March 2nd, 2011

Even though I have only been in Guyana for a little over 2 weeks, it feels like I have been here so much longer. I have settled into a routine and I feel like I am getting more comfortable knowing my way around my neighborhood and my town.

I think one of my favorite things about Guyana that we don't have in the States are the minibuses. They are very very similar to the matatus in East Africa so I was lucky enough to feel pretty comfortable riding in them right away. They are basically small vans or buses that serve as the only form of public transportation. Things are spread out along the main road that runs along the coast and most people dont have cars, so when its hot, raining, or something is really far away, the minibuses are the most efficient ways to get where you need to go. The minibus, however, would never ever be allowed to operate in the States. They are basically tin cans on wheels and there are virtually no traffic laws. None (And no seat belts). Cars swerve to avoid potholes and cows and pass out anyone not going 40 or 50 mph. Still, I think they are kind of fun....but I like to live dangerously..... Just kidding, Mom :) The other really fun thing about the minibuses is that most of them like to blast their music. The most popular choices are Celine Dion, Richard Marx, and other random 80's power ballads. There is nothing funnier than a minibus pulling up, blasting the bass, all pimped out with pictures of half naked supermodels and a really bad ass looking driver....and then you realize that that music blasting is actually Richard Marx. Hilarious. The other day I got some Boyz 2 Men and Backstreet Boys (best day ever) and today was the Dirty Dancing soundtrack. I sat next to the driver and he kept laughing at me and calling me "funny white girl" cause I was singing along to "Hungry Eyes". But I'm used to it cause I get pointed at, started at, and laughed at ALL THE TIME. Most Guyanese are very open and welcoming to Americans but we are still seen as somewhat as a novelty. I get told all the time that I am the "whitest white person they've ever seen". Score one for my pale skin :)

My host family is doing well, I feel really comfortable with them and its almost like I am part of the family. My two host sisters, Susy and AnnMarie, continue to be the most adorable children ever and are constantly following me around and talking to me very very fast in Creolese. I am getting better at picking up the local dialect but there are still times I find myself just nodding and smiling and hoping I'm not agreeing to anything too awkward :)

Training is going well, although it is mostly just lectures and talks about culture, safety, and various health topics. It is Monday through Friday from 8 to 5 so the days can be pretty long and at times, tedious. Most current volunteers say that training is the hardest, most boring, most stressful part of your service because it is mostly talking and not a lot of doing. But most of the topics we cover are actually informative and helpful so I try to keep a positive attitude that in a few weeks I will be able to be actually out in the field doing hands on work. We have been able to visit a health clinic which was really really awesome. We got to see how things are run and also observe and help with some examinations. Tuesday was the prenatal clinic so all the patients were pregnant women. We got to assist in admitting new patients, taking blodd pressure, and observing the physical exam, including an ultrasound. I really enjoyed that, I hope I get to do more hands on clinic work while I am here. I am looking into doing the Physicians Assistant program at GW when I get back to the States so I am hoping to get a lot of practical experience while in Guyana.

Overall things are going well. I am having fun and learning a lot and I know this is just the beginning of my adventure. I am loving the warm weather and relaxing as much as possible in my hammock :) I miss everyone back home and I am excited to come back at visit sometime this year and eat as much American food as possible :) Hope everyone is well at home, you all better be writing me letters, getting mail is very exciting. My address is: Lindsay Perlman Peace Corps Trainee, Peace Corps Guyana c/o US Embassy, 100 Young and Duke Streets, Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana South America.

Also, I posted pics on facebook for those who can access that. If you dont have facebook I think this link should work: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2078255&id=1277258438&l=572ff39abd

Love,
Lindsay