And training begins...

Today was the first day of Peace Corps training and the first day of my "typical" days while living in 3 de Octubre and training to be a volunteer. I woke up early in anticipation since I wasn't exactly sure how the day would go.  I went to take my "hot" shower only to learn the family has hot water, but it isn't turned on.  So I took another nice cold, cold shower.  I don't want to inconvenience the family or live differently from them, so it looks like it'll be cold showers for me from here on out. 

After my cold shower I went downstairs to have breakfast. I was the only one up in the house. There was some confusion with my host mom about taking me to training today.  She thought I went on my own with the other volunteers living in the area and the Peace Corps had told me our host families bring us the first day so I had not, in fact, made plans nor did I know how to get there on my own.  So after a few early morning tears forming in my eyes and being asked if I was in "cultural shock," my host brother arranged for us to go together in his cousin's car.  Needless to say, I have made a plan for tomorrow morning to go with the other trainees. 

A few noteworthy things happened at training.  For one, we were put into our language groups and had an introduction with our facilitator.  My group consists of 4 girls who all live in 3 de Octubre and our wonderful facilitator is Pablo.  I am very excited to get started with our first language session tomorrow. 

Also at training, we had our first round of shots. For me, this meant 4 shots. I now understand why past volunteers said they felt like a pin cushion at times during training.  Both of my arms are slightly sore tonight 😞

The final noteworthy moment of training was the 2 hour doctor presentation on shit - a term he thought was a medical term for 3 years!!  It was informative and certainly needed for us here in Peru but I am not necessarily looking forward to the other session because I hear there are 2. At least the staff has a great attitude about it.  Enjoy the picture below of Jorge telling us about what we have to look forward to as PCVs. 

The 5 other volunteers in my neighborhood and I navigated the bus back home, an activity that definitely needs a little more practice haha But I'm sure it will improve with time

Until I write again, Chao!