So tomorrow I'm leaving for the final testing in Kingston. Trying to study as much as possible to pass the last part of my training. Hopefully my computer power cable will be waiting for me so I'll be able to share some of the pictures I've been taking. We went to Castleton Gardens for a PC project and it's a really nice place.
Wish me luck!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
On Being a Tech
So my job here has been pretty great. I start out walking about a mile down the road to the main highway here (two lane road) and take a $50 Jamaican taxi ride to my school. The road is great with a beautiful view of the ocean. My school has a great view of the ocean as well and is well built. Inside are some great teachers that I have met and started friendships with. Some of the computers need a lot of work but that's what I'm here for. I've fixed up 4 already and didn't even have to call Jeff or Joe! They must be so proud!
I haven't thought about being a tech since I was on the help desk and I have to say it's been fun so far. Lots of small challenges that you get to fix immediately, and larger challenges that take a while to figure out. So far very satisfying. The long fixes will be to develop the community center technology and programs. I guess I have it all covered.
Of course I have to say that the students aren't there yet, and I have never really worked with students before. I have the feeling that's going to bring a whole new dimension to it...
I have one more week at my site until I go back to Kingston for final testing and graduation. My language skills have really been poor so far, so this week I've really stepped it up. Thanks to my new friends at the school I hope to be prepared for that final testing. I'll be really embarrassed if I come back to the states for not passing!
So if you see me around back in the states don't ask why!
I haven't thought about being a tech since I was on the help desk and I have to say it's been fun so far. Lots of small challenges that you get to fix immediately, and larger challenges that take a while to figure out. So far very satisfying. The long fixes will be to develop the community center technology and programs. I guess I have it all covered.
Of course I have to say that the students aren't there yet, and I have never really worked with students before. I have the feeling that's going to bring a whole new dimension to it...
I have one more week at my site until I go back to Kingston for final testing and graduation. My language skills have really been poor so far, so this week I've really stepped it up. Thanks to my new friends at the school I hope to be prepared for that final testing. I'll be really embarrassed if I come back to the states for not passing!
So if you see me around back in the states don't ask why!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Interesting Jamaican Tidbits
Coke or Juice?
My cousin pointed out one time in the early 90's that in Northern California everyone calls every kind of soft drink a "Coke". "Do you want a Coke?" somebody would ask holding out a 7-Up. Not sure if its as true today as it was then, but Jamaicans have a similar drink structure.
"Juice" seems to be most sorts of cold liquid, though sometimes not including soda (though I've heard it)
"Tea" is any sort of hot liquid with the exception of soup.
"Biscuit" is any sort of cracker, cookie or biscuit. Though that's an British thing.
I'll let you know if I hear of more.
Oh on the soda string, Jamaica's LOVE sugar. I think I have a way for Coca-Cola to make a ton of money here. Market "New Coke S4 - All the Caffeine of regular coke with 4X the amount of sugar!" it would kill!
I have to say that as time passes I have been able to relax more and enjoy the beauty of Jamaica. We went to a small beach yesterday in the incredible warm clear water and thought to myself what a treat after a hard weeks work. I have never been a beach person, but Jamaica may change me yet.
We have three more weeks until graduation. It will be nice to be an official volunteer. I hope I can make it! The language class has been very challenging to me. My brain just doesn't take to new languages very well. I've stepped up the studying, with all the stresses here, I've probably haven't paid as much attention to it as I should have. Wish me luck!
I hope all of my friends at home are doing well, shoot me an e-mail to let me know how you are doing. Would love to catch up on whats going on with you.
My cousin pointed out one time in the early 90's that in Northern California everyone calls every kind of soft drink a "Coke". "Do you want a Coke?" somebody would ask holding out a 7-Up. Not sure if its as true today as it was then, but Jamaicans have a similar drink structure.
"Juice" seems to be most sorts of cold liquid, though sometimes not including soda (though I've heard it)
"Tea" is any sort of hot liquid with the exception of soup.
"Biscuit" is any sort of cracker, cookie or biscuit. Though that's an British thing.
I'll let you know if I hear of more.
Oh on the soda string, Jamaica's LOVE sugar. I think I have a way for Coca-Cola to make a ton of money here. Market "New Coke S4 - All the Caffeine of regular coke with 4X the amount of sugar!" it would kill!
I have to say that as time passes I have been able to relax more and enjoy the beauty of Jamaica. We went to a small beach yesterday in the incredible warm clear water and thought to myself what a treat after a hard weeks work. I have never been a beach person, but Jamaica may change me yet.
We have three more weeks until graduation. It will be nice to be an official volunteer. I hope I can make it! The language class has been very challenging to me. My brain just doesn't take to new languages very well. I've stepped up the studying, with all the stresses here, I've probably haven't paid as much attention to it as I should have. Wish me luck!
I hope all of my friends at home are doing well, shoot me an e-mail to let me know how you are doing. Would love to catch up on whats going on with you.
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