Lifestyle

Did I always push myself this much? I´ve been so busy teaching at elementary schools, working at the after school program, where my brother also started working. I´ve been dancing zumba, playing volleyball and doing boxing. Also tried brazilian jiu jitsu, again. Its all been challenging and very rewarding. I´ve learned a lot!

Teaching...

- Never make empty threats. Consequence, without lots and lots of warnings!

- Point out who's going a good job, rather than yell at someone.

- Use competitions and prizes for all they're worth.

- Play on their pride as well. Are they proud of being a part of a good class? If they're the worst, never tell them. They will find it cool and fun to be the bad guys. Thus, continue.

- A constant hassle, but as a substitute, you wont always know their routines, so try to get them in order as quickly as possible. You wont know what they have done before, and there are a lot of things you are not supposed to start teaching them.

- Some kids are so fast to do their tasks, that you run out of things for them to do. And some just don´t do them. Be prepared and bring options.

- Be Careful with making exceptions! Only make an exception if its for the purpose of reward, so that you can tell others "no", and motivate to good behaviour.

- Don't let physical play go too far. Normally, with kids, they will go too far and get angry.

- If all else fails, play some bbc documentaries like "the power of the planet" or "around the world in 90 minutes" (for older kids).

I´m liking kids more than I used to, up to a certain age... You learn a great deal about kids; how they work, learn, etc. But it pains me to have to give orders I feel brainwash us from birth: "Do as the others". One of the first graders was a curious little thing, asking me all about the creation of the stars, the earth and the beginning of life. I was able to re-tell a simplified version of National Geographics explanations, with illustrations. The crazy part was that she got it! I also taught dimensional line - drawing to a talented seven year old. The kids had discovered that I could draw, so they all ordered portraits.

17.01.11

This morning I hospitized(?) at my old biologist-teacher's chemistry class at high school, as I have my chemistry exam in may, and worked with fourth graders. It's funny how some of my colleagues remember me as a child. I expected to hear some crazy stories, as I'm known in the family for being quite of a personality. - Good entertainment.

I was not disobedient or mean, but I was so decisive as I knew exactly what I wanted and how I wanted things to be. I would enthusiasticly make up games and fantasies that others were alsokeen on joining in on(I thought I was a lone wolf my whole childhood). All of them had remembered me, despite the vast amount of kids they'd had. And they had thought that I would truly be someone one day.

Its brought back a lot of memories, being back in my old school. I realized that a memory that has guilted my through my whole life, is actually blurry. Every recess in second grade, I used to protect a guy that was being bullied. Everyone else was against him, though he never did anyone harm. It hit me one day that I don't really know if I had pushed him away, or him me. But since that moment, he was alone against everyone, until he moved. I wonder whatever became of him...

28.01.11

I´m now in Oslo. I have actually left home! Such freedom to call it a day last wednesday, and after having said my goodbyes, I was off. I´m now staying at my sister´s place, and my brother is coming tonight. He is leaving for four months in Bali, the day after me. I´m trying to realize that I am going back, and went on a two hour walk today... Impossible. Its just too crazy. I must have been Ghandi in my past life, cuz my life is just too darn good!

New Years and a new job; teaching?

January 2011

The days after christmas are about family gatherings, and eating far too much lovely food.

It's hard to stay so much indoors, and I get that old restlessness that I used to get before I left. Thought it was just a mental thing, but its apparently tied to the place. Every moment needs to be filled with productivity or well, Fun! Going for a walk, thinking or conversating just doesn't cut it here. But as the year began, I'm back to being busy busy busy, and I like it.

I spent my last days of 2010 with friends and family. We celebrated my dads birthday early. My mom bought them a trip to the Canary Islands in january, as a surprise she couldn't keep secret. This year, New Years eve was a smaller celebration than Sydney. A lot of friends had gone to Bjorli. I enjoyed a family dinner, and then playing shorthead with four girlfriends till five am.
At midnight, I was in a bliss, as usual, and stayed out to watch the rockets as the others scurried on inside. The ground was all water covered ice, and it didn't really surprise anyone that I was the first to go down.

So the best year of my life was over. With the exception of 2006, life has just gotten better and better, and I think it has to stop soon. I don't want to ask anymore now. If it gets better than this, I might not ever be able to join in the lines and become a civilized person!

These days have been a bit more interesting. I got a job at my first job interview and tought 7th graders in music and english. Its always strange for me to be "the grown up". The kids make me feel old. After a while, I felt more like a superhuman, as to them I was great at everything! Kids tell the truth, after all.

I'm pretty happy with the way things have turned out.

7. january 2011:

I was pretty exhausted today. The workday was tough, and I was already beat after sparring at boxing, the night before. I was reminded how I have to charge to even get close to a guy with long arms. I ran through the shower pretty much, to catch a ride to town. I met some friends for the Hoffmann Pub quiz, which is rediculously popular on thursdays, and way too crowded. I had never been at the quiz with a more intelligent team(I tell you, they're smart). We still lost pretty profoundly to a bunch of cheating goons, naturally, but had fun staying up a bit late.

9. january:

I got news that my bike is waiting for me in Arequipa, and has been coping well with the altitude of riding to Cusco and down again. Tornado has gone that way before, so I'm hoping he'll be able to manage fine in my rookie hands(I'm reading instructions and blogs online, plus watching youtube videos about bike maintenance). H

Surprise, Norway!

I was going mad.
What had I done? In Colombia I spent some time feeling homesick, and I decided to book a flight home for christmas; 1,5month. I'd work and save up some money, meet my friends and family for christmas, spend my birthday and new years. I'd recharge my batteries to fully appreciate how wonderful South America is, instead of getting used to it all, and I'd be thinking a lot about what to do in the future. Travel more? Study? Where, what?
Only my parents knew that I was coming. I was thrilled, but in the last weeks I had changed my mind(!) all wired on the joys of travel. I wanted to go to the jungle instead. Returning home, that long long way, I was thinking that I was out of my mind. I was missing my bike and SA already. This "perfect" world just didn't fit me, anymore. People saw me but they don't see what I was bearing with me. - Memories that now seem like lovely dreams. I saw that. I did that. In the beginning I would listen in on some conversations of ordinary people, living their ordinary lives, and I'd be screaming inside. I needed to be pulled back to earth, but I didn't want to. I'm so far from being ready to start school, get an apartment and a job, etc. But I was only back here for a short time, and I write my own future. No one can forcing me into an A4 life, even though I feel "the pull" like everyone else.

I paid 7000nok for a trip/return with Iberia and Tyrolean air(never heard of before). It took me more than 30 hours to reach Oslo. I killed time, getting to know a nice painter, coming from Kairo. Norwegians aren't that cold. It's just a matter of breaking the ice at first, and I've had some practice. I got to Gardemoen airport and shockingly realized that my credit card was missing. I only had the four that don't work. Pissed off at myself and a bitchy information receptionist that had snapped at me for using the stationary phone she had offered to me, for too long, trying to solve the problem of getting from downtown as I didn't have enough dollars for two bus tickets. (they don't Really take peruvian pesos)
The last bus had left at 1 am, and I was stuck. A taxi costs 800NOK, which was out of the question. I found a nice, fake fireplace at the airport and finished my book "on the road", and I was both travelling and starving together with the character. I couldn't afford food. I decided to check every Possible place in the bag, and discovered my credit card in the strap pocket, where I never put anything. I even made the receptionist cheer, as I was too thrilled to despise her.

At 6 am I rang on the apartment complex, telling my sister that I was one of her friends, Kirsti, and that she had to let me in because it was very important. Terrified what terrible event had happened for her to come all this way in the middle of the night, seeing me was a surprising relief. I love these things...

We spent the next day shopping with her friends, and I met my friend, Linn, in a cafe. I also went home to my hometown, that night, after a cheap shop. I met several friends at the airport, and shared the sighes of our plane not being able to land because of the snow, so that we had to land in Molde; 1,45min away by bus, without our luggage, which they left behind to be able to land in Ålesund... again, we were starving. If you're delayed by more than 1,5hour, you can really demand the airline to pay for a meal.

My brother, unaware that I was coming, had called my sister earlier saying that my parents had gone crazy for trying to make him come all the way to the airport to meet her, when they had seen each other only a week ago!
He was even more puzzled when she said he coouuld come, and not that he shouldn't bother. Luckily, he didn't. He picked us up at the bus station at 2am instead. It took him more than ten seconds to realize who was skipping towards him in the snow. He had been thinking that Hanne looked very much like me, and with a tilted head, he didn't understand until I spoke. That very slow reaction is the one I've been receiving most often. Also from my friends and grandpa, who I suspect is reading this :) I'm pretty impressed and proud to have a grandfather of 92 that uses a laptop. It was really great to see you again!

After some family time, me and my brother went out for kicks with some friends and ended up staying out all night, acting more retarded than drunk people, and having a blast. I went with him in the morning to watch him box at a gathering. He won silver in the nationals for kickboxing a few weeks ago, so its very fun to watch. In the evening, I surprised some more friends at a floor-party(new apartment, no furniture, many girls). This is my first time to have a little break and write, as I enjoy the access of Spotify and the sun setting beautifully behind the snowcapped mountainrange. I was worried that it wouldn't anymore, but it does still leave me in awe. I don't know about the future. But I know I'm happy again. And Man, I love having a fridge and cabinet full of food! Especially at christmas, when one eats rediculous amounts.

(decorating the gingerbread house and hearts)

I had a few enjoyable days with friends and family. I went boxing, where I had my brother and the trainer coaching me. I haven't boxed for a year, almost..

The day before christmas, my sister came home. She said hello to everyone, and I appeared in the door, pretending like nothing was up. This time, my whole family got to whitness the shock.

The days were traditional as always: eating, decorating my grandfather's house, the big gingerbread hearts we put up in the windows, the gingerbread house, the christmas tree. And on christmas day, the 24th, we watched the czech cinderella(like every norwegian on the 24th), went to church, had christmas dinner, dessert, and when I was really full, even more candy and cake, after opening the presents. I got clothes, money and the monthly gym membership.

The following day, the whole family went cross country skiing in a two hour long sunset, before turkey time. (Christmas porridge)

Here are some reasons why I went home: (the photos are worth watching. I looked at them all)

http://www.vg.no/protokoll/?pid=838

The 26th is the biggest party night of all year, here, and everyone goes out. This isn't a big city, so you can meet almost everyone you know. It was a great night! At 00.00, my birthday began, and I was carried around in the air, on the crowded dancefloor, dancing to "Barbara Streisand". I also got everything for free! Today, I get spoiled some more. We're making taco-tapas tonight and I'm going out to a bar called Vega to watch a band play, where I know one of the guys.

(me and my sister, Hanne)

when we went cross country skiing

Lima

13. des. 2010

(San Bartolo)

We did get going, after salsa dancing like crazy in an empty bar. The ride was flawless apart from some patches of roadwork, where we were allowed through the blockage to mind the big trucks. I found myself in a pretty deep ditch, and trying to get out the bike slipped and I once again! screwed up my knee, which is huge again. So it was Back on penicillin! I enjoyed riding with the couple, who were great people that gave me something new to investigate: conflictology. Something that allows them a freelance, well paid, challenging, varied job that theres always a need for.

We fought our way through the crazy panamerican highway in Lima. We tried to avoid the traffic, but it wasn't possible because they were building a metro. It was hot, buzzing, dusty, and it was all for themselves, meanwhile we were trying to stick together. The couple was hit by another car, luckily without damage. They were however nearly hit in a quite high speed, but made a avoiding left turn just in time. In the middle of this madness, a local guy on his own motorbike with a flag on the back, told us that he was going to help us out. We staggered through rows of cars, drove up on sideblocks, asked and searched for another road with less traffic. In the end we made it through, back on the Panamerican highway, after taking some photos with our fantastic guide->, we were moving again. We passed by the beautiful beachtowns of Lurin, punta Hermosa, Santa Maria del mar, and then our destination: San Bartolo. I had missionary contacts there that knew of a safe hostel to leave my bike as I explored the Miraflores area in Lima.

We had a last coffee before they continued towards Ica, and I bargained down a nice hotel room for half price. I checked out Miraflores in the morning, which is a modern, urban and beautiful part of Lima. The streets are wide, clean and framed in tall buildings and international chains like Starbucks. Lima is not a popular city among travellers, with its 9 million citizens and thin, white fog, which makes everything look a bit dirty and colorless. But the sun wasn't that weak, as I took a nap on a stone fence that was shaped like waves, and to me: as a perfect leaning chair. I enjoyed the sun, breeze and the sound of big waves below the cliffs, where wetsuited surfers were riding, like I wish I was as well. But with a bad knee, there aint that much to do but be. That's what we do. We are being, and that's all we need to do.

I'm a sucker for ice cream samples, and I found the most amazing ice cream place next to the main park in Miraflores. facing the ocean, it's on the left side, at the corner of the park. I tried the famous chicharron sandwich(perfectly okay) that two of my friends had recommended, after walking around with a nice couple from Chicago, I had gotten to know, that was on a honeymoon. We were staying at the garden hostel(6dollars for a dorm w free breakfast), which is a cheaper and quiter option to the party hostels like Loki and Kokopelli. It is hard to spot, on the corner by the church, but its worth a little searching as its greatly located two blocks from a market with fruit and lots of good seafood lunches, in addition to being two houndred meters from the coastline. It was a shame that the birthdayparty got cancelled, but I had a good time and didn't mind the big city. I didn't go into the other parts like the historical center, which is UNESCO'ed, that probably would have been pretty neat.

Huancacho, Trujillo - Huarmey

9 december:

I liked Huancacho: the beach is looong, and along it, flows the worlds longest "left-sided" wave. It`s also where they have those famous strawboats for fishing and alternative surf-paddling, called . The men are too aggressive. Not just to tourists, but a local woman I was talking to while investigating a health club, told me that men were like that much more than in parts like Colombia. It is uncomfortable to be approached by men in their 40-50s, though I don`t let it bother me too much. The car honking is worse, as I get a bit jumpy. I wonder if they would`ve continued if they had known that I`m nineteen; Just a little niña.
As for the health club, if you`ve fallen in love with the town and the healthy lifestyle of eating fish and surfing, then its good to know that they have that little club of theirs with events, deals, treatments, etc. They were really nice and warm people as well. I met the husband of the manager, and the first thing he said to me was; - "So You`re the Jenny! I`m so glad I got to meet you! I heard so much talk about you today. The biker girl." I got to hear that a few times.
I had arrived the day before and already I was famous with the locals.
Later on, I investigated some more about hostels in the area. My hostel, My Friend, is cheap and okay. They have a good setlunch. Nicer hostels for 5 soles more are Naylamp and Lily`s. Also Hotel Suissa, but that`s more indoor-enjoyment. Hostel Muachaco is just as cheap as My Friend, but has a kitchen and a single room which is pretty dense.
I`ve been enjoying my stay, walking around and up to the little church, sunbathing, having ceviche, lots of strawberries: 2 soles for 1 kg of good strawberries. That`s not even a dollar! The waves have been bad again, and the water is pretty cold.



I met a couple I`ve been running into in every country so far, and I met another couple that`s also travelling by motorcycle(on one). I rode with the guy down to Trujillo to meet up with Ocean for dinner. We rode around the city, exploring. It was great. Truly interesting! It`s all new brands, food, people, places, colonial architecture, weird stuff and dead ends that are made into volleyball courts with the net hanging from one building to the other. I love how SA can never be boring.
He let me drive the bike for a bit. It was fun but pretty horrible, and getting on my own bike the next day was a true delight. We rode in the orange sunset around the dusty market-areas, that looked like something taken out of Cape Town, before he dropped me off at Ocean`s nice hotel: hostal Colonial. We spent the night, digging Trujillo. The city is strange in some ways. There are so many ice cream bars, casinoes, but it`s so hard to find shops and restaurants! We located the tiny food area two blocks to the right of the Plaza de Arma, if you`re facing the big church. Go to the packed chinese place next to San Julio. We stuffed ourselves there, and then some more, on one of the good ice cream bars. It was a good night and a good impression of a city that most people don`t like.





I hit the Pa-panamericana in the afternoon today. It was an enjoyable and thereapeutic ride. The deserts still changed. Some places there would be green fields with sand Mountains, framing the view. Other places, the desert would go straight into the big, diamond Pacific. I stopped for some fish in the largest fish harbour, called Chimbote. I could smell that I was approaching. The waitor was extatic to get to speak english. It`s not a pretty city, and a receptionist in the nice town of Casma, where I asked for advice about the next town, told me that it can be dangerous. Casma was pretty, but I had some more kilometres in me, and I continued to a place I had never heard about: Huarmey.

I arrived around 5, and got a recommendation for a hotel called Venus, and I was really pleased by the nice welcome I got from the people there. They`re a great bunch. It felt more like a home than a hotel. After a chat, I went for a walk and ended up playing volleyball with some locals who invited me for a new game tomorrow night. I decided that I really do like this town! I hadn`t seen any gringos yet, but I was spotted by two guys from czech, while I was relaxing in the park. They invited me to their hostel, Crazy Jaimes hostel, where I am now. I feel a bit bad as they`ve already given me coffee, tea and a local dish for free, even though I don`t stay here. I want to recommend that place, as its the only sociable hostel in Huarmey. It has a tv, free pushbikes, a kitchen, nice staff, parking, a guitar, free breakfast, a computer, and all for 15 soles. I really like the other place too. You get a lot more for your money in less travelled areas(not always). There`s also this other guy who`s travelling by push bike, and an italian who`s cooking for us tomorrow night! Where was he when I was in poorly fed in Colombia and Ecuador? Typical to meet him now that there`s actually good and cheap food. We`re all going to the beach, Tuqillo, tomorrow. I`m glad I went the extra miles.



(Plaza de Armas, Huarmey)



Victor had been less fortunate... His bike had broken down three times in the desert, and he has to go on a 15 hr bus back up north to where the bike is. And he was in a worse hurry than me... Two times sick and then that.

10 december:

Blogging in the middle of a tiny party, here. In the evening yesterday, I was introduced to a colombian and his ecuadorian girlfriend, who are travelling on a KLR 650, down past Lima. We decided to travel together. I spent that morning looking for the hostel, which I never found because I forgot the name, and I ended up returning to previous hotel with a tail between my legs. http://www.jaimecrazyperu.com/proyecto4/index7.html is the webpage.

On the way to the beach, my chain fell off again, so it was great that the colombian guy could help me out with tightening it. I really need to get it changed in Lima. The beach is 15 min from downtown and its b.eautifully turqouise. The water is however freezing!
My friends from the other hostel showed up too. I felt bad, as they had waited all morning for me to come around. After some good conversations about South American politics and society(in spanish), we teamed up on the bikes: 2 and 3. I was surprised that the police didn`t stop them as they were three people, but I guess they really just care for trailers and buses.
I went for my volleyball appointment, chilled out, all exhausted from sun and bad sleeping for a long time, before my friends picked me up to go here to the hostel for some cuy(hamster) and pisco sour. I never had cuy before. It`s good! Like a fatty chicken, I guess. The accessories were delicious. Can`t wait to try alpakka, which is supposed to be Really good. I was up for testing something new today. My diet is just fruit, ceviche, other fish and sublime, chocolate and almond ice cream. Still love the peruvian cuisine!
Now they`re all convincing themselves to stay another night to go to a disco here downtown. I`m still keen on hitting the road tomorrow, to go to San Bartolo and surrender my bike, before perhaps going to Lima. But it Is after all very cheap and nice here.. to be continued