A Canadian? In Caripe?

I was in the hospital, sitting around talking per usual when one of the nurses came in and told me she needed my help. I am not really qualified to do anything so I was curious what she could need. When we walked out I heard some of the worst spanish I have ever heard in my life and realized I was in the presence of a very, very old fellow gringo who was receiving treatment at the public hospital. It was surreal. There are some gringos in Maturin because of oil, an international school and such but not many 90 year olds from Canada who have been in Venezuela for 40 years. He also told me my English was very, very good and did not realize I was American until I explained it to him. I am assuming he does not run into to many fellow gringos here either. 

Health in Venezuela:

It appears to me that the Venezuelan diet is pretty unhealthy. Vegetables and fruits (minus a select few that are found in lots of places here...) are extremely expensive (though they are available) and there is a significant lack of knowledge about nutrition. It does appear to me that people who live in more rural areas eat healthier because they have lots of rice, beans, avacado and stick to traditional dishes. I am not criticizing. My country is called the fast food nation and I would even go as far as to say that the unhealthiness here can be attributed to American food culture influence. I also find food here to taste really, really good and the unhealthier the better.:)

Though my current experience with the health system is extremely limited and has involved time in the department of infectious disease of the public hospital, I have mixed feelings. The system is completely depleted of resources and lacks technology that is needed to provide medical care to the number of people who need it.  It takes a very strong person to work in these conditions and I have found many of the doctors to be distant and cold with the patients when I sit in on appointments. The appointments are really short and involve lots of talking and little listening. The patients do not generally have time to ask questions or talk about their experiences. Thinking about it I would probably be cold too. It is too hard to get involved in the lives of each patient, especially when each one has a story to tell. 

I still have not started with the controversial barrio adentro and really can not wait to see what it is like.

I spoke too soon.

Classes were SUPPOSED to start Monday but apparently students are not sure classes have started (I have been in the English director's office when they come in and ask) and those that do know just don't come. Professors have told me that it is normal for students not to show up the first week. I would go as far as to say that my new Uni is like UBA on steroids and it makes me sad for the students, especially those that really care and want to learn. I do not think I would make it in a University as disorganized and am amazed by their ability to persevere and keep working despite the challenges they face. Regardless of how much I actually accomplish here, they make it worth it:)

Today was an average day. I had been told by several people what was going to happen, thought I had a plan and shit hit the fan. Nothing that was supposed to happen did. Life in Venezuela. Strange thing is that I am actually learning to love it and not complain, or to freak out for a second and let it go. Who knew?


I was going to hang up a handwritten sign at the uni regarding conversation club when several people told me that I should not because people will talk about it. Gossip is HUGE here and it seems that everyone is worried that someone might one day gossip about them so they are really careful about everything they do. It really sucks and makes me want to just do ridiculous things to spite them so they can gossip about me all they want. I am unsure if this is just in Maturin or a nation-wide problem.

I feel that my tone here is spiteful, but I am actually really happy in Maturin.:)

I never thought this day would come.

Classes start tomorrow. Por fin! I am so happy about it... 2 months of bumming around and I finally get to do what I came here to do. Weird and exciting. I also have a semi-fixed schedule. Yes. I am ready to travel and get stuff done... here goes nothing:)

Also, I would like to officially declare that my life in Venezuela has been slightly disastrous up to this point. I have spent the past two months figuring life out and it has taken me a lot longer than I wanted. Nonetheless, I am here and will keep it going.

I am still unable to take myself seriously while dancing. Maybe one day.

Miss and love you all. Come visit!!:)