What about the work I’m supposed to be doing? Like I said, nobody in the Philippines cares much for the “big huss.” I wouldn’t describe it as a dawdle, but things just happen at a slower pace. The center of my project is a few barangays away. Most people around here ride the habal-habal or motorbike taxi to anywhere beyond a few football fields. But that’s just not kosher with Peace Corps. And I’m into walking anyway. (I’ll be getting a bike tomorrow if all goes as planned. And maybe I’ll lobby to get some moving sidewalks around here.)
So the other day, despite the disbelieve of those I informed of my plan, I walked a whopping two miles to the loom-weaving “center.” Along the way, I encountered plenty of drinking circles encouraging me to take a swig, some guys who wanted to introduce me to their sisters or cousins or neighbors (but never their daughters,) and even some ladies who wanted to become my textmate. But I was on a mission, and not gonna have any of that. After all, I’m a professional.
Some of the folks at the center may have seen me before, but never on my own. I was kinda shy and they were kinda shy and nobody what to say, so I just watched them work for a while, and they watched me watch them, and then eventually someone asked me a question, and I answered in Cebuano and they got all excited. Which is a good thing. If there’s anything that will make this project a success, it will be mutual excitement and getting along with the people.
When the workday ended (and it ends when you want it to) one lady invited me to her house to meet her husband and five of her seven kids. Her youngest daughter, age 4 is a mischievous type. On the way to the house, she was flailing around a glass bottle, and, trying out my Cebuano, told her not to throw it. Her mom echoed me, and you guessed it, she threw the dang thing smack into a tree, shattering everywhere. Cute!
Anyway, once on the porch, we talked about kids and vegetables and basketball. Her husband, a bus driver, pulled 200 pesos (less than $4) out of his pocket and told me that was his daily salary. On that particular day, the winds were strong, so fish was more expensive. They seemed to wonder what they’d eat for dinner.
This family will be my neighbors once my nipa hut is built. I like my neighbors.
I realize I still haven’t explained what my work is. Don’t worry, my job hasn’t really started yet. Thanks for your patience.
Posted by dbs at July 1, 2004 06:05 PM