. It was lots of fun. I received a business card from one of the locals. He said I can go scuba diving anytime!!! I was so excited! However, then I found out that I had to get trained and certified before I go scuba diving. He also told me good islands to go hang gliding and other wonderful adventures. I also got asked to dance by the locals... I just laughed and walked away. hahahWhen we were all ready to leave we were trying to take a taxi... but instead a local asked us if we wanted to take a ride back to the hotel in his truck bed. He took all of us back. Then one of the volunteers and I walked to the Peace Corps office to upload and post pictures and blogs. However, once we got there the internet did not work. Then in the morning we found out that they turn off the internet from 10pm to 6am. (That makes me bummed.)
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.
DAY 2
August 20, 2009
Friday, we had training at the headquarters.
Then after Dominos... cold shower... bed.
I then napped and then ate at this little tiny Belizean café… I had 3 chicken empanadas (that I have had in Argentina) that where only a dollar and then a bottle water for a dollar. I had a 2.00 dinner…. And I was full and happy lol! CRAZY how cheap it was and there is a 2:1 exchange. So in U.S. dollars it only cost 1.00. REALLY Crazy.
Lastly, every night I take a cold shower. In the U.S. I always take hot hot showers even in the middle of the summer. Now it is going to take some time to get used to taking cold showers!
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.
Friday, we had training at the headquarters.
Then after Dominos... cold shower... bed.
I then napped and then ate at this little tiny Belizean café… I had 3 chicken empanadas (that I have had in Argentina) that where only a dollar and then a bottle water for a dollar. I had a 2.00 dinner…. And I was full and happy lol! CRAZY how cheap it was and there is a 2:1 exchange. So in U.S. dollars it only cost 1.00. REALLY Crazy.
Lastly, every night I take a cold shower. In the U.S. I always take hot hot showers even in the middle of the summer. Now it is going to take some time to get used to taking cold showers!
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.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
First day of Peace Corps Staging
August 19, 2009
I couldn’t believe when I woke up Wednesday morning that August 19, 2009 was finally here! I have been waiting a whole year for this day. So I slept in North Wildwood… and said my final good bye to my sister and my cousins. It was really nice that they got up early to wish me good bye before I left for my four hour drive.
My Uncle Mike drove me with my mom, grammom, and Aunt Donna. We drove to the Holiday Inn in Georgetown Washington DC at noon! I was really nervous that my bags weighed tooooo much!... and that they did. I weighed them on my scale and one weighed 70lbs and the other 50lbs. The Peace Corps baggage advisory was 50lb and 30lb so I knew I was over… however, I think it is cheaper to pay the luggage fee rather than having my Mom ship it to me later.
So when I arrived I was also super excited. I saw other volunteers, but I waited for my family members to leave before introducing myself to the other Peace Corps trainees. My Mom and Grammom were crying (crying is usually my style) however, I was more excited than sad. I did not cry.
So I introduced myself to the other trainees and they were super nice and friendly. They were from all over… California, Alabama, Texas, Florida, Denver, New York… etc. I was the only trainee from New Jersey (in which they picked on Jersey drivers)…
So we trainees couldn’t get into our rooms right away. So we went straight to staging/orientation. We finished all the paper work. I had my loans deferred and papers signed. I received cash back since I drove to Washington rather than flying. (Everyone else flew to Washington DC). I received 50 cents to the mile… and it was 192 miles.
We went through staging from 1:30pm to 6:30 pm. I was impressed how interactive it was. We did lots of group work, skits, and drawing. All components I would include in a lesson plan as a teacher. We covered the mission of the peace corps… my favorite part was how they stressed how the Peace Corps promotes world peace and friendship! We discussed and charted our anxieties and aspirations. That part made me actually even more nervous… discussing the bugs, frogs, snakes, scorpions, and dogs with rabies.
My group did a skit on Internet posting policies. I had lots of questions because I love love love pictures and I don’t want to get in trouble for posting inappropriate pictures… inappropriate meaning… having other volunteers in the picture and a sign of where we are… it supposedly can hurt their safety.
We talked about logistics of when and where to meet. All of us had to meet in the lobby at 1am to leave for the airport. So after staging was finished we took all our bags to our rooms and then eleven of us went to dinner in Georgetown. It was a delicious last meal in the U.S. for a while.
After dinner I bought some more sunscreen because I burn easily and I will be below the equator. Therefore, I stocked up on a couple of bottles of sunscreen… even though the Peace Corps supplies sun screen and bug spray in the medical kits that each one of us receives.
When we went back to my room… my roommate and I finished our last minute packing. Then went to bed for two hours 11pm-1am. We took a nice bus to the airport. We had to wait at the airport for a while because American airlines did not open until 3:30 - 4ish.
We got our boarding passes and then got in line to weigh our bags. I was the only one that had to pay 100 dollars for the extra 20lbs of weight… which I was prepared to do. Then we went through security which took me maybe an hour. They made me put through my bags several times. They said they saw liquid pills that I wasn’t allowed to have. I knew I did not pack liquid pills… so we never found them and they let me go. However, they went through my whole back pack to search for my swiss army knife. I knew I misplaced the one I bought… so my dad bought me one before leaving. Well my security guard took everything out of my bag…. I mean everything and it took him a half hour to find this hidden (by accident). They searched all my stuff and then left it all out on the table for me to repack… not fun what so ever. Also, he ended up just throwing away my pocket knife.
Next we got on our flight at 6:05am. Arrived at Miami at 10:15 am then off to Belize and arrived there at 10:30 am… bc there is a two hour time difference hahaha the time was pushed back. I slept the whole time on both flights… and I am known to sleep anywhere at any time.
Once we got out of the air plane it was sooooo amazing it gave me the chills. All the Peace Corps volunteers currently serving in Belize were clapping and cheering and had a huge banner welcoming us! It was sooo great!
Many of us trainees expected to be on a crapy school bus. However, they had a really nice bus (with air condition) waiting for us! They said be grateful now because we will never have this again. Lol
We then ate at a cute Belizean outside cabana style restaurant…. I sat next to my awesome pen pal pcv that I was so excited to finally meet. We all had a traditional Belizean meal… rice bean and chicken with watermelon lime juice… which was all delicious.
Then we went to the Peace Corps office. The Peace Corps director and managers lectured us for a little but had empathy because we were all sooo tired.
We went back to eat at a Chinese’s restaurant… that was a PCV (Peace Corps volunteer) favorite. It was good too. I had seafood fried rice… probably so fattening! Uhhh
After dinner we hung out and went to a local bar and took tons of pictures. Then I went to bed… in Belize for the first time.
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.
I couldn’t believe when I woke up Wednesday morning that August 19, 2009 was finally here! I have been waiting a whole year for this day. So I slept in North Wildwood… and said my final good bye to my sister and my cousins. It was really nice that they got up early to wish me good bye before I left for my four hour drive.
My Uncle Mike drove me with my mom, grammom, and Aunt Donna. We drove to the Holiday Inn in Georgetown Washington DC at noon! I was really nervous that my bags weighed tooooo much!... and that they did. I weighed them on my scale and one weighed 70lbs and the other 50lbs. The Peace Corps baggage advisory was 50lb and 30lb so I knew I was over… however, I think it is cheaper to pay the luggage fee rather than having my Mom ship it to me later.
So when I arrived I was also super excited. I saw other volunteers, but I waited for my family members to leave before introducing myself to the other Peace Corps trainees. My Mom and Grammom were crying (crying is usually my style) however, I was more excited than sad. I did not cry.
So I introduced myself to the other trainees and they were super nice and friendly. They were from all over… California, Alabama, Texas, Florida, Denver, New York… etc. I was the only trainee from New Jersey (in which they picked on Jersey drivers)…
So we trainees couldn’t get into our rooms right away. So we went straight to staging/orientation. We finished all the paper work. I had my loans deferred and papers signed. I received cash back since I drove to Washington rather than flying. (Everyone else flew to Washington DC). I received 50 cents to the mile… and it was 192 miles.
We went through staging from 1:30pm to 6:30 pm. I was impressed how interactive it was. We did lots of group work, skits, and drawing. All components I would include in a lesson plan as a teacher. We covered the mission of the peace corps… my favorite part was how they stressed how the Peace Corps promotes world peace and friendship! We discussed and charted our anxieties and aspirations. That part made me actually even more nervous… discussing the bugs, frogs, snakes, scorpions, and dogs with rabies.
My group did a skit on Internet posting policies. I had lots of questions because I love love love pictures and I don’t want to get in trouble for posting inappropriate pictures… inappropriate meaning… having other volunteers in the picture and a sign of where we are… it supposedly can hurt their safety.
We talked about logistics of when and where to meet. All of us had to meet in the lobby at 1am to leave for the airport. So after staging was finished we took all our bags to our rooms and then eleven of us went to dinner in Georgetown. It was a delicious last meal in the U.S. for a while.
After dinner I bought some more sunscreen because I burn easily and I will be below the equator. Therefore, I stocked up on a couple of bottles of sunscreen… even though the Peace Corps supplies sun screen and bug spray in the medical kits that each one of us receives.
When we went back to my room… my roommate and I finished our last minute packing. Then went to bed for two hours 11pm-1am. We took a nice bus to the airport. We had to wait at the airport for a while because American airlines did not open until 3:30 - 4ish.
We got our boarding passes and then got in line to weigh our bags. I was the only one that had to pay 100 dollars for the extra 20lbs of weight… which I was prepared to do. Then we went through security which took me maybe an hour. They made me put through my bags several times. They said they saw liquid pills that I wasn’t allowed to have. I knew I did not pack liquid pills… so we never found them and they let me go. However, they went through my whole back pack to search for my swiss army knife. I knew I misplaced the one I bought… so my dad bought me one before leaving. Well my security guard took everything out of my bag…. I mean everything and it took him a half hour to find this hidden (by accident). They searched all my stuff and then left it all out on the table for me to repack… not fun what so ever. Also, he ended up just throwing away my pocket knife.
Next we got on our flight at 6:05am. Arrived at Miami at 10:15 am then off to Belize and arrived there at 10:30 am… bc there is a two hour time difference hahaha the time was pushed back. I slept the whole time on both flights… and I am known to sleep anywhere at any time.
Once we got out of the air plane it was sooooo amazing it gave me the chills. All the Peace Corps volunteers currently serving in Belize were clapping and cheering and had a huge banner welcoming us! It was sooo great!
Many of us trainees expected to be on a crapy school bus. However, they had a really nice bus (with air condition) waiting for us! They said be grateful now because we will never have this again. Lol
We then ate at a cute Belizean outside cabana style restaurant…. I sat next to my awesome pen pal pcv that I was so excited to finally meet. We all had a traditional Belizean meal… rice bean and chicken with watermelon lime juice… which was all delicious.
Then we went to the Peace Corps office. The Peace Corps director and managers lectured us for a little but had empathy because we were all sooo tired.
We went back to eat at a Chinese’s restaurant… that was a PCV (Peace Corps volunteer) favorite. It was good too. I had seafood fried rice… probably so fattening! Uhhh
After dinner we hung out and went to a local bar and took tons of pictures. Then I went to bed… in Belize for the first time.
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.
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