Life of a trainee

Peace Corps training keeps us very busy. Between preparing for teaching at our technical site and during our link technical sessions, to studying for language, to preparing for our community project. On our day off last Sunday we were able to enjoy a hike organized by Matt's Barangay Captain in Old Cabalan. There were about 10 of us piled into the back of a rickety pick up truck for the short drive to the trail. Now, to get to this trail we had to cross at least three rivers in the truck, which was interesting to say the least. When we got to the village where the the trail started it was very rural, and we were just a half hour or so from they busy part of Olongapo City!
        Now this is not a trail like many people would think. It was a good thing we had the barangay captain and his emergency response team ready with ropes and iodine for all the cuts and scrapes that will ensue. We had to ford multiple rivers and rope climb up steep parts of the trail. Many of us were decked out in our super waterproof keens and the like, and we were STRUGGLING to rope climb up these hills (or should I say cliffs?). Meanwhile the Pilipinos were climbing these same cliffs with ease in their flip flops. On the way up we saw many indigenous people and saw how the rural populations REALLY live. It was beautiful scenery and my amazement was multiplied seeing the native people carry several pounds of rice on their heads with a grace that I could only wish to have. When we got to the waterfall it was something out of a postcard. Now I was told that before Mt. Pinatubo erupted in '91 the swimming hole ate the base of the waterfall was 15 feet deep and there were plenty of places to jump and dive into the refreshing pool. Now, there is so much sediment in this swimming place that the deepest part is only 5 ft. I still found it amazing.
The nice brangay rescue team hiked up a potato like vegetable that we dipped in coconut and sugar which was delicious. We ALL enjoyed the cool water since it was such a change from the heat we endure everyday.

When we got back from the waterfall the Barangay captain had a feast of local chicken and crayfish from the river. He served it with rice (of course) and on giant banana leaves and we ate the meal heartily with our hands. We then swam with the village in the local swimming hole and had an amazing time.

On Monday the PCTs were invited to hold a mini-ESL camp at the Subic Montessori school. Our mission was to show an example of team teaching and introduce new activities that are ESL oriented. My topic was Perfect Tenses with 7th, 8th, and 9th graders and we had 1 hour with each grade level. It was not the most exciting topic but my partner and I did the best we could with it. Overall it was a success. We were able to adapt our activities for all three grade levels pretty easily. However, what is more interesting is the WELCOME preparation the school did for us. When we arrived at the school they prepared a traditional dance and a some songs which were beautifully sung. Once we were done teaching they prepared a lunch with us that was so incredibly delicious. Then the teachers prepared a song for us as well as certificates of appreciation. It was so touching. It seemed that we both saw this as a wonderful learning experience. And we may have some videoke (much like karyoke) with the staff in the future :)

In other news, Matt and I had our site interviews recently, which is just a formality because we have been told they usually know where we are going. We will be visiting our sites October 4-8 which we are all very excited about.

We are still adapting pretty well, and we are both healthy as horses (knock on wood). Of course we miss everyone!

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Pictures are:
The feast on banana leaves after the hike, Me drinking fresh coconut juice at water safety training, Matt and his cluster on a jeepney, one of the indigenous  huts in the mountains that we encountered, the epic waterfall, sample of the scenery while hiking.