Heck of a November

November was one of my best month’s in country:

-Merida, Mexico: read previous blog

-Garifuna Settlement Day: I skipped out on Settlement Day last year promising myself I would go down to Dangriga this year. What an experience. It was awesome to say the least. A lot of ceremonial drumming. I’ll put some pictures up on facebook. Garifuna Settlement Day represents the day that the Garifuna culture came to Belize after being exiled from St. Vincent. Let the record state that I was in the Settlement Day Parade in Dangriga. Julie’s work: The Education Department, had a float and I decided to help them decorate it. I wasn't going to hop on at first, but i was convinced otherwise and i participated in my first parade.

-Thanksgiving – All of the Peace Corps volunteers in the country were invited to the George Price Center to have In Service Training as well as Thanksgiving celebrations. It’s always nice to be around a lot of friends during the holidays. We also got to play some tennis at the Embassy, so that was good.

-Tobacco Caye – Beach Camping on a private Caye in Belize, not bad huh? Julie and I had an awesome time setting up a campsite right on the beach shore. We also did some snorkeling right off of the barrier reef. Tobacco Caye is roughly the size of 2 football fields and its about a 45 minutes boat ride from Dangriga.

-Caye Caulker – I love this place. A backpacker’s paradise. I snorkeled Caye Caulker for the first time. I was really cold and cloudy but it was still cool.

I saw Obama’s speech last night about Afghanistan, did you catch the Peace Corps shout out? Nice.

"In the end, our security and leadership does not come solely from the strength of our arms. It derives from our people…from the diplomats and Peace Corps volunteers who spread hope abroad; and from the men and women in uniform who are part of an unbroken line of sacrifice that has made government of the people, by the... people and for the people a reality on this Earth."

My beard is still going strong. It’s been about a month and a half. I am shaving on January 1. Some new comments at school: Santa, Bin Laden, Osama, Mennonite, Hobo, Amish. Check the pictures out on facebook.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Beard Comments and Mexico

I just came back from Merida, Mexico and the beard is in full force (3 weeks). I have been at school now for approximately 1 hour and I have already received 10 comments on my facial hair. Here are just a few:

Bwai, werewolf!
Mista Weiss, did you get lost in Mexico?
Grizzly Adams
Mista Taliban
Bwai Taliban
Rasta Bwai
Don't starve the barber Mista Weiss

Julie and I took some vacation days and visited Merida, Mexico. It's in the northern part of the Yucatan. One of the best parts of our trip was a day trip to Progresso, which is a little beach community about 45 minutes from Merida. It was that typical Meixco vibe in Progresso. Two Thumbs up to Mexico, the Mexican Culture, Merida and Progresso. It was refreshing to see a new place outside of Belize and I highly recommend visiting Merida for two days if you ever have the chance. I will post pictures on facebook later this week.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

almost november

A couple things:

1. I am starting to feel the monotonousness aspect of Peace Corps service; I tend to get consumed by my primary project and it has become routine. Fortunately, I am really enthused about the E.P. Yorke Sports Complex. I see myself working on the plans, proposals and staring construction in the upcoming year. Let the record state: I am not thinking of quitting or anything like that, it's just one of the emotions/phases I am going through.

2. The new Ambassador had all the Peace Corps volunteers over for dinner the other night: it was for the new volunteers swearing-in. It was really nice and he seems like he is gung-ho peace corps so that's good news for the next couple years. It was my first official state sponsored dinner. I will post pictures on facebook so you can see some of the cool things from the dinner: plates, house, free food (indian), free drinks. The Ambassador went to undergrad with Obama and apparently they are good buddies.

3. I am growing out a beard until New Years.

4. I am growing out my hair until next Summer.

5. Cool quote: "Each time a man stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others or strikes out against injustice he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope and crossing each other form a million different centers; energy enduring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." R.F.K. on moral courage

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

26

So I celebrated my 26th birthday on the 12th of October. Julie set up a picnic blanket and we had a Sunrise Watercolor session. We each painted our interpretation of the sunrise. We both have different styles of painting: she has more of a creative interpretation while I am more literal translation. Let the record state that I have no idea what I am talking about when it comes to painting, I just started and I enjoy it that's good enough for me.

After painting we had breakfast at the Pelican Resort aka Julie's front yard. To my surprise, she had the staff bring out a home-made cheesecake.

It was a special birthday. It was different than all my other birthday's. I was taken to see the sunrise and got to paint the landscape. In previous years, I would have gone to a bar with buddies and drank myself stupid (nothing against that, and nothing against all of those who engaged in previous birthday celebrations, but i prefer an epic sunrise and a great breakfast to bonging beers in celebration of one's birth).

So thanks to Julie and all of the happy birthday wishes and if you forgot no worries. I mistakenly forgot my mom's birthday this year. Whoops. sorry mom!

Fall

Lets pretend that Belize has seasons: It’s Fall! What that means here: it’s hot and rainy. Big surprise.

Good news: I finished the Student Workbook/Manual for the student’s in the It’s Up To Me Program! It’s been a goal of mine for a year and I finally completed it. It’s 70 pages of participatory activities that I gathered from numerous Peace Corps resources. I printed off 41 of them so they will hopefully be able to run the program for a couple years after I am gone. Sustainability. Lets hope it works.

Thanks to The Tennis Company for donating 15 soccer balls to E.P. Yorke High School. The Physical Education teacher, Principal and students appreciated the donation. I recommended that the P.E. teacher only use 5 a year so they will be good to go for the next couple years.

I gave 2 speeches to the new 1st year trainees/future volunteers last week:

1. Mentoring At-Risk Youth in Belize

2. Relationship Panel: Being in a Relationship in the Peace Corps

They swear in as volunteers later this month

Thanks DT for sending me the new Pearl Jam CD. Getting new/enjoyable music down here is no easy task.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Back from Vacation

I am back from my recent visit to the United States and I am refreshed, re-energized and ready for my last year of service. While back in the motherland, I experienced the following for the first time in a year:

Chick-fil-a
Subway
Driving
Shopping Mall
Disney World
Relative Ease
I felt completely Safe
Relaxing with Family
Sleeping with a comforter

I had a great time with my family and I was happy that Julie got a chance to spend some time with my whole family. I still can't believe how fast my niece is growing and how smart she is.

This year I hope to have a even more productive year than last year. I hope to work on the following:

Sports Complex at E.P. Yorke
Teacher's/Leader's Manual for It's Up To Me Program
80% promotion rate for the It's Up To Me Program (73% last year)
Start a School Garden
Secure a Peace Corps Volunteer at E. P. Yorke for 2010-2012

A few sports predictions for the year:

NCAA Football Champions: Florida Gators
NCAA Heisman: Tim Tebow
MLB World Series: New York Yankees and Jeter retires
Tennis: Federer retires in the next 2 years


Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

First US Visit

I will be making my first trip back to the United States this week for the annual Weiss Family Vacation. I am really excited and it should be a blast. I haven't seen my brother, sister-in-law and niece in over a year. I look forward to dominating the Weiss Family Olympics and taking back the crown. I am also excited for Julie to meet my whole family.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Rain, PTSD and 1 Year

So it's the rainy season and it hasn't been raining that much, but when it does....look out. Every time it rains I say" That's the most amount of rain I have ever seen." It is so much rain that it looks like it is snowing; and then you add the wind, it takes it to another level. A few systems are starting to form over Africa and the Cape Verde Islands which isn't good for the Caribbean or Central America, so the next few weeks should be interesting.

PTSD - sometimes known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Well, I would like to change the acronym to Post Traumatic Spider Disorder. I had my first run in with a large spider last week in my bathroom. It was about the size of a small sand dollar and i think it was venomous. I took a picture of it and showed it to the Eiley's and the first thing they said: "Dis da no ordinary spida." Most of the time if you see a spider here, it's a tarantula but not this time. It came in through my bathroom window and was hanging out in the shower. I had to get all pumped up to kill this thing because it was a. in my house and b. the biggest spider i have ever been in contact with. I tried spraying it with "Belizean Death Spray" (a really powerful bug killer that kills and melts ants) but it had no impact on this thing. So i spent about 10 minutes getting pumped up to kill it and finally it took my broom and trapped it in a corner and killed it. I have done some research on the internet and i am led to believe I killed a Black Recluse spider. Look up the bite on Google its pretty crazy. When you get bit by these things and it goes untreated your skin disintegrates and they typically amputate. I am kind of tweaky now and everything I see moving reminds me of the spider and I am constantly checking the shower and my bed for spiders. But the score remains Weiss - 1 Spiders - 0.

I have been in Belize a year now (As of August 20) and I can honestly say that I have learned a lot about myself, others and a developing country. I'm in a good place right now. This year flew by and it seemed like yesterday I was in Chicago living it up one last time. I look forward to the upcoming year in country and I hope to accomplish a lot.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

PSA Peace Corps

I'M IN BELIZE Moment

I just had one of those happy moments where bursts of joy travel throughout my body and I want to yell: I'M IN BELIZE!!!!! But I then realize I am in an office with a bunch of Belizeans and it wouldn't be appropriate for me to yell.

I guess its just part of being truly happy with where I am right now. It is still exciting to think I am in the Peace Corps and I am in Belize. Crazy.

Summer Update

So Summer is almost over and I have a couple of updates for everyone:

1. I finished the It’s Up To Me Manual. I am happy with my work and it is currently being edited by several Belizeans. It should be ready to print by the beginning of the school year. The manual is one of my ways of ensuring sustainability of the program.

2. Random trips to Caye Caulker are nice. It only costs $25 round trip and when you find a secluded hotel/cabana on the backside of the island, its the recipe for complete relaxation.

3. Trip to Argentina is in the works for Spring of 2010.

4. I will be in the United States in September – Cocoa Beach, Florida for the Weiss Family Vacation. Julie is coming too!! I am excited for her to meet my entire family.

5.  http://thisisdiversity.com/ – wanted me to post some of my blog entries on their website. They said they enjoy my take on life as a PCV. Money is given to the author’s of the articles who receive the most hits for the month. If my articles receive any money it will be donated to the “It’s Up To Me” program . Check out the website and search for my articles.

6. http://www.thepoint.com/campaigns/its-up-to-me-program – Please donate to my project!!! We are so close to obtaining the funds. Thanks to those who have already donated: Vens, Ruza, Gill, Cook and Heiner. If you know of anyone that would be interested, please forward them the link.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Lobsterfest and Family Reunion

It’s been a while since I last posted. I’ve got two things to talk about:

1. Lobsterfest – Julie and I went to Lobsterfest in Placencia a couple weekends ago. It’s a festival celebrating the opening of lobster season. There are a bunch of booths selling all different kinds of lobster. We decided to splurge at a nice restaurant instead of buying lobster at all the booths. We went to a nice place called Rumfish y Vino. We split the “Lobster 5 Ways” special. It was 5 kinds of lobster dishes with 5 different kinds of wine:

-Lobster Seviche, Lobster Bisque, Lobster crepes, Lobster Sheppard's pie and Lobster pasta.

It was delicious. It was nice to be back in Placencia again.

2. Eiley Family Reunion – I was invited to the Eiley Family Reunion in Placencia last weekend (back to back weekends in Placencia, not bad). It was my first large Belizean Family gathering experience. I was able to sit in the front seat while driving down south for the first time; most of the time I am on a bus or in the back seat of a SUV. The country of Belize is beautiful and driving from Belize City to Placencia you go through about 5 different scenery changes: city, Caribbean dessert (its kind of like Belize’s version of Texas), Jungle, Maya Mountains and Placencia peninsula. We left early in the morning so the fog was still hanging around in the Maya mountains. It was a spectacular sight. The reunion was a good experience and  I had a good time meeting the relatives of my host family. They all treated me as if I were apart of the family.

I failed the Foreign Service Exam. Its not an easy test due to the randomness of the questions and the limited time given on the writing portion. Now that i am familiar with the layout, I am going to attempt the exam again next year. The pass rate is somewhere in the 20% range. Happy Birthday to Erich Weiss (July 6th). Hope all is well in the States.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Summertime

It's almost Summer and I am pumped. All the students are done with school until August. Teachers are required to work until the end of June. I am going to work at school during the Summer months to work on the following projects:

1. Finishing Student and Teacher Manuals for It's Up To Me Program
2. Finalizing Plans for the E.P. Yorke Sports Complex - this is something I am really excited about. I noticed that sports are not as big of a part of the lives of the kids who go to school here; reason being: there are not many places to participate in sports. So i figured lets build a complex. The school has the room and if a complex is built and the sports programs are developed, it might help some of the kids who live on the south side of the city lead better lives. I had the Technical Drawing teacher professionally draw the layout of the school and about 6 members of staff decided on what they would like to see out of the complex. The plan is probably going to take about 4-5 years so I will hopefully pass it on to the next volunteer who comes in, assuming there will be one at E.P. Yorke. I will fill everyone in on the progress!
3. Create a Rule Book for Sports Day Activities - the school has a month of sporting activities in December and I was on the committee who officiated all of the activities. Considering it was my first year i sat back and watched a lot of the time and went along with the other refs. calls. There was quite a bit of confusion on a lot of the calls and the reasoning behind some of the decisions made, so I said: "We need a rule book so there is no confusion on the rules and calls being made during all these events." They all concluded that it would be a good idea.

So even though school is out, my summer should be filled with things to do.

I should also add that Hurricane/Rainy Season started on June 1. I am ready for some rain. I don't think anyone can ever be ready for a hurricane though. Living down here hurricanes are a serious threat and I expect to be consolidated a few times this season, but you never know. It has been extremely hot for the past couple months. If you look at a weather report most of the time it reads: 96 feels like 102. Humidity.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Pictures

The 2008-2009 It's Up To Me Graduates

Letter to Future Volunteers

A few weeks ago I was asked to write a letter to the future volunteers who are coming to Belize in August. The letter is included in a pamphlet they receive a few months before they depart. So here it is:

15 minutes before the revelation of site placements, I walked into my training officer's office and stated: “Send me anywhere in this country except Belize City.” Six months later I would say the complete opposite: I would not want to be sent anywhere but Belize City.

As a youth development volunteer, my primary concern is bettering the lives of Belizean youth, particularly those who attend E.P. Yorke High School. My assignment calls for me to develop and plan the It's Up To Me Program, which is a program for “at-risk” youth who are in jeopardy of being expelled from school. As one of the top high schools in Belize, one would assume that a United States Peace Corps Volunteer would not be necessary; however with over 42% of the school's population residing on the south side of Belize City: the country's epicenter of violence, gangs and crime, a volunteer is much needed. The presence of youth development volunteers in Belize is crucial due to 70% of the nation being under 30 years of age.

Upon arriving at E.P. Yorke, I was not sure how I would fit in with the students and staff. I had never worked in a school setting before or mentored students and I didn't speak Kriol that well. After about three months in my site, I felt like I belonged. I was developing the program, speaking and understanding Kriol, coaching American football and teaching five Life Skills classes (I am actually apart of the “Big Five” on campus: the Principal, two Vice Principals, the counselor and myself. We have Management Meetings, which are in Kriol, every Friday and my input is wanted and respected).

Believe it or not, Peace Corps was kind of a step up for me: I am satisfied with my job, work 7-4, have my own office (with Air Conditioning), a nice apartment and weekends off. I did not have any of the previously listed in the United States. It was not what I was expecting for the “typical Peace Corps experience;” but then again: what is the typical P.C. experience? The answer is: there isn't one, it's what you make of it. The effort you put into it will be given back to you in rewards beyond monetary value, exponentially. Closing with a bit of advice: Don't expect anything.....except a rewarding experience.

Christopher Weiss

Youth Development

E.P. Yorke High School

2008-2010

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

The Power of Ants and Creepy Bus Rides

1. Being here in Belize I have learned many things, but one thing that I am constantly amazed by is the power, quickness and efficiency of ants. There are multiple kinds of ants and they all like different flavors and items. The first kind are these tiny 1/2 black 1/2 red ants that really enjoy sweets and any crumbs left on any surface: chairs, table, counters, stove etc. Their response time is about 3 minutes. If you leave anything on the counter, lets say a tiny piece of left-over fruit they will be there attacking the fruit. I have noticed they work with the sun, basically a 5 am to 6:30 pm. The second kind of ant is a big black ant that seems to aimlessly wander looking for dead bugs. Their response time is around 5 minutes. If you kill a roach and leave it there, the ants will be taking the bug apart and carrying it out of the apartment. Often times I will leave the bug/roach there just for the sake of entertainment. Both kinds of ants are afraid of movement and they seem to have a very quick communication system.

2. I have had 2 creepy bus rides in Belize. What exactly do i mean by creepy bus rides? This: Leaving a tiny village on the 3:30 am bus (that is the only bus out of the village and most of the residents take this bus to go to work or school. Can you imagine getting on a bus that early everyday to go to school? It makes you appreciate the relative ease of going to high school in the States.) and its packed with villagers who are all Mayan, meanwhile I am the only white person on the bus so they are all staring at me. The music on the bus: 1950’s American Gospel music. I said to myself wow this is straight out of a horror film. The second creepy bus ride was similar and the bus driver began playing 1950’s American Gospel music and 90% of the passengers began singing along. Creepy.

I spoke with a fellow Peace Corps volunteer who is currently serving in Guatemala and I asked why he hasn't been updating his blog anymore. He replied with: “It’s all become normal to me so it’s hard to write about stuff that goes on down here. I mean some guy took a shit in the middle of the road yesterday right in front of me and i didn't even think twice about it.” I am starting to feel the same way, but I am still going to try and update as much as I can.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Foreign Service Exam

I have decided to take the Foreign Service Exam. The test is the first step in becoming a State Department Foreign Service Officer. If you are a FSO you work in Washington D.C. or at an US embassy somewhere in the world. The test has a reputation of being very difficult and many state department officers took the test several times before passing it.

The first part is Job Knowledge which includes: US Government, US Society and Culture, World History and Geography, Economics, Mathematics and Statistics, Management, Communication and Computers. 

Second: English Expression

Third: Biographical Information Questionnaire

Fourth: Written Essay

If you pass the test you are invited to an Oral Exam in D.C. Apparently this is the toughest part. So basically its going to be a tough test, then if I pass that, a tougher Oral exam. Wish me luck. I would not pursue a career with the State Department until my obligation with the Peace Corps is fulfilled in October of 2010. 

Three Language Meeting

Since joining the Peace Corps in Belize, I have experienced a wide range of new things. Just recently I was asked to sit in on a Disciplinary Committee Meeting for the high school: students who have been suspended twice come in with their parents and meet with the board to discuss their future. The cool thing about Belize is that there are many different cultures and languages; when one student and his mother came in it was made clear that the mother did not speak English or Kriol. The meeting was conducted in Spanish, English and Kriol. My first three language meeting.

Spring Break

Since I am working in a school I get two weeks of Spring Break. Julie and I decided to go to San Pedro and it was really nice, to say the least. We both saved some money for a couple months so we stayed at a nice hotel called Banana Beach. We got a free breakfast every morning and brought food from Belize City so we did not end up spending a lot of money on the trip. I took her out to a nice restaurant and the food was out of this world. She got a bleu cheese, walnut and pear salad with shrimp skewers and I got stuffed chicken breast with sun dried tomatoes, feta cheese and garlic potatoes. San Pedro is probably the nicest tourist destination in Belize. The island is filled with high class resorts, red bricked roads and golf carts. It’s touristy but not overwhelming. I enjoyed the vacation and hopefully will visit again. If my brother and his wife come down to Belize, we will probably go to San Pedro for a few days.

I saw two sporting events while on vacation: The Masters and the NCAA Men’s Hockey Championship: Miami vs. Boston University. I enjoy watching the Masters every year and this year it definitely made me feel like I was in the states. As for the hockey game: Miami was up 3 goals to 1 with 1 minute and 30 seconds to play. Boston pulled their goalie and proceeded to score 2 goals in 42 seconds sending the game into overtime. Miami ended up losing in overtime. I’ve never seen anything like that in my life. I thought Miami was finally going to win a national championship in something but no no. Better luck next year.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Close Proximity to Murder

One thing that takes some getting used to down here is being in close proximity to crime. Never in my life have I been able to stand at my place of residence and point to where murders have taken place. Just last month at the Bachelor Hotel (a huge hotel that does not seem to have any guests), which is a block away from my house, the owner let 4 people into the front office because he thought they were going to rent a room. Well that wasn't the case. They proceeded to corner him in the rental office, torture him, stab him repeatedly and then slit his throat. This all happened within 200 yards of my apartment. The robbers/murderers apparently wanted some money and the man (who in local newspapers is referred to as “Chinee man”) refused to give them any.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

La Ruta Maya

I did the La Ruta Maya Canoe Race/Challenge this past weekend, which is one of the greatest accomplishments in my life. Over 170 miles of paddling from Western to Eastern Belize.

Pre-Race
Joel and I arrived in San Ignacio around 11 am to do some last minute shopping/preparations for the race. Jacob arrived with the boat, paddles and life jackets at around 4:30 pm. Not knowing what the race really was about we thought we were going to be fine with out 150 boat, child like life jackets and our 3 wooden paddles, I repeat wooden paddles: 1st one was 10 pounds and approx. 5 feet tall, 2nd one was 8 pounds and 4ft tall and the last one was relatively light weighing in at approx 2 pounds. Let the record state that half of the boats in the competition are simply there to have fun and complete the race, the other 45% are there to compete while the other 5% are trying to win. The difference between those trying to win and those having fun is as follows: carbon fiber paddles weighing less than 5 oz., canoes that weight less than 30 lbs, year long training sessions, slim life jackets and pit crews that swim out to their boat and drop supplies in if necessary. We did not have any of that. We had the heaviest boat in the competition, the heaviest paddles, we didn't practice, huge life jackets and we carried all our food and water in our boat.

Day 1
Getting used to paddling because we had never paddled together before. We look obnoxious because we are the only team using wooden paddles. Day one was just exhausting and I am convinced we were the hardest working team in the race that day due to the weight in our boat and paddles.

Day 2
Wow I was sore so I took a Ibuprofen. Mistake. This allowed me to not feel my soreness so I could paddle harder and therefore I was more sore the next morning. Half way through the 69 mile day we convinced the safety crew to give us their lightweight paddles and we switched out the ten pound beast appropriately called BEN HUR. 2 wooden paddles one light paddle. This was the longest day of the race and it wasn't that bad. I think we just got into a grove and zoned out.

Day 3
I was really sore to start the race but got through it. Julie's 4H boat had dropped out of the competition so I asked if we could use her boat's light weight paddles and they said yes so this was our first day with relatively light paddles. This was out first full day of sun and the river was really flat with not very many rapids.

Day 4
Our best day by far. It was only 25 miles, but the wind and ocean current were going against us. I was in front and the middle for the first 3 days and we decided to switch it up so I sat in back steering the boat. I think this had something to do with our strong finish. I felt more comfortable controlling the ship and we seemed to swerve a lot less.

Looking back on the competition, it was as if we were running a marathon without training: not an easy task; despite the grueling conditions of the race, it was enjoyable and worthwhile for a number of reasons. Next year I hope to have a lighter boat, lighter paddles and pre-race training that includes rowing a canoe.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Please Help Out My Peace Corps Project

As many of you may know, I am working as the Program Coordinator of the It's Up To Me Program. I thought it would be a good idea to try and get some of my friends and family involved, so here is your chance. The link below is an opportunity for you to donate to my project. Please click the link below to find out more:


http://www.thepoint.com/campaigns/its-up-to-me-program

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Putting Things in Perspective

We got this video in training this week:

http://www.miniature-earth.com/

Click on Enlgish to watch the video......If the world were reduced to 100 people this is what it would look like.........

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Things I could go for right now

I do not miss the U.S. right now, but there are things I could go for. So here is a list of eleven things I could go for right now:

1. Subway - I'll take a foot long turkey breast on honey oat, all veggies with ranch and chipotle sauce
2. Golfing
3. Tennis - I am actually playing tennis at the US Embassy next week.
4. Book Stores
5. Driving - I walk or ride the bus everywhere
6. Snickers - the dog........Snickerrrrrrrrrrrrssssss
7. Wendy's - Jr. bacon cheeseburger with no tomato
8. Frank's Red Hot
9. Seasons - Winter has not been apart of my life in quite some time now
10. The American Flag - its weird how much you miss it when you don't see it flying everywhere
11. The excitement of watching sports that arent soccer - i enjoy soccer but not 15 channels worth

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

La Ruta Maya Canoe Race

In March I am competing in a 4 day canoe race called the La Ruta Maya with two other Peace Corps volunteers. It is a gruelling competition and teams from all over North America compete. The race starts in San Ignacio (west) and ends in Belize City (east). The race is 170 miles:

Day 1 - 49 miles
Day 2 - 60 miles
Day 3 - 36 miles
Day 4 - 25 miles

We are required to have a support crew and a sponsor, in which we have already taken care of. I am really excited for this competition and have been working out religiously. I will let you all know how it goes.

http://www.larutamayabelize.com/main/default.aspx

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

Typical Days in The Peace Corps

I thought I would list what I do during the week here in Belize: Wednesday and Thursday

Wednesday:
6:00 am - Wake Up, make breakfast and shower
7:00 - Walk to School, its about a 10 minute walk
7:15 - Check my email
8:00 - Morning Announcements
8:10 - Meeting with a student
10:10 - Meeting with a student
12 - Lunch - I walk home for lunch
1-3 - Plan for classes
3-4 pm - American Football Club
4:30 - Home
4:45 - Run to the Gym that is one mile away
6 - Dinner
9 pm - Bed

Thursday:
6:00 am - Wake up, make breakfast and shower
7:00 am - Walk to school
7:15 - Check my email
8:05 - Meeting with a student
8:20 - Meeting with a student
8:50-9:30 - Life Skills Class
10:30-11:10 - Life Skills Class
11:10-11:50 - Life Skills Class
12 - Lunch
1-3:30 - Plan for It's Up To Me Program
4 - Home
4:30 - Gym
6 - Dinner
9 - Bed

Two typical days in the Peace Corps.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

The Purpose of the Peace Corps

What is the Peace Corps exactly you ask? Great question. I think it is best described by JFK upon signing Executive Order 10924 on March 1, 1961:

"In establishing our Peace Corps we intend to make full use of the resources and talents of private institutions and groups. Universities, voluntary agencies, labor unions and industry will be asked to share in this effort--contributing diverse sources of energy and imagination--making it clear that the responsibility for peace is the responsibility of our entire society.
We will only send abroad Americans who are wanted by the host country--who have a real job to do--and who are qualified to do that job. Programs will be developed with care, and after full negotiation, in order to make sure that the Peace Corps is wanted and will contribute to the welfare of other people. Our Peace Corps is not designed as an instrument of diplomacy or propaganda or ideological conflict. It is designed to permit our people to exercise more fully their responsibilities in the great common cause of world development.
Life in the Peace Corps will not be easy. There will be no salary and allowances will be at a level sufficient only to maintain health and meet basic needs. Men and women will be expected to work and live alongside the nationals of the country in which they are stationed--doing the same work, eating the same food, talking the same language.
But if the life will not be easy, it will be rich and satisfying. For every young American who participates in the Peace Corps--who works in a foreign land--will know that he or she is sharing in the great common task of bringing to man that decent way of life which is the foundation of freedom and a condition of peace."

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

What I Like and Dislike about Belize

I am writing about things I enjoy about Belize and things I dislike:

Likes:
The Food - rice and beans, chicken etc. (excluding pigtail)
The Weather - 80 and up and that's winter
The Beaches
Belize City - 38 of 45 murders in Belize City last year happened in the south of the city, i don't live in the south side
My Job - the office, schedule and weekends off
My Host Family - The Eiley's are awesome
Palm Trees - gotta love em
Julie - she lives in Dangriga but its only a 3 hour bus ride to see her
Movies - bootleg copies of movies that haven't hit theatres yet in the states

Dislikes:
Sand flies - they come at sunrise and sunset, they bite, they are small and fly through the screen
Music - Punta is obnoxious and i don't like it at all
Belizean TV Shows - They have this show called Duets down here its like a local American Idol and everyone in the country watches it. Imagine the 10 worst performing acts you have ever seen. Now picture those 10 acts competing on TV: That is Duets. It's torture to watch. While living in Independence i figured out the entertainment situation in Belize. If entertainment value was put onto a universal 1 to 10 scale: Americans are accustomed to 8, 9 and 10's while Belizeans are accustomed to 2, 3, and 4's, but to them it might be a 8, 9 or 10.
The treatment of dogs - dogs are treated like crap down here, most are malnourished and have VD, its gross
Lack of News sources - Love FM provides all news on the radio and there are 2 news stations
Being treated like a tourist just because I am white - this means that I always have money and I always need a cab
The trash - Most Belizeans don't understand the concept of a trash can, plastic is everywhere

Do not let the list of dislikes fool you, my likes highly outweigh my dislikes and I am thoroughly enjoying myself down here. I should also let the record state that I am very respectful of the culture and do not publicly voice my opinions on dislikes and consider all experiences to be part of the Peace Corps journey.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss

The New Year

Happy New Year to all! I had a great holiday season here in Belize, despite being away from my family.

My new years was spent in Caye Caulker: which is a nice, quaint tropical paradise with waters of every shade of blue and green. The boat ride to Caye Caulker from Belize City is about 45 minutes and costs $25 Belize round trip. Julie and I stayed in an ocean front hotel and we had a lot of fun. I saved some money over the previous weeks and took her out to a nice Italian restaurant called Don Corleone's. I got lasagna and she got the lobster dinner. It was surprisingly the best lasagna I have ever had in my life.

After celebrating the New Year, I came to the realization that I do not need two things in my life anymore:
1. Swear words
2. Alcohol - excluding the occasional glass of red wine

Cussing or swearing is totally inappropriate and unnecessary. I feel like an idiot every time i swear. I'm done with it.

Alcohol has done nothing for me in my life besides drain me financially, physically and emotionally. I hate hangovers, I hate not being in control and I hate making mistakes while under the influence. I hate alcohol. I'm done with it. (Excluding the occasional glass of red wine, which has been proven to provide health benefits)

I don't really believe in new years resolutions, due to the inevitability of failure, so i prefer life changing/self realizations. So when I return to the United States in 2010, don't expect to see me swear or drink.

Far From Home,

Christopher Wilkins Weiss