May 2012 - End of an era, hasta luego Paraguay!

I made it to my Close-of-Service (COS) date, May 18, smoothly and safely. My goal was to reach the milestone sans medical issues, lost articles, security concerns and/or any other assorted adverse dilemmas that can cross one's path, especially when running around the country trying to cross off items on a lengthy to-do list. Mission accomplished! In addition to your own personal to-dos, the Peace Corps Paraguay gives you a check-out list with nearly 30 items on it as you submit documentation and property to Peace Corps staff. Add to the mix the physical logistics in getting all your remaining belongings to the capital. Thanks to everyone who helped make my departure relatively hassle-free. A special shout-out to the Peace Corps staff here in Paraguay--kudos to each and every one of them who were always so helpful to me and willing to go the extra mile if needed. I will miss them all!

Even though my last official day as a Volunteer was May 18, I returned to Guaira for another week or so to wrap things up and greet folks once again in both Villarrica and Troche. My final Saturday at the CCPA in Villarrica was May 26, and it was an especially great day, a perfect way to finish up there. Three other Volunteers were there to offer a talk on African culture, both in the States and in Paraguay. The big salon was packed to standing-room only, and more kids than ever seemed to be in the library checking out books. A hopping place, one I will miss very much. Hope to try SKYPING with the conversation group on future Saturday mornings!

Muchas gracias to all the Paraguayans who once again displayed generous Paraguayan hospitality, showering me with many unexpected gifts in my final days with them. I couldn't say "Good-bye" to anyone for I know I will be back to visit my Paraguayan friends and families. Meanwhile, here's a partial list of the many, many things I will miss about Paraguay (no special order, just many things I jotted down during my last weeks here):

-thermoses as conversation pieces
-seamless existence with the outdoors
-oxcarts
-red dirt
-clop-clop of horse steps, especially in the early morning while awaking
-BUSES - really!: long-distance bus rides, getting on and off moving buses, personalized stops, vendors on board
-ubiquitous outdoor volleyball pits
-mango trees, especially sitting underneath them to share terere
-hand-washing, especially in the sunny outdoors - another "really!"
-Paraguayan countryside
-mbeju, sopa, chipa - typical Paraguayan foods
-flexibility (both a blessing and a curse, depending on what you need!)
-harp music
-"rain days"
-Ñanduti and ao poi (typical Paraguayan artesania)
-quinchos
-Paraguayan countryside
-cows everywhere
-random firecrackers
-clothes hanging out to dry on fences of all kinds
-contrasting juxtapositions of building types
-school children walking along the rutas in their uniforms
-hand-clapping as doorbells
-Coca-Cola mixed with red wine
-avocado, grapefruit and lemon trees outside the house
-cheap haircuts and other salon services
-night sky, complete with the Southern Cross
-bike rides around Villarrica, catching glimpses of the Ybytyruzu hills
-despensas and other small shops
-tranquilopa--tranquility--the more relaxed pace of life in general

Viva Paraguay and Paraguayans! I WILL be back!
Con mucho cariño, Denise