Christmas experience

2011 Christmas in Paraguay, come and gone.... 1 down 1 to go!

On dec 22,2011 I had my host brothers birthday. It was a nice Family lunch. My neighboring volunteer friend (st. John) biked over to hangout. After lunch I didn't feel so well... Dec 22-25th was a bit rough.. Between stomach issues, rain and feeling confused about Christmas..

So Christmas here is best described as forth of July, new years and a prayer service.. It was not very exciting like the other Christmas years.. But probly because I did not know what to expect. My neighbor invited me over to celebrate which consisted of eating a big asado dinner, praying, count down and fireworks. Each house sets up a nativity scene made of grass, tree branches, light, candy, fruit, and chipa. All very different and quite nice. So after our felicidades the jovenes walked around to say merry Christmas and drink a little bit.

Traditions here though.. A fruit punch mixer.. All types of fruit cut up, soda, sugar and sometimes wine... (Cerco)also setting up the nativity scences...

As I have mentioned in other blogs... Paraguay is very calm. That was how Christmas was in general.. And made me rethink our idea of Christmas and gifts. I was oddly happy enough to receive a watermelon for Christmas from my neighbor. But then again on Christmas day I left to go meet my American friends mom. She gave me my iPod that my lovely dad and sister bought and put music on for me. So I guess you can take me out of USA but you can't take the USA outta me?? Something like that....

So right now I am sitting in a hostel in Asuncion. Watching Monday night football. And about to go to bed to wake up for a 7am flight to Chile! 2 weeks! I need to relax on a beach and sleep in. Vacation to recovery!

I love my life and I hope you all had a great Christmas. And will have a great new year! I'm ready for 2012! it's going to be a great year! I can feel it!

Until next year...