Cultural differences

Recently I’ve noticed an increasing number of differences between my beliefs about illness and those of my host family. For example, when I spent last Saturday lounging around the house with an upset stomach and diarrhea, my family assured me that it was because I drank cold water (the key word being cold) directly after drinking hot milk with them instead of waiting at least 3 hours. Drinking hot liquids does make sense because the boiling kills bacteria and parasites, but the cold water that I drink is always through my filter bottle, and I’m pretty sure I got sick from some raw cabbage I ate the day before.

To top off the experience, I was told not to drink water while I had diarrhea because that would make it last longer. When I flatly rejected this advice, I ended up having an interesting conversation with Santos about how each country or culture provides distinct advice about prevention and treatment of illnesses. He also performed a traditional “cleaning” on me, which involved spraying alcohol and perfumed water on me from his mouth, shaking a bundle of dry leaves around me while chanting, then blowing away the bad energy that had entered my body. Whether it was his healing or the immodium I took, I was better the next day.

As you may have guessed from my recent entries, I’m feeling some culture shock right now, and have been thinking a lot about Hawaii and Vermont. I am enjoying the work and the friends that I’ve made here, but I also spend a fair amount of time missing family, friends and familiarity. I think it is a phase of being here that will change soon (I hope), but in the meantime I am taking everything day by day.

School has continued to be a source of joy and stress. The kindergarteners are very sweet but it’s hard to get them to do anything besides color and play with puzzles. The first and second graders are a handful—at 25 they’re the biggest class in the school. Fifth and sixth grade presented their geography projects today, and I was impressed by their pronunciation. I love being around the kids but can't help but feel a little sad when I realize how much is lacking in their education. I would guess that they spend about 3 hours actually in the classroom each day, and of that are learning for maybe 2 hours. Many of them can't focus long enough to finish simple tasks, or read or write very well. Some of the teachers are very intelligent and dedicated, but others seem to view their job only as a glorified babysitting position. I am enjoying getting to know the kids and teachers at my school.

The view from above of Ati Pillahuasu, the elementary school where I teach English. The multistory buildings are homes of extended families.