Giant hopping crickets, brospeak and a super cool surfing mayor- just a typical day in San Bartolo.
Our day began with some energizing breakfast and after some quick preparations for the day we headed off to the Municipalidad to meet with Jorge, el alcalde (the mayor) of San Bartolo. While we sampled some delicious snacks (empanadas and a tasty sweet with dulce de leche creme in between two flaky pie crust-esque cookies, my personal favorite), Jorge gave us an excellent breakdown of his work and responsibilities within the San Bartolo community. I was truly taken aback by his proactive yet also instinctive approach to community development; most of my experiences with government figures has been that the best listen to the voices and interests of the people and are sometimes responsive to their needs and concerns.
During our "Bedtime Banter" discussion, as Michael so acutely named our nightly reflection sessions, Cary asked us what we has challenged any preconceived notions we may have had prior to arriving in and getting to know San Bartolo. Though I had studied a little bit about Latin American and South American culture in my Spanish class last year, I pictured most South America communities as microcosims of an authoritative regime of sorts or a millitary dictatorship. After spending most of yesterday with San Bartolo's police chief, meeting a few of the 400 women who are students studying in Peru's women-only police academy as well as their major or principal and Jorge today, this preconception has vanished. Whether we were questioning incredibly friendly, empathetic officials or conversing with delightfully happy members of the community, I have not yet experienced any situation that really strikes me as one of a strong authoritative power as I once had though would occur.
I'm drifting off to sleep admist the chirping grasshoppers and waves crashing on the shore and will have to go- talk to you all soon!
Best,
Celia
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