Posting from Merida, Yucatan! I arrived in Merida on Sunday morning, the 24th of June. I was the first one to arrive out of those living in the eight person dorm room, but, everyone began to arrive around 8pm that night. This week was full of sweat, getting to know each other, and exploring together. We have walked the streets of Merida everyday. The journey from the group house to the main plaza is one that will become very familiar over the next six weeks. Even with the incredible amount of sweat and bug bites that we are all experiencing, it is safe to say that we love Merida.
I have been assigned to work in the food bank - El Banco de los Alimentos. We made our first visit to the food bank on Tuesday. I was a bit taken back at first because no one at the food bank can speak any English. Luckily, two other interns work with me and are able to translate. So, I will definitely be learning some Spanish! Yesterday when I was working in the warehouse a woman asked if I speak Spanish. I answered, telling her that I spoke only a little bit. She was very excited, told me to come with her, and we began to sort the limes and lemons, or 'limons'! She began to explain (in Spanish) that she is trying to learn English because her grandparents live in the United States. So, as we worked on sorting the fruit, she would ask me to say different phrases and words in English. It was great because I did the same, asking her to say different things in Spanish. I think that we had a great deal going and I am excited to work with her again when she comes back next Wednesday.
The food bank in Merida is much different from those in the United States. In Merida, the food bank is run by about ten individuals spread throughout five different departments. However, most of the labor in the warehouse is done by volunteers who are called 'colaboradoras'. These people work in the food bank in exchange for food. Different colaboradoras are working everyday of the week so we will be able to meet many different people. One of the bosses named Miguel took us to see the new food bank which has been under construction for the past couple of years. It is much larger and is in a different area than the current food bank - it will definitely be a huge upgrade. Miguel says that they will be moving into the new facility in the next two weeks. I am excited to help with this move and hopefully help to improve some of the issues that are occurring with their current situation.
The other interns and myself are thinking of ideas and subjects to aid those at the food bank. There are many opportunities to educate regarding nutrition, especially when the food bank makes trips to local communities. I am looking forward to working the next couple weeks and seeing what we are able to do at the food bank.
We are usually at the food bank for around three hours, however, the bus ride/walk usually takes an hour plus each way. After we get back to the group house lunch is always ready to eat and is always delicious. Following lunch we usually rest and/or go out to explore. My favorite thing that we have done in the afternoon was go to a nearby hostel's pool. So far, we have gone out to dinner every night and have experienced some great food. I am excited to see what the next six weeks has in store!
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