6 Months and a Hurricane

Six months ago tonight, I and about 25 other bleary-eyed peace corps trainees and boarded a bus in Georgetown and headed for Reagan International Airport. We flew to Atlanta, and from Atlanta to San Pedro Sula. And so began the Peace Corps Experience. It was supposed to start a few days earlier, but we were snowed in for a while. Now I'm living on the Caribbean coast and barely even remember what it's like to feel cold. Time flies!

To celebrate, we've got a hurricane warning. Hurricane Dean is heading over this way, though so far the predictions have it tracking a bit north of us. Even so, it's expected to be Category 4 by Monday, so we could still get some heavy wind and rain. Exciting!

Coke Label

Coke Label
Originally uploaded by StormyPetrel

Translation:

Movement
Well-being

Promised drop by drop

100 Calories (5%*)
Contains thousands of smiles
Good source of hydration
Low-Sodium Drink

* % of daily recommended allowance of FAO/OMS (WHO)

Walking 30 minutes daily and smiling is part of your well-being.

The Coca-Cola Company: www.institutodebebidas.org

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Is this label on American cokes? I suppose none of this is a lie (thought the hydration claim is pushing it), but it's certainly misleading. And it works. Many people in Honduras actually believe that Coke is good for you.

A Moment in Trujillo

Walking back from English class on a hot, muggy night, my clothes stick to my sweaty skin. People are out and about in Cristales, walking, talking, sitting on doorsteps, illuminated by passing headlights and the occasional streetlamp. I cross the bridge to the road that runs along the beach and am treated to a spectacular view: a lightning storm over the Bay of Trujillo. Bolts of lightning streak across the sky, lighting up the clouds and reflecting off the black waters of the bay. I stop and watch one of the most spectacular fireworks displays I've ever seen.

Peace Corps on the Radio

One of my favorite talk radio shows, KQED's Forum, spoke with the director of the Peace Corps in their latest show. There is a link on their website to stream the show or download the MP3. You can also subscribe to the podcast with iTunes.

I haven't listened to the show yet (the connection from the internet café is painfully slow today) but as soon as I do I'll post my reactions.