This is how I find myself on Amarican Airlines Flight 1655 to San Salvador. 2008 began and I wrote a few goals on a post-it. “Spanish Fluency” was number three. February came to a close and I realized I needed to start if this were not just dittoed on the 09 list. This was about the time I decided to apply for a Masters program in Environmental Studies at Antioch New England. I asked Steve Chase, the director of the program what he might suggest I do with my summer. Enter the world wide web. Antioch’s Center of Tropical Ecology website a biological research facility in Costa Rica.
I mentioned to my friend Amy that I was thinking about going to Central America and she reminded me that her friend, who I had met at a birthday party two years ago was in El Salvador teaching with the Peace Corps. I asked for her email. I dropped a line and she spread the word to the Peace Corps network and the offers started coming in. “Remote village. 25 minute walk to the nearest tienda.” The offers were generous and varied. Then timing played a factor – Sea Turtle nesting season is mid-June. Ding – I had worked on a Sea Turtle film for the State of Florida a couple of years ago. I like sea turtles although had never seen one. I offered my services as a filmmaker, a student of Spanish and all around helper.
So I’m an hour away from landing in San Salvador. I’m trying to cram Spanish on the plane, listening to Spanish channel of the movie and my iSpanish on my ipod.
I have two bags full of new gear, which I hope I know how to use and very heavy candy. My Peace Corps host Jason requested Jolly Ranchers so I got a lot. . . . and M&Ms . . . and Jelly Bellys. Target is dangerous. I’ll be happy to lighten my load.
Tonight we stay in San Salvador I think. Then tomorrow we head to Barra de Santiago.
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