La Pura Vida

ready to get down and dirty

Last internet time for a while. In a locutorio near the center of Salta. Leaving at 7 am tomorrow to begin the more rural part of these 2 weeks. After I take out a little bit of money for the wool products that we´ll be surrounded by, I will be completely ready. Found peanut butter so feel better about the upcoming protein options – though actually I´ve been eating more meat. Yesterday and today both (little bits).

Thoughts on Salta...

I have enjoyed these days. My family is so hospitable and willing to talk. I didn´t realize at first that they aren´t even being paid. Pepe especially has hours to spend with me, so we´ve spent much time at the table after meals talking over different points of culture. Alcohol, drugs, differences between BA and the North (many in the North aren´t huge fans of Portenos, think they´re too self-absorbed and materialistic), US dating culture, food differences...

This city – with its colonial architecture and many plazas, museums, beautiful churches – is magical. Didn´t realize until today, however, how sheltered my original perspective was. My family lives comfortably and has a maid who cooks and cleans. During these days I left this environment after eating well to walk to ¨Institute Elite¨ where our classes were held, and though we came to terms with tough issues in theoretical ways I had yet to see them before me.

Today after another class (these are given by different local professors each day) we got on a bus to get a more holistic view of Salta. We visited two ¨comedores¨ (soup kitchens), a health center, and then ate lunch and talked with a group of women who are fighting for their right to build houses on the (desolate) land.

It was overwhelming to walk into those groups of children. Felt awkward as we weren´t there to help, only talk and then leave. The kids were mesmerized by our cameras and loved having their pictures taken. I talked with a few but before long we had to leave – didn´t like the way I felt saying adios.

Being in these impoverished areas made me feel discouraged and sad that resources aren´t distributed more evenly... Makes me think about how unimportant some of my preoccupations are. Though not to the same degree, I did also feel encouraged – these soup kitchens, for example, operate not because churches or standing institutions started them, but because people in an individual neighborhood came together. Inspiring stories. I do like how one of the professors with our group today commented to me during lunch that in spite of circumstances, people do find reasons to laugh and find joy.

Tomorrow we leave for an indigenous Wicci community to help with house construction. Before that though, I have another aerobics dance appointment (tonight)! The class I went to on Monday with my mom was the most fun I´ve had in Salta. It was intense and awesome! Didn´t know what to expect but was happy to be greeted by high energy music (even hip hop Britney Spears Not a girl not yet a women) and people kicking, jumping, stretching, sweating in step. Makes me smile – did my best to join in, though sometimes the teacher sort of shook her head and smiled and had to help me. These dance classes are the most fun way to exercise that I know! I welcome the contrast after these days.

Ok, before I head out here is more inspirational material. Ha love this, copied it off a poster hanging on the wall of the place where we had our classes (little kids go to this private institution to learn english).

Spring is What it´s All About

Close your eyes
Take a deep breath
The air is so sweet
It will heat
Your heart and soul

Open your eyes
See the buds bloom
Colors are so bright
They will light
Your heart and soul

Open your ears
To the sounds of nature
There is such a rustle
It will sparkle
Your heart and soul

Stretch your arms
Reach for the sun
It is so warm
It will transform
Your heart and soul

Take your shoes off
Feel the grass
It is so smooth
It will soothe
Your heart and soul

Ana M. Martino

And also – found this written on the wall of a gorgeous Franciscan church.

Sumo y glorioso Dios, ilumina las tinieblas de mi corazón y dame fé recta, esperanza cierta y caridad perfecta, sentido y conocimiento, Señor, para que cumpla tu santo y veraz mandamiento.
San Francisco de Asís

Until the 15th mis amigos!

posted by Colleen @ 2:14 PM