Camp Suriname

Staying in Lelydorp is starting to feel a bit like camp. We spend all day in our various language classes, and all evening learning about Suriname. We all go to the kitchen to eat breakfast in the morning, and we get a 2 hour break to go to the nearby restaurants for lunch. Then we try to do things together, often using the last bit of sunlight to play a game of soccer or kickball. I am quite skilled at soccer compared to these kids, which I was surprised about, but is a nice ego boost. And I am learning a lot of baseball strategy by playing kickball.
Although we are adults, we got in trouble by the country director this weekend because someone brought an outsider to the training facility late at night. I am definitely in agreement that whoever it was was not thinking straight, but I can't say that it didn't make me feel like I was five when we all got a good talking to.
Camp Suriname is pretty nice and all, but I am starting to feel like I am in a bubble, protected from the real world that lurks in the distance. We are always listening to people tell us about what we will encounter and what will be expected of us, but there is not an inkling of any of that yet. That being said, we are scheduled to make our first one-week homestay trip next week. We are all very excited to finally get to be in the mix of things. A lot of the girls will be expected to wear Pangi's (the skirts we bought last weekend) for the first time ever, so that will be an experience. Then there are the awkward things, like that fact that Saramaccan's don't really have mealtimes and don't often eat together, and DEFINITELY don't talk while eating. I'll report back on that one. There's also the fact that my host mother is supposed to teach me to wash my clothes by the river and wash myself as well. They are big on hygiene, especially in the private area, and I am told that many of last years volunteers got a one on one lesson from their host moms on proper downstairs washing techniques. That should be awkward. Even more so because it will involve a lot of hand gestures and failed attempts at communication.

Oh, by the way, the address I was given was incorrect. I am told that the mail has been delivered, even with the incorrect address, but just in case, here is the real one:

Peace Corps Suriname
Attn: Alissa Kispersky
P.O.B. 9500
Franchepanestraat 12-16
Paramaribo, Suriname
South America

It is time for me to go now! I am loving the comments you guys are leaving so keep it up! Also feel free to ask me about any certain aspects of my life here that you want to know about.

See you next time!