Howdy hey everyone! Greetings once again from the heart of South America. I think this will be a short update, and probably a bit boring and dry, since I just finished a long one before the computer froze on me and I lost it all…. But as for the important information that those of you reading this may be interested in: I am doing well, though I´ve had a crazy bout of dizziness for the last month or so that has been diagnosed as an inner ear thing that I´m taking medicine for for the next month. Those who I´ve talked to about this mention having cousins and such who´ve had similar things that they never quite got rid of? Anyone got a positive story? I´m growing tired of the spins without the pleasurable accompaniment of a frosty cold beverage.
As for my housing situation, looks like I´ll be able to rent a place after all. This comes as a relief and a disappointment as I was looking forward to practicing my carpentry skills, but was also nervous about having to live with the results of my carpentry skills for the next two years ;) I will, however, have to build my own latrine, shower shack, bed, tables, chair etc. As well as a door and several windows. The house itself is a very basic wood structure very similar to the ´jacob house´on lost, though in somewhat less a state of disrepair. >It has a door, cement floor, and tile roof. No windows, electricity, or running water – though there is a well that I am keeping my fingers crossed is not too dirty! I´ve already dug my two meter hole for the latrine, which was a long hot sweaty 3 days of digging in the super dense red clay soil in 100 degree temps! Good times good times, but I´m going to enjoy the hell out of my outhouse, or at least as much as one can really appreciate their standard pit latrine. The hopeful move in date will be in mid march sometime, depending on my level of productivity in getting the necessary accoutrements (big word practice, thanks again Theresa for the crosswords!). The odd part is I may actually be able to get internet through a wireless card catching the cell phone signals in my house, when you see pictures you may understand how odd this is.
I went to Carnaval last night in Encarnacion. Simply put, if you ever get the opportunity to go to a Carnaval, its worth it just to see the energy. Thousands of people lined the bleachers of the parade route and celebrated for hours starting at 9 and not even winding down by the time my group grew tired and sick of the foam around 2. There had been bottles of foam being sold in the streets for the past weeks, and last night was the last night of the month long weekend Carnaval series, so it would seem that everyone´s supplies were being emptied last night. Within the first 5 minutes my group of 6 Americans were covered in it. Though we did have our own little battle within our own group, as well as the victims of several drive by foamings in the streets while walking to the event. All in all it was an amazing time of really small sparkly and feather costumes on rather shapely individuals, singing, dancing, foaming, and discarded brahma (local beer) cans all around. A fun time, but I´m looking forward to getting back to my quiet campo life after a week in the big cities for medical treatments and now a carnaval event. I miss the quiet and clear night skies filled with the millions of stars that are invisible in most necks of the woods.
Hope all is well with yáll and that those of you whove been hit with the record snows are diggin out by now, or at least enjoying your time stuck wherever you´re stuck. Till next time…