Hello Everyone! I apologize in advance, I didn't get internet until Friday and so I'll try to sum up my new life in the last week . Jamaica is a very beautiful country, surrounded by mountains, fruit trees and some of the nicest people I've met in my life. On the other hand, it has been difficult opening a bank account, buying groceries and basic essentials, setting up the internet and getting a cell phone. You must wait and be patient as you stand in some of the longest lines I've seen in my life!!! And it's true what they say, it's very expensive here. For example, a small (and I mean small) bag of almonds is easily $9.00 CDN. Every day presents a new challenge and at the end of it, I feel as though I've conquered the world. :) Here's a little taste of what I mean. I live in a nice house with 2 other roommates, Sugi and Karen (both from Canada) but we live behind a gate that encloses the driveway and one that guards off our front door. We are told to travel in groups and to not to be out late (i.e. past 6:00 PM) as it gets dangerous. However, as the sun rises around 6:00 AM, the city is busy and chaotic again, with people running errands, exercising, heading to work or "higglering" (selling product in markets). So for those who know me best, believe it or not, but I have become an early bird and am learning to love dog barking and frog croaking, while I sleep!!!!!
There are about 7 CUSO volunteers, who have come from Barbados, Guyana and Canada, and will be working with different partner groups in youth and children, human rights and justice issues. We have been in training for the whole week! We have all come to adore the CUSO driver, Mr. Mason for being so patient with us and taking us where we need to go. Our volunteer coordinator, Nick has been phenomenal in teaching us about Jamaican culture, local norms/protocols and amazing eats. We also learned some interesting self-defence moves and even went to a few neat volunteer placements. Starting Monday, I will be volunteering at the Agency for Inner-City Renewal (AIR) in Trench Town. From my understanding, AIR has set up greenhouses in various areas within Trench Town to promote youth entrepreneurship. My adventure will begin at 9:30 AM, where I'll be transferred by a CUSO staff to AIR and then I'll be on my own, trying to figure out route taxis, street and local etiquette and trying to balance it all!
This week has been quite the culture shock, from buying a 1/4 jerk chicken from a street vendor using his own bbq to being frustrated by trying to buy my first young coconut.... All I have to say at this time is that I am starting to understand the differences, and appreciate those that I am accustomed to. But I can't wait for Monday to keep learning and experiencing!!
Take care for now,
Dee
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