Monday, September 22, 2008

Stereotypes Can Be Fun

While in Queens, my sister and I went out in search of a deli in which to buy our traditional bagels and schmeer for breakfast. This was the first time, however, that we were not accompanied by a member of the Aronowitz family, and we had no idea where to go. We cruised around until we found a shop that looked promising. The display coolers were stocked with all sorts of cured meats, but when I asked if they had lox, I became the laughing stock of the five Italian guys working there. This was an Italian deli, and we were a couple of misplaced "Jew broads." Yep, that's actually what they called us, all in good fun of course...I think. I realized then that we looked the part with our diamond earings and gold necklaces still attached to us from trying on our inheritance. I asked for a cup of coffee, so we could get our bearings and decide what we wanted to do. They were a little more sympathetic when we explained that we were from Oregon, but wondered what we possibly ate in that foreign land. We decided to look for breakfast elsewhere and said farewell to our new Italian friends. It wasn't until we were walking into the local Walbaums that I realized I had not paid for my coffee. I hope they don't send their mafia after me.

Now I'm chillin' in the Coconut Grove, Miami-style. Manana: Paraguay!

Friday, September 19, 2008

Taking Over the World


So, here I am, presumptuously starting a blog dedicated to recording my adventures and experiences in hopes that I can share something of interest, connect to my loved ones, and, ultimately, create world peace. Baby steps. I am currently in New York, taking in the sights and sounds and smells of America while I still take them for granted.

Another day closer to this new life that has been gaining momentum with every inquisition and preparation. I keep meaning to write my first blog post (ooooh boy, that makes me giggle), but I have been procrastinating because I feel like it should be saved for the beginning of this voyage. But when is the beginning? Really, this all started a long time ago and is constantly ending and restarting. I also feel a pressure to have some life-changing experience, which sounds intimidating, but when I really think about it, is not such a big deal. You never know what’s going to change your life. I believe this to be true, and because this is my blog, it is my truth. And if you are reading this, it has infiltrated your truth. Muahaha—now I will take over other continents.

But, really, what I’m trying to say is that I’m going away. I wish rhyming always came that easily. Going away to Paraguay, “el corazon de America,” just in time for spring in the southern hemisphere, where toilets flush in the opposite direction (though this is yet to be determined).


For those of you who don’t know, I’m joining the Peace Corps as a “Crop Extensionist,” which means I’ll be kickin’ it old school with small-scale farmers to promote the continuation of their agrarian tradition, while preserving the land for subsequent generations, unlike some other countries (ahem). This is a very exciting time to be there because (1) the first non-authoritarian president was placed into office this year, (2) landless farmers are seeking change to the current system in which <1%>karass. (“one hundred and fourteeeen”). Trusting in the abundance is much easier when I am surrounded by health and happiness. But what about all those people who are disenfranchised and taken advantage of—in our own towns and around the world? Do they not trust enough? Perhaps this trust (in, I presume, God, the Divine, the Great Unknown) is actually a trust in ourselves and each other (because we are God) to share whatever wealth we have, monetary or other.

There are already people and things I miss, and I haven’t even left the country yet. But the longing that is usually described as pain, can be a sort of pleasure because it is a reminder of what I have in my life. I am extremely blessed to have so many inspiring people in my life, a multitude of beautiful places I can call “home,” and a pocket full of juicy thoughts I may dip into while staring at different stars in an opposite season with jaguars in my backyard.

Next stop: Miami (bienvenido ami ami)