Travel Adventures

First Snow

2010-11-21T08:51:00.000-08:00

John's first real snow in America. I think he is enjoying himself. Here are photos from last night of John and I playing in the snow.

Saturday Tram Ride in Salt Lake City

2010-10-17T12:58:00.000-07:00

This is our family outing with mom, dad, Christine, Zach, Mark, and John up to the top of the mountain from the tram ride. Enjoy the photos.

Secret Lake

2010-10-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

Are adventure up to Secret Lake.

Mill Creek Cranyon

2010-10-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

Here are photos from our adventure up Mill Creek Canyon in Utah.

Utah State Fair

2010-09-16T18:29:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday John and I went to the Utah State Fair for the day (1pm to 9pm). We saw events, sale pitches, ate lunch, ate a caramel apple, and saw the rodeo. We had a lot of fun.

International Peace Gardens

2010-09-16T18:26:00.000-07:00

A Sunday drive to visit the International Peace Gardens which was gorgeous but didn't have a Cape Verdean flag. I think we need to add a section to the garden.

America

2010-08-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

Photos of the first day in America for John:

Cape Verde, Africa

2010-08-08T12:27:00.000-07:00

Cape Verde will always been my home because of my family and friends that I meet along the journey. I have been in Cape Verde for three years (June 2007 to June 2009). I left for my Peace Corps service June 25th, 2007 for the Island nation of Cape Verde.

I taught computers, English, art, lifeskills, and worked on many projects. I got married to my wonderful husband after my service on August 14th, 2009 with his family and my family as witnesses. Then, we moved to Boa Vista were he was placed by the police department. We lived on Boa Vista for eight months. He saw more of the island then I did because he had access to the police vehicles for work. But we did see other parts of the island with our two friends.

We decided to move back to the States so he can go back to school and hopefully work as a police officer in America. And I want to go back to work because it was difficult to find a job on Sal Rei (politics).

We will be back to Cape Verde in the next couple of years to visit our friends and family that we haven't seen in so a long time. Cape Verde and America is our web.

Photos from November 2009 to June 2010

2010-08-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

I finally have time to post the photos that I have taken of the Island of Boa Vista. These pictures are in no order but a random selection of the last eight months on Boa Vista. It been an adventure living on Boa Vista.

Last Look...

2009-10-22T10:26:00.001-07:00

for awhile. This is the last look of the landscape of Santo Antão for awhile because hopefully next week or weeks, I will be moving to Boa Vista where John is currently living and working at the Police Station.

I hope you enjoy the photos of Santo Antão one last time. The next photos will be of Boa Vista.

Rain 2009

2009-10-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

The most rain that Cape Verde or Santo Antão has seen in quiet awhile. The last time it rain this much was in 1984. It rained for five days non-stop. Some of the roads are unpassably or in need of repair after this rain storm. I am glad the two bridges in my town were up and ready for the storm.

Here are some photos of this years rainstorm:

Wedding Photos

2009-10-08T06:22:00.001-07:00

The photos arrived in the mail this past week so I would like to share with you all some of the photos of our special day.

September 15th, 2009 (New Beginning)

2009-09-24T04:17:00.000-07:00

John finished with the Police Academy at the end of March but we were waiting forever to hear what island he will be working on.

September 15th, six months later, while working with his dad at the job site, the police chief called to say he is working on the Island of Boa Vista.

Meaning, we will both be working on the Island of Boa Vista and leaving the Island of Santo Antão. We are both sad to be leaving our home but it is the next journey on our road.

Santo Antão will always be our home, and we will always call it our home. Because it is our home.

This is a just a new chapter in our life together.

Pictures of my Parent´s Visit

2009-09-24T04:11:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos of there trip.

August 14th, 2009

2009-09-24T04:03:00.000-07:00

“Wedding Day”

August 14th at 1pm my family (mom, dad, Aunt, and friend) and John´s family watched us sign the document stating official that we are married through civil union. We are throughly enjoying ourself and John had a few surprises up his sleeve for the day.

The Wedding Lunch wasn´t really a lunch with family but a small wedding ceremony. The day starting out waking up beside him and having breakfast. John walked me over to where my parent´s were staying. Then he return to get things ready (he had a lot planned).

My mom, dad, aunt, and her friend threw a small bridal shower with a few gifts for me. I loved them all. Afterwards, I got dressed and Aunt Debby cut my hair and did my nails. We were relaxing while we waited for the car.

At 12:30pm, the car picked us up and brought us over to Tarrafal. While waiting in the car for his family, he surprised me when he, his dad, and our godfather walked to the car in suits and ties. John looked amazing.

At Ponto do Sol, we took a group photo before walking into the room. John´s mom and dad sat down on the sofa. My mom and dad sat down on the other sofa. Our godparent´s sat down on the sofa. We sat in the chairs facing the desk. My Aunt Debby stood in front of us to take photos. The judge said a few words. Asked our families if there disagree (no disagreements). After a few words, we both said yes to the questions. We exchange rings. Then, we did a small kiss when he said we were married. Then another kiss so everybody can see. We hugged everybody. My mom and dad cried.

We took photos in Ponto do Sol. It was very windy. My dress and hair were blowing everywhere.

We all got back in the car to return to his house. When we arrived in our town we did an traditional Cape Verdean announcement, we drove around town honking the horn. When we arrived in Tarrafal we walked first to the house with family behind us. When we arrived at his house, we were greeted with flowers, paper, and rice throw on us while we walked up the stairs.

The living room had a big table full of food for lunch. And the wedding cake was in the corner.

We relaxed and talked to friends, greeted everybody. Others moved the tables to the side and put snack foods and other cakes out. It was time for snacks and dancing.

Around 8 o´clock at night, we cut the cake and John sprayed wine all over everybody (Cape Verdean Traditional). Around 9:30pm, another surprise (the day was over). John drove me to his surprise.

In the morning, we walked over to my parent´s place to open gifts and hang out.

It was a great day. I wish everybody was there.

August 7th, 2009

2009-09-24T03:51:00.000-07:00

It is the official day that I COS (Close-of-Service) with Peace Corps. It has been an adventure with its ups/down but overall I am glad that I choose this road on my path.

My last class at the youth center was Friday, July 31st and that weekend was cleaning house, packing for the three days in Praia, finishing up my paperwork for Peace Corps, and tieing up loose ends. But I knew I will be back at my site because I am not leaving Cape Verde (not right now).

August 3rd I heading to São Vicente for the plane ride to Santiago. Arriving in Praia, heading to the hotel first to drop off luggage and then headed to the Peace Corps office to drop off my books and do a few things. I have three official days to say goodbye to the Peace Corps Staff and close out my service.

And I saw my host families after two years at site. I visited with them for about 3 or 4 hours but it was nice to see them again.

Now, that I am done with Peace Corps “what is next.”

João, Djon, or you can spell it like this John

2009-07-27T05:53:00.000-07:00

Here are photos of John from since I met him April 2008.

Riberia da Torre

Mão pra Tras

Playing futebol with his friends

Exploring the New Road with family and friends

Hanging out with friends

New Soccer Field

2009-07-27T05:45:00.000-07:00

Here are photos from the new soccer field in Ponto do Sol. Enjoy.

John & I

2009-05-18T03:31:00.001-07:00

How Many...

2009-05-18T03:30:00.001-07:00

How many people does it take to fix a overheated car?

Enjoying the New Road

2009-05-18T03:20:00.001-07:00

Saturday, May 9th 2009 was the inguration of the new road from Janela to Porto Nove. The road was funded a lot by the European Countries.

Saturday around 11am we (John and his family) headed to Janela for the inguration. The road is not cobblestone but pavement with two tunnels. The two tunnels have an road with a sidewalk.

Sunday around 9am we (John, his family, and friends) headed on the new road to Porto Nove. The road felt very nice on the body compared to cobblestone.

Below are some of the photos of the trip. The beginning is photos from Saturday and the rest is from Sunday. Noticed how many came out for the celebration.

Arriving to Janela

Arriving to Janela

Inguration of the New Road

Porto Nove

Porto Nove

Beach

At the Lighthouse

Lighthouse

Tarrafal (20 Years Ago and Now)

2009-05-18T03:13:00.000-07:00

John found a couple of photos of one of the zones in my town named Tarrafal at one of the local cybercafes so I thought I would post it on my blog for all to see the difference from 1989 to 2009.

1989

2009

Pastime (Soccer)

2009-05-11T06:01:00.000-07:00

One of the pastimes that I like to watch is futebol (soccer). Here are a few photos of youths playing soccer. Enjoy!

Ice Cream

2009-04-21T07:25:00.000-07:00

An ice cream restaurant just opened up in my town of Povaçao. It is real ice cream that you can get in a cup or cone.

John and I tried the ice cream the day it opened (Friday, April 17th). I had chocolate and melon on a cone. John had chocolate and strawberry on a cone. We return Sunday night to tried a different couple of flavors. I had two scoops but he had three scoops. The banana ice cream is delicious.

The ice cream is made local at the restaurant in the ice cream machine. Beside ice cream you can order coffee, popcorn, or drinks.

The store is located across the street from the cybercafe, hamburger place, disco, and school. It opens in the afternoon through the evening. It is great to be able to order ice cream on a cone in my town instead of going across to the next island (Sao Vicente) for it.

Vacation on the Island of Sal

2009-04-14T06:37:00.000-07:00

John and I left Santo Antão Sunday, April 6th for a week vacation on the Island of Sal. We arrived at the International Airport of Sal after midnight because all flights out of Sao Vicente are at night due to the progress of making the Sao Vicente airport international.

Monday we headed to Santa Maria (tourist beach) to say hi to his brother that works on the construction of one of the many hotels. See photo. Then, we took a walk on the beach and of course took a dip in the blue ocean for about 4 or 5 hours. On the way back we stopped at a restaurant and had apple pie with ice cream.

Tuesday we headed back to Santa Maria for ice cream and enjoying the sites. We sat on the beach and relaxed. No swimming but enjoyed the beach. We watched two fishermen bring in a small catch of fish. See photos of the beautiful ocean.

Wednesday we headed back to Santa Maria for a dip in the ocean. Also we tried a different place that sells ice cream. The second place was delicious. We had the chocolate and strawberry ice cream. See more photos.

Thursday we headed back to Santa Maria to a different location further down where the windsurfers enter the surf. We sat on the bench for about 3 hours and listen to the many languagues being spoken (French, British English, Portuguese, and Italian). Afterwards we stopped in a small cafe and had lunch. Spagetti with tuna for John and chicken and french fries for me. See photos of the windsurfers.

Headed back to the main beach and talked to a local fishermen cleaning his catch for a hotel resturant. See photos.

Friday we headed to the other zones of Sal with friends. We visited the Saline (Salt Mine), Pedro de Lume, etc. When we were in Pedro de Lume we had stopped at a nice restaurant for a cold soda. See photos.

Afterwards we headed back to Espargos to watch the films on the television or play cards. It was a relaxing day. See photo of Espargos.

Saturday we were invited to the baptism party after Easter Mass. We headed to the party around 1am after the film ended on the telvision (Joana of Arc). We left the party at 4am.

Sunday was hanging around Espargos and talking to friends because we left for Sao Vicente at midnight. See a photo of us at the Saline.

Last 6 Months

2009-04-14T06:18:00.000-07:00

Finally the card reader arrived so here are some photos from the last six months (September to March) so enjoy.

First Rain (September 08)

Second Rain (October 08)

Christmas 2009

Carnaval 2009

Playing Handball

Playing Soccer

Missy the Cat

Thank you for Birthday, Christmas, and Easter Presents

Typical Weekend

2009-03-09T06:42:00.000-07:00

My typical weekend consist of washing clothes, cleaning house, watching futebol (soccer), walking to Mao pra Tras, visitng with friends, attending church on Sunday, watching the movie that the youth put on Sunday evenings, and getting ready for my Monday English class.

Typical Saturday: Wake up around 9am and make myself a cup of hot chocolate (sugar, milk, and chocolate powder). Start cleaning my deck, living room, kitchen, cat´s litter box, and if I have time clean the bathroom.

In the afternoon, I head over to the field in Tarrafal to watch futebol from 3ish to 6pm. Afterwards, they might be an activity at the local provialiente either music or sport (handball, futebol, or volleyball) that I will go and watch.

Typical Sunday: Wake up for church. Mass is from 10:30 to 11:30am. Afterwards, I put my diry laundry in the bucket full of soapy water on my roof. I will come back in about 1 hour for the washing. I finish cleaning house that I didn´t get to on Saturday. After laundry, which takes about 1 ½ hours to complete, I changed clothes and head to the field to watch futebol again.

I talked to friends along the way and hang out. I might head to the cybercafe after the game to print out my files for my English Class for Children on Monday. Today we learned about “animals.”

Mostly this is a typical weekend. Some weekends it varies.

Happy World Water Day!

2009-03-09T06:35:00.000-07:00

Whether we live upstream or downstream, we are all in the same boat.

World Water Day 2009 will be celebrated on Sunday, March 22nd. The theme for World Water Day 2009 is “Shared Water, Shared Opportunities.” Special focus will be placed on trans-boundary waters. Nurturing the opportunities for cooperation in trans-boundary water management can help build mutual respect, understanding and trust among countries and promote peace, security and sustainable economic growth.

Missy

2009-02-27T05:10:00.000-08:00

Having a cat is a good most of the time beside when she decides to catch a gecko at 5am in the morning. Last week, Missy woke me up by climbing on the night stand, curtains, window sills, and bed meowing and meowing because she was trying to catch the gecko on the ceiling in my bedroom. Missy really gets tormented by the geckos because they hide on the walls out of reach. But at 7am the gecko made a false move and it was breakfast.

Happy Birthday

2009-02-24T13:05:00.000-08:00

Dr. Seuss Birthday!!!

Read Across America

March 2nd

March 2nd is "Read Across America" so do not forget to sit down with a good book and just read. Or read to your children, cousins, nieces, nephew, or your neighbors. Read a great child´s book with them.

I am going to change it from "Read Across America" to "Read Across the World" for my English Class for children. The class is going to listen to "Cat in the Hat" from Dr. Seuss.

And if you are incline to help don´t forget about my project to bring books to Santo Antao, Cape Verde through “Books for Africa.” Click here; www.booksforafrica.org.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!!!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!!

2008-12-16T03:07:00.000-08:00

Second year has been busier, I think, then my first year so sorry about being lazy about posting. I have a ton of photos, and I wish I can post, if only I have a card reader.

Some of things that I have been up to in Year 2008:
• Teaching youth typing with both hands, Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet. And hopefully the students get something out of it besides just using Email and Hi5.
• Teaching a couple sections of Photoshop/Web design.
• Teaching English to children starting in November 2008.
• Watching movies every couple of Sunday´s put on by the Church Youth Group.
• Practicing Karate now for eight months. I am a yellow belt.
• Walking by the ocean after my afternoon class.
• Chatting with MSN messenger with a webcam (very content).
• Installing Skype on the four computers at the CEJ (if you want to donation headphones or webcam for a Christmas present the youth would love you).
• Enjoying life.

Some of the things that I would like to do for the Year 2009:
• Continue to teach English to children and watch them learn new words.
• Teach youth computer skills beside just Email and Hi5.
• Teach two sections of the photoshop/web design class, which one will be in taught in English.
• Vacation to the Island of Sal.
• Continuing to have fun.

It is the Christmas season again. My house is decorated. The CEJ is decorated. The streets and some of the houses have Christmas lights making it feel like Christmas. Everyday, I listen to Christmas music at the CEJ.

I will be drinking hot chocolate and opening presents on Christmas Day (December 25th). If you want to send me a Christmas present, I would love:
• Ziplock bags
• Tea
• Hot chocolate
• Candy and Treats (maybe a box of candy canes)
• Or whatever.

Having fun and enjoying life. Have a Merry Christmas!!!

Sorry

2008-11-10T09:04:00.000-08:00

for no update in a while but I have had some problems with my computer. During the month of September, my computer decided not to boot up from the login screen but I can boot into DOS. So, I decided to purchase an external hard drive case so I can extract all the data from the hard drive.

I waited for about three weeks for my package to arrive because I sent the purchase to my parents to send it in a care package. Thanks mom and dad. When the external hard drive arrived, I tried plugging it into three different computers with the same output. Output was; founding new hardware, setting a hard drive letter, etc. but no output on “My Computer” and the hard drive spinning and spinning.

Guess I will have to wait until I get to the States to see if a technical expect can extract the data. I have a year worth of photos from Cape Verde, data from my work in Cape Verde, passwords, favorites, and email contacts. If you want to send your contacts to me so I can re-update my email address, send to it to my email address!

Also, I have about 75 photos (storm photos, soccer, hiking, etc) on my camera but no way to upload because the card only goes into the computer that I cannot use because it has no working hard drive.

Books for Africa

2008-09-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

The Ribeira Grande Youth Center and the Community Center of João Afonso, two organizations on the island of Santo Antão, are in need of book resources for local youth.

Although English is taught as part of the national school curriculum, literary materials are scarce on the island for students.

These resources from “Books from Africa” can help augment and improve their English skills, improving their ability to compete in both the classroom and the workplace.

We hope to bring an greater opportunity, emphasis on the economic, and a personal benefit of literacy to the underserved population.

If you would like to help fund the project, please visit our website attached with “Books for Africa.”

Big Storm

2008-09-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

The “Big Storm” hit last Saturday around 9am and did not stop until early Sunday morning.

We had rain (light and heavy), wind, thunder and lighting. It was a powerful storm that brought a ton of water to the island of Santo Antão.

That day; I was up early (7:30am) in the morning to meet a fellow volunteer that was going to Praia to help with PST (new volunteer training) because I needed him to bring something to the Peace Corps office for me.

I went back to sleep until 9am. It was Saturday, and that is my day to clean house so I started in on cleaning. I looked outside my window and saw the rain and wind start up. Nice we have a light storm hitting us this morning, I thought.

I continue to clean when I heard water in my house. My roof was full of water and the drain was clog so it was staying put and it was still raining so the water entered into my house. I called a friend to come unclog the drain and saw another friend to help mop up the water. It took about two hours to mop up all the water. Other volunteer houses flooded too.

Then, I heard from a couple of friends that the Riberias were unpassable because it was turning into a river. The rain and wind was slowing down so I decided to take my camera and take some photos of the Riberias in full force. I walked over to the Riberia Torre and it was a river. It was really flowing. I did not get a chance to go the other Riberia (Riberia Grande) because the rain was starting up again and I did not want to get my camera too wet.

The rains continue, and during the evening we could hear thunder.

The next day, the rain stopped so I decided to take more photos of the Riberias. Riberia Torre was almost gone and Riberia Grande was slowing down. By the evening, both Riberias were not a river.

Sunday afternoon, we started to walk over to Mao p´ra traz (another zone passed Tarrafal) to see the effect of the rain. All the tanks for the plants were full and overfilling. The overfill was a small river down its Ribera.

Decided to jump in the tank and go swimming. It was nice to go swimming in the tank where you could not touch the bottom so you can practice your diving.

The “Big Storm” is going to be great for the economy come harvesting season. Santo Antão is green and the plants are in full bloom.

Children Activities

2008-09-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

For the past month until school starts back up for the children in my area, I am doing art activities each morning at the CEJ. It started by using my computer in the game room, and the children enter to use the computers. I thought it would be fun to think of activities to do with them.

Some of the activities we have done so far are;
• coloring pages found on the Internet,
• drawing with coloring pencils or markers on colored paper,
• cutting and pasting from Newsweek magazines,
• painting with fabric paint on thicker color paper,
• strained glass windows with tissue paper,
• making beaded necklaces or bracelets
• making friendship bracelets (twice),
• doing paper mache then painting the project,
• making play-doh,
• painting with watercolors,
• chalk drawing

Some of the future activities that I am thinking about doing are;
• strained glass windows with my extra glass jars,
• Earth Day wreath,
• Mother Earth,
• tracing and coloring your body

The children love the activities and are having fun because everyday around 9 or 9:30am the children are at the CEJ waiting for the next activity. I had two children ask in the afternoon what the next day activity will be.

Youth Activity – Cove to Paul

2008-08-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

Sunday, August 17th I woke up around 6am to get ready to go for a walk from Cove to Paul with youth from Povoaçao and Tarrafal, around 17 youths.

We all met at the plaza of Tarrafal around 7:30am but we all saw each other in the Shell because we were buying snacks for the journey. I brought juice, water, and cookies. We all shared are snacks on the walk.

The car (Hiace) arrive, and we loaded in to head to the start of the walk at Cove. The walk started out on the top of the mountains, here is the photo of the start of the walk:

Along the walk we shared our snacks, sang songs, talked, and hung out. We had lunch of dirty rice (rice, chicken, hot dogs, sausage, peas, corn, carrots) at the waterfall about 20 minutes from Paul. We swam in the waterfall, if we had a bathsuit or took a nap. I took a nap because the heat was giving me an headache.

After lunch, we cleaned up and headed back onto the road. When we reached Paul, half of us decided to pay for a car back to Povoaçao and the other half decided to walk back home. I paid for a car because the hot sun gave me a headache and upset stomach. I had a little heat exhaust from the sun. But sleeping for 10 hours afterwards helped.

Here are some photos of the walk.

Last Week (Busy but fun)

2008-08-11T08:45:00.000-07:00

Arrived back in my town Saturday, August 2nd and I have been having a lot of fun swimming and hanging out. It is summer vacation so it is a slower pace.

Meaning I am waiting for my four students to return to class in the afternoon and karate to restart because the instructor has been sick with a cold.

The first Sunday back we headed to the beach for a swim. Everybody in the surrounding area had the same thought because the beach was packed. And the waves were a little strong but it was still fun to get back into the water.

During the week, I headed to the CEJ to found the photocopy that has been broken for two years finally fixed. It is going to be moved into another room so we can charge for photocopies and make some income to pay for the ink and paper. Also, three new computers with flat screen monitors arrived.

The plan is too changed around the three rooms. One room will be for the coordination, another will for the photocopy, and the last room will be for the library. Another resource for the youth of Ribeira Grande.

In the afternoon doing the week, we headed to Mao p’ra traz to get bananas and mangos, and swim in the tank.

On Saturday was clean house day but swimming in the afternoon in Singogora. Then watch the evening show at the local povaliente. A friend and his band (Mix Cultura) put together contest for adult singers and a couple of my friends were singing so I had to go listen to them sing. There were pretty good singers too.

On Sunday was laundry day but swimming in the afternoon in Ponto do Sol. And the festa of Ponto do Sol was this weekend so we stayed and listen to music until midnight.

Coming & Going (Vacation)

2008-07-29T15:02:00.000-07:00

Taking a three week vacation to the States to see family, friends, and my brother’s wedding was awesome but the flight coming and going wasn’t fun.

Leaving the Islands, I was struck in Praia for a day because the plane never arrived. I lost a day in the States because of it and I had to sleep at the Boston airport because we arrived around 11:30pm and my flight to my final destination left at 6am so I crashed at the airport.

Heading back home, I received a call from TACV late Friday afternoon and the plane was delayed 24 hours. I was supposed to leave on Sunday, July 27th at 10pm and arrive in Praia on Monday, July 28th at 8am but now I won't be arriving into Praia into Tuesday, July 29th at 8am. But I was offered a hotel room paid by TACV so I was going to be a tourist and see a little bit of Boston but that didn’t work out.

This want happened; I woke up this morning at 4am to catch my 6:30am flight to New York City but when I arrived in New York City a lot of flights were canceled including mine due to lighting storms and heavy rain. I was supposed to leave for Boston at 4:29pm but it was delayed until 7:30pm but then it changed to be canceled. I had to stand in a slow moving lane for over a 1 hour until I decided to use the call phone. My new flight time is 9:55am and arriving in Boston at 11:55am.

So guess no touring Boston this time around. All I get to see is the NYC and Boston airports. Boo hoo.

But I did get to tour downtown Boston because I arrived at noon but when returning to the airport, I heard the flight was delayed again due to technical problems. All passengers received a hotel room and $60 dollars for meals at the hotel. On Tuesday, while waiting to go back to the airport I visited the aquarium. It was fun to see the city of Boston.

Hopefully I will be able to get into Praia before too long. I really miss my bed because the airport floor is not soft and I am done traveling for a while.

Bicycle Safety Project – Sao Nicolau

2008-07-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

Ross, a fellow volunteer is working on a project in his town. Below is the information sent by email asking for help in purchasing a shirt to support the project.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Fellow Volunteers,

Together with Sonadei, a bicycle clothing company, I am working on a bicycle safety project which will help support the bicycle riders on Sao Nicolau with safety training and workshops on bicycle repair. The aim of the project is to supply the current riders with quality helmets, which will be purchased using the funds made from shirt sales. American Safety, a wholesale helmet supplier is also working with me and Sonadei.

To learn about the project and purchase a shirt, or send to family, friends, or anyone else, go to this link:

http://sonadei.com/catalog/CVBO.php

They have a goal of 100 shirts but I want to surpass that.Also, in the future the shirts will be made using recycled materials.

Thanks.

Ross Guberman
Cachaco, Sao Nicolau
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Futbol Game

2008-06-30T07:15:00.001-07:00

June 28th the two local futbol teams played a game on the local field. The ending score was 1 to 3, with the team that I wanted to win, didn’t win. The end of the game was intense with many onlookers and excitement.

The last two weeks of watching futbol games have been fun. I hope you enjoy all the photos.

Pastime (Futbol)

2008-06-30T07:10:00.001-07:00

Futbol is one of the pastime activities on the weekend beside passé, playing cards, hanging out with friends, or watching novellas. So, I thought I would capture one of the pastimes, playing futbol.

For the last two weekends(June 22nd & 29th) , I decided to head over to the futbol field with my camera to take some photos of the games played by the local youth of Tarrafal and Puvason.. I captured some great shots of the game, even with the ball in play.

Different View

2008-06-30T07:05:00.000-07:00

A different view from a different zone. These photos are the view from the zone, Tarrafal. My town has many different zones and these are from a friend’s rooftop. I thought the view was awesome so I wanted to capture it with my camera. Enjoy.

Youth Activity – Pico de Cruz

2008-06-09T15:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 7th the two youths center on the Island of Santo Antao (Ribeira Grande and Porto Novo) came together to hang out and celebrate International Earth Day which we did the last ten minutes of the day by putting on a play by some of the youths and a group discussion.

I think we were supposed to be picking up trash in the town of Pico de Cruz but instead it turned into a passerio (hanging out). No bags or gloves were brought just food for snack and lunch. But the view was excellent and the youths from both sides of the Island got to know each other better by playing a variations of games.

Pico de Cruz is situation on top of the mountains in the middle of a ton of Pine trees. I loved walking through the pine needles because it reminded me of Oregon.

Here are a few photos of the day:

(Start the day by introductions. We had ten youths from Ribeira Grande and fifteen youths from Porto Novo.)

(View of the Ribeira of Paul. You can view the trail from Cove to Paul; if you look closely you can see the zigzag trail.)

(Just love this photo.)

Summer Schedule (at the moment)

2008-06-06T11:29:00.000-07:00

It is beginning to feel like summer because I have less students for my regular computer classes. My last section ended three weeks ago, and I taught from 8 to 10, 10 to 12, and 3 to 5 but after having the aviso hanging up around the town for three weeks, I only have four students in the afternoon.

The other classes (Photoshop and Web Design) is also in the afternoon. My schedule is:

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday
o 3pm to 5pm
o June 6th thru September 5th
o Four students

• Tuesday, Thursday
o 3pm to 4pm (Web Design)
o 4pm to 6pm (Photoshop & Web Design)
o Seven students

Come to the CEJ in the morning to work on small projects but in the afternoon I will teach.

Second Round of Photoshop

2008-06-04T15:15:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, June 3rd was the start of the second round of the Photoshop course but I added Web Design after one hour of Photoshop. I have four students from the area (Tarrafal, Ribeira Torre, and Penha de França) and I think the students seem interesting.

The first day of Photoshop we made collages from my collection of Newsweek magazines and experimented with all the tools (crop, lasso, paintbrush, color, eraser, etc) on the left side. On Thursday, we will learn about three of the tools using two different photos.

The first day of Web Design we learned about the html, head, title, body codes as we wrote “Benvindo ao Mundo!” Each day I will teach them more code and about web design using the lesson plans that I found on Microsoft Website. At the end of the class, the students will have a start of a webpage of they own.

Here are the student’s collections of the art work:

Hiking (Ribeira de Torre)

2008-05-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

Sunday, May 25th we headed for a walk through one of the Ribeiras after church service at 1:30pm. We walked back into town around 7pm, which I was a little hungry because I only ate a cheese sandwich for lunch and crackers for a snack.

In the beginning of the walk, Ribeira de Torre was green and brown but towards the end it was green (see below for the photos). We walked past a friend’s tank (somewhat like a swimming pool), my counterpart’s house, tossed the soccer ball around with a couple of my students for a few minutes before the students headed into town, saw a few friends, and watched a soccer game on the way back.

Tossing the soccer ball around with my students, my thoughts were, I need more practice because I kicked it way to far once and while but it was fun to get out a play.

Soccer (futebol) is a big activity on Santo Antão. You see many fields in the Ribeiras big and small. The small ones are for the children to practice which the big fields are for the playful games between friends. These fields are completely dirt and you can view the players wearing tennis shoes, scandals, or no shoes.

They are many different types of tanks; for drinking, watering the plants, or sometimes only for swimming. You can use the tanks that are used for watering the plants for a cool drip on a hot day, if it is clean and you know the owner of the tank.

Soccer, swimming, playing games, chatting with friends, or passé (walking around) is some of the pastimes for the youth.

Here are some photos from the hike:

Hiking (Cove to Paul)

2008-05-12T16:34:00.000-07:00

Sunday, May 11th a friend and I left for the morning car at 7am to get up to Cove so we can hike from Cove to Paul. When we arrived in Cove which was chilly, which cost us together 500 CVE for the car ride. It was overcast with bits of rain drops but mostly cold. I didn’t bring a jacket because I didn’t expect it to be cold but nearing Paul they was no need for a jacket so I am glad that I didn’t bring one.

Starting out in Cove, we walked down a small cobblestone road between the mountains on one side and pine trees on the other side. It felt like Oregon. The weather was still overcast but you could see the sun peeping through the clouds so you knew it was going to be nice. We started to ascend up for a few moments before we descended down the Ribeira towards Paul. The whole walk was covering in green plants with flowers. I couldn’t believe how green it was.

We ran into friends on the hike, stopped for lunch and snacks, and to take photos. After looking through the photos, I decided to post five of my good shots.

Descending into the Ribeira of Cove, you could spot some soccer players playing at the local polivalente. You could see many water tanks scatter around the valley for the plants (sugar cane, lettuce, coffee, beans,…). We even stopped at the local Austrian’s house (bar & restaurant) for a small cheese plate. Alfred (Austrian) grows local basil and parsley, makes grouge and pouche, and the cheese is from his local cows. The cheese was delicious.

Coming into Paul, we found a car to take us back home. Arriving home, I took a nap until 8pm because it was a fulfilling day.

Hiking (Mon pe Trez)

2008-05-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

Sunday, May 4th a friend and I decided to go for a short walk through one of the Ribeiras. If it was mango season, which is, July to August the trees would be covered but I have to wait.

I brought my camera and I took some awesome shots of the mountains, the sun coming through the trees, and the greenish. See below for the photos because I took some great ones.

Karate

2008-05-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

Around the evening of 14 of April, I walking by down the street from my house to check on to see if we have Internet yet (it was down for two weeks because a boat hit the line to our island) and I just looked into the yard of the Police station, and guess what. Guess what I saw, a Karate class warming up.

Remembering Karate from high school, I was invited inside to watch or join. I decided to join in so I quickly went back home to change because the police station is across the street from my house.

For 1,000 CVE each mouth you practice for two hours, four days a week. The class is schedule from 6 to 8 or 8:30pm but doesn’t officially start until 6:30pm. Mostly the students are arriving from 6 to 6:30pm so you can warm-up, jump rope, and/or practice during that time. We have on average about 15 to 20 adults with about 4 to 10 children. The last three weeks I have training we had four children but recently 10 students have been practicing with us.

The class officially starts at 6:30pm with warm-ups (stretches, jumping jacks, and jumping routine), then we practice punches and kicks. Then, we divide into pairs for technical. And sometimes we spar. By the end of class, I am exhausted and ready to hit the shower.

Overall, I am meeting some new friends, learning new vocabulary, and doing an activity that I have enjoyed since high school but couldn’t startup again in college because of my school workload. I am glad that I am back.

Photoshop Course

2008-04-16T14:58:00.000-07:00

April 1st, around 10:45am my group of students for the Photoshop course showed up late but showed up. We went over the formulated of the class and we cracked open the program. We learned about the layout and tools, and then we started our first art project, “collage with Newsweek magazine.”

The Photoshop course is two days a week for one hour (10:00 to 11:00) for one month.

The weeks to follow (4 weeks) will be working with other photos that I have taken samples from Photoshop, or the students. It is structured more like art activities, experimenting with the program. We learn about the different tools and experiment.

The class is more like art class with activities to experiment with the program and get to know it. At the end of the class, each student will get a copy of Photoshop to continue to play around and learn how to manipulate the photos. I think the students are enjoying the class.

Here are the collages from the first day:

Camp Crioula

2008-04-16T14:54:00.000-07:00

“Crioulas ne top d’mund”

Camp Crioula was a success, with 31 teenagers (15 to 19 years old) and 4 junior counselors that attended last years camp. This was the second year of the leadership camp for girls, which lasted for 5 days in the zone of Ribeira Grande.

The campers attended many sessions, which was getting to know each other (yarn connect game), selecting teams (popping balloons with a name of a junior counselor and a camper’s name), selecting team names for the week, women’s health with the help from the nurse, self-esteem, AIDS (with the banana race), motivation, leadership, etc. Some of the speakers were the nurse from the hospital, couple of the local teachers from the school, and us.

Beside sessions, the campers did art projects, which were making dolls, decorating there journals and folders, friendship bracelets, and tye-dye. The campers tye-dye the shirt that each receive with the logo and motto. Beside, art projects, the campers had a soccer game. Go Team!!!

The campers, junior counselors, and volunteers all had fun and we really enjoy ourselves. We all took a ton of photos during the week, which can be few here, http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AbtGTdm3bNmL8g.

Easter Day & Photos

2008-04-16T14:45:00.000-07:00

Easter weekend was a blast with food, drinks, music, and Frisbee; it was almost like being at home celebrating the holiday with friends and family. The activities, before heading over to a friend’s house for Easter dinner, I attended Easter Mass. The church was full with seven or more to a seat, with standing and sitting around the edges, and it took over two hours because it was a half hour late but normal.

A few other volunteers joined us from the different islands (Santiago & Fogo). We made a ton of food (chicken, fish, cheesy potatoes, salad, and green beans). Some of the recipes used were found in a couple of magazines that were sent from family and friends in the States. Thank you for the magazines because the chicken recipe was delicious.

While the food cooked we hung out, talked, drank, or played Frisbee with the children outside (see the photos). The children loved the Frisbee and we had some good players too. During the beginning, it was I and another volunteer throwing the Frisbee around before the children joined us. When we had a big group, I took out the camera and had some fun. Even a child helped me a take a few of the photos (he might become the next camera man). Frisbee was fun and it was something different then being inside waiting for dinner.

The two volunteers in Coculi did dessert, which was, fabulous. We had about four or five desserts to choose from, and I choose them all. I loved the homemade chocolate peanut butter balls.

We had a great weekend, celebrating Easter.

Camp Crioulo Press Release

2008-03-24T13:39:00.001-07:00

P.S. Easter was great. I wil upload photos and info in the next entry in a couple of days.

The press release for the girls camp that the leaders (second-years) put together and I am helping out with came out today on the four newspapers in Cape Verde. Visit http://www.expressodasilhas.cv/noticias/detail/id/2829/ to view the release. Here is a brief section of the press release:

"As Voluntárias do Corpo da Paz vão realizar o segundo acampamento feminino, denominado "Camp CRIOULA," entre os dias 25 e 30 deste mês, no Centro Agrícola de Afonso Martinho, Concelho da Ribeira Grande, na ilha de Santo Antão. De acordo com uma nota da organização, "Camp CRIOULA" vai oferecer informação e formação nas áreas da liderança, orientação profissional, saúde da mulher, prevenção da gravidez na adolescência, educação ambiental e o conhecimento da personalidade das 40 (quarenta) raparigas, na faixa etária dos 15 e 19 anos, oriundas de todos os concelhos e localidades da ilha de Santo Antão."

Happy Easter or Pascoa

2008-03-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of Spring and it is feeling a lot warmer in Cape Verde compared to December and January but I do miss the flowers and trees coming to life after the Winter Season. Please send photos of the Spring Season in America.

Happy Easter or Pascoa!! I hope the day brings Special Joy on this great occasion. Have fun…

1. Visiting with family and friends…
2. Eating some delicious foods (I will be too)…
3. Taking some great shots of the holiday (I will post some photos of our Easter Dinner)…
4. And having fun.

Have a great weekend with family and friends. Enjoy life.

Dia do Pai

2008-03-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

Dia do Pai (Father's Day)

Today is Father's Day in Cape Verde. Some of the examples of how Cape Verdeans thank they Fathers for being so great are:

Send an email.
Or call.
Buy presents, for example, perfume, watch, certificate for being a great dad, take them out to dinner, or give him a big kiss.
etc, etc, etc...

So, Dia do Pai to all the DAD's in the World.

New Class Schedule

2008-03-06T12:29:00.000-08:00

I am teaching 13 students on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until May 16th. And teaching or tutoring one student on Tuesday and Thursday for one month on her laptop. Next month, I will be teaching a Photoshop class in the morning of Tuesday and Thursday. My class schedule is:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday (Computer Course)
* 8:00 to 10:00 -> 5 students
* 10:00 to 12:00 -> 4 students
* 3:00 to 5:00 -> 4 students

Tuesday, Thursday
* 3:30 to 4:30 -> tutoring one student
* 10:00 to 11:30 -> Photoshop Course

Keeping busy but still having fun.

Updated News

2008-03-06T12:26:00.000-08:00

I fell really bad that I haven't updated my blog in a month so sorry. Sorry that I haven’t updated my blog in about a month but I have been busy with visiting with my grandparents in Portland, Oregon for six days but two weeks for travel and fighting with TACV (Cape Verdean Airlines) because I HAVE NO BAG.

I left on Monday, February 11th and return home Friday, February 22nd. When I returned my bag was not on my flight. I had a lot of stuff that I brought back with me. I have been fighting with TACV because TACV Cape Verde says it is not here and TACV Boston says it is not there. So, where is it?

Beside the little problem with TACV I had a good trip back home. I visited with my grandparents, friends, and my cousins. Ate at some good restaurants and visited my favorite places (Indian, McMennamins, Starbucks, etc). My Grandma C. is doing well. She has good spirit and doing well.

Overall, it was a good trip beside NO BAG.

Hiking on Thursday

2008-02-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

Thursday morning after breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon we (two other volunteers) headed for the Ribeira for a short hike through the Ribeira. It took a car to another town that was about 5 minutes away before we started walking.

On the way, we stopped to drop off a few things at one of the volunteer’s houses before heading on our way. We talked, met others, and climbed through the Ribeira. I took some awesome shots of how tall the mountains were.

At one of the spots before descending (which we didn’t do) we took another photo and decided to turn back because it was a little after noon and it would have taken another two hours to finish the climb to the top. We had to get back before 2pm because one of the volunteers needed to catch the car back to the boat. Otherwise it was a great morning, with some awesome shots.

Here are some of the photos that I took:

Municipio de Ribeira Grande

2008-02-08T11:26:00.000-08:00

January 17th is our town festival. There was music, horse racing, and other activities throughout the week. Here are some photos of the horse racing:

…

2008-01-22T10:34:00.000-08:00

…”But now I know that our world is no more permanent than a wave rising on the ocean. Whatever our struggles and triumphs, however we may suffer them, all too soon they bleed into a wash, just like watery ink on paper…”
Memoirs of a Geisha

This quote from the book reminds me of the adventure I am taking in Cape Verde. I am one of many taking the turns on the current that is helping with teaching, mentoring, and being a friend to others but we all have struggles that we deal with daily. But the triumphs outweighs the struggles.

Great Things for the Centro de Juventude

2008-01-15T11:56:00.000-08:00

Friday, January 11th, 2008 we received four computers, two printers with the capabilities of scanner and copying, LCD monitors, and Internet for the computer classroom.

That morning I walked into the CEJ to teach my morning class fifteen minutes early, and a friend that works at the CEJ says, “we are getting new computers today.” I wasn’t sure exactly want was happening so I continue to get ready to teach my student.

Towards the end of class which my student was working on a Microsoft Excel exercise, my counterpart, youth, the telephone company, and the donor walk in with boxes filled with new equipment. We had an official ceremony with two small speeches and opening up one of the boxes that contained the LCD monitor. We setup the LCD monitor on the desk.

We were all excited with photos being taking, opening up a few other boxes to see the new content, and giving gratitude to the donor. My student was there to witness the moment at the CEJ. It was a great day.

We will be waiting to setup the computers in February when we get the Internet and power all connected in the computer room. But in February or March I will be teaching four students in the morning and four students in the afternoon on the new Windows XP machines. The other two days I will be teaching a Photoshop class that was request by a student.

Happy New Year

2008-01-06T11:26:00.000-08:00

New Years in Cape Verde is a formal occasion but I did the same things I do in America, relax and watch fireworks at midnight.

The last day of the year was no different then any other day besides going out to eat for lunch. That evening I visited the Internet café to download my mail and say hi to my friends. I came home to my roommate and her boyfriend making dinner. We talked while we cooked and then we received knocks on our door.

The knocks were groups of kids with musical instruments, wishing us a good New Year. The first groups we just said “thanks” but we were getting the idea that they wanted more then just thanks. We all knew they wanted money but instead we gave them sugar cookies that my roommate made for Christmas. When we ran out of cookies we gave them other treats, and then we turned to U.S. money. We thought the kids were loved to have money from a different country because we all loved getting different currencies from our grandparents, aunts, and uncles when they travel but we were wrong. The pennies were not a success.

It was getting late (11pm). My roommate and her boyfriend had a romantic dinner of Indian food while I went upstairs and watched “Happily N’Ever After.” 10 seconds to midnight I counted down in my head and said “Happy New Year.”

I heard fireworks so I ran up the stairs to the roof and watched the show that lasted for about 10 minutes. Beside fireworks I heard car horns and cheerful yells of 2008. It is 2008 so enjoy.

Merry Christmas

2008-01-06T11:25:00.000-08:00

Walked into my house after training, and the Christmas tree was being decorated by my roommate. Compared to my “real” trees and all my decorations each Christmas season in America our kitchen looked like Christmas.

I didn’t make any cookies or have as many decorations or presents under the tree like when I was home but this was my first Christmas not in America. The presents were under my bed hiding for the big day because I was waiting for 25th of December to open them. And we didn’t have the Christmas tree up till that weekend. And after all, I didn’t open the presents until the next day because I was in the next town having Christmas dinner and it got too late to come home.

“Christmas Day” I woke up around 10am because I went to midnight mass on Christmas Eve. I made pancakes and ate them with syrup and jam, and hung out until 3pm because I was heading over to the next town for Christmas dinner. We had an awesome dinner with tons of desserts. We had chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, bread loft (mix from America), sweet corn, apple crisp, peach pie, chocolate pudding pie, chocolate chip cookies, and drinks. We played cards and watched “West Wing Season Five” (a fellow volunteers Christmas present).

The next day I came home to my presents which I took from my under my bed and laid them out neatly on my bed. I opened a few before my family called to wish me a “Merry Christmas.” I would like to thank my family and friends for all my Christmas presents. I loved everything.

Overall, it was a good Christmas in Africa. But I did miss my family and friends, and waking up to see everybody opening presents that were under the tree.

In-Service Training

2008-01-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 15th I was packed and ready for the afternoon car to Porto Novo so I can take the ferry to Mindelo. When I arrived in Porto Novo, I paid the driver 400 CV and asked for change because the ride cost 350 CV. The driver gave me 50 CV plus 200 CV back so my ride was only 150 CV. I tried to ask why and the driver said it was okay. I just shook my head in accomplice and said bye.

I met a few other volunteers on the afternoon boat so we headed together to the hotel in Mindelo. The next day we will be heading to the Island of Santiago for week long training since we all left for site in September (three months ago).

The training was set on top of one of the beautiful mountains of Santiago which had awesome sunsets every evening, the only thing that I disliked, it was COLD. A few of the other volunteers which included me, took hikes around the area after the sessions ended. On one of the hikes, you could see the Island of Fogo.

Beside the awesome sunsets, great hikes, and being able to watch CNN on one of the television in the room were the good sessions that the staff taught us. I especially liked the “Life Skills Session” because it gave me some good ideas to do at the youth center where I am currently working.

World AID's Day

2007-12-03T12:33:00.000-08:00

On December 1st it was supposed to start at 10am, but being in Cape Verde it started at 1pm. We had a few factors that made it start later then the regular two hours. We woke up to no power.

The secondary school organized the AIDs event on Saturday, my roommate and I were observes of the event. We had music from two local bands, an AIDs play put on by a friend that will be going to school to become a doctor, AIDs race from Ponto do Sol to Puvason, a tent was setup for information, and gifts given out for correct answers to the questions.

Overall the school and the town of Puvason gave out good informations. Below our the some of the photos of the event.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-12-03T12:30:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving weekend started Friday night (5pm) in Paul with a handful of volunteers waiting to eat turkey with all the trimmings. Dinner wasn’t finished until 10pm and I was half-hungry when it was time because I helped in the kitchen and also I was one of the taste-testers.

We had two birds equaling to 4 kilos, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, mashed squash, devil eggs, appertize, veggie plate, rice pudding, and cranberry sauce (from Portugal). The cranberry sauce was delivered from my roommate when she was visiting and taking the GRE in Portugal. It was a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner.

It was too late to make the Apple Cinnamon French Toast the night before so we made regular French toast the next morning with bacon and fruit salad. Maybe next time I will make that recipe.

Some of the volunteers (4) left very early the next morning but a few of us (10) struck around. A few went into Puvason to go Loja shopping, few stayed at the house, and a few went for a walk to see the waterfall. No photos of the waterfall because I had no battery power.

The waterfall was struck inside the Riberia of Paul behind the sugarcane fields. If I had my swimming suit on, I would of jumped into the water. Afterwards, we walked to the yellow house on the side of the cliff.

The yellow house was a resort that has been open for one year named Casa de Ilhas. We had a tour of the facility with grog if we wanted. For one of the rooms, it cost 5,000$CV but that includes breakfast and dinner with a great view. I might be helping them develop a website, I just need to email them.

That night, we planned on camping at the lighthouse but black clouds with rain changed our plans. Instead we played P & A and had a 80’s dance party. I took some great shots.

Overall we had a great Thanksgiving in Cape Verde.

Getting Busier

2007-11-19T13:40:00.000-08:00

Sorry that I haven’t written an entry in the blog for awhile but I am getting busier here on Santo Antao. My job is finally getting going besides still working on the language.

At the CEJ, I am teaching two students on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I teach one student in the morning from 10 to 12 and one or two students in the afternoon from 3 to 5. The students are doing pretty well and I think are having fun. We have learned about different Operating Systems, versions of Windows, played in DOS because we are in Windows 98, practiced using the mouse in Paint, learned about different programs, the control panel, how to create a user account, changed the desktop, and worked in Windows Explorer. And we are about half away done learning about Windows. Next up is Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet.

On Tuesday and Thursday, I am giving private typing lessons to one student using Microsoft Word and a typing program that I found on the web. The typing program fit perfectly on a floppy disk because the two computers in the CEJ don’t have CDROMs or USB ports.

I am trying to start a fun English class at the library but that is going slowly. If it works out cool, if not, that is okay too. I tried.

I am having fun, and on Thursday we are going to celebrate Thanksgiving in Paul with all the volunteers on Santo Antao.

International Music Festival

2007-11-19T13:38:00.000-08:00

November 2nd & 3rd was the International Music Festival in Puvason which started around 10pm and ending around 4am. Some of the volunteers from around Santo Antao joined us for the festa and music.

We had many different bands played from Europe and Cape Verde. Some of the bands that I heard were from Portugal, Spain, Italy, and local artists from Cape Verde or Ribeira Grande. On Friday, I stayed around until 2am listening to the bands very close to the stage. The last band that I heard was a local band with a couple of friends that I knew, and the singer was only 10 years old but sings excellent.

On Saturday, we were joined by more volunteers on Santo Antao, and we were invited on top of the bank building. On top of the bank building were family and friends of the artists, and the two Presidents of the two Camaras. The Presidents were from Camara of Paul and Camara of Ribeira Grande with there families. I rooftop had free drinks and food. After while, I went back down so I can be close to the stage so I can heard a couple of my friends play.

The music festival brought crowds from around Europe and Cape Verde so we weren’t the only “white people” in town for the weekend. But we heard multiple languages beside Portuguese and Kriolu being spoken. It was a great experience and it was a lot of fun.

This is the end of the events for the year beside Christmas. We have to wait until next Spring for the festas to start up again.

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T13:13:00.000-07:00

I would like to be the first to say “Happy Halloween” and I celebrated it well. Cape Verde celebrates Dia das Bruxas (Ghost Day) and tomorrow is All Saints Day. So, everything is closed on Thursday.

At 9 o’clock at the CEJ, I setup a table of Halloween goodies (candy and pencils), decorations, and a brief history about this holiday. After the youths were aware that the CEJ had treats, I had a handful come visit in masses. It was a great turnout.

For the goodies, I used the Halloween pencils (from Aunt Debby), spider and skeleton (from Grandma G.), one package sour patch kids (from Charn and Meuy), some of the Finding Nemo candies (from parents), and I brought chocolate suckers to put at on to the table.

For the brief history about the holiday, this is want I wrote on orange paper:
* Trinta y un de Otubru. (October 31st)
*Roupa (Costumes)
*Abodoras (Pumpkins)
*Batota o Trata (Trick or Treat)
*Drops (Candy)
*Festas (Parties)

*Um historia de “Halloween” data antis cristao y um festas de pagan mas agora um divirti de festa. (The history of Halloween dates back before Christ and it was a Pagan festival but now it is for fun.)

*Um palavras “Halloween” tinha um origem pa igreja de katoliku. (The word Halloween has it’s origin from the Catholic Church.)

*Tradicional “Halloween” simbolo (bruxa, gato de preto, abodoras, vela, festa, etc) iniciar na merka 1800s. (Traditional Halloween symbols are ghosts, black cats, pumpkins, witches, festivals, etc.)

*Pret y laranjadu um cor de Halloween. (Black and orange are the colors of Halloween)

The children played with the plastic spider and skeleton on the table. At noon, everything was gone so I cleaned up. Then, I visited the post office, and my parents Birthday/Halloween package arrived. So, I shared the “Candy Corn Taffle” with my coworkers at the CEJ, neighborhood friends, and library friends.

Halloween turned out to be a perfect day. Thanks for all that helped put it together with treats from America.

Happy Halloween

You Got Mail Again

2007-10-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank my mom, dad, Charn, and Meuy for sending me stuff from the States. I received a ton of stuff that I will use, and hopefully not eat all the sweets in one week. I will try to save a few so it last longer.

Thank you for everything.

Puvason Library

2007-10-24T13:59:00.001-07:00

Here is where I spend most of my afternoons during the week, the library. I feel familiar with the library surrounding by all those books. Plus, the librarian, students, and children to talk too.

Everyday I enter into the library and grab a few books to read. I read the books or talk to the librarian. Before school officially started at the end of September I played tic-tac-toe with Kaley. Kaley is six years old and starting her second year in school. She picked up this game very quickly. Kaley is a good friend to help her with her homework, study the language with, or play games. She pulls me around and shows me everything.

If I don’t visit the library each day, then I get asked “why” so it is part of my routine now.

Hike to Ponto do Sol

2007-10-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 20th I decided to take a walk from Puvason to Ponte do Sol with my camera. I grab a few escudos (200 CV), key to my house, camera, and sunglasses and started out for my walk.

I didn’t want a 5 minute ride from a Hiace driver because I wanted to enjoy the scenery of the mountains and ocean which took one hour. On my walk, I found a good place to go swimming so sometime when I feel hot and sweaty I take a dip in the ocean.

I met a few people and a small town outside of Ponto do Sol. The children were playing soccer on the dirt field. The field was small but it was fun for the children. When I arrived in Ponto do Sol, I decided it was time for nap.

I found a good sit by the closed-down airport that is by the ocean, and took a small cat nap before I continue back home. Ponto do Sol is a cute little town of European houses and great restaurants. The town caters to the tourist population because it is very beautiful and quiet.

I had a great two hour excursion away from Puvason, and here are few photos that I took along the way. Enjoy.

Photos of the Horse Racing

2007-10-16T13:35:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the photos that I took of the horse racing. It was a pretty good race but it took four hours to do five races, and the race only took 10 to 15 seconds.

Big Weekend

2007-10-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

Long and exhausted four days of fun (October 4th to 7th). The festival of Puvason celebrates when the church was inaugurated, and the church will be reopening after three years of unconstructed. It is a beautiful church. The days consisted of:

Thursday, October 4th:
Mass at the church
Music in the plaza started at 10pm until 3ish.

Friday, October 5th:
Mass at the church
Music & dancing again
Drag-Queen Fashion Show (evening)

Saturday, October 6th:
Mass at the church
Horse racing
Music & dancing again, again
Modeling Fashion Show (ended at 3am)

Sunday, October 7th:
Mass at the church with a parade
Horse racing
Music & dancing again, again, again

Monday, October 8th:
DAY OF REST (everything is closed)

I celebrated in a few events, and didn’t go to bed until 4am on Saturday. Most of the volunteers of Santo Antao needed a rest on Monday.

Puvason Festival

2007-10-04T14:30:00.001-07:00

This is a short entry but starting today and going until Sunday is the start of the festival for our village. There are going to be music, dancing, eating, soccer, horse racing, etc. I promise to post some photos of the festival, maybe of the soccer and horse racing.

Our House

2007-10-04T14:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, I finally had time to take out my digital camera and take some photos of the grandview from our roof. It only took a month before I did this task. Sorry. I took fourteen photos but only five were excellent. Here are the photos:

View of the Mountain
When you look in one direction from the roof you see this great view of the mountains. If you go up the road, it goes to Porto Nove, the port.

View of the Ocean
When you look in the another direction from the roof you see this great view of the ocean. The buildings are the police station and secondary school. And there are clothes hanging to dry on some body’s roof.

View from the Roof
This photo is a view of the town from our roof. The Catholic Church is in the background, which is under construction until this weekend. There should be finish for the grand opening at this weekend’s festival.

Our House
This is the house I will be staying in for two years. It is a nice four bedroom and two bathroom house. Not fun to clean. Hahahaha. To the right is my work.

Our Kitchen
This is the kitchen. It looks and feels normal besides refilling the gas for the stove when it runs out.

You Got Mail

2007-09-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

Today (September 26, 2007) I received three letters and one package from friends in the States. Right now, I am eating the root beer flavored Jellybeans and candy raspberries that my grandma sent me. Hopefully I don’t eat them all today but there are so good. Thank you Grandma Grimmick.

Also, I received two new PJ’s from grandma. I love them so much I laid the clothes on the bed and took a couple of photos to share with everybody (see below). Missy (the cat) is even in some of the photos.

Missy is an active kitten with lots of energy especially at night when I want to read a book before going to bed. The photos of Missy show her energy level. She is a great cat which I love.

Just wanted to say, “Thank you all the cards and packages,” there make my day.

Sunday “playful” Soccer Game

2007-09-26T13:46:00.000-07:00

First I would like to apologize for not writing an entry sooner on my blog but I just downloaded the photos onto my computer.

Couple of Sundays ago, I thought I would take a walk to the nearby town of Paul. If I took a Hiace, it takes about 15 minutes but by walking it takes over an hour up and down hills.

On my way out of my house, I grab my sunglasses, camera, and 500 CV (just in case). Yes mom, I wore my sunglasses. And I headed off onto the road heading east. When I got to the Hiace stop, there asked me if I wanted a ride and I said, “No thanks, I am walking.” I passed friends and neighbors which I talked to on the way. I even ran into a neighbor that lives across the street. This is a small town.

About an hour into my walk I ran into a small town outside of Paul. I was very tired so I decided to take a break. This was okay because there was a soccer game being played. I took out my camera and took some shots (see below).

I watched and/or took some photos of the playful match of soccer, and I talked to two girls that said hello to me. When I was well rested I headed back for home. It was a great little outing away from Puvason.

I think I need to start doing this every weekend.

Ribeira Grande, Santo Antao

2007-09-08T12:16:00.000-07:00

Sorry it’s in Kriolu but it was last language assignment in PST
N ta bai mora na Santo Antao. N ta bai vive ku Michelle y N ta trabadja na CEJ y OMCV. N ta inxina kumputador pa studanti. Gosi, N ta papia sobri Santo Antao y Riberia Grande (Puvason).

Santo Antao e un ilia di Norti. Ael ten un grande montanha ki ta dividi ilias norti y di sul. Riberia Grande e villa mas grande di Santo Antao. La e verde y ta kubri txeu lugar. Pexi e primero produtu na Santo Antao. Tambe es ta produze sucre, bananas, mangi, y grogue.

Lingua di Santo Antao e Sanpadjud. Municipiu e Paul, Porto Novo, y Ribeira Grande. Ribeira Grande teni strada pa Porto Nove, Ponti di Sol, Paul, etc. Ponti do Sol ten eroportu y Porto Nove ten porto. Es ka ta uza eroportu, tudu viaja di barku.

English Translation
I am going to live in Santo Antao. I am going to live with my roommate and work in the CEJ and OMCV. I am teaching computers for the students. Now, I am going to speak about Santo Antao and Riberia Grande.

Santo Antao is the most northern Island. It has grand mountains that divide the Island in half from north and south. Riberia Grande village is the biggest on Santo Antao. It is very green. Fish is the main product on Santo Antao. Also the other products are sugar, bananas, mangos, and grogue (like rum).

The language of Santo Antao is Sanpadjud. The municipalities are Paul, Porto Novo, and Ribeira Grande. Ponti do Sol has an airport and Porto Nove has a port. The airport is not in use so you must use a boat.

My Site (Santo Antao)

2007-09-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

Eight new volunteers made there way to the plane in the early morning (4am). We were all overweight on luggage so we had to pay for the extra price for excessive luggage which was for me 2,600 CV.

After the hour long flight to Sao Vicente which I slept the whole time we arrived at the airport. We loaded all are luggage onto the Hiace so we can catch the ferry to Santo Antao which left at 9am. It is now 8am.

On the ferry ride, I slept. I was up late the night before with my fellow volunteers. In Santo Antao we are greeting by most of the current volunteers which helped us load luggage into the Hiace.

The beautiful ride through the mountains, pine trees, and cool air I arrived in my village. My roommate and I talked about everything we need to know about each other so we can live together. And we have a kitten named “Missy.”

I am very glad that I have made it to my site, and I am ready to start work more on my language skills and at my job as a community development worker.

Swearing-in

2007-09-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

I am officially a volunteer (PCV). Plus, we are famous (somewhat) because we were on the news.

On September 1st, all twenty-seven of us dressed in our finest clothes and headed to the technical school in our village that we have grown and learn in from the last nine weeks of training.

At the ceremony, we had our host families, our technical trainers, staff, current volunteers, and the language trainers there for the celebration. We had many speakers but the Embassy asked us all to stand so we can be sworn-in. I am officially a volunteer in Cape Verde.

Now, I can move to my site for the next two years.

Site Announcement

2007-08-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

My placement for the next two years is Santo Antao. My primary job will be working at a youth and women centers.

At the youth center, I will be teaching basic computer skills and maybe English. At the women center, I will be working to promote the awareness of AIDS, STD, & more women involvement. But I will not know for sure until I get to site officially.

I know that the youth center has limited amount of resources on computers so the class size will be small. I think it will be an interesting but exciting two years.

I am very excited to be in Santo Antao. It is a beautiful place, with mountains and pine trees. With the ocean at my footsteps.

Hiking with the youth of my village

2007-08-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

Kriolu:
Anda a pe: Nos nu bai anda a pe ku grupa di zona. Amigos nu anda a pe. Nos nu sai di zona 9:30a y nu volta 6:00 di tardi.
Nu odja kaxuera, txeu verdi, tanka di aqua, un kaza di bandona nu lanxa, grande montanhas, y nu visita otra zona.
Nu odja txeu animal makaku, kabra, vaca, y etc... Makaku e fice. N na odja tres makaku y txeu kabra.
N teni korenta y sinko fotos. Kel la foi grande aventura, mas kasades. Ora pa kama.

English:
Hiking: We went hiking with a group from our village. Trainings and youth went hiking. We left at 9:30am and return at 6:00pm.
We saw waterfalls, a lot of green plants, water tanks, and had a snack at a abandon house, big mountains, and visited a different village.
We saw a lot of animals which were monkeys, goats, cows, etc… The monkeys were cool. I saw three monkeys and a lot of goats.
I took 45 photos. That was a grand adventure but tiring. Time for bed.

The translate from Kriolu to English is to my best of my knowledge. It is hard to make it completely want I said in Kriolu to English but the concept is correct. I hope you liked your language session.

Teaching Card Games

2007-08-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

Last week, I taught my family three new card games which were Solitaire, Double Solitaire, and Uno. My language skills are okay, so I thought I would teach some America games to my family.

For Solitaire, I played one round with my eleven year old cousin watching over my shoulder so I let her play the second round. She picked that up quickly so I taught her Double Solitaire. I knew she got it when she didn’t want me to put a card on her pile, she said, “nau por favor, nau por favor.” The next day I had a six person round of Double Solitaire being played.

For Uno, which is harder to explain but I did it. I taught them the rules from the instructions with a few modications from years of playing. My family completely understands the games, and loves playing it. I am going to give them the deck of Uno as a present because you cannot find that game at any of the Lojas and they like playing the game.

After I taught the games to my family, there have been doing the card games while I am I school, doing PC stuff, or after dinner. Thank you Grandma Clark for teaching me how to play Double Solitaire. You helped me bring the game to my host family.

Food, language, & culture

2007-08-06T07:46:00.000-07:00

Food:
Kafe (Breakfast): Coffee, milk, bread, fried eggs, juice, sandwich, …
Manxeda (Brunch): Katxupa, rice, …
Almusu (Lunch): Rice, fish, meat, chicken, katxupa, …
Lanxi (Snack): Milk, juice, bread, chips, …
Jantar (Dinner): Rice, fish, meat, chicken, katxupa, …

Language (About Family):
Kriolu: Ami e mai txome Bonnie. Ami e pai txome Curtis. Ami e irman txome Christine. Ami e irmon txome Kevin.
English: My mom’s name is Bonnie. My dad’s name is Curtis. My sister’s name is Christine. My brother’s name is Kevin.

Culture:
Some things are the same, and some things are different. The grouping of age groups is different, for example, children are from 1 to 14, youth are from 15 to 29, and adults are over 30.
Saying hello. It takes longer to walk from house to house because you have to stop and talk to everybody, and sometimes there will ask you to come in for lanxi. And you must come in for lanxi or you are being rude.

You can float

2007-08-06T07:43:00.000-07:00

Sunday, July 29, 2007 we visited Tarafal. Tarafal’s is a beach village that is very crowded on the weekend, for example, it is like Cannon Beach, Oregon.

In the village that I am staying for my PST, there is a church youth group that hangs out at the school everyday. The youths invited the trainees in my group (which is five) to come to Tarafal on Sunday for fun and lunch.

We arrived at the beach around 10:30am and left for home around 6:30pm. We all swam, played fuitbul and/or volleyball, and ate lunch (rice, veggies, fish, and cola). The water is warm. Beside the water temperature, you can float. The water is very salty so it is very easy to layback and “take a nap” on top of the water.

Tarafal is beautiful. And it was a relaxing Sunday with friends.

Hiking Trip (Santiago)

2007-07-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, July 21st was a day off from a structure day so a brunch of us met at 7am in Assomada for a two hour hike.

The hike was from Ribo de Manual to Ribo de Barca (port town). The hike was down the canyon wall (see photo), through the valley floor, and ending at the ocean. We all went swimming off the port after the hike, and then met up for lunch (BBQ). The BBQ was fish, chicken, rice, garlic bread, and soda/beer.

It was a great relaxing day of non-structure PST items.

Demystification Visit (PCV Shadowing)

2007-07-24T11:21:00.000-07:00

Five day vacation for all trainees, five of us went to the Northern most Islands, Santo Antao.

On Saturday, July 14th we flew into the airport on the Island of Sao Vincent at 8:30am, where we had to wait until 3:30pm for the boat to Santo Antao. We met a PCV that was our tour guide; we did a few things which were,

1. Tried to help plant trees with the youth but there never showed up on time
2. Ate breakfast at a very nice restaurant
3. Heard about some of her projects, which were,

o Professor at the University
o Yoga classes
o Organizating a beach clean-up day for September 15th with the government
o Poetry readings

Arriving in Sao Antao was beautiful. The drive up North was through a pine tree forest, it smelled of home. Some of the things that I did on the Island were,

1. Visited the other PCVs in Paul
2. Walked around the town of Porto do Sol
3. A PCV threw a small get-together for the volunteers especially for the ones that are COS in the next couple of months
4. Met and visited the other villages
5. Some of the projects that the PCV have/or doing are

o Finished the first summer camp on Santo Antao for 50 girls
o Working at the camara in the IT department, training the technicians
o Teaching English

I liked the Island of Santo Antao because of the pine trees, the greenness, how friendly everybody was, and the layback environment. It was a lot of fun on the Island of Santo Antao.

Some photos of Cape Verde

2007-07-17T12:44:00.000-07:00

Photos of Cape Verde

1. Dakar, Senegel; view of outside the hotel that we stay for a layover.

2. Praia, Cape Verde; this is downtown Praia, the view outside the hostel we stayed in for three days.
3. Sao Vincient, Cape Verde; the town that we fly into on our way to Sao Antao.

4. Sao Antao, Cape Verde; the view of the water in Porto do Sol while shadowing a PCV.
5. Sao Antao, Cape Verde; view of the boat dock in Porto do Sol.

Hello from Cape Verde -- First weeks of Training

2007-07-16T05:25:00.000-07:00

For right now, I am using an Internet Cafe to check my emails in Assomada each Friday. I write the email at home, and then copy and paste when I get to a computer.

It is the beginning of the rainy season. It mostly rains for a couple of hours or mintues, and then it is back to sunny and hot. It is very humid and dry on Santiago.

The language is going slowly. I know it will come eventually. I have talked to other volunteers and the first couple of weeks, you feel like you will not ever get it but it will come. The Islands to the North speak Northern Creole. It is completely different, for example, there cut off the sentences to be shorter.

Today in class for applied language, we had to take the Yasiz (a van, similar to a bus) to Assomada. We have to learn how to say stop, how much, etc. It is differerent compared to Trimet. The Yasiz always has music playing and it gets very hot and crowded with people.

I hope all is well. I miss everybody, and tell grandparents hi for me.

I am here

2007-07-04T07:12:00.000-07:00

Cape Verde, Africa

I am here. Flying from Georgia to Senegal to Cape Verde was interesting and tiring. Being up for over 24 hours was exhausting but I have recoup.

Now, it is studying the language of Kriolu and learning about the history. My village is helpful and nice. I have integrate with the children by playing multiple games, for example, tic-tac-toe, cannon ball, racing, and frisbee.

Here is a brief language lecture so far:

Modi ku bu sta?
N sta bom.
Fixe
Tkau

Need to get to the history lesson soon, so more later.

Staging Infomation

2007-06-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Peace Corps! The staging kit will answer most of the questions I have for my final departure to Cape Verde.

The staging event is located in Atlanta, GA. I will have two full days of orientation where I will met my fellow trainees and listen to multiple lectures on safety, success, nuts & bults, ... but it will be a good experience before I depart for Cape Verde on June 27th.

I wil be in Praia for 8 to 12 weeks before I head off to my official site. I will keep everybody posted with blog posts, email, instant messager, letters, and photos so keep on watching.

My Assignment -- Cape Verde

2007-03-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

Today, I have received my invitation package with my current assignment that I will be working on for two years. The assignment is:

Country: Cape Verde
Program: Community Development
Job Title: Information Technology Advisor
Dates of Service: Sept 2007 – Sept 2009
Orientation Dates: June 25-27, 2007
Pre-Service Training: June 28 – Sept 2, 2007

Some of my primary duties (all or some) as a community development, information technology advisor are:
Information Technology Advisor duties:

Constructing and maintaining computer hardware/sofware
Teach computer skills, for example, Microsoft Office Suite, installation, & troubleshooting
Working on research
Assisting with linking other organization together
Collect data
Design training programs
Increase skills of the host organization

Community Development duties:

Working with youth
HIV/AIDS education
Women in development
Information and communication technology

This is going to be an adventure that teaches me patience, flexibility, challenges, new cultures, two new languages(Portuguese & Cape Verden), and expanding my computer knowledge. Wish me luck.

Placement Soon

2007-03-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my toolkit(Peace Corps login page) has been updated from nominee to invitee. My invitation package was mailed from Washington D.C. on Wednesday. Looks like I will be filling out forms and reading the volunteer handbook this weekend if I receive the package on Friday.

Wish me good luck. Soon, I will know what my assignment is (patience & flexiblity).

More information about placement

2007-03-08T13:08:00.000-08:00

Received phone call this afternoon with more details about my departure date. With updated resume submitted, there are a few placements in Africa that are asking for computer technicians. I should receive my iniviation letter in the next two weeks for the June 2007 departure.

Beginning...

2007-02-11T22:54:00.000-08:00

This blog will be for me to post about my two year service in Africa with my service as a Peace Corps volunteer. It is a way for everybody to keep in communication with me.

More to come in the future when I leave or know more information.

Hopefully departing in May 2007, if everything goes okay...