40 Before 30 : locals

Showing posts with label locals. Show all posts

Avocado Tantrum

Eating sushi, Peruvian food, and typical food for breakfast-I did not get a chance to eat at the pricey Mondongo's. It's basically a pricier version of local food you can have half price. The waiters I made friends with were waiting for me, but I just ran out of time. Literally I was going around the hotel saying bye to all the staff- making my usual runs. Going around so fast that I misplaced my Colombia gold leaf necklace I bought in the gift shop. It was $50....wonderful. I didn't know I lost it until sitting down on the plane.

Anyways, I was rushing out and so disappointed about not getting this Colombian avocado. I was talking to the taxi driver asking him to stop and he was concerned about my timing; I was concerned about an avocado.

Sharing my sob story with the candy guy, he gave me some advice....

He looked at me with a serious expression as if this was top secret information.

"You go across the street, down the elevator to the ground floor, cross the street again, and turn right into the building. There you will find a great local restaurant. It's a secret only staff know about."

He smiles with his cute 20 year old dimples. He knocks on my backpack and passes some free Colombian candy in my hand.

Off I run downstairs like a 10 year old searching for her dad. There I see a lunch lady style food counter with a larger Colombian woman with a big smile. She kind of looks like a Figure from Botero's famous work. She dishes out everything I want, but she says they don't have the avocado. I frown and shake my head thinking, "This is probably the one restaurant without avocado.

She does have all the other main necessities, but I am just missing the avocado.

I walk to the front with a big frown. When I smile, I can touch hearts. When I frown, I can make people feel very bad. The man behind the register hear my disappointment with no avocado. He says, "Quieres un aguacate?"

I said, "Si, si- Me encanta aguates de Colombia."

He says, "Hold on let me go check."

Looking at my watch, I am realizing that I am pushing my time trying to get my perfect last supper.

Just in time, he comes out with a huge, perfectly ripe avocado. "Is this okay? It's the only one we have?"

"Okay? It's perfect." Pris

Avocado tantrum over and Priscilla is again spoiled by beautiful people.

Lovely, Lovely, Lovely, Locals!

Feeding Mouths

Serving others never stops. It doesn’t stop because I’m in a place for three days or when I’m too busy. It continues on day to day and moment to moment and need to need.

On my way to the museum, I came off the train to the church square where, again, the homeless were sitting there near the stairs. There was a man that was laying down and not moving. His friends were next to him.

How do people just leave these people completely unacknowledged? There are street vendors selling juice, tamales, fruit, and no one acknowledges this man behind them?

It starts to rain and he is still just laying there. I buy him a hamburger, a soda, and I tap him-it takes more than one tap. His friends say he is sleeping.

“Are you sure he’s just sleeping?”

Finally he bobs his head up, his face is cut up and filfthy. I wish I had a hot wash rag to wash it off. He was missing a shoe and he was not drinking alcohol. He ate the food and slopped it all over his face. When I was watching him eat, I thought he would like some Colombian pastries. I went back in the same place and got some random pastries. When I came back again, all of them were surprised.

While I always have a need to help, it’s significantly increased in the "giving food" department. When I’m abroad helping others, I feel the most alive. When I am helping these people, it’s me, but it’s not. It is his spirit that comes through with focusing on serving others at times of need.

Always remember there is someone less fortunate. Do not allow your own personal agenda get in the way of a human life. PRIS

Fighting Violence in Faith

This church I helped out at for a few days truly had a wonderful ministry going. The after school program was successful with good attendance. Not just with my eyes, but inquiring about the regular attendance. These kids were different than my other projects because they had a hard exterior. You could tell in their presentation, behavior, comments, and reaction.

Of course, we were discussing the topics of violence in their neighborhood. These kids have seen so much just within their own neighborhood and community. It’s one big four by four square of gangs and violence-they just sit right in the middle of it. It feels like there is no way out. When you make one good decision to quit a gang that can lead to a lot of hurt or potential danger. It’s a violent cycle for someone who is 14 to 17 who just wants to experience the normal teenage years.

There was a 14 year old who watched his 20 year old brother be shot by a gang member. He told me about some positive memories, but he said his neighborhood reminds him of negative. He has to protect his Mom, but he just wants to escape, but he can’t. This is a common story for the gang violence. It’s completely heart breaking because solutions are slim when these people can’t afford to leave, they are threatened, they have a large family, and in bad scenarios-it’s just too late.

While I’m usually curious to explore the neighborhood (East LA, Bronx, South side Chicago), this was not a place I wanted to explore. I actually felt scared with the razor sharp tension in the air. These environments can be dangerous to the soul. They can make someone who is a believer an evil being. The stories that sound hopeless are the ones that need a reminder on what faith and prayer can do. They need realistic steps, but they also need God. It was amazing to see how many were involved with the church and they were active members serving. With the sadness came the silver lining.

It was just a short time with these kids, but it only takes a few days to inspire, encourage, give praise verbally and through high fives, bringing some snacks, and be a listener through his spirit. His spirit can bring such laughter and joy. His spirit can create hope in total sadness.

When things appear hopeless, you are not alone. Look above you and smile-keep your faith no matter what happens to you…..no matter what happens.... PRIS

Karaoke and Spring Rolls

Sometimes when traveling, you want to feel like you’re at home. You may not be home sick and ready to go home, but you just want to feel it for a moment in time. As previously mentioned, fast food restaurants can be that place where I can relax and just restart my engine. The staff is so friendly, warm, and welcoming-a part of it does feel like home.

With this Mega plaza across the street from my hotel, I was bound to venture over there and check it out. Of course, they have the typical American chains, but they also have some nice restaurants. A Mexican restaurant and outdoor seafood restaurant on the patio, which circles around. It’s a pretty nice mall I must say.

One night, I was starving for something to eat that wasn’t fried or on the street (near the church food). I heard some music so I thought I would check it out. I sat at the bar with the friendly Colombian with the cool hair. Colombians or maybe just futbol players always have unique hair-spikey in all different directions. On stage, in front of me was a beautiful girl singing “Cuando Me Enamoro.” It was Spanish Karaoke and I loved it. These people were so lively and most of them knew how to sing, especially Mr. Julio Iglesias. It was a pretty good looking, upscale crowd. It was all open windows with a nice breeze coming in. I ordered the Tuna tartar-absolute heaven. While everyone sang, I just watched until my favorite song came on and I danced. “Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias.

If I don’t dance to this song then I don’t deserve to be in Latin America. Everyone dances to this amazing beat. Everyone. It was nice, this whole getting older and not caring about dancing by yourself-enjoying without worrying about others. This doesn’t really apply in Latin America because people of all ages, incomes, professions, colors, cultures- they dance. It’s truly beautiful just letting go of those inhibitions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUsoVlDFqZg

The next night was not as exciting and I probably should have went back the same place, but I went to PF Changs. While most would not choose this, Panama is sort of Americanized so I did not feel so bad. I couldn’t feel bad when it tasted sooo good. …. And I maybe ate something else that involves sugar, bananas, and spring rolls.

No Smoking-Gracias

I hardly see anyone smoke in Central America. When I first entered Nicaragua, I saw a young boy who was 17 smoking and I asked him “Why do you smoke?” and commented on that he looks too young to smoke. Poor kid was just smoking a cigarette and didn’t need to be bothered by me.

It’s not common to see a young child smoking and even see adults smoking. It’s just not a common behavior. People are more likely to be chomping on fruit or just sitting on a corner talking or eating candy. While I may be painting a perfect picture, it’s just what I observe daily. I would know if I was inhaling smoke off the streets or people in restuarants.

Maybe people who smoke only go to bars? It’s unknown the exact reason, but it is very much appreciated. They also don’t see cigarettes on the streets, which they do in Morocco. They sell them inside stores, but not single cigarettes on the street-this is a wonderful thing.

Apparently, people are living longer here because there are definitely not as many smokers as US. It’s a great thing to see people taking care of their lungs.

Bonne and Clyde

As we were walking, we stopped to chat with these three old men sitting in their rocking chairs on the street sipping on whiskey. These were nice, classy old men dressed well. From this blog, it’s evident that I love the older men in this cute, adoring way. It was so nice to see his smile brighten when he spoke with them. He also loved older Spanish men with their cute mannerisms and reminiscing of the future. They were speaking Spanish like Speedy Gonzalez (all I got was the war and how their friend died). Of course, he accused me of not knowing Spanish because he was translating for me. Along with the men calling us “a cute couple.” I was just laughing it off and swimming in embarrassment between the Spanish and the boyfriend comment.

We left and kept walking and he said he was on his way to his hotel and I was on the way back to mine. He said, “I think we should make a stop first. I want you to see this place.”

We stop into the Hotel Granada and we are walking around. He is showing me the history and I absolutely fall in love with this hotel. It just looked so simple on the outside, but the inside felt like being in the pyramids. We circle around the back and I see this beautiful, blue pool surrounded by palm trees. It’s gorgeous. We are standing outside and he tells me this is his special place. He comes there to relax and just feel peace. He spoke with sincerity and spirituality-it was inspiring-not romantic.

“So do you want to go swimming?” Him

I looked around and it felt like there was not a soul at this hotel. It felt like we were the only ones there and this was our…moment……..to swim!

He says, “So you want to or what or Are you one of those girls who can’t get her hair wet?"

The moment he said that I looked at him and shook my head. I took off my shoes, pulled my hair back, and jumped right in with my black tank top and water proof capri pants (a good outfit for swimming-Pris always fashion prepared). He jumped in and we just talked about all the suffering in the world and how the change comes from one person at a time(That was literally our discussion between two people working for the pure benefit of others). He is so passionate about his work with water treatment as he should be. That is one of the best things you can do with the world.

The half moon was shining bright and the palm trees surrounded us. I like to lay there and just stare right at my higher power’s beauty.

After a half an hour of bliss, we are interrupted by a security guard. He asks our room number and my friend explains that he comes here all the time during the day, but no one was here to pay for this visit. This was partially true as he did know the owner through work, but this security guard didn’t care. He was calling the police. That’s right- the tourist police!

We didn’t think he was going to do it so we sat in the pool and there came the tourist police-angry and very serious. This is a serious offense to use the pool at night without permission. We were both using our charm with the security guards apologizing for this awful behavior. This guy sure knew how to talk to people just like me. We asked about what’s going on in the tourist world and they said they didn’t have much today. They are loosening up a bit and they escort us to the front desk to pay our fine of $20 each. Of course, he pays for this one as I was just an innocent bystander-not really.

“I didn’t want to swim officer, he made me do it.”

Someone’s arm practically got taken off with a machete and they are haggling two tourists about swimming in hotel pool. We even asked them if they knew about it and the stuttered, “Umm no.” We made friends with them because that is what real people do. They make a mistake, they apologize, and seek forgiveness through laughter and humility.

That ended the night for us to as he walked me to a restaurant to eat. Um I originally came out that night to eat my last meal and look where it lead. We planned to meet up in Chicago for a coffee or dinner or a swim….;)

Finished by a fantastic dinner made with love by this beautiful spirit. Fish with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies and flan.

God Bless this Family

Riding along I saw this beautiful family in the village. They were just standing around looking like they needed something to do and they invited me to sit with them. All the kids were so kind introducing themselves. One by one they said their hello's and they were so happy to see a new face. As they kept coming, I was counting and counting and counting-there ended up being 9. It's common for Nicaraguan's to have more than 6 children in their family therefore this was not a surprise.

What was a sad surprise was there living conditions living in a small barn with some kind of rectangular cabin on the opposite(cabin is not the correct term, but I do not like continuously using the word shack due to labeling/ discrimination). The house itself had a wooden fence up like a horse stable and there was a filthy bench outside.

Like an off duty social worker, I was just observing my surroundings. Not at any point did I comment on their lack of space or how they get by there, that was not the point of my visit. My visit was to get to know them and be a friendly kind face.

Of course, I did praise the mother for her difficult job raising the children without any support or assistance. I shared with her the many mothers I have worked with who had this same problem. Her resilience and strength of self shine through as she was sweeping and then feeding the hens.

The neighbor from across and her older daughter to see what all the commotion was about. Her older daughter brought over her sumo size baby. I was looking at him trying to figure out if I ever saw a 6 month old baby that big. As for the 14 year old neighbor, he was just fascinated with me and he asked me all about USA and what it's like. These people just break my heart because they are so wonderful, so curious, and most won't get the chance to travel outside of their country or even their village. It's not truly being "stuck" when you are in such a beautiful area, city, and country, but they still deserve the right to explore. An American has that opportunity with just money and an American passport-not fair at all.

I asked him why didn't you smile when you were so happy talking to me.

"I want to look cool for America."
Mission accomplished my friend....

When I spoke with the little girls, they were interested in Dora and Disney characters. The middle age boy talked about how his neighbor has an xbox that he gets to use sometimes. We played some tag for a bit and then I had to stop with the heat and carrying around no water-did I mention how smart I am?

When I'm out on the streets, I like to have something to give them and something that makes the most financial and kid sense is candy. It's something nice to give to kids who are working with their families-form of praise. I was in luck because all I had were some candies to share with them. It was something small and they were so thankful. And when something small comes to American kids, they say "I don't like this flavor can I have a new one?" Not with these children-they are thankful for what they get and they are far from spoiled.

It was time for me to depart and continue my bike stops and see the rest of Granada, which was fantastic with the orange, green, and yellow houses. I wish an orange, green, or yellow house could be given to this family. I know God will take care of them....he always does and always will because they are his people who have truly good hearts and the secret to a good life...