I just think it is funny that while the US super sizes things and sells in bulk, this morning I saw a kid at the store buy one pencil and one piece of gum.
Things I have seen sold as single items that make me laugh:
a piece of gum
a pencil
a pen
a cigarette
a sample size of shampoo or conditioner (like the little packets attached to advertisements you get in the mail)
a single pill (of any kind - like ibuprofen for example)
I'm sure there are many more but this is all I can think of for now.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Just Your Normal Latin American Chaos...
I "started" another theatre group at a second school (about a half hour bus ride from town).
The first day I went to teach, they were having a science fair - so I just watched that and then met the teachers when it ended. They all seemed excited to have me there and seemed eager to participate. I thought, well, I guess it's pretty normal to be randomly having a science fair without telling me.
Then, this week I went to "start" the group for real. When I got there, however, there was no school and all of the kids were running around decorating for the Mother's Day dinner they were to have that evening. The director greeted me and told me that we were still going to do my class and that he would call the kids over. I asked him if we had a list of participants and he told me that we didn't, yet. I asked him where the teachers were that were supposed to be helping and he told me they were cooking for the dinner.
He made the announcement that my class was starting and about 25 kids ran into the room, cell phones in hand, screeching, and even carrying each other. After we started with name games, about 10 more kids wandered in through the open door. All the rest of the kids stood outside the barred windows as spectators to what we were doing. I can only imagine that this made the participants more nervous; maybe this is why they were so resistant to doing anything I had planned.
Names and gestures - forget about it. I could barely get them to say their names. Pass the ball in a sequence to learn names... forget about it. Kids wandered in and out of the circle (some saying they were being called by the office, but I don't know) making it impossible to keep a pattern. "If you like mountains go to this side of the room... If you like the beach, go to this side..." Also impossible. They all chose the same option no matter what it was. Only one girl seemed to think for herself. Major mob mentality?
We tried playing some improv games like "collectivo" and anyone who was not in the scene acted like they were on the playground. No matter what I tried, they just didn't seem to want to be there... and boy did I try several different tactics of classroom management. Eventually, I got so sick of them taking their cell phones off the table I had made them leave the phones on.... the wandering in and out of the room like it was a room in a party you came to socialize in.... that I told them we were done for the day.
I wanted to talk with the director about what we needed to set in place for next time so that the situation was workable, but he had left to run errands.
After it was all over, I stood on the side of the highway in the middle of a palm plantation... waiting for any form of transportation to pass by to take me back to town, thinking that I never wanted to go back to this chaos. Maybe, though, it's a good opportunity to set up some structure and try again? We'll see.
I guess every foreign teacher in a situation like this one needs to experience this chaos at least once.... right? As my friend Sam says, I think this was a "World Map" kind of teaching day.
The first day I went to teach, they were having a science fair - so I just watched that and then met the teachers when it ended. They all seemed excited to have me there and seemed eager to participate. I thought, well, I guess it's pretty normal to be randomly having a science fair without telling me.
Then, this week I went to "start" the group for real. When I got there, however, there was no school and all of the kids were running around decorating for the Mother's Day dinner they were to have that evening. The director greeted me and told me that we were still going to do my class and that he would call the kids over. I asked him if we had a list of participants and he told me that we didn't, yet. I asked him where the teachers were that were supposed to be helping and he told me they were cooking for the dinner.
He made the announcement that my class was starting and about 25 kids ran into the room, cell phones in hand, screeching, and even carrying each other. After we started with name games, about 10 more kids wandered in through the open door. All the rest of the kids stood outside the barred windows as spectators to what we were doing. I can only imagine that this made the participants more nervous; maybe this is why they were so resistant to doing anything I had planned.
Names and gestures - forget about it. I could barely get them to say their names. Pass the ball in a sequence to learn names... forget about it. Kids wandered in and out of the circle (some saying they were being called by the office, but I don't know) making it impossible to keep a pattern. "If you like mountains go to this side of the room... If you like the beach, go to this side..." Also impossible. They all chose the same option no matter what it was. Only one girl seemed to think for herself. Major mob mentality?
We tried playing some improv games like "collectivo" and anyone who was not in the scene acted like they were on the playground. No matter what I tried, they just didn't seem to want to be there... and boy did I try several different tactics of classroom management. Eventually, I got so sick of them taking their cell phones off the table I had made them leave the phones on.... the wandering in and out of the room like it was a room in a party you came to socialize in.... that I told them we were done for the day.
I wanted to talk with the director about what we needed to set in place for next time so that the situation was workable, but he had left to run errands.
After it was all over, I stood on the side of the highway in the middle of a palm plantation... waiting for any form of transportation to pass by to take me back to town, thinking that I never wanted to go back to this chaos. Maybe, though, it's a good opportunity to set up some structure and try again? We'll see.
I guess every foreign teacher in a situation like this one needs to experience this chaos at least once.... right? As my friend Sam says, I think this was a "World Map" kind of teaching day.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Homesick for Change - Traveling through a Wormhole
Being in another country for a long time is a weird thing. I didn't move here with the intention of staying forever so, unlike a normal move, I guess I still see Tucson and my old life there as home. In reality, however, I don't know that it is.
The second school year at the middle school has started. None of my students are there anymore.
Several of my good friends have moved away while I've been gone.
And when I look at facebook.... it seems like, daily, good friends are getting engaged, married, and having babies.
I feel like I'm in this sort of vortex where I went into a parallel universe Or like I went through a worm hole like in the movie, Contact where the time in space would move a lot slower for her than it would on earth... causing her to return to a very different reality. It's like my old life went on pause (for me) and now I have such different experiences. The part that strikes me from time to time, is that one day I will shift my universe again and will see that life wasn't actually on pause just because I walked away from the TV. It was actually a play, that continued on and changed whether I was there or not.
I guess that's what they call part of reverse culture shock - integrating yourself back into your "old" life..... although, it will never really be the same. But then again, nothing ever is.
I still feel the longing, though, to be a part of it all. I am sooooo fortunate to have this opportunity to do what I am doing. Does that mean, though, that I will miss this life stage of being in weddings, helping raise babies, attending 10 year HS reunions? These normal rights of passage of being a young adult will not be a part of my experience. I guess I can't be everywhere at once.... but I can spend one morning wanting to be.
The second school year at the middle school has started. None of my students are there anymore.
Several of my good friends have moved away while I've been gone.
And when I look at facebook.... it seems like, daily, good friends are getting engaged, married, and having babies.
I feel like I'm in this sort of vortex where I went into a parallel universe Or like I went through a worm hole like in the movie, Contact where the time in space would move a lot slower for her than it would on earth... causing her to return to a very different reality. It's like my old life went on pause (for me) and now I have such different experiences. The part that strikes me from time to time, is that one day I will shift my universe again and will see that life wasn't actually on pause just because I walked away from the TV. It was actually a play, that continued on and changed whether I was there or not.
I guess that's what they call part of reverse culture shock - integrating yourself back into your "old" life..... although, it will never really be the same. But then again, nothing ever is.
I still feel the longing, though, to be a part of it all. I am sooooo fortunate to have this opportunity to do what I am doing. Does that mean, though, that I will miss this life stage of being in weddings, helping raise babies, attending 10 year HS reunions? These normal rights of passage of being a young adult will not be a part of my experience. I guess I can't be everywhere at once.... but I can spend one morning wanting to be.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Cocal - My Little Theatre Group
Here are some pictures:
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| The only way to get there is by a little boat. It only costs like 25 cents to get across the water from the town of Quepos. |
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| The community is super poor and the houses are basically shacks that people have set up. They don't actually own them because it is public land. I think the only thing that is actually legally there is the school. |
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| Our first day :] They were very excited. |
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| I had them make frozen pictures to represent their community. In this one, they are surfing. |
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| This is my favorite - They are riding in a boat... and there is a shark, of course. |
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Costa Rica Facts - From Matador Network
I knew most of these, but some were new to me.
1. Costa Ricans call themselves ticos (males) and ticas(females).
2. It’s not a big deal to see someone walking around with a machete. Although it’s more common in the countryside, ticos use machetes for everything and often keep one on them. They’re considered the Costa Rican equivalent of duct tape.
3. Costa Rica is only slightly smaller than Lake Michigan, and has 801 miles of coastline.
4. Ticos often refer to their significant others as their“media naranja," which means “the other half of their orange.”
5. Costa Rica’s president, Luis Guillermo Solís, won the 2014 election with over 77% of the vote. This was the largest margin ever recorded for a free election in Costa Rica. Previously, Costa Rica’s president was Laura Chinchilla, Costa Rica’s first female president and sixth female elected for president of a Latin American country.
6. Costa Rica has more than 121 volcanic formations, with seven of them being active. Poás Volcano has the second widest crater in the world, and Arenal is one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world.
7. The country is host to more than 5% of the world’s biodiversity. Even though its landmass only takes up .03% of the planet’s surface, more than 10% of the world’s butterflies live here — there are about 750,000 species of insects that live in Costa Rica, and 20,000 various kinds of spiders.
8. Costa Rica has no standing army. They abolished the army in 1948 after their last civil war ended.
9. Costa Rican women don’t take their husband’s last name, and instead use their full maiden name for life. Children take their father’s name but add their mother’s maiden name to their full name.
10. Instead of saying a woman “had a baby,” ticos say “ella dio a luz," meaning, “she gave light.”
11. Every Costa Rican radio station plays the national anthem every morning at 7am.
12. Until a few years ago, wearing shorts was a sign of disrespect, and government buildings wouldn’t allow visitors to enter unless they were wearing long pants.
13. Pedestrians are called “targets" and speed bumps are called “son muertos” — in English, “(they are) dead people.”
14. Costa Rica is considered one of the most valued environmental destinations in the world. There are over 100 protected areas to visit, and 25% of the country has protected forests and reserves.
15. Ice cream flavors in Costa Rica are interesting and sometimes slightly weird. Flavors include coconut, goat cheese, wild blackberry, peanut, sour cream, chipotle blueberry, chocolate almond, and more.
16. You could easily call Costa Rica the unofficial hummingbird capital. The country is home to over 52 species of hummingbird.
17. Pura Vida is a happy, feel-good expression. It is used regularly by the locals when asked how they are or in passing to say hello or goodbye.
18. Costa Rica has an exceptionally high life expectancy of 79, one of the highest in the world. It receives international praise for its modern healthcare system, where it’s ranked 36th in the world by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Nicoya Peninsula is one of the world’s seven Blue Zones, a place where people live longer and happier lives, and has a high concentration of people over age 100.
19. There are usually no street names or addresses, so people simply get accustomed to giving directions via landmarks. When giving someone a home address, ticos usually say something like, “It’s the blue house just south of where the cow is tied up,” or “It’s 500 meters north of the big tree.”
20. Mae is the Costa Rican slang term for “dude," and is used regularly in conversation with young people.
21. Costa Rica has a 96% literacy rate. In rural areas of the country where ticos are very poor and don’t have access to school, classes are taught on air over a national radio station.
1. Costa Ricans call themselves ticos (males) and ticas(females).
2. It’s not a big deal to see someone walking around with a machete. Although it’s more common in the countryside, ticos use machetes for everything and often keep one on them. They’re considered the Costa Rican equivalent of duct tape.
3. Costa Rica is only slightly smaller than Lake Michigan, and has 801 miles of coastline.
4. Ticos often refer to their significant others as their“media naranja," which means “the other half of their orange.”
5. Costa Rica’s president, Luis Guillermo Solís, won the 2014 election with over 77% of the vote. This was the largest margin ever recorded for a free election in Costa Rica. Previously, Costa Rica’s president was Laura Chinchilla, Costa Rica’s first female president and sixth female elected for president of a Latin American country.
6. Costa Rica has more than 121 volcanic formations, with seven of them being active. Poás Volcano has the second widest crater in the world, and Arenal is one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world.
7. The country is host to more than 5% of the world’s biodiversity. Even though its landmass only takes up .03% of the planet’s surface, more than 10% of the world’s butterflies live here — there are about 750,000 species of insects that live in Costa Rica, and 20,000 various kinds of spiders.
8. Costa Rica has no standing army. They abolished the army in 1948 after their last civil war ended.
9. Costa Rican women don’t take their husband’s last name, and instead use their full maiden name for life. Children take their father’s name but add their mother’s maiden name to their full name.
10. Instead of saying a woman “had a baby,” ticos say “ella dio a luz," meaning, “she gave light.”
11. Every Costa Rican radio station plays the national anthem every morning at 7am.
12. Until a few years ago, wearing shorts was a sign of disrespect, and government buildings wouldn’t allow visitors to enter unless they were wearing long pants.
13. Pedestrians are called “targets" and speed bumps are called “son muertos” — in English, “(they are) dead people.”
14. Costa Rica is considered one of the most valued environmental destinations in the world. There are over 100 protected areas to visit, and 25% of the country has protected forests and reserves.
15. Ice cream flavors in Costa Rica are interesting and sometimes slightly weird. Flavors include coconut, goat cheese, wild blackberry, peanut, sour cream, chipotle blueberry, chocolate almond, and more.
16. You could easily call Costa Rica the unofficial hummingbird capital. The country is home to over 52 species of hummingbird.
17. Pura Vida is a happy, feel-good expression. It is used regularly by the locals when asked how they are or in passing to say hello or goodbye.
18. Costa Rica has an exceptionally high life expectancy of 79, one of the highest in the world. It receives international praise for its modern healthcare system, where it’s ranked 36th in the world by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Nicoya Peninsula is one of the world’s seven Blue Zones, a place where people live longer and happier lives, and has a high concentration of people over age 100.
19. There are usually no street names or addresses, so people simply get accustomed to giving directions via landmarks. When giving someone a home address, ticos usually say something like, “It’s the blue house just south of where the cow is tied up,” or “It’s 500 meters north of the big tree.”
20. Mae is the Costa Rican slang term for “dude," and is used regularly in conversation with young people.
21. Costa Rica has a 96% literacy rate. In rural areas of the country where ticos are very poor and don’t have access to school, classes are taught on air over a national radio station.
How Parties End
Random observation of the day...
I have noticed this on several occasions: parties end and disperse super quickly. One moment, the party is happening and I have no idea it is nearing the end. The next moment, everyone is up and putting away chairs... clearing off table cloths. Then, after disassembling the party like a swarm of ants, they're gone.
I'm left sitting, wondering what signal I missed signifying that the party had ended. No long goodbyes in this culture. No hanging around, chatting. A quick kiss and a thank you and you're off.
Apparently, one "obvious" marker - as I was told today - is that after the piñata, the party is over. That is how everyone except me knows.
I find it hilarious that I can be so clueless with unspoken cultural norms.
The party, though, was a lot of fun and I got to see where one of my friends grew up in the "campo" (countryside) about an hour outside of Quepos. I spent the day with her and her adorable family, celebrating her nephew's first birthday. I remember when he was born last year!
I have noticed this on several occasions: parties end and disperse super quickly. One moment, the party is happening and I have no idea it is nearing the end. The next moment, everyone is up and putting away chairs... clearing off table cloths. Then, after disassembling the party like a swarm of ants, they're gone.
I'm left sitting, wondering what signal I missed signifying that the party had ended. No long goodbyes in this culture. No hanging around, chatting. A quick kiss and a thank you and you're off.
Apparently, one "obvious" marker - as I was told today - is that after the piñata, the party is over. That is how everyone except me knows.
I find it hilarious that I can be so clueless with unspoken cultural norms.
The party, though, was a lot of fun and I got to see where one of my friends grew up in the "campo" (countryside) about an hour outside of Quepos. I spent the day with her and her adorable family, celebrating her nephew's first birthday. I remember when he was born last year!
Translations are Funny
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| Google Translate could have done better... I have no idea what it is trying to say. |
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| This sign is at a fancy hotel. The owner is from the US. How did this happen? |
Microwaves and Fire Pits
When I was walking home from school the other day I walked by a house on one of the dirt roads. This house doesn't have windows, just open squares in the wall. It has some sort of a door, but not a proper one. The family was standing outside, cooking breakfast over a fire. They were staring at me, but as soon as I said, "Buenas!" they responded with huge smiles and enthusiastic greetings of "Buenas!" I find that that little greeting brings light to most awkward encounters on the street :] It is as if I am reaching out and saying, I come in peace... I am happy to see you... I'm not a scary Gringa.
Of course I have walked by houses like this many times over the past year, but this time I thought about how disparate the scene is; one house on the street can have a microwave and the family in the next house cooks over a fire.
Then, there's the other layer... of how people don't seem to think there is anything wrong with that. I have not seen judgment against the types of neighbors that cook outside and don't have windows. In fact, my neighbors are some of them... and they love that I help feed their chickens with my food scraps. I feel like in my town back home, there is a rich side of town and a poor side of town; the people generally don't want them to mix. The rich people stay away from the other side of town because it is "dangerous" and those houses even have windows!
Maybe it is because the switch from fire pits to microwaves is so recent in the culture that it is not too weird and therefore, more accepted. Even my friends that live in modern houses, here in town... when we go visit their families, they cook outside on the fire.
It fascinates me how socioeconomic classes seem to operate here in this small town. Maybe there are judgments that I don't see, but from what I have perceived... poverty seems to be a lot less looked down on here by the more well off. I wonder why that is. Even in the schools, they talk about not judging children of different economic statuses. But, then again - I guess I don't interact much with anyone that wealthy. It seems like in San Jose, the classes are much more distinct and separate.
One thing I do know.... food tastes really good when cooked outside on the fire :] So, I am grateful that this method of cooking still exists. Plus, I'm sure it is much healthier for you than a microwave!
Of course I have walked by houses like this many times over the past year, but this time I thought about how disparate the scene is; one house on the street can have a microwave and the family in the next house cooks over a fire.
Then, there's the other layer... of how people don't seem to think there is anything wrong with that. I have not seen judgment against the types of neighbors that cook outside and don't have windows. In fact, my neighbors are some of them... and they love that I help feed their chickens with my food scraps. I feel like in my town back home, there is a rich side of town and a poor side of town; the people generally don't want them to mix. The rich people stay away from the other side of town because it is "dangerous" and those houses even have windows!
Maybe it is because the switch from fire pits to microwaves is so recent in the culture that it is not too weird and therefore, more accepted. Even my friends that live in modern houses, here in town... when we go visit their families, they cook outside on the fire.
It fascinates me how socioeconomic classes seem to operate here in this small town. Maybe there are judgments that I don't see, but from what I have perceived... poverty seems to be a lot less looked down on here by the more well off. I wonder why that is. Even in the schools, they talk about not judging children of different economic statuses. But, then again - I guess I don't interact much with anyone that wealthy. It seems like in San Jose, the classes are much more distinct and separate.
One thing I do know.... food tastes really good when cooked outside on the fire :] So, I am grateful that this method of cooking still exists. Plus, I'm sure it is much healthier for you than a microwave!
Friday, August 8, 2014
A Culture That Cultivates Story Tellers
Today, I was honored to be a judge at the Fine Arts Festival (FEA - Festival Estudiantil de los Artes); my two friends and I were sent by the theatre as representatives. Each school and high school in Costa Rica holds their own festival at this time of year. The students qualify at their local levels and then eventually go on to compete at a national level in San Jose.
There are many categories, ranging from Story Telling of Traditional Costa Rican Tales to Photography. There was even a boy who painted himself silver and froze as a statue in various poses as music played.
One of the things that really struck me as I was watching these young children perform is that it is clear to me that this country cultivates story tellers. Even the small children seem to have gifts of sharing tales with such dynamic expression that I haven't seen before in all my days doing drama with kids. I wonder if this is one of the reasons my beginning improvisers don't seem to start out as such beginners. It is already inside of them to entertain: to tell funny stories about what happened when they were at the hospital, or in a collectivo... with all the different voices and characters and everything. I know I definitely have friends here with this gift. Come to think of it, people I talk to on the bus tell me stories with this excitement. No wonder I feel at home when story swapping with Ticos :]
Even the rubrics we used as judges impressed me. It was as if a drama teacher wrote them. They had all the necessary categories for critiquing a performance. It even had a section for dramaturgy, which I thought was odd. And this was a form given out by the Ministry of Public Education. How organized is it to have a festival like this in every school!? The only thing similar that I have seen in the US has been a festival we created at the University for high schools to attend. That was put on by an outside entity... I can't imagine trying to make the festival happen within every school.
And it's interesting to me because, here, they don't often have drama classes (if at all) ... but somehow it seems to be built in. I guess they do a lot of skits and such in their regular classes? Some of the teachers came up to us afterwards and begged my friends and I from the theatre to give them classes on how to teach drama because they don't know how.
Which brings me to another announcement:
This week, I will be realizing more of my dream of being here by starting a drama class at a school in the poorest area around Quepos. It is called Cocal. I'm really excited to work with these kids over the next few months and will let you know how it is going.
My work there is part of a project that the theatre is starting, called "Teatro en la Comunidad." The goal is to get more dramatic arts in the schools and through that, to help students who are at risk choose productive activities and of course - develop so many skills. :]
Oh, and I was telling someone the other day how at the end of the day, I'm often surprised at what happened ... because much of it is not planned when I wake up in the morning. I'm also surprised at what people give me the opportunity to do or of what I get put in charge of. Judging for this festival was one of those experiences. I guess sometimes it takes others assuming you have the abilities to make you realize that in fact, they were right :] You are qualified. Well, except in "traditional Costa Rican dance," which they probably realized and didn't have me judge ;] jajajaja.
There are many categories, ranging from Story Telling of Traditional Costa Rican Tales to Photography. There was even a boy who painted himself silver and froze as a statue in various poses as music played.
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| Even a puppet show about bullying and tolerance :] |
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| Mis Compañeros del Teatro Copaza |
Even the rubrics we used as judges impressed me. It was as if a drama teacher wrote them. They had all the necessary categories for critiquing a performance. It even had a section for dramaturgy, which I thought was odd. And this was a form given out by the Ministry of Public Education. How organized is it to have a festival like this in every school!? The only thing similar that I have seen in the US has been a festival we created at the University for high schools to attend. That was put on by an outside entity... I can't imagine trying to make the festival happen within every school.
And it's interesting to me because, here, they don't often have drama classes (if at all) ... but somehow it seems to be built in. I guess they do a lot of skits and such in their regular classes? Some of the teachers came up to us afterwards and begged my friends and I from the theatre to give them classes on how to teach drama because they don't know how. Which brings me to another announcement:
This week, I will be realizing more of my dream of being here by starting a drama class at a school in the poorest area around Quepos. It is called Cocal. I'm really excited to work with these kids over the next few months and will let you know how it is going.
My work there is part of a project that the theatre is starting, called "Teatro en la Comunidad." The goal is to get more dramatic arts in the schools and through that, to help students who are at risk choose productive activities and of course - develop so many skills. :]
Oh, and I was telling someone the other day how at the end of the day, I'm often surprised at what happened ... because much of it is not planned when I wake up in the morning. I'm also surprised at what people give me the opportunity to do or of what I get put in charge of. Judging for this festival was one of those experiences. I guess sometimes it takes others assuming you have the abilities to make you realize that in fact, they were right :] You are qualified. Well, except in "traditional Costa Rican dance," which they probably realized and didn't have me judge ;] jajajaja.
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| This is the traditional dance I wasn't expected to judge ;] |
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| The paper mache dog that made me laugh. It looks like all dogs here.... hot! |
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Words Words Words
My neverending quest to understand words continues...
Today, I think my friend and I figured out English equivalents for some words and phrases that have eluded me for some time.
Regañar - to chew someone out.
Me da pereza - I don't feel like it.
"Me da pereza" literally means, it gives me lazyness. I always thought that was so weird that people say so often that they are not doing something because it gives them lazyness. In the culture of the US, laziness is such a character flaw that people don't claim it in conversation:
Teacher: Move to your assigned seat.
Student: No, I'm lazy.
or
I want to go to the party, but I'm lazy.
But you do hear: I want to go to the party, but I don't feel like it.
So... as I write my own mental dictionary....
That is how I've decided to interpret that phrase.
Today, I think my friend and I figured out English equivalents for some words and phrases that have eluded me for some time.
Regañar - to chew someone out.
Me da pereza - I don't feel like it.
"Me da pereza" literally means, it gives me lazyness. I always thought that was so weird that people say so often that they are not doing something because it gives them lazyness. In the culture of the US, laziness is such a character flaw that people don't claim it in conversation:
Teacher: Move to your assigned seat.
Student: No, I'm lazy.
or
I want to go to the party, but I'm lazy.
But you do hear: I want to go to the party, but I don't feel like it.
So... as I write my own mental dictionary....
That is how I've decided to interpret that phrase.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
The Little Nuances of Language and the Not-So-Little Missunderstandings They Can Create
Personal sense of identity becomes a very interesting thing when
assimilating into a new culture. It is easy to start judging who you
are... trying to fit into the norms around you.
The theme of this week is misunderstandings: both in culture and in language. One event that is culturally different can lead to judgment (or perceived judgment - whether or not the judgement even happened on either side) and a lot of hurt. The feelings become even more intensified when you are trying to have a sense of belonging in a different culture than the one you come from and then feel rejected... Like when someone stops trying to explain why something happened and even though they may not say it, their subtext says: You will never understand because you're not from here.
But, they are right - I suppose. The reality is: I am NOT from here. And no matter what I do or how much I learn, I will NEVER be from here. I will Never know all the songs parents sing to their children as they fall asleep at night, the inside jokes based on the history of the country, the reason why it would be UNTHINKABLE to go to school without the ability to shower in the morning (equivalent to as if you were to walk outside naked). And I am realizing that I have to be OK with that. I'm not FROM here but I AM here.
I can be a cultural explorer, in a sense. A scientist, fascinated by the many differences and similarities between us. And through the journey, remember to appreciate who I am and where I've come from. I am not lacking because I don't know all about this culture... On the contrary, it is quite the opposite; I am blessed to be able to have all of my own cultural heritage plus the experiences of another.
It's almost as if the more fluent in Spanish I become, the more difficult some aspects of communication get.
One would think that being more fluent in a language can only be a positive thing, right? Well, mostly it is positive and the benefits are far greater than the costs. I can navigate doctor's offices, listen to science fair presentations and ask pertinent questions, judge a student theatre festival... all of these activities are only possible with a high proficiency in a language. Yet, it is shocking how one misread preposition can lead to the misunderstanding of an entire idea and a wrong choice of a words in a discussion between friends can lead to some pretty hurt feelings.
In the high school, there is a sign that reads, "Alza su voz, no el nivel del mar." For months, I had been reading the sign with an "al" instead of an "el." This lead me to believe that the sign was saying "Raise your voice, but not to the same level as the sea." I thought this was some profound statement about standing up for yourself but with more of a pacifistic stance... not rough like the waves. I asked a student about it the other day, wanting more context and he laughed when I explained my thoughts. All it was really saying was "Raise your voice, not the sea level" - a simple statement about climate change. All because I thought the "the" was a "to the." This is just one example of how little things can cause big differences.
I also learned, last night, that the words for disagree and fight are two very different things. So, when someone says, "I don't want to fight with you" it is not similar to "I don't want to argue with you." These statements sound pretty interchangeable to me in English, but I no longer think they are in Spanish. And some words... I think I know how to use them, but even though I look them up in the dictionary... they still don't seem to have English equivalents. For example: Regañar.... I've heard it used as "My father me regañó when I didn't do my homework" or "don't regañar me." So, I think it means like to be upset with someone and talk sternly to them, but none of that is in the dictionary. And the word for fight - "pelear" is the same as "regañar" in the dictionary (to quarrel), but in real life it does not seem the same AT ALL. And then, there's the Costa Rican word "plato" that means to discuss in a way of disagreeing, but of course THAT'S not in the dictionary at all!
Also, how we say "I know" in English as a way of saying "yes, I hear you" or "me too" ... that does not translate when you say it in Spanish. It just sounds arrogant. Like when someone says they miss you and you respond with "I know," it does not mean "I miss you too... I am in agreement with how you feel." It actually means, something like "I know, of course you miss me" or "I'm so smart I already know everything." What you really need to say to express this sentiment is the equivalent of "equal."
The hardest part of all this is that, because I sound pretty "fluent" in the language, people assume I know what I am saying. For that reason, one poorly chosen word can have a huge affect on a conversation and an entire interaction. Whereas before, people just assumed I didn't know what I was saying and didn't take much of what I said seriously at all... now, they seem to be convinced I totally know what I am saying and have no way of knowing that I don't fully understand the appropriate meaning of one word. This is how the more fluent in Spanish I become, the more difficult some aspects of communication get.
On the other hand, though, I have learned a very important lesson from all this, and that is: to work more at listening to people without thinking I know what they're going to say. Because, maybe I have a habit of using the "I know" statement too much. In places it doesn't belong. Because really... I don't know what someone is feeling or what they want to share with me. Maybe this "I know" colloquialism gets in the way of the actual listening. The actual listening that I value so greatly.
Some language lessons, I have learned the hard way. And those lessons, I don't think I'll ever need to repeat.
The theme of this week is misunderstandings: both in culture and in language. One event that is culturally different can lead to judgment (or perceived judgment - whether or not the judgement even happened on either side) and a lot of hurt. The feelings become even more intensified when you are trying to have a sense of belonging in a different culture than the one you come from and then feel rejected... Like when someone stops trying to explain why something happened and even though they may not say it, their subtext says: You will never understand because you're not from here.
But, they are right - I suppose. The reality is: I am NOT from here. And no matter what I do or how much I learn, I will NEVER be from here. I will Never know all the songs parents sing to their children as they fall asleep at night, the inside jokes based on the history of the country, the reason why it would be UNTHINKABLE to go to school without the ability to shower in the morning (equivalent to as if you were to walk outside naked). And I am realizing that I have to be OK with that. I'm not FROM here but I AM here.
I can be a cultural explorer, in a sense. A scientist, fascinated by the many differences and similarities between us. And through the journey, remember to appreciate who I am and where I've come from. I am not lacking because I don't know all about this culture... On the contrary, it is quite the opposite; I am blessed to be able to have all of my own cultural heritage plus the experiences of another.
It's almost as if the more fluent in Spanish I become, the more difficult some aspects of communication get.
One would think that being more fluent in a language can only be a positive thing, right? Well, mostly it is positive and the benefits are far greater than the costs. I can navigate doctor's offices, listen to science fair presentations and ask pertinent questions, judge a student theatre festival... all of these activities are only possible with a high proficiency in a language. Yet, it is shocking how one misread preposition can lead to the misunderstanding of an entire idea and a wrong choice of a words in a discussion between friends can lead to some pretty hurt feelings.
In the high school, there is a sign that reads, "Alza su voz, no el nivel del mar." For months, I had been reading the sign with an "al" instead of an "el." This lead me to believe that the sign was saying "Raise your voice, but not to the same level as the sea." I thought this was some profound statement about standing up for yourself but with more of a pacifistic stance... not rough like the waves. I asked a student about it the other day, wanting more context and he laughed when I explained my thoughts. All it was really saying was "Raise your voice, not the sea level" - a simple statement about climate change. All because I thought the "the" was a "to the." This is just one example of how little things can cause big differences.
I also learned, last night, that the words for disagree and fight are two very different things. So, when someone says, "I don't want to fight with you" it is not similar to "I don't want to argue with you." These statements sound pretty interchangeable to me in English, but I no longer think they are in Spanish. And some words... I think I know how to use them, but even though I look them up in the dictionary... they still don't seem to have English equivalents. For example: Regañar.... I've heard it used as "My father me regañó when I didn't do my homework" or "don't regañar me." So, I think it means like to be upset with someone and talk sternly to them, but none of that is in the dictionary. And the word for fight - "pelear" is the same as "regañar" in the dictionary (to quarrel), but in real life it does not seem the same AT ALL. And then, there's the Costa Rican word "plato" that means to discuss in a way of disagreeing, but of course THAT'S not in the dictionary at all!
Also, how we say "I know" in English as a way of saying "yes, I hear you" or "me too" ... that does not translate when you say it in Spanish. It just sounds arrogant. Like when someone says they miss you and you respond with "I know," it does not mean "I miss you too... I am in agreement with how you feel." It actually means, something like "I know, of course you miss me" or "I'm so smart I already know everything." What you really need to say to express this sentiment is the equivalent of "equal."
The hardest part of all this is that, because I sound pretty "fluent" in the language, people assume I know what I am saying. For that reason, one poorly chosen word can have a huge affect on a conversation and an entire interaction. Whereas before, people just assumed I didn't know what I was saying and didn't take much of what I said seriously at all... now, they seem to be convinced I totally know what I am saying and have no way of knowing that I don't fully understand the appropriate meaning of one word. This is how the more fluent in Spanish I become, the more difficult some aspects of communication get.
On the other hand, though, I have learned a very important lesson from all this, and that is: to work more at listening to people without thinking I know what they're going to say. Because, maybe I have a habit of using the "I know" statement too much. In places it doesn't belong. Because really... I don't know what someone is feeling or what they want to share with me. Maybe this "I know" colloquialism gets in the way of the actual listening. The actual listening that I value so greatly.
Some language lessons, I have learned the hard way. And those lessons, I don't think I'll ever need to repeat.
Monday, August 4, 2014
The Concept of Time in Costa Rica
Here is my representation of the concept of time related to the language used to express it in Costa Rica. You learn in Spanish class that "ahora" means "now," but as you can see... it can mean "today" or even "tonight."
You also learn that "Ahora mismo" means "right now," which I don't know if I've ever heard here. Here, they say "ya" to mean right now. The difficult thing is that "ya" can also mean "already" "in 5 minutes" "5 minutes ago" or even an exclamation of "enough" as in "Stop doing that already....enough!" And here's a weird one for you: "Ya regreso" means "I'll be right back." What does it literally mean, though....? "I'm already back... or I'm back now."
You would think that "ya casi...ahorita" would mean "almost"... but I joke that it actually means "in 20 minutes." I have timed it on various occasions and each time it took 20 minutes for something to happen. Hahah... now, I don't think that is truly scientifically accurate, but it makes me laugh.
Then, there's "ahorita." "Ahorita" is the weirdest one of all. It literally means: "In a little bit," but it often seems to stretch anywhere from 20 minutes to never. It really depends on the context and the intention of the speaker. For example: At the hospital when nobody was working at a counter, they would tell me the person would be there "ahorita." They would walk up 40 minutes later from their breakfast break like nothing had happened. Or anther example: When I was selling ceviche at the theatre and asked if someone wanted to buy it, they said "ahorita." In this case, they had no intention of ever buying it.
Then, there's the subjunctive tense.... I'm not even going to go into that, but that throws a whole other level of confusion into the matter of time and possibility. Let's just say that if someone tells you they'll see you later in the subjunctive tense, it may or may not happen. That really changes one's perceptions of plans, doesn't it? Before I learned this tense, I just thought the person was saying they would see me later.
So.... this is why it has taken me a year to semi-understand the concept of time in language here. And, as you can imagine - there have been many occasions where I have been confused and then, sometimes, disappointed due to lack of understanding in statements of time. Of course, I think it is funny now and I hope that this representation might save some other "extranjeros" from misunderstandings about time and maybe just make everyone else smile. :]
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Costa Rica... El Pais Donde Todo Es Posible, Pero Nada Tiene Sentido: Year in Review
A Year Ago, Today: I moved to Quepos from Barva with a dream that felt like jumping into the current of an unknown river. It really was. I had no job lined up, nothing. All I had were a few friends, an old Spanish school, and my old host family I asked to live with again.
It sure is interesting to see where I am today and think about telling my one-year-younger-self all of the stories about what has happened over the past year.
As I think back to the goals I wrote down in my little journal when I set out for the Pacific Coast, I reflect on what I have learned and ways in which I have grown.
My Original Goals:
Improving Spanish
Becoming a Part of the Community
Learning to Be More Tranquila/ Accepting
Helping People - Being of Service
Making Friends
(Starting an Improv Troupe) - A goal that I had in my mind, but one that seemed so far out of reach that I didn't even write it down.
I'd say that I have definitely been working at all of these goals and continue to work on them at deeper levels all the time.
And the title of this entry - "The Country Where Everything Is Possible and Nothing Makes Sense...." This is something my friend, Pablo, told me when were driving down the street in Puntarenas and there was a couch sitting in the middle of the road. It is true. All the possibilities for weirdness, randomness, growth, opportunities you feel you are nowhere near qualified for but are given anyway...
but don't try too hard to make sense of them - because it just doesn't make any :] It just is.
Also, I never got to write a post when I reached a year of living in Costa Rica so I wanted to just include this piece I wrote on Facebook that day:
July 5, 2014
Hoy, cumplo un año de estar en CR y celebro donde empezó hace un año - Heredia. No podía esperar un día más especial estar aquí. Vamos la Sele, y doy muchas gracias a este país tan lindo con la gente más amable que me han recibido como si fuera familia a todos mis amigos Ticos, Ticos Gringos, Uruguayos..... Los quiero mucho mucho mucho.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
"Impro"
"Impro," as the teens say in Spanglish, is the project that I am most proud of over this year's time spent in Costa Rica.
Yes, it has had its ups and downs; there have definitely been weeks where I thought the next meeting would be our last. But there have also been times of great joy, moments in which I felt that all of my skills and training in theatre and my progress in Spanish were coming together to allow me to coach these young actors and actresses. My favorite part, though, is that I'm not just training actors; that is only one of the many things we are doing when we meet. More importantly, we are developing: better communicators; more confident, empathetic teens. They are making friends with people they may have not associated with before... kids in their high schools, even. They can start the session totally silent and angry looking, the most timid of timid teens... and end the day smiling with a look of accomplishment in their eyes that makes the whole thing worth it to me
When we close the day with "una cosa que aprendío de impro hoy" and they say things like:
I learned how to support my compañero (partner).
Today I learned that I can speak in front of people.
I learned that Improv is fun; it's not scary... I had never done anything like this before. I've never even been to the theatre.
You can't think so much.
Every choice is a good choice - well, except if it's violent.
Even new people can do really well at this if we support each other and work as a team.
Someone with a lot of energy is really good on stage.
That the people in the theatre are like family... a family of odd people... of special people... where nobody is too weird.
When I hear things like this from new, young improvisors something inside of me lights up. I feel like I am doing exactly what I need to be doing.
Also, something that I am super proud of is that I feel like I can teach more naturally now. Almost as naturally as I can in English (well, not quite but you get the point). I can pause them and make suggestions. I can give better examples. I can participate in scenes and actually mostly understand what is happening.
When I started this group, I could not do any of these things. Fake it till you make it, right? Talk about an advanced Spanish class....
Also, I've learned first hand that theatre and improv can be a great way to advance a language.... like for immigrant students who struggle with English. Now, I see what games are easier to play with lower language skills... and what games are more difficult. I think that will probably be important information for me to know one day. For example: "Translator" - with gibberish - is a really good game for a beginner in a language. Also, "Collectivo" where most of the acting is just matching characters. I like playing these games because they aren't stressful at all for me in Spanish. Then, there are good skill building games in language like "Word Association" where you say a word and pass the ball. The next person has to say the first word that comes to mind based on your word only... nobody's words before it. While I still have no idea what some words they say mean, anything is right... so there you go :] haha
Today, when so many new students came, it could have thrown me off. I didn't plan to start a new improv course today.... but, that's ok. I can do it. And guess what, I had two awesome leaders who can explain what we are doing and why even better than I can. And that, as a teacher, is the coolest part of all. When my students who have been with me for six months can teach the class, I know I have done my job.
When I hear them using the same words I used and examples of their own... I know they get it. And having the language barrier (where I'd rather have them explain anyway) is actually helpful, because it allows me to pass on leadership better. I know they can communicate the idea better than I can. I'm honestly just impressed that the idea got across to them in the first place :] I remember there was a lot of gesturing and miming and trial and error when I first started the class.
Also, I wanted to just share that last class - when it was just the two of them and I - we did long form improv for the first time (the kind where you build an environment stating one piece at a time and then start the scene)... and it was awesome. It made me so excited and proud because it was the first time I had ever taught long form... and definitely the first time I had played it in Spanish. We did it, together. We had scenes that wen on for half an hour... That is huge for young improvisors. And they even asked if we could do it again this week. Then, they realized that we couldn't do it with all the beginners. Instead of being disappointed, though, they stepped up - telling me what games they thought would work well for the beginners. I love them.
So, there we were... playing "Collectivo" - a really good beginner game, and the new character entered with a gun. Now, that could have been the death of the scene. But, everyone else in the car - in order to match that character- also pulled out a gun. What could have been a horrible scene turned into a hilarious car ride where everyone was pointing a gun at each other as they traveled. Everyone in the audience was laughing uncontrollably because it was so ridiculous.
Finally, at the end of the class, Alexis (the person in charge of the theatre) told me that one of the girls was sent by PANI (Child Services). I didn't even know they knew about us... but apparently they are sending kids who are at risk. So cool!!!! She's the one who started the day so angry and ended with a huge smile :] I had wondered why at the beginning - when we did "roses and thorns" (an exercise I start with to share how our weeks were) she said that she had a difficult week and looked like she was going to cry... I told her I hoped it would get better. When I had asked her how she knew about the class, she just said somebody told her to come. Now I understand. I am so happy that she found us.
This is why I love improv and why I love teaching it. Improv for social change. Improv as life.
Yes, it has had its ups and downs; there have definitely been weeks where I thought the next meeting would be our last. But there have also been times of great joy, moments in which I felt that all of my skills and training in theatre and my progress in Spanish were coming together to allow me to coach these young actors and actresses. My favorite part, though, is that I'm not just training actors; that is only one of the many things we are doing when we meet. More importantly, we are developing: better communicators; more confident, empathetic teens. They are making friends with people they may have not associated with before... kids in their high schools, even. They can start the session totally silent and angry looking, the most timid of timid teens... and end the day smiling with a look of accomplishment in their eyes that makes the whole thing worth it to me
When we close the day with "una cosa que aprendío de impro hoy" and they say things like:
I learned how to support my compañero (partner).
Today I learned that I can speak in front of people.
I learned that Improv is fun; it's not scary... I had never done anything like this before. I've never even been to the theatre.
You can't think so much.
Every choice is a good choice - well, except if it's violent.
Even new people can do really well at this if we support each other and work as a team.
Someone with a lot of energy is really good on stage.
That the people in the theatre are like family... a family of odd people... of special people... where nobody is too weird.
When I hear things like this from new, young improvisors something inside of me lights up. I feel like I am doing exactly what I need to be doing.
Also, something that I am super proud of is that I feel like I can teach more naturally now. Almost as naturally as I can in English (well, not quite but you get the point). I can pause them and make suggestions. I can give better examples. I can participate in scenes and actually mostly understand what is happening.
When I started this group, I could not do any of these things. Fake it till you make it, right? Talk about an advanced Spanish class....
Also, I've learned first hand that theatre and improv can be a great way to advance a language.... like for immigrant students who struggle with English. Now, I see what games are easier to play with lower language skills... and what games are more difficult. I think that will probably be important information for me to know one day. For example: "Translator" - with gibberish - is a really good game for a beginner in a language. Also, "Collectivo" where most of the acting is just matching characters. I like playing these games because they aren't stressful at all for me in Spanish. Then, there are good skill building games in language like "Word Association" where you say a word and pass the ball. The next person has to say the first word that comes to mind based on your word only... nobody's words before it. While I still have no idea what some words they say mean, anything is right... so there you go :] haha
Today, when so many new students came, it could have thrown me off. I didn't plan to start a new improv course today.... but, that's ok. I can do it. And guess what, I had two awesome leaders who can explain what we are doing and why even better than I can. And that, as a teacher, is the coolest part of all. When my students who have been with me for six months can teach the class, I know I have done my job.
When I hear them using the same words I used and examples of their own... I know they get it. And having the language barrier (where I'd rather have them explain anyway) is actually helpful, because it allows me to pass on leadership better. I know they can communicate the idea better than I can. I'm honestly just impressed that the idea got across to them in the first place :] I remember there was a lot of gesturing and miming and trial and error when I first started the class.
Also, I wanted to just share that last class - when it was just the two of them and I - we did long form improv for the first time (the kind where you build an environment stating one piece at a time and then start the scene)... and it was awesome. It made me so excited and proud because it was the first time I had ever taught long form... and definitely the first time I had played it in Spanish. We did it, together. We had scenes that wen on for half an hour... That is huge for young improvisors. And they even asked if we could do it again this week. Then, they realized that we couldn't do it with all the beginners. Instead of being disappointed, though, they stepped up - telling me what games they thought would work well for the beginners. I love them.
So, there we were... playing "Collectivo" - a really good beginner game, and the new character entered with a gun. Now, that could have been the death of the scene. But, everyone else in the car - in order to match that character- also pulled out a gun. What could have been a horrible scene turned into a hilarious car ride where everyone was pointing a gun at each other as they traveled. Everyone in the audience was laughing uncontrollably because it was so ridiculous.
Finally, at the end of the class, Alexis (the person in charge of the theatre) told me that one of the girls was sent by PANI (Child Services). I didn't even know they knew about us... but apparently they are sending kids who are at risk. So cool!!!! She's the one who started the day so angry and ended with a huge smile :] I had wondered why at the beginning - when we did "roses and thorns" (an exercise I start with to share how our weeks were) she said that she had a difficult week and looked like she was going to cry... I told her I hoped it would get better. When I had asked her how she knew about the class, she just said somebody told her to come. Now I understand. I am so happy that she found us.
This is why I love improv and why I love teaching it. Improv for social change. Improv as life.
Things Fall Apart...
And yet they also, somehow, regenerate in new forms. This week I found myself "decepcionada" because my class at the pharmacy that I had been teaching since February finally had a slow painful death. When it was going strong, it was so great. We laughed and learned and had so much fun. I loved working there. As time went on, however, people stopped coming one by one. The people who traveled from another town stopped coming first. Then, the doctor had a baby and went on maternity leave. Then, the schedules changed and the students who really cared could no longer come.
For the last several weeks I had been going to the pharmacy once a week while they were working... just answering questions or helping them communicate with English speaking customers. But then, this Monday, the doctor who still really cared about learning English was transferred to a different city (Perez Zeledon). So, I'm pretty sure this job is now officially done.
This sort of thing happens a lot in this town and it can get exhausting.... always needing to start over again. Thinking you have created something that is going strong, only to find that people stop coming the next week... or people suddenly have to move away.
I remember when I had only lived here a few months an American that had lived here for years told me, "You have to be ok with re-inventing yourself; I mean like totally re-inventing yourself... at least 3 times a year." I know understand what she meant.
Some days this seems super overwhelming and difficult and I just want to be done with this whole thing - the instability, the volatile nature of projects, the unpredictability of situations... but then, something happens.
Things shift and something works again.
My part in the play at the theatre falls apart, but then I am invited to participate in a play my friend wrote in Puntarenas. The pharmacy job falls apart, but then I have a new corporate job at MARTEC that is still going strong. The improv group that had seemed like it was on its last leg (with only two participants coming consistently) suddenly has 9 new enthusiastic participants today!!!! It's like the session started over... but it did it by itself.
I don't even know how that happened, but there you go. I often don't know how things happen... but they do.
Like I said, "There's always another bus."
For the last several weeks I had been going to the pharmacy once a week while they were working... just answering questions or helping them communicate with English speaking customers. But then, this Monday, the doctor who still really cared about learning English was transferred to a different city (Perez Zeledon). So, I'm pretty sure this job is now officially done.
This sort of thing happens a lot in this town and it can get exhausting.... always needing to start over again. Thinking you have created something that is going strong, only to find that people stop coming the next week... or people suddenly have to move away.
I remember when I had only lived here a few months an American that had lived here for years told me, "You have to be ok with re-inventing yourself; I mean like totally re-inventing yourself... at least 3 times a year." I know understand what she meant.
Some days this seems super overwhelming and difficult and I just want to be done with this whole thing - the instability, the volatile nature of projects, the unpredictability of situations... but then, something happens.
Things shift and something works again.
My part in the play at the theatre falls apart, but then I am invited to participate in a play my friend wrote in Puntarenas. The pharmacy job falls apart, but then I have a new corporate job at MARTEC that is still going strong. The improv group that had seemed like it was on its last leg (with only two participants coming consistently) suddenly has 9 new enthusiastic participants today!!!! It's like the session started over... but it did it by itself.
I don't even know how that happened, but there you go. I often don't know how things happen... but they do.
Like I said, "There's always another bus."
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