Friday was my last day of teaching at TCC. I thought this past week would go by slowly because I knew I was almost done, but now it is Sunday and I am already looking back. That seems to be the theme of my entire trip here. I can't believe it has been eight weeks gone. I have learned so much about myself and my teaching abilities in that time, something I think only the ones here will be able to express with me. The students have been a blast to get to know, and I will miss them. They gave us a great farewell, and made us know that they really appreciated our stay. Teaching there has been a roller coaster of emotions. It has pushed me to every corner of creativity, frustration, joy, disappointment, excitement, etc. I am eager to see what my next eight weeks of teaching is the states will bring me.
Well...our softball team made it to regionals! First time in five years!! I am so glad to have been a part of this for too many reasons. I have never (seriously) coached anything before, and that alone was worth the experience. To think of how far these athletes have come since our first practice is a triumph in itself. Most of my players could barely catch a ball when we began. To get to regionals, we had to beat a neighboring high school in a "zone elimination" best-of-three match. We lost our first game 4-0. After that, I was excited to work on different aspects of our game that needed improvement, but the students had a different idea. Instead, most got upset about the loss and gave up on the whole softball thing. (Side story...practice is much different than in the states. I wanted practice to start at 3:00, but most students would stroll in at 3:30 and some wouldn't even show up. Then they expected to play on game day.) That is what it was like before the first game. After the loss, we didn't even have enough for a team. Jon and I had to fix this quick. So, we booted two students off the team, recruited some more, and put together what we could. It turns out, that was the best decision we could have done. Suddenly, we had a group of guys who clicked so well together, it was like they had been practicing for months. It was really interesting to see this chemistry brewing. Game two was at home, and we crushed them 12-2. One of our guys hit a grand slam to really pull away. The series was tied 1-1, and we had to play again the next day to decide who went to regionals. Thursday we returned to Julian Cho High School, and edged them out 5-4. I was nervous to go onto to regionals because it had rained heavy here Friday, enough to cancel practice. Saturday we boarded a bus at 6:00 in the morning to head to Independence. After a meeting with the coaches, we drew to see who would play who. There was only three teams there, and the team that chose "3" received a bye. I chose 1 so we had to play Stann Creek the first game. (Another side story...the great team we had now put together, only four of them could play. Here, they are very serious about checking to see if the players are really who they say they are, which requires multiple proofs of identification. Everyone had the correct forms, but they required that we have picture i.d's has well. But, only four of our starters had them.) Luckily we had three freshmen come along with us that we would fill the gaps with, but only to make a seven man team. That really hurt the morale of the team, but after a pep talk from Jon and I they were ready to go (well, I would like to think that worked). We played Stann Creek with seven guys against their nine brutes. Really, they were huge. We did what we could, and actually beat them 10-4. It was close as they were coming back, and actually came within one (10-9), but time expired as the winning runners were on base, and when that happens they go back to the score from the last completed inning, which was won by us, 10-4. Everyone was so excited; they couldn't believe it. After that we faced the reigning regional champs and second place national team, Independence High School. These guys were good. Too good. Softball isn't a sport many play in Belize, but this team could have competed with some from the states. That, plus our team, equaled a blowout. They crushed us. But, there wasn't much we could do. Seven guys, three who have never really played at all, versus their nine, well put together, composed, sharp, athletic team. Independence picked "3" so they had the bye the first game. Once we lost, we went to the losers bracket to face Stann Creek again. All was going well during the game. We were down 4-0 in the top of the third, when suddenly one of our players started walking off the field. All I could do was laugh because I had no idea what he was doing. Then I saw that we wasn't happy at all. I asked where we was going, and he told me that, "the players (freshman) don't know how to play, they are not trying, so I am done." And that concluded our trip. The game had to be called, and we took third place on account of quitting. I was embarrassed more than anything because at least we could have finished the game, and who knows what the result could have been. If we would have won, we would have played Independence again, and if we lost, it would have been second place. So all that work Jon and I put into the season ended abruptly. We took third...out of three teams. Nevertheless, it was a feat TCC had overcome, and I was glad to have helped them. Hopefully, this minor success will continue next year.
Now I am officially done with TCC. Today is my little brother's conformation, so I get to meet most of the extended family. We are having a party for him afterwards, with some great food I am sure! Then Monday, Jon, Kristie, and I leave for Guatemala for about a week. We are heading to Puerto Barrios via ferry, and from there heading to Antigua for the first night. Then we will travel to Lago de Atitlan for a few nights where we will meet Andrew, Sam, and Lana, who left today. This place is supposed to be amazing. It is one of the 1,000 places to see before you die. Anyone reading this, google "Lake Atitlan" and just take a look. The city we are staying in is right on the lake and surrounded by volcanoes. It should be a pretty stellar trip. Then, we're heading back they same way and staying in Antigua a little longer. I will be back just in time to go catch Lucia in Belize City for the start of our trip.
Last night I could feel the parting of everyone. Now we are beginning to travel and do our own things, so we won't be seeing each other much after this (if at all) until we all return. Even then, I hope it isn't difficult staying in touch with everyone I have experienced this with. I am so grateful to have gotten to know all of them, and feel like I have acquired some great friends. I couldn't have asked for a better crew to be with, and that made this trip so much fun! I love all you, and wish you the best of luck in the coming years. There is a lot ahead of us, but I feel confident in saying everyone will do great things with their lives. Thank you.
To my family, I miss you all and can't wait to see you. I wish I could bundle everyone up and bring you here. I am going to miss PG, and know I will be back (as I'm sure I have said many times). If anyone gets the chance, get to Belize sometime in your life. It is something I guarantee you will not regret. I am excited to see everyone, and will keep you as updated as I can in the next few weeks. For those of you who don't know, I will be back on the 20th of March, a Friday. There are lots of gifts to pass out, so get ready! Love you all and will see you soon.
Eddie
p.s. as far as pictures, for those of you with Facebook, I finally got some up! Other than that, I will have to get the rest of the pictures from everyone down here on account of my camera breaking. However, Lucia will be bringing a camera, so we can take some sweet pics when she arrives. Peace!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Who knew?
Today I realized how much I am going to miss this place. Everyday I find something new and so interesting that it tantalizes all my senses. It is the unplanned, not knowing what is going to happen days that are the ones I will remember. Too many times I have laid at night thinking..."wow, what another great day." I haven't felt this at peace and under stressed (if that's is possible) ever. Sometimes I forget that I still have another eight weeks of school left. One of those days happened today. Andy, Kristie, Jon, and I enjoyed possibly one of the best Saturdays recorded. My only plan was to be outside all day, and it wasn't difficult to accomplish. It actually started the night before. I spent the night on my roof, in my hammock, under the stars. I awoke without an alarm clock to the sounds of birds calling one another and roosters telling me that it was market time. First I had to visit Mr.Godfrey for a haircut. This is a one man show in the back of his house. This amazing man of sixty-eight going on twenty has been cutting hair for over forty years. Simply put...the best haircut ever. I sit there listening to what the latest is, we talk about everything and anything. I get the baby powder on the neck and around the ears. We talk some more. He cuts, talks, cuts, talks. Then the razor comes out and I get the trim with the closest of precision. Then some oil (which burns a little), more powder, and then I am off to the market. 8:00 am and it is in full swing. I ride to where the fish is being sold to check the local fare. It smells as if you are suddenly being breathed on by a barracuda. There are snappers, cuda, jewfish, groupers...the works. I watch the men clean my red snapper, pay with a smile, and proceed down the street for some fresh fruit. After making the drop at my house, I head to breakfast with the whole crew and two UMD professors at the Snack Shack. The first item on the menu, Gigantic Breakfast Burrito! How can you pass that up? Needless to say, it lived up to its name. About the size of my forearm, it was filled with delicious eggs, beans, and an array of other veggies. I didn't want to finish it once eating half of it, but I couldn't stop. Too good!! Since it wasn't raining (finally), we took to the water. After spending awhile at the pier, we head down this trail, still unexplored by any of us. As we walk through the bush, along the coast of the Caribbean, we reach a spot where a freshwater river is entering the ocean. There is one tree with a rope swing, and a coast full of rocks and sea glass. Tons of sea glass. We proceed to sample the local beer and enjoy the sun, water, and the swing. So good! That took up the entire day, and finally I have a tan settling in. Barely:(
February 15, 2009
I wrote that on Saturday, and am I glad I waited until the weekend was over to publish this. Sunday we all went to the Snake Cayes. I was a little skeptical at first because it was out of price range (still not a lot though), and, I don't know, how could you top Saturday? Oh but it did...in a different way. Snake Caye is a cluster of little cayes about 18 miles off the coast, straight out from PG. The ride out on the boat gathered much anticipation for all eleven of us. When we finally arrived, the water changed from a dull, pale blue, to a majestic sky blue with a tint of white underneath. It was a stunning view. I would have been happy if we would have just turned around. As I jumped out of the boat, forgetting all that was with me, I hit the water. Actually, that is a lie. I did jump in, only to get to shore because I saw this watchtower that I had to climb. So I first ran up to that to catch a bigger glimpse of my backyard. Then I grabbed my snorkeling gear (thanks Scott and Judy, it is coming in handy!!!) and hit the water. I snorkeled all day! There was a few breaks where I built a thatch covering with Jon to stay out of the sun (sucker girls!!), ate some PB & Banana sandwiches, listen to my music, and explored the depths of the bush. I didn't have to go far inside before I realized where these cayes got their name. There were literally tons of snakes weaving their way through the coconut trees. And on the ground, there were crabs crawling around, big and small. Tons of those too!!
One of the times I was out there, Jon and I swam with this huge fish! It looked like a tuna but I am not so sure that's what it was. It was about the size of me (if you could squeeze me into a gigantic silver shilling. Anyways, when I first saw it, it scared the ___ out of me. I was actually scared because it trailed only a few inches behind us. Once we got used to it, we turned around to face out fear. Turns out, it was the most friendliest fish. We swam around with it for awhile until it had enough of us and swam away.
That day, we saw so much sea life, I can't even ebgin to make a list of it all! Starfish, sea urchins, a massive array of colourful fish..the list goes on. It was again, another amazing day, and a great way to cap a weekend off! Monday was a drag, and I don't know if it was because of the sun or because I miss that already. Friday can't come any sooner!!
To all of my family and friends, thanks again for the support and I miss all of you! I wish you could see, eat, live this experience with me. It has been an eye-opener in too many ways. Thank you again.
p.s. my camera broke (big time bummer!), but I will start trying to put up what I have piece by piece. I am getting everyone elses so don't worry. This is one from the day we went swimming in the cave. This is the entrance.
February 15, 2009
I wrote that on Saturday, and am I glad I waited until the weekend was over to publish this. Sunday we all went to the Snake Cayes. I was a little skeptical at first because it was out of price range (still not a lot though), and, I don't know, how could you top Saturday? Oh but it did...in a different way. Snake Caye is a cluster of little cayes about 18 miles off the coast, straight out from PG. The ride out on the boat gathered much anticipation for all eleven of us. When we finally arrived, the water changed from a dull, pale blue, to a majestic sky blue with a tint of white underneath. It was a stunning view. I would have been happy if we would have just turned around. As I jumped out of the boat, forgetting all that was with me, I hit the water. Actually, that is a lie. I did jump in, only to get to shore because I saw this watchtower that I had to climb. So I first ran up to that to catch a bigger glimpse of my backyard. Then I grabbed my snorkeling gear (thanks Scott and Judy, it is coming in handy!!!) and hit the water. I snorkeled all day! There was a few breaks where I built a thatch covering with Jon to stay out of the sun (sucker girls!!), ate some PB & Banana sandwiches, listen to my music, and explored the depths of the bush. I didn't have to go far inside before I realized where these cayes got their name. There were literally tons of snakes weaving their way through the coconut trees. And on the ground, there were crabs crawling around, big and small. Tons of those too!!
One of the times I was out there, Jon and I swam with this huge fish! It looked like a tuna but I am not so sure that's what it was. It was about the size of me (if you could squeeze me into a gigantic silver shilling. Anyways, when I first saw it, it scared the ___ out of me. I was actually scared because it trailed only a few inches behind us. Once we got used to it, we turned around to face out fear. Turns out, it was the most friendliest fish. We swam around with it for awhile until it had enough of us and swam away.
That day, we saw so much sea life, I can't even ebgin to make a list of it all! Starfish, sea urchins, a massive array of colourful fish..the list goes on. It was again, another amazing day, and a great way to cap a weekend off! Monday was a drag, and I don't know if it was because of the sun or because I miss that already. Friday can't come any sooner!!
To all of my family and friends, thanks again for the support and I miss all of you! I wish you could see, eat, live this experience with me. It has been an eye-opener in too many ways. Thank you again.
p.s. my camera broke (big time bummer!), but I will start trying to put up what I have piece by piece. I am getting everyone elses so don't worry. This is one from the day we went swimming in the cave. This is the entrance.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Update!!
Hello All! It has been awhile since I have written, mostly because it has been the same ol' same ol'. I have started coaching the softball team with Jon, and we are having a blast. They really don't understand the game, and at first it was difficult because you have to be really elementary with them...which is good, but not for the level they should be playing at. So, we are working with them, and last week they have shown some real improvements! Everyone is counting on us to coach them well because they have never really had success at TCC. First we play another high school, and depending on the result, we would move on to regionals. From there, nationals, and then we are champs...if all goes as planned of course!
The weeks have been going by extremely fast here, and I can't believe I will be coming home soon! I feel really comfortable here, and homesickness never really came to visit. Of course I miss some aspects of life in the states, but life here is much different. There is an easy-going, Belizian pace that I have come accustomed to. Everyday I catch myself saying, "I will be back, no doubt." Being here has really made me contemplate what I want to do with my life. There are so many things that need to be done here, and I feel bad leaving it all. There is a lot more to life than I thought, and over time, I have reflected more about this than anything else. Traveling is great because you get to see other cultures, hear other stories, and get a glimpse of other worlds. But, living outside the U.S. changes a perspective on some issues. Especially for Belize, because it is such a small country, you really feel part of the community and get attached to it more than you would staying for just a week. I know all this is obvious, but it feels better once you see it...realize it...do it!
One thing that I will miss here is the radio! I have listened more of one station (Love FM) than I have done anything else! It is great! I don't think I can express my love for this here, but to get a clue, I have memorized all of the commericals, PSAs, advertisements, and all else that a station would entail. Also, they have the news every few hours, so I have all the latest skinny on what is happening in Belize. Elections are coming up soon, and WOW, it is something worth seeing. Politics here is...indescribable. Everything decided in Belize depends on what side you lean on. A lot of what I am saying isn't different than the states, but like I said, because it is so small here, everyone hears about it at the same time, it affects EVERYONE, and from there...it gets deep. People will resign from positions (a.k.a. get fired) the day a different party is elected. For example, at TCC, the former principal was UDP (United Democratic Party), but once the PUP (People United Party) won last elections, that principal was demoted to head of the arts department, and this new PUP guy stepped in. Hence, why the school systems here are slowly falling further in their own crap shoot. Nothing can ever be fully decided on because, for one, if you say what side you are on, you risk your job, and every time a new party is in, they seem to change the "old" and step to the "new". Even if everything is fine! A rant...yes, but I thought you all should know the importance of it here. So, there is tons of campaigning going around between four different parties! I will let you know the results!
Lucia is coming down in March, and I cannot wait!! It will be so nice to travel (once again) with my best friend. Lu, if you are reading this, love you! So, this means I will have about two weeks in PG before she comes, and I have been deciding what to do before she comes. My initial thought, work at a local Chinese restaurant. I think it would be a trip to work down here for a bit. Plus, who couldn't use money? Anyone reading this, I am up for any suggestions!
This past week, some of us went to Placencia again, and it was great! It is nice to get out of town, especially because our rainy season seemed to greet us a little early. And it has rained!! A LOT! It makes for a really sweet jungle though!! Anyways, they have this bar/restaurant there called the Barefoot Bar. It's a great place. I have never danced so much in my life since I have been down here, and this place is one for the ages. The floor is sand, it is outside about 30 ft. from the ocean, and the "Punta" (a type of dance here) is in full swing...literally! HA! They also have the smallest street in the world. It really looks like a sidewalk, but that is what Guinness says.
On to the food! I can't remember what I have written in the past, but to sum it up, I have had:
- Iguana and their eggs
- fry jacks
- tons of rice and beans (yes!!)
- great fish (snapper, barracuda, jewfish, etc.)
- the BEST fried chicken from this ladies kitchen at like 2:00 a.m.
- powder balls
- soursop
- custard apple
- mali apple
- Turbo (look at one of the first posts) with coconut water in a coconut
- great other fruits from the farm
- great banana pudding (really just bread)
- coconut tarts
- 1 Barrel
- my families tradition foods...soups, hot breakfasts. etc.
At any rate, the food as been as much fun as the places I have eaten them!
Alright, out of thoughts for now, but some interesting things are about to hit me, so stay tuned!
night,
Eddie
haha, oh yeah, there is this loud machine attached to this truck that drives around the city pumping out this terrible gas. Turns out, it is to rid the mosquitos from attacking us, but I would rather slap my arm from a bite then smell this. Yuck!
The weeks have been going by extremely fast here, and I can't believe I will be coming home soon! I feel really comfortable here, and homesickness never really came to visit. Of course I miss some aspects of life in the states, but life here is much different. There is an easy-going, Belizian pace that I have come accustomed to. Everyday I catch myself saying, "I will be back, no doubt." Being here has really made me contemplate what I want to do with my life. There are so many things that need to be done here, and I feel bad leaving it all. There is a lot more to life than I thought, and over time, I have reflected more about this than anything else. Traveling is great because you get to see other cultures, hear other stories, and get a glimpse of other worlds. But, living outside the U.S. changes a perspective on some issues. Especially for Belize, because it is such a small country, you really feel part of the community and get attached to it more than you would staying for just a week. I know all this is obvious, but it feels better once you see it...realize it...do it!
One thing that I will miss here is the radio! I have listened more of one station (Love FM) than I have done anything else! It is great! I don't think I can express my love for this here, but to get a clue, I have memorized all of the commericals, PSAs, advertisements, and all else that a station would entail. Also, they have the news every few hours, so I have all the latest skinny on what is happening in Belize. Elections are coming up soon, and WOW, it is something worth seeing. Politics here is...indescribable. Everything decided in Belize depends on what side you lean on. A lot of what I am saying isn't different than the states, but like I said, because it is so small here, everyone hears about it at the same time, it affects EVERYONE, and from there...it gets deep. People will resign from positions (a.k.a. get fired) the day a different party is elected. For example, at TCC, the former principal was UDP (United Democratic Party), but once the PUP (People United Party) won last elections, that principal was demoted to head of the arts department, and this new PUP guy stepped in. Hence, why the school systems here are slowly falling further in their own crap shoot. Nothing can ever be fully decided on because, for one, if you say what side you are on, you risk your job, and every time a new party is in, they seem to change the "old" and step to the "new". Even if everything is fine! A rant...yes, but I thought you all should know the importance of it here. So, there is tons of campaigning going around between four different parties! I will let you know the results!
Lucia is coming down in March, and I cannot wait!! It will be so nice to travel (once again) with my best friend. Lu, if you are reading this, love you! So, this means I will have about two weeks in PG before she comes, and I have been deciding what to do before she comes. My initial thought, work at a local Chinese restaurant. I think it would be a trip to work down here for a bit. Plus, who couldn't use money? Anyone reading this, I am up for any suggestions!
This past week, some of us went to Placencia again, and it was great! It is nice to get out of town, especially because our rainy season seemed to greet us a little early. And it has rained!! A LOT! It makes for a really sweet jungle though!! Anyways, they have this bar/restaurant there called the Barefoot Bar. It's a great place. I have never danced so much in my life since I have been down here, and this place is one for the ages. The floor is sand, it is outside about 30 ft. from the ocean, and the "Punta" (a type of dance here) is in full swing...literally! HA! They also have the smallest street in the world. It really looks like a sidewalk, but that is what Guinness says.
On to the food! I can't remember what I have written in the past, but to sum it up, I have had:
- Iguana and their eggs
- fry jacks
- tons of rice and beans (yes!!)
- great fish (snapper, barracuda, jewfish, etc.)
- the BEST fried chicken from this ladies kitchen at like 2:00 a.m.
- powder balls
- soursop
- custard apple
- mali apple
- Turbo (look at one of the first posts) with coconut water in a coconut
- great other fruits from the farm
- great banana pudding (really just bread)
- coconut tarts
- 1 Barrel
- my families tradition foods...soups, hot breakfasts. etc.
At any rate, the food as been as much fun as the places I have eaten them!
Alright, out of thoughts for now, but some interesting things are about to hit me, so stay tuned!
night,
Eddie
haha, oh yeah, there is this loud machine attached to this truck that drives around the city pumping out this terrible gas. Turns out, it is to rid the mosquitos from attacking us, but I would rather slap my arm from a bite then smell this. Yuck!
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