Caring in Kenya - by Asia and Latin America Coordinator Julie Dean

I believe it is safe to say that volunteering at the orphanage was the most unexpected high of our recent trip to Kenya. As the coordinator from Cultural Embrace, I poled the group and learned that the majority was most excited about for the safaris (the trip was timed perfectly to see the migration of the Wilde beasts in the Masai Mara). I also learned about each participant's fear and concern towards what we might experience during our service project at the orphanage. In one way or another, everyone halfway expected to feel broken hearted by the visit and questioned whether 4 days of work could really make a difference for the children at the orphanage. This is a difficult but common question I often receive and the best answer is to experience it since what we know we understand and what we understand, we love. Cultural Embrace's commitment towards education, conservation, leadership, creativity and healthy living is rooted in this philosophy.

Our first hand experience in Kenya to really "know" the community began with a bumpy but beautiful ride from Nairobi to the orphanage. We were greeted by huge smiles, friendly waving and children running along side out matutus (vans). Everyone helped us with our luggage and to find our shared dorm rooms before dinner. There was one big bunk room for all the ladies and one for the men. We all got situated and enjoyed finding our personal washing buckets under our bunks which included outhouse shoes and a small washcloth. The children informed us the rule was that everyone must wash their feet and hands before a meal and their whole body 3 times a week. This sounded great to me as my face had become more "expressive" due to the thick coat of dust sitting on my eyebrows and eyelashes. The outhouses were just basic holes in the floor so to wash you would first fill your bucket with water from the well and then quickly work from top to bottom cleaning all the pertinent areas!

Washing was important because we did get dirty! Beyond sharing meals, games and chores with the children, we had a major project to complete which was the digging of a silage pit. The orphanage supports itself as a sustainable farm with fields of fruits and veggies as well as livestock. During the winter the cows are difficult to kept fed as there is very little grass; however, their manure is used for bio gas to run the kitchen stoves. So, the digging of a silage pit was the obvious next step. We dug and dug, and dug some more. By the end of our 4 days, the pit was complete and we had all learned something real through the effort. Instead of feeling broken hearted by the sad stories and harsh reality of how each child ended up at the orphanage, we were uplifted by a spirit of giving and common bond shared through the sweat, blood and tears of hard work. Life was good because everyone had experienced the truth: someone, somewhere cared.

Julie Dean
Asia and Latin America Coordinator

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Bummer- by Current Au Pair in France Stephanie Pratt

It was a chilly night, a boring night, a night where nothing to exciting could possible happen. I thought, however I found myself walking down champs-elyeese with Lindsey that boring Tuesday night. We got ourselves a bottle of wine, found a nice bench just next to the arc de triumph and played some rummy. (That’s a card game if you didn't know, because I didn't know) It was a dull night saved once again by Lindsey’s push, which I’d have to say is one of her best personality traits. I love that she can turn anything, nothing, into something.

Anyway so there we we're just a couple of California girls sitting on a park bench, playing cards sharing wine. A bum walks up to us and asks us for a cigarette, well we can't speak French very well, okay so I can't speak French at all really. So me and Lindsey just kept saying no, no no. Or I guess non, non, non since it was French. Eventually tipsy Lindsey was done with the bums badgering and she nicely said "arret" which means "stop!” This really angered the drunken man and after what I am assuming are some French curse words, leaned forward and continued to spit on Lindsey.

Yes you read that right, a bum spit on Lindsey. Thankfully she had some ninja moves that night and managed to dodge it enough so that it didn't hit her face, but instead her sleeve. We looked at each other in awe and terror. He then quickly turned around, walked away and copped a feel of my derriere. Yes, once again you have not read wrong-- he touched my butt. This bum spit on Lindsey and touched my butt.

Oh Paris, what colorful people you have.

Besides this little stumble part of my night, it was amazing! I learned rummy and walked down Champs-Elyeese listening to the one French song about walking down Champs-Elyeese. Do you know what I’m talking about?

Anyway, I started school today. It seems like I’ll like it, the teacher is nice but strict and I really like the teaching method. You can ONLY speak French, nothing else. I'm excited to start practicing my French and learning it. Would you like to hear what I’ve learned? Bare with me here...

Bonjour, Je m'appelle Stephanie. Je suis Américaine, et je parle Anglais et un pue français. J’habite au Vésinet et je suis étudiante.

 

Voila!

A Benito!

Stephanie Pratt
Au Pair
France

ps here is mimi (my best friend)

San Pedro de Awesome- by Current Teacher in Chile Caroline

So San Pedro de Atacama was, to say the least, awesome. As promised, I got to enjoy watching llamas (and their pocket-sized cousins called vicuñas) run free through the hilly country expanses. I can’t quite explain how my newfound fascination with llamas came to be, but I am, in short, slightly obsessed with the wooly beasts. Not only do they have eyelashes that bare no small resemblance to those of Ms. Liza Minnelli, but they also have an air approachability that I have yet to find in any other domesticated livestock. Sure, they have a tendency to spit without warning – but so does my brother and I love him all the same. Basically, I want to bring one home with me and name him Pancho, but I have a feeling that the United States Border Control would have a few things to say about it. Instead, I’m going to load up on winter-wear accessories woven out of llama wool to gift to my friends and family upon my triumphant return to the States in December. If you fall into the “Caroline’s Family and Friends” category, prepare to get llamafied.

While in San Pedro I had the delightful opportunity to wake up at the black hour of 3:30 am in order to take a 2 hour bus ride through some windy, unpaved, and bumpy roads into the middle of the desert. Why would I, notorious avoider of all things that invoke motion sickness, do such a thing? Geysers. Lots and lots of geysers. Although I was intensely regretting this decision as I was praying to the gods of Dramamine on the bus, I’m definitely glad I went. The reason we had to get there so bloody early is because in the early morning the temperature at the park is about 10˚F, which makes the steam from the geysers especially impressive. My only regret is not wearing an additional pair of pants, as my legs decided to lose all feeling about 10 minutes into the tour.

Finally, San Pedro’s last gift to me was the gift of flamingos. We visited the Salar de Atacama (salt flats), which came fully equipped with a couple of lakes full of the little guys. Apparently the shrimpy things that turn our feathered friends the color of bubble gum just love the salty water in this part of the desert. Seeing the flamingos awkwardly fly off into the sunset (which I didn’t previously know they could do, by the way) was a delightful way to end a delightful trip.

When I got back to Iquique on the 17th, I had a boatload of Bicentennial fun waiting for me. As I mentioned in my previous posts, Chileans really know how to throw a party. I was lucky enough to get not just 1, but 3 days of parties with delicious asados (barbeques), wine, and other traditional dishes. We even had a Pictionary throw-down (in which my host-sister and I came out victorious) as well as a Bingo-esque game called Lotería. With about 30 family members of all ages taking part in such festivities, it was definitely a memorable experience. They even introduced me to their time-honored tradition of drunkenly writing and reciting short poems (called payas), which always end in ambiguously dirty double-meanings. Viva Chile!

Thanks to 3 days of channeling my inner Anthony Bourdain and trying new foods that most Americans wouldn’t normally touch, I have spent the last week battling an infection in my intestines (I will let your mind wander with what all that entails). Thanks to some gut-wrenching pains and an inability to eat more than a few crackers and broth, I finally conceded to a doctor’s visit and got to experience the grandeur of Clínica Iquique for the first time. 2 hours and one very uncomfortable test later, I walked away with some antibiotics and a specialized menu of nothing but bland food for the following week. Oh, the price of adventurous eating…

Well, as it is now past my bedtime, I will leave you with the philosophical question of the day:

If a turtle doesn't have a shell, is he homeless or naked?

-Caroline

Teacher
Chile

P.S. – I’ve added lots of pictures from my trip to San Pedro to my online photo album. You can see them by going to http://carolineenlaciudad.photoshop.com and clicking the album called "San Pedro and Chile's Bicentennial". I recommend clicking "Slide Show" to look at all of them with their captions. Enjoy!

Mimi- by Current Au Pair in France Stephanie Pratt

You are my only friend. You are the only one who will always come when I call, how will sit with me while i'm sad, who listens to my worries and never interrupts. The only one who doesn't judge me for my confusion. I feel like my brain needs a vacation from worries, and stressed feelings of acception. I think i'm to focused on others and not focused enough on myself.

Today so far has been lazy, until I remember that the family has gotten back from a weekend with out doing laundry. I started one load and will probably have at least 4 to do today, and thats not including mine. I did the dishes, picked up the house a little and watched some mulan. I hope i can go to Lindsey's house in a minute or two, she wants to teach me rummy. It's strange some of the things I miss, and some of the things i thought that I would miss and dont. I miss beign able to go anywhere at anytime with any of my good friends. I miss how easy it was to just do whatever. I know its because i'm just meeting new people making new friends. Its just hard.

So far with the people i've meet i've had a lot of fun. Me and Lindsey hang out often since we live close. We can go out and have lunch and talk and do whatever and its still fun. This past weekend we went to a bar in paris, and chatted with some french guys. It was cool to try and speak french haha. At first they told us ohhh ugh sorry, je ne parle pas l'Anglais. and we were like ugghh oh no. after a couple of minutes of horrible french conversation the guy was like HAH just kidding i can speak english. It was really funny. after a while they dissapeared and lindsey and i parted, i went home she went to a friends house to say in Paris. The next night i went to a bar and to a party with an old friend from highscool. It was soooo fun, i ended up busting the seam in my already broken shirt and spilled wine on it, but it was just evidence of a fun night.

Today i'm just sitting, and waiting for the next thing to happen. A lot of my time is spent waiting and i'm tired of waiting.

Thank you mimi for being such good company, your meows bring a smile to my face.

Stephanie Pratt
Au Pair
France

¡Feliz Cumpleaños Chile!

I gotta say, these Chileans really know how to celebrate a holiday. I haven’t had school since September 8th and don’t have to go back until September 21st. Why? Because September 18th is Chile’s 200th birthday, which obviously requires an entire week of celebration. Last week in class I taught the kids about our Independence Day compared to theirs; they couldn’t believe we only celebrate for one day… they actually felt sorry for me haha.

Given my abundance of free time, I’ve decided to take a little trip down south for a few days. I’m meeting my buddy Melissa in a city called Antofagasta and then travelling with her to San Pedro de Atacama. San Pedro is supposed to be a really beautiful spot in the Atacama Desert (according to Google). From what I understand, it not only has some really neat salt flats, geysers, and valleys – it also has some randomly displaced flamingos and llamas that run free. And I might actually get to go horseback riding in the desert; as much as West Texas might seem like a barren desert sometimes, this will definitely be a new experience for me.

Last Friday I made my host family a Mexican food feast (thanks to my wonderful care package from Grandmary). Since I didn’t have the right type of chili to make enchilada sauce, I ended up making them a kind of taco casserole. They seemed to really enjoy it, but I think they were a little overwhelmed by the presence of actual flavor. Needless to say, I’m missing food from home.

I’ve been talking with one of the other volunteers here, and I think I’m going to plan a trip to Machu Picchu for the beginning of November since it would be cheaper to leave from Iquique than Santiago. If that works out, then I will probably only hit up Argentina (and maybe Uruguay) when my program ends on November 24th. So, there is a distinct possibility that I will be back in Texas for Christmas… which also means that there is a distinct possibility you will get to buy me a Christmas gift :-).

In other news, Mateo went to the groomers and was completely shaved. Now he’s about a third of his previous size, which means that all of his sweaters are too big and make him look like he has an eating disorder. I’ve uploaded photos of Mateo as well as some from my wanderings around Iquique. You can look at them on my online album at http://carolineenlaciudad.photoshop.com. Just click the album called “Iquique!” to see what I’ve been up to. You can also check out the album called “Video of Cueca” to watch a video of Chile’s national dance that I filmed at a folk-dance festival. It's an especially entertaining video since one of the dancers gets a little too fancy with his footwork and actually wipes out at the end. Enjoy!

I suppose I should start packing for my trip now, seeing as how I leave in about 5 hours. Rest assured that upon my return I will have plenty of photos and stories from my trip to San Pedro, and hopefully even a tan. So, until next time, here’s the philosophical question of the day:

Why don't sheep shrink in the rain?

-Caroline

Work and Travel in Australia

Hello fellow adventure seekers!

I'm Jennifer Campbell, your Work and Travel Australia blogger.

A little about me: I'm Dallas, Texas bred, but a definite Austin, TX enthusiast. I love anything outdoors, including deep sea, surf and bay fishing, diving and snorkeling, zip lining, biking, running and hiking, and I'm also a photography and travel fanatic. This past May, I graduated from Texas Christian University with a degree in Advertising, and a craving for a life altering next chapter.


A year ago, if you'd asked me what I would be doing after graduation, I wouldn't have said "Um, embarking on one of the greatest adventures of my life in the Land of Oz," like I would today. My original life after graduation plan was to attend law school directly after undergrad, work and save a little money before I set off to travel. Fortunately for me, Cultural Embrace helped me find a loophole. It turns out Australia's government recently widened their doors granting work visas for young adults, like myself- between the ages of 18-30, to work in non-technical fields for up to a year. With this opportunity, I will easily pay off the cost of living abroad while roaming the Australian country. Great news! This brilliant concept allows foreigners to travel with "no worries" about any limits of unearthing the awesome Australian lifestyle, sites, people and culture. So although my dream of law school still exists for down the line, I couldn't be more excited to start this new journey and take advantage of being young, string free, and adventurous at the most convenient time I'll probably have in my life. I've embraced the travel and adventure bug, and I couldn't be more excited for my 'gap break' and to work and travel in Australia using Cultural Embraces support!


So why Australia? Although I'm not a fan of meat pies (ever so popular in Australia), I do fancy awesome beaches and surfing, a laid-back life style, outdoors, camping, shrimp on the barbie, kangaroos, and the occasional wombat. I even think I'll learn to appreciate cricket! On the more practical side of things, the fact that their infrastructure for tourism is one of the worlds best, helps reassure my (and my parents), with help and safety concerns. The dozens of hostel chain options, campgrounds, transportation options, and about 4 million tourists annually from countries such as the U.S., U.K, New Zealand, and Germany - great for networking - helps too. I haven't found a destination that sets you up to work and travel, and meet other trekkers more excellently than Australia. To top all of these travel Australia perks is the encouraging support I've received through Cultural Embrace with assistance with my questions and concerns, arrival arrangements, and granted access to a national job database with diverse listings across the Australian country (making it that much easier to find casual jobs to off-set my cost of living abroad). It's also comforting to know I have their support and assistance, from their Austin offices, throughout the entirety of my stay abroad. I feel more prepared knowing I have the backing of a company that has such extensive experience arranging (and participating in) travels abroad.


While I'm Down Under I'll be sharing my experience of a lifetime and the broadening of my horizons every step of the way with you. I'm extremely excited to report an insiders work and travel experience through Cultural Embrace, and answer your questions and even inspire you to take a leap into your own explorations (or better yet, join me in Australia!) Check out my weekly blog, videos and photos documenting my quest to achieve the greatest voyage of my life so far!


-Jennifer, Adviser Abroad- Australia

Teaching in Chile with Carolyn McCurdy

¡Estoy aquí!

After a 3 hour flight from Dallas to Atlanta, a 3 hour layover, and a 10 hour flight to Santiago, I finally got here yesterday! And it’s cold. Really cold. Right now it’s about 46˚ and tonight it’s supposed to get down to 28˚. And it’s raining. I have about 4 blankets on my bed right now because the hostel doesn’t have central heating and my bed is right by the window. Considering all the complaining I did about the Texas heat, you would think I would be happy. Turns out that being super cold isn’t all rainbows and hugs either.

I had a really interesting cab ride from the airport. The cab driver picked up on my gringa-tastic Spanish and the fact that it was my first time in Santiago and decided that he could make some money off of me. $80,000 Chilean Pesos seemed a little high to me anyways, but thanks to the tiny calculator in my wallet, I found out that it was about $160 USD for a 20 minute cab ride. That guy really thought that I was an idiot. He even called his boss/fellow con-artist while he was driving so that I would really see that $80,000 was a good rate. I told him I wasn’t paying him any more than $20,000 and that even that was too generous. He told me that he would at least need $30,000 so he wouldn’t get in trouble with his office. Since I just wanted to get the heck out of that cab, I gave it to him. Caroline’s first lesson in Chile: don’t trust the taxi drivers.

After I got here yesterday, I was lucky enough to get a temporary roommate who turned out to be awesome: Melissa from Mexico. She’s in Santiago as part of a study abroad program with her university in Mexico. She and I did some exploring of Santiago yesterday while looking for an apartment for her to rent. It makes me feel so much better that Melissa, a native Spanish speaker, is having a super hard time understanding what these crazy Chileans are saying. Having her around is like having Spanish training wheels; it’s been great exploring Santiago with her. We even tested out the metro, which turned out to be one of the cleanest that I’ve ever been on (it puts Chicago’s to shame). Unfortunately the hostel is full for tonight so she just had to move to another one across town.

Ok, well I’m about to hop in my 2 ft x 2 ft shower before I go explore the city for some lunch. I’m excited about orientation starting soon! But more than anything, I can’t wait to get up north to my new home in (hopefully) Iquique. I’m sure I’ll post another update before the week is over! Here’s the philosophical question of the day:

Before they invented drawing boards, what did they go back to?

-Caroline

Kate Springer- Volunteer Guatemala

"Our Children are not Chickens"

I've been in Guatemala for a week and already feel at home. Between the enthusiastic staff at the local language school affiliated with Cultural Embrace; the glowing faces at the orphanage in San Mateo, a hill town twenty minutes outside of Antigua; and the beauty of Antigua, a city known for its seamless integration of rustic and modern landmarks, Guatemala has surpassed all expectations.

I landed in Guatemala City last Monday evening and was greeted at the airport as expected. Without wasting any time, my instant amigo from La Union, Luis, drove me to Antigua. The capital of Guatemala until the 7.1 magnitude earthquake of 1717 left most of the city destroyed, Antigua is a city characterized by cobblestone streets, immense ruins, freshly painted cathedrals, lively parks, flooding language schools, and picturesque views of the surrounding volcanoes: Fuego, Agua, y Acatenango.

La Union is one of many language schools that facilitates traveling, volunteering, and socializing. The school is a fantastic meeting place where you can take private language classes amidst the school's jungle foliage, on stone benches in the sun, or on a couch next to freshly brewed coffee. Although I am not taking language courses, I have met dozens of people from all over the world who are friendly, interesting, and adventurous.

After a tour of Antigua from Ishmael, the social project coordinator of the language school, I explored on my own. Walking along uneven calles, you will see both local "tuk tuk" taxis and coach buses; chicken buses and hummers; local artisans and expensive jade factories. The disparity is unmistakable, but not neglected. There are many ongoing social projects based out of Antigua where travelers and locals alike can aid neighboring hill communities.

Working in San Mateo, I am part of Cultural Embrace's HUG (Help, Understand, Give)project. While recruiting volunteers, gathering donations, and facilitating education are important for the youth at the orphanage in San Mateo, the HUG project also aspires to help the village of San Mateo become self-sustainable.

Every day I take a chicken bus twenty minutes up to San Mateo to work with the children and the orphanage managers. The chicken buses are crazy: the reggaeton is blasting and tiny Guatemalans are stacked on top of each other.

The women are garbed in brightly colored dresses with long, dark hair braided down their backs. My first trip on a chicken bus was unforgettable. Climbing up an 80 degree slope of mountain, the bus chugged along like Thomas the train engine, only it didn't make it to the top. Instead, the chicken bus stopped midway and I was left biting my nails, wondering how recently the breaks had been examined.

A half hour of engine work later, everyone finally filtered off the bus and hopped into passing pickup trucks. Unfamiliar with truck-hailing customs, I was guided into the back of truck by local women. Half relieved and half fearing I'd fall out the back of the truck, I made it to the dusty streets of San Mateo without any more conflicts.

After the always eventful chicken bus ride every day, I teach English for an hour with Luis, a volunteer from Barcelona. While Luis continues, I then work with the orphanage managers, Juan and Judith, on their computer skills in hopes that they will be able to navigate the internet and advertise independently. When English classes are finished, we have a daily physical activity such as a scavenger hunt, a cooking class, or dancing lessons.

Last Thursday, all 46 children cooked chicken fried rice from vegetables that they had grown in their gardens. Each group of kids had a vegetable to prepare. They worked together patiently and enjoyed their creation as a family. Afterwards, each child had a cleaning responsibility and the place was spotless in minutes. I am so impressed with these kids.

In addition to activities with the kids and technical training with the adults, we also spend time each day brainstorming ways the orphanage can develop a sustainable source of income. By investigating natural resources and harnessing the children's existing talents and skills, Cultural Embrace and the orphanage have developed two plans for related businesses that will thrive off Antigua's tourism: Crafts (namely jewelry, cards, book marks) and traditional Guatemalan entertainment.

On February 9th, the kids will perform a traditional dance to celebrate the language school's anniversary. At the performance, we will advertise and sell the hand-crafted jewelry, made from brightly colored beans, hand made cards, and book marks. Our hope is that with income from its own business, the orphanage can continue to provide emotional, mental, and physical support to the growing minds and hearts of San Mateo while reaching its short term and long term goals without dependence on donations.

As Juan Carlos, a co-manager explains, "Our children are not chickens; they are not helpless. They can give back to the community too."

As Cultural Embrace volunteers arrive in Antigua to participate in the HUG projects, I will make them feel at home like the people here did for me. I am so excited to watch the volunteers ride their first Chicken Bus—Guatemalans dosing, reggaeton blaring, foreign eyes bulging.

There is magic under this worn tin roof in San Mateo; everyone who enters can feel it in the dusty air, in the adoring big brown eyes. I look forward to witnessing the changes that will take place across cultures, between hearts.

l'etoile- by Stephanie Pratt

I'm sitting in my dark room, gloomy from the gray clouds outside my window and listening to the humming of the vacuum the cleaning lady is using. Its only 2pm and I've already had a crazy day! I woke up around 9am, took a shower and got ready. I walked out the door put on my headphones that sang me the sweet music of Milk n Cookies. A great way to start a day of errands.

My first stop was at the local post office to send out my OFII forms to finish my visa. I haven't even ever been inside the post office in California I don’t think... Anyway, it was crowded and I didn’t really know what envelope I needed to send it, so I just picked one, turns out the wrong one of course. I asked a woman for help but her English was no better than my French. I showed here that I need something called a RAR and she talked about me having to go on the internet and explained the rest in French. I stood there; I’m sure looking really really confused. So I turned to the page in my packet that said what I needed to do, and just handed it to here. Turns out it wasn't what she was talking about. So she handed me a slip I needed to fill out. When I was done I turned it in, incorrectly filled I guess, so I had to do it again. A nice man explained to me that all this means is that a slip will come in the mail telling me I have to go back to the post office and get my letter. Why can't the letter just come to my house? I don't know but I wasn't going to question. I said merci and went on my way to find the school where I going to take my French classes.

I have to take A3 toward Boissy, get off and Challet Les Halles and take the 4 toward port de Orleans and get off at... I forgot the stop name, but I got off at the right place. Despite me having everything marked down to a T even little arrows on my map to show me where to turn when I went to walk to the school from my stop, I had a chaotic trip. The A3 was fine, kind of slow and I just hummed to my music. I got off and was completely confused as to where the 4 was. I had been at this stop before and I never remembered a 4. I guess it’s always been there and I was just blind to see it, because there it was in front of me. I got on the escalator to follow the arrows up, but somehow I managed to trip and fall on some girl, who I then pushed down to steps... I was humiliated!!!! People probably thought I was like some crazy drunk at 11 in the morning who couldn't even stand straight anymore. I just ran the second I got off the stairs, and managed to bump some more people. I went to put my ticket it and the ticket taker thingys to get to the line I needed and I stood there for a minute trying to figure out why it would even feed in my ticket. Turns out it was closes. Ups, as the French say instead of oops. I went to the next one and some scary guy followed me through my open doors using me as a free ride, JERK! Then I found the train and it was PACKED. I couldn't move and I stepped on some girls toes who gave me the look of death and I smashed into people because I had nothing to hold onto. I eventually arrived to what I thought was my stop and realized I had one more so I turned around and jumped back in only to smash some more people.

I finally arrived and went out the exit, the wrong exit and I was a block further than I had anticipated. I looked at my map and was like psssh easy, and kept walking to soon realize I was walking the wrong way. I turned around and wandered around and around until I finally found the school. I went to take my placement test, and some girl had her chair waaaaaay sticking out so I could pass her to my seat so I said "excuse me". Then remembering I was in France said "pardon". She replied to neither so I just jammed myself through a really tight squeeze then she gave me an evil look too. Well honey you’re the one who wouldn't scoot in! Anyway, after only answer one question in French (oui, j'aim chocolate) I was declared a debutant. A beginner which I already knew haha. I thought I got to pick my time of classes but I guess they assign it for me. I think I’m going to get the 9am class which sucks because it takes almost an hour to get there! But as long as I get a class I don't care.

So finally now that it was almost 1pm I was making my way back and it started to rain, I didn't even bring a jacket! Luckily the metro is super close so I got on and was on my way home. That ride was pretty boring, except when I got off at Le Veisinet, I accidently ran into the guy sitting across from me and continued to trip out the door. Oh well.

Oh I forgot to tell you about the scariest man ever! On train A3 on the way to school there was a strange and like weird person on the metro. He sat across from me, then he moved, then he moved again he moved all across the train. He looked like he was going to have a mental break down! His eyes darting all across the train, and he kept picking up his bag then setting it down and picking it up and setting it down. Since there’s nothing better to do on trains but make up stories, I decided he was a bomber and really scared myself until I finally realizes, he's probably just a crazy bum.

Sheeew, and now I'm home and it's time for lunch. Soon I have to get the girls from school. Well, Uhhbadee uh uh that's all folks!

Flashback - 4/19/10 - The Secret Service of Safari - by Tracy Guthrie

Today is the first day of Safari. Mike, Kathy and I are doing a 5 night/6 day safari to Massai Mara, Lake Nakru, Hells Gate, and Amboseli. Mike and Kathy are volunteering at the orphanage while on their honeymoon. Pretty selfless to spend your honeymoon in a orphanage! I am not so sure I could do it. Giving up your "flower" on a cot with a two inch mattress underneath a mosquito net while geckos are crawling up the walls just doesn't sound romantic to me.

Anyway, Stanley and Esther, our Safari guides, picked the three of us up from the orphanage at 6am this morning. Some of the kids were already awake, so they grabbed our bags and carried them to the safari van. No one asked them to do it, they just like to help out. After they loaded our bags and pushed our van out of the mud, we were off!

Our first stop was actually Nairobi to go to the bank and get food from the market. Just like any other road trip you need junk food and lots of it! I think we finally left Nairobi around 9am, and didn't get to Massai Mara reserve until 4pm. Since it was so late in the day we only had about two hours to drive around. But were still able to see cheetahs, lions, lion cubs, lionesses, giraffes, zebras, elephants, and wildebeests.

We pulled into the campsite, Flamingo Lodge, about 6:30pm. The campsite is kind of like a ghost town. The only people here are the five of us (Stanley, Esther, Mike, Kathy and me) and four staff members (a cook, a helper and two Massai Warriors for security). I tell you what, being on Safari is a dream come true, but taking a hot shower and eating a real meal is a close second.

After I stuffed myself with spaghetti and meat sauce, green beans and carrots, fresh mango and bread with butter and jelly, I made my way to bed. Just as I was starting to feel relaxed and comfortable in these new surroundings, I realized the Massai Warriors were stationed 50 feet from my tent. On one hand it is reassuring to have protection from the wild animals, but on the other hand I am a totally spooked that the only thing separating me and two strange men with weapons is a canvas door with a broken zipper. I guess if they were to come after me I can use my bible to beat them over the head....

Ratatouille - by Stephanie Pratt

Bonjour!

I met up with lindsey a couple of times and we have a blast together! I'm so glad i have a friend here. The first day we got completley lost and ended up somehow in a forest. Then we headed to Batille and bought some new shoes (lindseys feet were hurting) that were really expensive but completley worth it. Then we had a beer at a random pub and chatted. Later the waiter informed us it was happy hour and asked if we'd like a cocktail. Lindsey asked what the most periasan drink was because we wanted what everyone else drinks... MOJITOS! not very french i thought, but i guess very hip right now in Paris. I had a strawbery one and lindsey had a kiwi one. After that we got a bagette from a bakery and it was soooooooo good. Later we found our way to the effile tower where we shared some wine right underneath it! It was amazing and it was all glowing, it was so beautiful! We evuentually made our way home and somehow the metro was easier since we had the wine haha. I go home and have a nice sleep. The next morning is my first day with the kids and its tough but fun. They are pretty well behaved and play with each other. Sometimes i stuggle thinking of things to do, i feel like i should be spending every second with them but i know thats a little extreme. As long as i know where they are and they are okay, i'm okay. I mean we can barley speak. I helped Margaux make a house out of legos and showed Chloe my favorite show when I was young, Sailor moon duh!!

Soon Claire and David came home and I was on my way to meet lindsey again. This time we just got completly as lost as we could get and roamed in circles around the effile tower and the bridges on the Seine. It was really fun but very tiring and after walking so much we worked up and apetit and had a late dinner at a little cafe that you could see the effile tower from. It was really nice. I went home again, after for the past days its just been me and the kids. Except last night, to the advice of my friends bobby i went by myself to the downtown part of Le Vesinet to have a coffee.

Claire and David are everything I could hope to have as a host family, they are nice and respectful and also very helpful and accommodating. I got lucky to have such a great family to live with here. But despite all the fun I've had so far, and the fun i know thats coming I still have trouble with homesick, which is part of the experience. This is and email i sent my mom last night.

"I know they are very nice too. Im really insecure about what i do so when i do something wrong i feel really really bad and like they'll be mad or something but they never do. I guess they understand this is new for me. Like today when they got home from work i asked if they minded if i went to the downtown of le vesinet to get a coffee and claire said to make sure im home early so im not tired which is totally understandable and i think it was because on sunday i came home like at 1130esh and idk if that made them mad.. I cam home early tonight like at 930 i want even gone for an hour because i was scared. Its stupid things like this that make me feel bad and i know they arent mad. i feel like an intruder or something. UGH i wish i felt more comfortable and they do everything that should make me feel welcome. Claire got me two books about paris one about all these free places i can go and one that explains all the distrects of paris with detailed maps. It was really nice but i dont fell like i deserve it. I wish i was at home sometimes with you and dad and courtney. will you tell the boys i love them and miss them too!!! I know they dont really care but i miss every little thing about home. Our dirty floors, logan, the cats, our wrapping paper window. I miss you guys so much and i cant wait for you to visit. Idk what im going to do for christmas im pretty sure they are going to a family thing which of course they should and its totally resonable that i would go i wouldnt even want to go. but i'll just be here alone... maybe lindsey will be here and i will feel okay on christmas. I love you so much!!!"

These feelings i know are part of my experience, but i hope they pass soon. On a brighter note, here are some more pictures!!!!! :)