I don't want to brag too much, but I landed the best job of all time (at the local video rental store) due to my prowess of 80s and 90s movie and television info. My future manager, later to be known as creepy Mike, sat me down in an interview and gave me the following challenge: list as many movies as possible starring a random actor he named. "Scoop of chocolate, scoop of vanilla. Don't waste my time." When he threw out Meg Ryan, after providing him an extensive filmography, I casually added she had once made an appearance as Scott Baio's love interest in an episode of "Charles in Charge".
Nailed it!
I'm sort of a savant. No big deal.
Whether it is an up-and-coming star getting his/her start (Adam Sandler on the "Cosby Show" or Alfonso Ribeiro on "Silver Spoons") or an under appreciated actor getting his second wind playing himself (Judge Reinhold in "Arrested Development"), nothing juices up and rejuvenates a potentially bland storyline like some solid guest appearances.
I have had the pleasure of having two non-PCV visitors to my desa in the past six months (keep 'em coming, people). Desa life is certainly not bland, but I do look around sometimes and forget all the work it took to carve a cozy niche for myself here. Things somehow have gotten comfortable (thank all the glories). It's not until someone from the outside comes to visit that I realize how different my life is.
Exhausting.
In any event, it is refreshing to have a piece of home here, and I am very proud of my village and school for doing a 180 from the blank stares and total fright caused by the sight of a bule. They are starting to see that we are all actually real people with whom they can communicate. We are doing it, Peace Corps!
Nailed it!
I'm sort of a savant. No big deal.
Whether it is an up-and-coming star getting his/her start (Adam Sandler on the "Cosby Show" or Alfonso Ribeiro on "Silver Spoons") or an under appreciated actor getting his second wind playing himself (Judge Reinhold in "Arrested Development"), nothing juices up and rejuvenates a potentially bland storyline like some solid guest appearances.
I have had the pleasure of having two non-PCV visitors to my desa in the past six months (keep 'em coming, people). Desa life is certainly not bland, but I do look around sometimes and forget all the work it took to carve a cozy niche for myself here. Things somehow have gotten comfortable (thank all the glories). It's not until someone from the outside comes to visit that I realize how different my life is.
- Impromptu speeches in front of hundreds of people, taking up invitations to visit random strangers' houses, and larger than life-sized banners with my face on them have become old hat.
- While things like movie theaters, pizza, cheese, roast beef sandwiches, and nose rings have become so foreign to my daily existence that they seem other-worldly.
- In addition, a simple stay at a nice hotel causes bipolar ping-ponging between hedonistic enjoyment and insurmountable guilt - a spastic back and forth between sincere appreciation for all I am lucky enough to partake of in this world and deep anxiety over the gluttony of how money is so casually spent.
Exhausting.
In any event, it is refreshing to have a piece of home here, and I am very proud of my village and school for doing a 180 from the blank stares and total fright caused by the sight of a bule. They are starting to see that we are all actually real people with whom they can communicate. We are doing it, Peace Corps!
So here is "My Desa" with special guest star appearances by my brother, Mikey, and my good pal, Trish. Special thanks to them for traveling thousands of miles and spending hours and hours of flight time to come half-way around the world to see where I live. And for bringing me candy and cookies.
It makes things complete (your coming....as well as the candy and cookies).
It makes things complete (your coming....as well as the candy and cookies).
Hanging Out
Visiting Friends
Athletics (Running and Badminton)
The Wonder of the Village-Kid Posse
Um, talk to me about the guy bear-hugging Mike in the "visiting friends" section. How come I never met that dude?
ReplyDeleteSuch a great time. Terimah kasih!
I sort of snuck that one in there with little warning as a special treat. Isn't it awesome? It's Ms Olif's dad. Notice my principal makes a move also, but he stops at grasping the arm. LOVE!
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