This is why I joined the Peace Corps.

Photo Blog! Just wanted to share something visual to help explain why I love my job. Enjoy!

Ahecha Paraguay:

Ahecha Paraguay aims to develop the creativity and self-expression that exists inside each young Paraguayan individual, through the tool of photography.

From February 2008 through May 2009, over 400 Paraguayan youth and adult facilitators in 44 communities throughout the country are participating in the project's cycle, through:

· community photography instruction workshops and exhibits
· inter-community exchanges
· a collective cultural excursion
· a national exhibition series in the capital city of Asuncion

Ahehca (Guarani for 'I see') is a subcommitee of the Peace Corps Paraguay commitee CoCuMu (Compartiendo Cultura Mundial). This year was very exciting for me, not only because it was my first year working in the commitee, but because I got a chance to design this year's national exhibit. The theme chosen was bamboo, an increasingly popular and versitile plant. This years exhibit will be in five location between May 18 and August 24, 2009. Locations include: Centro Cultural Paraguayo Americano (CCPA), Villa Morra Shopping Center, The U.S. embassy, Alianza Francesa, and the Terminal de Omnibus de Asuncion.

There were 47 photos chosen for this year's exhibit. Half were placed on walls made of bamboo sheets, and the other half in bamboo frames.

Chris and Jesus, two of the super guapo PCVs that helped me out.



One of the bamboo walls, with the framed photos in the background, at the CCPA opening night banquet.

Ahecha Paraguay at the CCPA.

Sadiya and me!

If you would like to see all of the photos from this years exhibit, please visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ahechaparaguay

San Pedro RVAC (Regional Volunteer Action Committee... the volunteers that live in my region), sleep over at my house! (We like to pick our noses)

Ahendu (Guarani for 'I hear') is another sub committee of CoCuMu that aims to share American and Paraguayan music. Every four months, we host concerts were PVCs and Paraguayans can perform live. Our last concert raised Gs 3,000,000 ($600)!!!!

Michael Jackson Paraguayo performed... he was actually REALLY good.

There are so many things we take for granted as Americans, one of which is clean running water.

After years of hard work, fighting corrupt politics, and A LOT of elbo grease, my counterpart's barrio has running water.

There were no professional engineers out there... these were my neighbors in the hot sun, building everything themselves.

Of course, the ladies were there for moral support.

Right after the water was turned on for the first time.

Three year old Danny, loving the cold water!

Fiesta Patronal in a neighboring compania.

Jazmin and Rocio.

Me, hard at work, making a sign for my community center.

My community center!

My English class for teens.

9 to 5

I have been asked many times what my daily, “9 to 5”, schedule is like here in Paraguay. What does it mean to be a Peace Corps volunteer? What time do you wake up everyday? What time does your day end? Then, after I try to answer these questions, I hear “you’re so lucky, you can make your own schedule…” While there is truth in this, as volunteers our workday begins when we want it to. We do not have 9 to 5’s. There is no time clock, or supervisor monitoring the halls. Peace Corps is not Office Space. No, Peace Corps is so much more than a 9 to 5, and I am more than an employee.

This weekend my good friend, a fellow volunteer, came to visit me in Mboi’y. After a hectic week, we decided that the two of us deserved a relaxing weekend. Saturday night, to make it uber girly, we watched the movie 9 to 5 (if you have not seen this movie, basically… you need to). In the midst of all the laughing and recounting stories of similar situations “back in the corporate world,” I started thinking: I am working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 730 days. I do not have a 9-5. I do not clock in, and I do not clock out (well, maybe in my mind sometimes). I always bring work home, because my work is my home. When all is said and done, my supervisor is my entire town, and they reserve the right to call on me whenever they please.

“Umm, yea… Courtney, I’m going to need you to go ahead and come in to work tomorrow. Great, thanks.”

I never thought I would miss the corporate 9 to 5 so much; the ability to clock out at the end of each day, and know that I can make the rest of my day, or weekend, whatever I want it to be. Now, ok yes, I do recognize that the corporate world is not easy and there is a lot of baggage carried around by everyone, everywhere. However, at the end of the day, a Peace Corps Volunteer lives in their office. There is no going home. While I love this aspect of my job, there are down sides (as with everything in life) that I feel I should share.

Currently, I am teaching English and helping to create a legally recognized neighbor commission that will be the governing body of my community center. I cannot be more thrilled that things have/ are taking off, and so quickly. I live in an amazing community, with amazing people that understand the value of hard work, integrity, and participation. Within three weeks, we already offer two courses (English and knitting), and should be offering more as soon as April. My English course, which lasts 10 weeks, has 40 students! So with all of this said; why is it that at the end of the day I have my doubts about being a volunteer? The answer to that question has to do with my personal life, or, the fact that I do not have one.

I spent three months of training learning cultural sensitivity, among other things. So I came to my site knowing that there would be many situations where I would have to put aside my own personal beliefs, habits, and routines in respect to my community. As volunteer, we all make sacrifices. However, what they do not remind us is that there is no cultural sensitivity training to Americans on the part of the community. Everything I do and say is new to them, and I can turn people off just as easily I can turn them on, to my work. When I say the Peace Corps volunteer works 24 hours day, I am referring to the fact that everything we do is known, and judged, by our communities. I do not blame my neighbors at all, I am a guest in their home which means it is my responsibility to respect their ways of life and costumes. But at the same time, this puts a huge damper on my personal life. For the most part, I do feel like I am able to be myself. But, it is not always easy.

(You may need to read my blog post: How many Paraguayans can fit on a bus)

For example, if I have visitors at my house anyone who wants to know about my visitor knows. Normally, if it’s a girl (which they normally are) there are no questions asked. But heaven forbid I have a male friend over… then the questions start flying, and the gossip starts flowing. Out of the five or so Americans that have lived in Mboi’y, 4 have married Paraguayans. The odds are not in my favor, and they know this. I want my neighbors to be interested in my work, and not my personal life. This has resulted in a sort of paranoia that I am not necessarily proud of. I try to give a good balance of professional and personal, because this is my home now too, but I am in constant fear of doing or saying something that can jeopardize my work. My first couple months in site, I was dating a Paraguayan that lives in another town. When he finally asked me why I always come to see him, and I have never invited him to my site, it hit me that I have to make some real decisions about what kind of volunteer I am going to be. I decided that I did not want to have any guy stay over, alone, at my house unless we were serious and I was ready to introduce him to my community as my boyfriend. This was a personal decision based solely on my personal feelings and concerns. There are many volunteers that date in and out of site and have no problem with their communities knowing. I, however, have decided not to… and this is not easy.

“This is the toughest job you will ever love.”

But, there are ups and downs to everything right? Hmm, ups to being a PCV in Paraguay? I DO get to set my own schedule. I DO get to know that I helped changed an entire community. I DO get to take 2 hour naps in the middle day if I so desire. I DO get to look back at this experience and know that I grew more as a person in 2 years than many do in 20.

So, enjoy that 9 to 5 you have!

- Wong

"Cuidar y Cultivar"

Ogaguasu

In a previous Blog entry I talked about the idea of the "Land of Opportunity," and the fact that almost 50% of the Paraguayan population lives outside of Paraguay in search of more opportunities. There is so much beauty and opportunity here though, and it is a shame that there is such a limited amount of outlets. Just as my summer camp was wraping up, and I was beginning to worry about what project(s) I would be able to work on next, the sky openned up and all sorts of possibilities began to rain down on my little barrio of Mboi'y.

"Cuidar y Cultivar"

... Care for and cultivate...

For the past 7 months I have been living next to that outlet, and I didn't even know it. Ogaguasu, Guarani for "Old House", was the first house built in Mboi'y. It was built circa 1875, after the Triple Alliance War. Currently, Sr. Carlos Ovando, a 96 year old veteran of the Chaco War, lives there. Sr. Carlos is the father of the owner of my house (who lives and works in Argentina) and my landlord Antonia. Recently, his son Ramon (who lives and works in Asuncion) has been visiting to help care for his father and Ogaguasu. Ramon was impressed with my work with the kids, and apporoached me about doing something on a larger scale for the whole community, possibly using the Ogaguasu. I seriously almost passed out with excitment... it was Christmas, AGAIN, in 25 de Diciembre. I told him that it was dream of mine to have a community center in Mboi'y; a place where we can offer classes and hold events for the entire community.

I cannot believe how quickly things are moving along. This past saturday, Valentine's day, we held out first meeting to share the idea with members of the community, and get feedback and more ideas. Fifteen of my neighbors came to the meeting. Now this might not sound like a lot, but keep in mind this is a small community, and this meeting is being held by a Peace Corps volunteer... 15 people is great. My neighbors loved the idea, and were full of suggestions and ready to offer thier support.

And so, the Ogaguasu was born...

Misión: "Ogaguasu Centro Comunidad es un lugar para la comunidad que apoya cultura y crecimiento por expresión creativa y participación."

..."The Ogaguasu Community Center is a place for the comunindad that supports culture and growth through creative expression and participation."


Of course, this is only the beginning... but what a great start! During the meeting we disscussed what types of things we would like to offer the community. This list was created:

• Basic Art: creative writing, drawing, painting, and photograpgy.
• Artisentia: traditional Paraguayan crafts.
• Health: educaiton courses and alternative cooking classes (using Soy).
• Language: english (that would be me).
• History: museum with photos, artifacts, and writings.
  

Needless to say, I am very excited for this project. In the near future I will beginning my english class in the beginning of March. I am asking the Mayor and the municipality to pay for paint and materials to paint the Ogaguasu, and fellow guapo volunteers to donate thier time, and love, to paint. Within the next 3 months we hope to have the property ready its ignaguration... I'll keep you informed!

Campamento Guiaca y Mboi'y 2009

One of the best ways, I have discovered, to gain acceptance in a community is through the kids. I have been very fortunate to live in a community with a very strong sense of family. As a Peace Corps volunteer, I hope to strengthen that the sense of family by working with the youth (all ages) in the area of personal development and community participation. One of the best ways, I have discovered, to gain acceptance in a community is through the kids. I have been very fortunate to live in a community with a very strong sense of family. As a Peace Corps volunteer, I hope to strengthen that the sense of family by working with the youth (all ages) in the area of personal development and community participation.

(Sorry for the order of my pictures, Blogger makes it kind of hard)

King handing out fresh y muy rico empanadas de carne de soja.

The boys drawing thier favorite foods for the Olla de Alimentos.

El Cuerpo Saludable (The Healthy Body).

The build-it-yourslef Olla de Alimentos.

Team Participation day.

The Human Knot game.

The Spider Web (Guiaca).

Haha, and I don't know the name of this game... but they loved it.

Rojo Perro (Red Rover).

Milk Tye Dying.

The density column.

Play-Doh.

The Elephant game.

This past week, I held my first childrens summer camp in my barrio of Mboi'y. I am very proud to say that it was a great success! The camp was "un poco de todo"; four days of art, science, team participation, and health. I hope you enjoy some pictures from the camp!

Each day we began with a game to get the kids warmed up. Day one was art day, and we began by making name tags that had a drawing of your favoriet animal. The kids were asked to say their name and their favorite animal, then to make to the sounds and motion that animal makes. After our little intro game, we the elephant game: everyone stands in a circle and one person begins by pointing to another in the circle, the person who is pointed to has to quickly put their hands to their face to form the elephent's nose, and the two people on either side of them must quickly for their ears. If you are too slow, or fail to form the right part, you are out!

We had three activities for art day: community map drawing, origami, and homemade Play-Doh. At the end of each day, we gave the kids a healthy merienda (snack). The first two days we had fruit salad, day three was banana milk shakes, and finally on day four we made empanadas with carne de soja (soy empanadas).

Day two Karen, an absolutely amazing volunteer from my G, came up to help out. We had three different science activities: a density column with soap, water, alchohol, and oil; milk tye dying to demonstrate chemical reactions; and bottle rockets.

Day three was all about group participation. We began the day with Red Rover and Comunidad, Casa, Nino. Afterwards we split into three alternating groups again and did the human knot, the spiderweb, and the third... I have to be honest, I do not know the name of this game... but the idea is to get a group of people to all stand together on a small surface (mat, box, etc.).

Finally, on day four, we had two activities to learn about healthy eating. The first was a build-it-yourself "Olla de Alementos," which is the South American equivilant of our Food Pyramid. The kids were asked to draw little pictures of their favorite alimentos (foods). Then they were asked to put together the Olla (pot) with all 7 food groups. After the Olla was constructed and the different groups labeled and discussed, the kids placed their favorite food drawing in the appropriate sections. This activity was designed to allow to kids to compare thier diets with eachothers, and learn about what food groups they need to improve on. The second activity was un Cuerpo Saludable (a Healthy Body). We turned fruits and veggies in body parts and formed "un cuerpo saludable"; spinach is good for your hair, watermellon is good for your teeth, celery is good for bones, etc.

The turn out for my camp was great, ranging between 16 and 35 kids. It brought me so much closer to the kids in my community, and through them I hope to gain a relationship with thier families and the community as a whole.

I want to thank the amazing volunteers that helped me out this week. I could not have done it without you!... seriously, all those kids?! King, Holly, Roberto, and Karen <3

Coming Home

It is amazing how quickly time flies. While I sit here trying to figure out what exactly I want to type on the subject of “Coming Home”, I realized that today is my eight month anniversary. I have lived in Paraguay for eight whole months, and I have loved every second of it. The hours quickly turn into days. The days into weeks, and the next thing you know eight months has gone by. When times flies by so quickly, it is very easy to get wrapped up in the big picture. What was I doing during those hours that escaped me so quickly? Those little hours were what made my week… and those little weeks were what made my month... all of those months will accumulate into 2 years of my life. So, I stopped typing, I took a deep breath, and looked around me. Instantly, I was reminded of all of those hours passed.

When I say “Coming Home”, I am referring to Paraguay. It was amazing to me that it took going home for two weeks, seeing my family and friends, for me to realize how at home I am in here. The weeks leading up to my trip home were a little hard, and all I could do was think about how soon it would before I was home in the States. I actually even wondered if I would go home, see everyone, and not want to come back. Now, this is not to say that I do not love my family and friends and in the States. However, it took me going home with the experiences I have had in this fraction of my time in Paraguay, and the relationships I have built with fellow PCVs and Paraguayans, for me to realize how much I have changed. I love my life in the States. It was wonderful to be able to drive around in a car, and not have to walk everywhere. It was great to not worry about parasites when I drank out of the tap. It was great getting a break from that brutal Paraguayan sun. I missed the food, the people, and the culture. But as soon as I stepped foot in the States, all of those things were just not as important to me. Who would mind having to walk everywhere when you have the beautiful scenery around you that I do? I started to look at the stomach parasites as natures cleanse (ok, maybe that is going to far). That beautiful Paraguayan sun keeps me warm while you all are freezing up there! There is no Chipa, Sopa Paraguaya, or Mbeju in the States… and Paraguay has amazing people and culture too. So I was asked, “I bet you miss Paraguay, don’t you?” And I thought to myself, “Yea, I do.” When I stepped off of the plane my first day back, I thought to myself, “Wow, it’s good to be home.”

As you are reading this you are probably thinking to yourself, “Ok, the girl has gone native and forgotten about us.” That could not be further from the truth. I guess what I am trying to say here is that I have realized that there can exist different sides, or better yet, different versions of you. Neither of which is better or worse than the other. They can exist independently of each other, or not. You can have two, three, four, or however many versions of yourself you like (but not too many, that’s called something else). For me, I loved that D.C. lifestyle: the music, the traffic, the food, the politics… the style. But here, in Paraguay, I discovered another version of me. That version that loves sitting on my neighbor’s front porch, drinking Terere, watching the cows go by. That version that would rather kill bugs with a sandal or her hands than spend the money on bug spray. That version that is proud to have had Pique three times, and Giardia. That Cana drinking, Lomito eating, super tan, jopora speaking version of me that I have found in my new home.

The Land of Opportunity

Next week I will be returning to Guarambare along with the other volunteers in G27 for our 3 month In-Service-Training (IST) and Reconnect. IST gives volunteers the opportunity to come together, after months apart, to share our experiences, recieve additional language training (kind of like a language booster shot), and the chance to meet with our Peace Corps Medical Officer, Security Director, and CHP staff as a group. IST is a milestone in PC service. We have made it through one of the most difficult periods of our two years here, "becoming one" with our community. However, while this is a time of self reflection and, in most cases, re-evaluation about our roles and our futures, we have also gained the experience and, therefore, the right to have and share opinions about our new homes and Paraguay as a whole.

I have to start by saying that I truly do love Paraguay. Within the 6 months that I have lived here (3 months in training, and 3 months in site) I have grown to regard Paraguay as a second home. I have even caught myself having conversations with other volunteers about retiring here, down the road! But, unfortunately, under the smiles, hugs, and kisses exists serious political, economical, and social issues.

Now I have to switch gears, and speak only of my site, my home, 25 de Diciembre. This is not to say that these problems are not prevelent in other areas of Paraguay, and even the world, these are simply my observations from my time in 25.

My community, when compared to many others in Paraguay, is no where near "impoverished." While there are barrios in need of extreme changes, the majority of families have solid homes with all of the basic utilities (some even have washer machines and satallite dishes). Few families are unable to clothe and feed themselves. They follow the "tranquilopa" attitude to a T, and are quite content with life, possibly at the expense of their future generations. I honestly believe my community has the means. What they lack is the proper education and motivation. The generation of los padres grew up under the Strossener era, where public oposition could mean your life. How are the older generations expected to teach the new generation about freedom of thought and public participation when they have little to no experience?

It is interesting being a Municipal Serivces volunteer in a community that has never had one before. 25 de Diciembre has had all sorts of volunteers in the past; from beekeeping to health, and education to agroforestry. But never MSD. So everyday I have to explain to the community what it is exactly that I am doing here for the next 2 years. To the best of my ability, I think I give good/ optomistic answers, despite the fatc that I know my community has little faith in thier municipality (Muni) and intendente (Mayor). But I cannot help but feel like my words are going in on one ear and out the other. And somewhere in the midst of this lack of understanding, dollar signs appear in thier eyes.

It is simple math really when you think about it:

The Muni handles money

Americans have money... lots of money

therefore,

American + Muni = more money $$$!!!

Now, after 3 months of expalining to people that I am not a blank checkbook, I have come to the realization that (while yes, of course more money would always be wonderful) it is not the amount of money my community should be concerned with, but the way in which it is spent. More funding from the government and private organizations will do 25 no good if it is wasted on the same "things" it is now. So, I am trying to send a new message... create a new stereotype for America that developing countries like Paraguay can look up to;

"America is the land of opportunity..." where anyone, no matter thier race, religion, or socio-economic background, has the opportunity to improve thiers lives, and that of thier family, if they choose to.

What my community lacks is opportunity,and the first step to providing this is education. I fear for the future generations of Paraguayans. Here is a generations with parents that grew up under a dictatorship. Here is a statistic for you: 40% of Paraguayans are under the age of 15. Under 15! If you ask a child in the US what they want to do when they grow up you will hear all sorts of answers, from doctors to lawyers, firefighters to cops, teachers, etc. You would smile and say something warn and encouraging. I have been affraid to ask children here what they want to be. I think 80% of the time they would say futbol player, or farmer like mom and dad. Obviously, I am exagerating. But you get the point; when there is little education, there is little motivation.

Whenever I meet a new person in 25, or any of the barrios, they ask me the same questions about America, and my life there:

A. You are American, why would you want to live in Paraguay?
B. You must have lots of money?
C. There are a lot of jobs in America... and no poverty like Paraguay?
D. After 2 years, you get to return, verdad?

These questions make me not upset or angry, but sad. It is almost like they dont know how much beauty there is right here. I think that is the problem with many developing countries. Things like the media fill thier heads with visions and thoughts about what the good life is, and what it should entail. But what about all of the amazing traditions, customs, and history right here?

So that is what I try to do; remind Paraguayans of the wonderful country they are so fortunate enough to call home. You are probably tired of hearing me praise Paraguay, but I can´t help myself! It really is an amazing place, and full of so much potential. The people are beautiful, the traditions are fun and exciting, and the food... let`s just say I might have gained a couple since coming here in May!

I digress, Paraguayans, or maybe just those here in 25, need to be reminded of what they have and what they could have. So, aside from my professional responsibilities as a volunteer, I am trying to be a "Paraguayan cheerleader" so-to-speak. I know that sounds cheesy, but you haven´t seen the looks I get from grown adults when I praise their country and all is has. It is a truly wonderful feeling.

When you enter thier hearts, you are home forever.

"Why does America control Coca Cola?"

To an American, this may be an odd question. But to the average Paraguayan, it is completely legitimate. And why did I put that question in quotes? Well, because I was actually asked this question by a young Paraguayan named Carlos. That question, and so many others I have heard within the 4 months I have been in Paraguay, may seem like an innocent case of naivety on the surface, but after thinking about WHY Carlos would ask me something like that; a deeper social and economic issue arose.

Please take note here that, like all of my other blog entries, these are my experiences and my opinions. I will try to tread as lightly as I can on this subject without sacrificing my message. This entry has little to do with American corporations and the American government (which depending on who you are talking to are synonymous), but more to do with the face Americans paint on themselves from an international perspective.

Bueno… I am a politician. I am an ambassador. My name is Lisa Simpson, and I am from Springfield, USA. I am every American family. And if you have traveled outside of those beautiful United Sates of America, you have been too. So before I get too deep, let’s meet Carlos!

5 de Septiembre, and it’s about 23:00 hrs. Julie and I, on our amazing journey from Asuncion to Altos, are stranded in Ypacarai. There are no more buses, and the taxi cost Gs 70.000 (about $17). If we were in any other country in the world, I probably would have just paid the taxi the outrageous fair. But we are in Paraguay, and in Paraguay things work themselves out… tranquilopa.

Even in the quiet darkness of the street corner we were on, something about us screamed “Americans” (surprise, surprise). Maybe it was Julie’s blonde hair, or the enormous hiking pack I had on my back, who knows, but along came Carlos (at this point, it’s about midnight). Carlos is a native and proud Paraguayan, in his mid 20’s, who sells cell phones in Asuncion. That night, he would be the inspiration for this blog.

“Ustedes son Americanas!? Verdad?”

“Si,” Julie answers, and we begin talking to Carlos.

He proceeds to tell -more like teach- us about los Estados Unidos.

“America is in between Canada and Mexico! And you have 50 stars on your flag to represent your 50 states!”

“Si,” we answer, excited that he knows so much. Then, things go down hill. (This is going to seem really random, but literally this is what we talked about with Carlos for about an hour).

“…and Arnold Schwarzenegger is the governor of California. I like the Terminator. Sarah Connor is from American too. So is Chuck Norris, Mike Tyson, Michael Jackson (yes! Of course), and Evander Holyfield (I guess he likes boxing)… I’ve met a lot of Americans here, and Germans too; there are a lot of Germans. But Americans and Germans are different. German women have nice asses, and breasts too (he grabbed his ass to emphasis his point; I wish I had my camera). Americans are not as good-looking. They are all fat. Americans love to eat, right?”

“Umm, si?” we say.

“… You like hamburgers, and pizza, and French fries. Oh, and you like Coca Cola! I love Coca Cola. Americans are all rich. You have a lot of money, and you control everything. The world is yours. You even control Coca Cola! Why does America control Coca Cola?!”

Something changed in my mind at that moment, with that question. While I was trying to explain to Carlos in my bad Spanish that Coca Cola is an American corporation, I realized that my words could, and most likely would be repeated over and over again throughout Ypacarai, Asuncion, and the whole of Paraguay.

I was not surprised at all at what Carlos knew, or thought he knew, about America. But I felt bad that he had such a limited, and odd, collections of ideas. At first, the thought of “educating” people like him seemed like a daunting task. Who am I to say, “No Carlos, actually…” But as an American, with all of the education and opportunities I have been afforded, it is my duty to not “preach” the truth, as I see it, but to “share” my experiences and knowledge. My truth is that yes, as a human, the world is mine… and with this ownership comes responsibility. The U.S. has amazing organizations, like the Peace Corps, whose soul purpose is to help others, spread “good”, and exchange culture. But it does not end there. Every time someone leaves their native soil for a foreign land, they have the opportunity to be an ambassador for good. Every time you meet someone within our borders that is from another country, you have the chance to be a “tour guide” so-to-speak. It’s the butterfly effect (eh, I didn’t want to use that analogy). But your actions and comments, or lack of action, says SO many things about not only you but America as a whole. I am not trying to scare you away from interacting with others; on the contrary, I am trying to encourage you to take on this unique and special role.

So Julie called me the other day to tell me that she was passing through Ypacarai on the bus, and she couldn’t help but look out her window at “our” corner for Carlos. Wherever you are Carols, I hope you learned a little bit from Julie and me. We aren’t German, but I think we are pretty cool, and I hope you had fun with us. I’ll tell Arnold, Sarah, Chuck, Mike, Michael, and Evander you said “Hola” when I get back to the States.