I hear that people get frustrated when they are immersed in another culture, but I always thought that it would be because they are frustrated that everything is different and not the same as what they are used to. I'm finding that that is not really the problem with me. The problem is that I am more frustrated with myself for not knowing the culture very well yet and for not being able to understand what is going on. For example, I went with some friends to the theater tonight to see a play. The play was called Chico Loco (Crazy Boy), and I could tell that the actor was really, really talented, but it was extremely frustrating because I couldn't understand a single word. Seriously. He talked so fast; I don't think I have ever heard someone move their mouth like that before. Not surprisingly, I was really confused. Ericka kept leaning over to explain to me what was going on, but it all seemed like a lot of yelling to me, and I sort of felt like a failure. When my friends and family talk to me in Spanish, I have no problem understanding. However, when they talk amongst themselves, I have no idea what's going on half the time.
I love my family. They are absolutely the best, and I have settled right in. Sofy and I are sharing a room, and it's green and just perfect for the two of us. We have a dog, Tamarindo, two cats whom we call Blanquito and Rayalito (very original), and a parrot named Periquito (also original, ha). For the New Year, we gathered at the house of Mequi, Sofy's grandmother, with the extended family and we had a late dinner together, set off fireworks, read some passages from Jeremiah, talked about the coming year, prayed, toasted each other with tinto de verano (wine and 7-up), lit off fireworks, and then watched the neighbors fight in the street (which was sort of scary since one guy is legit crazy and had a gun and the police had to be called). I'm sure it was much better than watching Snooki being dropped in the ball.
It is really great getting to see all of my friends here. It has been one and half years since I have seen them, and it's just really nice to be able to hug them again. Ericka and I are planning to have a sleepover, and tomorrow, I think we are all going to go back to Zapote for the fiestas. The best way I know how to explain the fiestas is that it is somewhat like the state fair, only there are many more people, and I think it is a lot more wild. It's a lot of fun, and I love all the music. Speaking of music, we listened to Stevie Wonder today while cleaning the house, and it was great. Papi (my host dad) also likes the Black Eyed Peas, which I think is pretty awesome (even though I'm not a huge fan).
I'm very tired (it's eleven o'clock), and we are going to church tomorrow, so I should go to bed. I'm enjoying having the Huskers snuggie that Vanessa and Rose gave me here (I use it every night), and I'm also glad that Quinn let me bring Jake. I'm not too homesick yet, but we'll see how that is in a week or two...
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