So i sent off a big list of questions in regards to my volunteer program…. here’s the response i got back… good luck deciphering it
Dear Ahren:
Thanks for your all questions, Im going to answer yours in your original message in different color as follow:
These are in regards to the family I’m staying with:
Are there any young family members?
Yes there , at least 10 of them are young.
Could you give me the age and sex of all the family members (approximate is ok as well it doesnt matter, Im just curious).
They are around 125 people, kids, young people and oldest one.
What is their primary language?
Their primary language is spanish but Bribri too as its their aborigenian language.
Does anyone in the family speak English?
Yes. Albin speak some english
What is their primary diet? I think I may have some allergies to sea food
Is basically rice and beans with chicken, some natural herbs that grows in the area, chicken eggs, platanos (banana planton), some times steaks, tuna fish (can).
In regards to the place I’m staying, is it a city or what? If yes, which city?
No, this is a remote neighbourd, located 1 hour from the bribri Village.
Is there any wildlife around where I will be staying (Like monkeys etc..)
Not to much, because they are close to the international Park La Amistad (costarica-Panana). some birds, because of the area the wildlife is possible to see but you have to hike around.
Will I have a bed to sleep on or will I have to sleep in my tent?
You will sleep in your tent. But the tent is inside of the Ranch, which is made by wood.
Is there any English speaking people in the city?
No, with basically knowledge
Are these people Ticos?
Yes, they are Ticos but with different behavior than the city ticos.
Are they a tribe or are they civilized?
They are civilized, but also a tribu because they still respecting some of their attitudes. They looks like rural people.
Are there any stores in the city?
No, only groceries.
Is there any internet cafis in the city?
no, there is no cafe internet in the village
Is there a phone in the city?
Yes, they have a celular line in the mountain.
The only other question I have in regards to my work is, will I be working a typical 8 hour day Monday through Friday or is it not really a set schedule?
No, you dont have to work the tipical 8 hours a day, but the schedule is around 4-5 hours, if you are teaching is around 4 hours, if you will work in the farm is around 7 hours 3 days a week, but as told you they are flexible according to your needs.
Are there activities to do on the weekends and at night?
No, sometimes the young people goes to the next bar, but is far from the village, on weekends you can play soccer in the field.
Is there a bar in the city?
No, not close by.
Some of these may seem dumb to you but I really have no clue also if you have any pictures of the place Id stay or the city Im staying in, I would love to see them you said you tried to send pictures before, but I never received them
Yes, Im sorry for the trouble, but my internet connections in giving me problems, they are scanned and kind of heavy, thats why I told you you can help us with your wonderfull skills.
Also, you do know that I do not speaking very good Spanish right? I hope this isnt a big problem, I can speak a real little bit enough to get around if I have too
Ok, speak spanish is not a problem, im sure you will learn with them, thats is the idea of the project.
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.
You are welcome Ahren and if you have dont hesitate to write me back,
Kattia
ahren
