I Lost the Crown

Last night we had fish for dinner and I finished quite hastily because I had to go work on my JVC application and lesson plans. Needless to say, I lost the crown for the first time in weeks. Ok, maybe I should explain the crown first. Since my second night in PG, Stefan and Camille have challenged me to an eating contest every dinner. I cleaned them out that first night of the contest (we had fried chicken that night and Stefan was left agape at how much fried meat I could consume in one sitting). However, the next night I was flabbergasted myself when I finished my plate and excused myself, prompting Camille to declare proudly that she had vanquished me and “won the crown”. I had eaten twice as much as she had and in half the time no less! Then I realized that in Stefan and Camille’s eyes, the amount of time sitting at the table is in direct correlation to the amount of food consumed. Since then I’ve held the crown unchallenged (until last night) as I gorge myself on two helpings and then just sit at the table patiently sipping my watermelon or soursop juice and talking to Marion and Patricia about politics or my family or my life goals or whatever. This has become one of my cherished little rituals here, and one of the highlights of my homestay so far. I’m really glad that I’ve been able to live with a family.

Another funny little ritual of mine also comes on Tuesdays and involves my antimalarial. Since I have to take one pill of chloroquine every week, I’ve found that counting my chloroquinet is a fun way to count down the weeks until I’m back in Seattle. Right now, I have 10 pills (10 – 3 weeks after I get back – 2 extra pills just in case = 5 weeks). Can you believe I’m only here for 5 more weeks? Neither can I. Especially since I only have three and half weeks at Claver, then a week in Guatemala with Sean Rawson, then a week in Belize City with the Camp Min crew. I know it’s going to go by quickly. On Thursday, 50 of the STD VI students and all of the STD VI teachers are going on the Annual overnight National Tour to go visit government buildings in Belmopan, museums in Belize (City), and Mennonites in Cayo. I’m really excited and I’m pretty sure I’m going to get more out of the trip than most of my students (yeah, I’m a huge nerd and I’m fine with that). Then next week is my birthday! Sweet!